Corporate Training By Zack Academy - RESNET HERS Rater: Phase 1 - Classroom Training

Important: This training is the first phase in a two-phase process. You will need to sign up for the second phase separately.

Note that this class is presented in an online learning format. Please read below:

EnergyLogic is proud to announce a major evolution in the training of RESNET HERS Energy Raters. While online training isn't new, EnergyLogic has approached the challenge of training students for success and competence with a much more comprehensive approach than has been done in the past. The EnergyLogic eLearning environment recognizes the different learning styles of students and overcomes traditional classroom-only based training. Our approach advances the state of online learning in the industry by engaging students with a full spectrum of multi-media components, interactive lessons, quizzes, progress evaluations and live instructor interaction. Students learn together by working on a "class" project that is specifically designed to engage the skills that students will need to become successful and competent energy raters. Students will work through the EnergyLogic online system prior to attending live field training with our staff of highly trained, experienced and dedicated instructors.

Phase 1: Online Classroom Training

This training is designed to produce well-rounded basic energy raters capable of conducting energy ratings on new homes. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the field of building science. You will be exposed to the breadth and depth of building science and its many applications to the everyday world of energy raters and ratings.

The online classroom portion of the HERS Rater training covers the core knowledge for the HERS Rater certification. This will start 4 weeks of intense course work. This course is comprised of 23 modules (sections), each of which will take a minimum of 2 hours to complete, with some taking over 4 hours. With 6 modules per week, you should expect to spend between 12 to 24 hours each week in the class. Modules must be completed in a chronological order and on the same day you open them, however you can complete the modules at any point during the day. This allows for a limited self-paced environment to meet the obligations of the course. Still, it is important to budget your time properly to complete this course successfully. 

Required/Recommended Texts:

• Required: Residential Energy (5th edition) - John Krigger & Chris Dorsi (2009), Saturn Resource Management
• Strongly Recommended: Energy Auditor Field Guide - John Krigger & Chris Dorsi (2009), Saturn Resource Management

Online Classroom Learning Objectives:

• To build an understanding of HERS Ratings, Standards, and industry structures
• To build a tool kit for understanding building science and energy in the home
• To build knowledge of the thermal enclosure system of the home
• To build a foundational knowledge of the mechanical systems in the home
• To introduce diagnostic testing processes and equipment
• To develop familiarity with computer modeling 

Grading Policy:

Your overall score is the culmination of your scores for each module, which are a combination of scores for each section. A total course score of 80% or greater is expected to receive a passing grade. Between 80% and 89% is acceptable, but indicates there were modules in the course where you need to do some more work. Please remember that modules close according to the schedule. Students scoring lower than 80% on a module are expected to return to that module and improve the score before it closes. A score of 90% or greater shows a good understanding of the material. 

Each module has a total point value of 100 points:

• Learning Resources: 25 Points
• This course will be delivered entirely online through Moodle, our Learning Management System. The LMS will report your activity based on the percentage of slides viewed. You are required to view all learning resources to receive credit for this section. Please make sure to complete 100% of the learning resources to receive credit, which includes listening to the last slide. Some slides are interactive with hyperlinks, mouse-over graphics, and pop quizzes – so you should plan to be fully engaged with these learning resources. Multi-tasking is strongly discouraged when going through these resources.
• Activity: 25 Points
• Each module will have an activity section. Typical activities include web research, reviewing case studies, inspecting your residence, among others. There will be clear instructions on each module outlining what needs to be done to complete the activity. Your activity will be scored according to the following: complete (25 points), satisfactory (20 points), or partially complete (5 points).
• Social: 25 Points
• A cornerstone of successful online learning is establishing the social component that exists with live training. We do this by adding a forum to each module where students discuss the topic covered. You will receive the total 25 points by doing both of the following: create a new discussion in the module forum (15 points) or respond to a colleague's post (10 Points).
• Evaluation: 25 Points
• Each module will have a quiz associated with the topic. Each quiz needs to be passed with an 80% or higher grade. Quizzes can be taken as many times as needed.

EnergyLogic will provide you with a progress report each Wednesday. This will give you your score for the modules that you have completed up to that point.

Class Project: 100 Points

Throughout the course you will work on a class project. The class project is a culmination of the activities throughout the training. This will be worth 100 points.

Please Note: This course does not include the online RESNET National Rater Exam. This required exam should be taken before the field training portion (Phase 2). The exam fee is $100 and is not included in the price of this online training (Phase 1) nor in the price of the field training (Phase 2).

RESNET HERS Rater Certification Process:

1. Complete classroom training (Phase 1)
2. Pass the RESNET National Exam (Independent)
3. Complete practice ratings in the presence of a HERS Rater Trainer (Phase 2)
4. Select a RESNET HERS Provider and complete 3 probationary ratings (Independent)

Syllabus

Online Training Topic Outline:

Week 1

• Module 1 - Welcome (Monday)
• Module 2 - Standards (Monday)
• Module 3 – Thermodynamics (Tuesday)
• Module 4 – Air Flow (Wednesday)
• Module 5 – Moisture (Thursday)
• Module 6 – Systems Thinking (Friday)

Week 2

• Module 7 – Analyzing Consumption (Monday)
• Module 8 – Intro to Plans (Monday)
• Module 9 – Takeoffs (Tuesday)
• Module 10 – REM/Rate Intro (Wednesday)
• Module 11 – Lighting & Appliances (Thursday)
• Module 12 – Framing (Friday)

Week 3

• Module 13 – Insulation (Monday)
• Module 14 – Windows & Doors (Monday)
• Module 15 – Barriers (Tuesday)
• Module 16 – Heating (Wednesday)
• Module 17 – Cooling (Thursday)
• Module 18 – Water Heating (Friday)

Week 4

• Module 19 – Blower Door (Monday)
• Module 20 – Duct Blaster (Monday)
• Module 21 – Thermography (Tuesday)
• Module 22 – Pressure Diagnostics (Wednesday)
• Module 23 – Final Module! (Wednesday)