Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Available Trainings:
- BPI Building Analyst Professional
- BPI Envelope Professional
- BPI Heating Professional
- BPI Written and Field Exams
BPI Building Analyst Professional Training:
This five-day training is designed to introduce the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst certification. Basic building science concepts, home assessment and improvement concepts, and the use of diagnostic equipment (including combustion safety testing) will be presented. To achieve Building Analyst Professional designation, a student must receive a passing score on the BPI Building Analyst Professional written and field exams (both included in tuition costs).
Training Includes:
- Twenty-four hours of classroom/lab training by certified BPI Professionals, conducted in a green building with day lighting
- Access to Math Basics and Building Science online learning modules
- Interactive hands-on activities in a state-of-the-art weatherization training center containing demonstration equipment and two demonstration cabins
- Site visit to an existing home for inspection and diagnostic testing training
- Blower door testing
- Duct pressurization testing
- Combustion safety testing (spillage, draft, CO, gas leaks)
- BPI Building Analyst Professional written and field exams (field exams must be filmed)
Student Requirements
There is no required prerequisite for attending the BPI Envelope Professional training. However, since course covers a wealth of material in a limited time, we recommend that students familiarize themselves with basic mathematics and construction terminology prior to attending the training. Also, basic fundamental computer operation skills are necessary and students should bring a laptop computer with Internet access capability for the written exam.
Times
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (lunch provided)
Please note that this is a four-day training with a one-day field exam. Field exams are by appointment only and may be scheduled on the fifth day of training or on a future date.
BPI Envelope Professional Training:
This four-day training is designed to introduce the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Envelope Professional certification. Basic building science concepts, home assessment and improvement concepts, and the use of diagnostic equipment (including combustion safety testing) will be presented. While similar to the BPI Building Analyst Professional Training, the BPI Envelope Professional Training is more focused on assessing and improving the building envelope of a home, including more advanced diagnostic testing techniques. To achieve BPI Envelope Professional designation, a student must receive a passing score on the BPI Envelope Professional written and field exams (both included in tuition costs).
Training Includes
- Twenty hours of classroom/lab training by certified BPI Professionals, conducted in a green building with day lighting
- Interactive hands-on activities in a state-of-the-art Weatherization Training Center containing demonstration equipment and two demonstration cabins
- Site visit to an existing home for inspection and diagnostic testing training
- Blower door testing
- Pressure differential diagnostic testing
- Duct pressurization testing
- Pressure pan testing
- Combustion safety testing (spillage, draft, CO, gas leaks)
- BPI Envelope Professional written and field exams
Student Requirements
There is no required prerequisite for attending the BPI Envelope Professional training. However, since course covers a wealth of material in a limited time, we recommend that students familiarize themselves with basic construction terminology and diagnostic testing procedures prior to attending the training. Although it is not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended that students have previously attended other BPI trainings or hold other BPI certifications (suggest Building Analyst Professional) prior to attending this course. Students should bring a laptop computer with Internet access capability for the written exam.
Times
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (lunch provided)
BPI Heating Professional Training:
This five-day training is designed to introduce the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Heating Professional certification. This training provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete comprehensive assessments of fuel powered heating systems and water heaters, assess homes for areas of energy efficiency and performance upgrade opportunities, and improve the overall health and safety qualities of the home. To achieve BPI Heating Professional certification, a student must receive a passing score on the BPI Heating Professional written and field exams (both included in tuition costs).
Training Includes:
- Twenty-four hours of classroom/lab training by certified BPI Professionals, conducted in a green building with day lighting
- Access to Math Basics and Building Science online learning modules
- Interactive hands-on activities in a state-of-the-art weatherization training center containing demonstration equipment and two demonstration cabins
- Site visit to an existing home for inspection and diagnostic testing training
- Safety and efficiency testing techniques for forced air and hydronic systems
- Blower door testing
- Duct pressurization testing
- Combustion safety testing (spillage, draft, CO, gas leaks)
- BPI Heating Professional written and field exams
Student Requirements
There is no required prerequisite for attending the BPI Heating Professional training. However, it is highly recommended that participants be certified BPI Building Analyst Professionals. Students should also possess basic mathematical and computer operation skills and bring a laptop computer with Internet access capability for the written exam.
Times
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (lunch provided)
Please note that this is a four-day training and one-day field exam. Field exams are by appointment only and may be scheduled on the fifth day of training or on a future date.
BPI Written and Field Exams ONLY
For individuals who have already compIeted the BPI Building Analyst Professional training and still need to take the BPI written or field exams, or for those wishing to retest, Southface regularly proctors both exam components independent of our BPI class. Testing sessions are available the second Thursday of each month.
For more information, please contact bpi@southface.org.
