Energy Skilled Recognition

The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Energy Skilled program, recognizes credential programs that are preparing workers for meaningful and in-demand job opportunities in building energy efficiency. Energy Skilled recognition is given to training programs and certifications that align with Building Science Education program topics. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory manages the Energy Skilled recognition program on behalf of DOE.

Below are the recognition categories and criteria, as well as instructions for applying for recognition.

About Recognition

Energy Skilled recognition is awarded to training programs that meet the eligibility criteria and program content requirements, not individuals nor organizations.

The current recognition categories are:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Heat Pump Installation
- Heat Pump Comfort Advising
Water Heating
- Heat Pump Water Heater Installation
Home Energy Assessment
- Single Family Home Energy Audit
- Multifamily Home Energy Audit

Energy Skilled recognized programs will receive branding material to communicate their recognition from DOE and will be listed on the DOE Energy Skilled website.

If you are a contractor interested in Energy Skilled-recognized credentials, please refer to the Energy Skilled for Contractors website.

Applying for Recognition

If you are a training provider interested in getting your program recognized follow the steps below to apply for recognition. Please reach out to the Energy Skilled team via email with any questions.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To be eligible for Energy Skilled recognition, credential programs must:

Provide individuals with a certification*, certificate, degree, or license.
- Certificates confirm an individual’s participation in a defined course of study or training program. Examples of a certificate include a certificate of participation, a continuing education unit certificate, or proof of attendance provided by the training organization.
Cover sufficient technical content as defined in the scoring tool.

*Per IRS Notice 23-59 “Guidance on Requirements for Home Energy Audits for Purposes of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit under Section 25C”, Section 4.03, programs interested in recognition in the Home Energy Assessment (Single Family or Multifamily) category must provide a certification—certificates, degrees, or licenses are not eligible. In addition, per that same IRS guidance (IRS Notice 23-59), these credential programs must meet one of the following requirements:

Option A: The credential is “developed and maintained in accordance with industry standards using criteria such as those cited in the Department of Labor (DOL) Training and Employment Notice No. 25-19, Attachment I, section b., or the most recent guidance from DOL on characteristics of credentials”.
Option B: The program is “accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Accreditation Service, or other qualified accreditation bodies that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012, Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons”. Accredited programs will be asked to provide their ID number during the application process.

If your program is not accredited per Option B, review the “Characteristics of Occupational Certifications from Industry or Professional Associations” section in DOL Notices No.25-19, Attachment I, section b to determine whether your program meets the requirements of Option A. Applicants will be asked to upload a completed Accreditation Requirements Tool during the application process to demonstrate how they meet the Option A requirements.

Step 2: Self-Score Your Program

Use the information in this section to review curriculum requirements and compare them with your program offerings.

Find your recognition category below for links to program content requirements.

Self-score your program using the relevant scoring tool, then gather materials that support your self-scoring, which could include a syllabus, examination outline, learning objectives, course outlines, or certification requirements. You will upload all documents to the application form in the next step.

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Heat Pump Installation

Prerequisite knowledge: Heat pump specialty

Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:

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Heat Pump Comfort Advising

Prerequisite knowledge: Heat pump specialty

Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:

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Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Prerequisite knowledge: Plumbing

Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:

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Home Energy Assessment

Only certifications from an accredited program are eligible for Energy Skilled recognition. Neither certifications from programs that are not themselves accredited nor training programs can be recognized in this category.

Prerequisite knowledge: Building energy assessments

Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:

Single Family:

Multifamily:

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Step 3: Submit Your Application

Click the button below to access and complete the Energy Skilled Recognition Application Form. At the end of the form, you’ll be able to upload your scoring tool and supporting documents. If you experience any technical difficulties with the form, please reach out to the Energy Skilled team via email.

The Energy Skilled team will reach out with a confirmation within one week, and the review should be completed within six weeks. The team will contact you if they need additional information.

Training Modules

If your program does not meet the criteria for your desired job scope, explore the open-source training resources at the Building Science Education Solution Center. These materials are free for use by any program. Relevant resources for each job scope are listed below.

Heat Pump Installation

Heat Pump Comfort Advising

Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Home Energy Assessment

Questions

Reach out to the Energy Skilled team at energy.skilled@pnnl.gov.