HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM (HERS)

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Taking this course is the first step toward becoming a Certified Home Energy Rater authorized to administer the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). As a Certified Home Energy Rater, you will be able to produce energy rating reports that will help home buyers and homeowners qualify for financing incentives through a variety of private and government loan programs.

This course complies with the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Standard, which has been adopted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of State Energy Officials. For specific class information, please see the following documents:

HERS Information
HERS Agenda
HERS FAQs


Number of Attendees:

Class size is limited to 16 participants

Class Dates and Times:

For specific class dates and links to registration information, please go to the Southface calendar.

HERS class hours are as follows:

  • Sunday 3:30 to 7:30 (registration begins at 3:00)
  • Monday 7:45 to 6:30
  • Tuesday 7:45 to 6:30 (3:00 to 6:30 are in the field)
  • Wednesday 7:45 to 6:30
  • Thursday 7:45 to 6:30
  • Friday 7:00 to 6:30

Training Includes:

  • A copy of Residential Energy by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi
  • A 700-page HERS Rater Manual
  • Two provisional ratings
  • Forty hours of classroom training in a green building with daylighting
  • Two site visits to existing homes for inspection and testing training
  • Blower door and duct leakage testing
  • Course CD with supplement materials
  • RESNET National Certification written exam (including exam fees)
  • 60-day trial version of REM/Rate™ software
  • Information on the latest energy finance and incentive programs
  • Lunch and afternoon snacks
  • Certificate of course completion
  • Southface post-course follow-up and technical assistance

Student Requirements:

No previous training or skills are required to attend the Home Energy Rating System training. However, a background in HVAC, construction and/or insulation can be useful. In addition,

  • Students are expected to be familiar with basic construction terminology and with blower door and duct leakage testing equipment operation.
  • Students are expected to read Residential Energy by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi, and complete homework on basic geometry skills before attending this class.
  • For the written exam, students must have a laptop computer with a Microsoft Windows® operating system and Internet access capability.