Credentials
Use the resources below to gain the knowledge, skills, and accreditation needed to pursue your career in or advance your career in energy efficiency and building trades. Careers in these areas offer a wide array of job opportunities requiring various levels of education. You may need a two- or four-year degree, trade school certificate, or some other qualification accredited by an institution. Available credentials vary by field and sector and can help you prove your knowledge and skills, advance your career, or help you transition from one field to another. The resources below represent formal education programs that can help you gain the industry-recognized credentials you need to establish your career.
For training related to continuing education credits or industry trends and the latest technological developments, please view the Training page.
The resources in this section apply regardless of career level or include materials for all career levels.
Credential Finder Credential Engine
The Credential Finder is an extensive search engine that connects students to educational programs that can prepare them for various jobs in energy efficiency by searching for key terms such as "energy".
Explore formalized education programs that support high school and college students in pursuing a career in energy efficiency and building trades.
BEST College and Program Directory Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST)
This is a list of community colleges from around the U.S. who are active members of the Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST) Center. They offer a variety of building operations/performance programs including HVACR, Building Automation, Sustainable Facilities Operations, and Building Controls.
These accredited qualifications provide emerging professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to jumpstart a career in energy efficiency and building trades. Emerging professionals include people with a formalized education, little to no on-the-job training, and/or little to no experience.
AEE Certifications Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
A comprehensive list of energy and sustainability related certifications, with links for each certification that lists out the certifications objectives, eligibility, requirements, and application steps.
ASHE Certifications American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE)
To develop leaders in facility management and construction who understand the complexity of healthcare facilities, ASHE offers three professional certifications: Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), and Certified Healthcare Physical Environment Worker.
ASHRAE Certifications American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE certification programs were founded to meet the industry needs of today and provide value to thousands of build-environment professionals, employers and building owners. For the past 100+ years, ASHRAE has worked hard to earn and maintain a worldwide reputation for being the leader in HVAC&R design. ASHRAE certification programs serve to reinforce that reputation.
Become a Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems Association for Energy Engineers (AEE)
Everything you need to know in order to become a CP EnMS (Certified Practioner in Energy Management Systems), including information about the certification, associated fees, minimum requirements, exam preparation, current training courses, and recertification.
Building Operator Certification Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC)
NEEC administers the Building Operator Certification (BOC), a nationally-recognized competency-based training and certification program that offers facilities personnel the improved job skills and knowledge to transform workplaces to be more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Building Performance Institute, Inc. Certifications Building Performance Institute (BPI)
BPI offers a wide range of certifications for early, mid-career, and advanced professionals in the home performance residential buildings industry including multifamily and manufactured housing. Certifications are relevant to installers, building home assessors and auditors, technicians, and individuals interested in promoting healthy homes.
Building Science Principles Certificate Building Performance Institute (BPI)
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy auditing and upgrade work. The Building Science Principles Certificate is an introductory course on building science and home performance. Building Science and home performance knowledge is beneficial for many different career paths involving the built environment.
Certified Manager of Commercial Properties Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International
BOMA's Certified Manager of Commercial Properties (CMCP) certification is designed for early-career property professionals who are looking to validate their industry knowledge and take their careers in commercial real estate to the next level. CMCP communicates your ability to be an effective commercial property manager and your strong understanding of the responsibilities of the role. This page shares information on the advantages of having a CMCP, eligibility requirements, the exam, and exam preparation resources.
Education for Women in Construction National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
The Education Foundation of the National Association of Women in Construction aims to provide the construction industry with materials for courses like construction bookkeeping technician, construction document technician, construction industry specialist, construction industry technician, and estimating and scheduling practitioner.
Energy Efficiency Management Certificate Program American Public Power Association
The Energy Efficiency Management Certificate Program offers public power utility professionals a firm grounding in all aspects of energy efficiency program development, implementation, budgeting, marketing, and management. This resource offers information about the program, a brochure, the program requirements, and associated fees.
Energy Management Professional Certification Energy Management Association (EMA)
The Energy Management Association (EMA) is dedicated to advancing the quality of energy management products and services for the benefit of the building owner. The core component of EMA’s programming is the Energy Management Professional (EMP) Certification that has achieved ANSI accreditation and is identified as a “Qualified Energy Auditor” by the definition established in the ASHRAE 211 Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits.
GBCI Sustainability Excellence Credentials GBCI
The ISSP-SA credential is designed for those who are new to or are interested in entering the sustainability field, including students, recent graduates, and/or early-career professionals. To earn an ISSP-SA, candidates must demonstrate a solid grasp of core sustainability concepts.
Healthy Housing Principles Certificate Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Earning the BPI Healthy Housing Principles (HHP) Certificate of Knowledge proves your understanding of how the different components of a home interact to affect occupant health. Homeowners and renters are a part of the house as a system. You will learn the effects of these eight principles: KEEP IT Clean, Dry, Pest-Free, Contaminant-Free, Safe, Ventilated, Comfortable, and Maintained.
How to Become CARO Certified Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA)
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) is an entry-level credential that is designed to demonstrate that an operator has sufficient knowledge to work under supervision in industrial refrigeration. There is no minimum experience requirement for CARO. This page contains information on how to apply for the certification exam, what the associated fees are, and lists resources for studying.
How to Become CIRO Certified RETA
Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) requires documentation of at least two years of experience as an industrial refrigeration operator. It assesses more advanced concepts, principles, and applications required to supervise industrial refrigeration operations. This page contains information on how to apply for the certification exam, what the associated fees are, and lists resources for studying.
IFMA Credentials and Professional Qualifications International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
IFMA offers a suite of credentials and professional qualifications that provide opportunities for entry into and advancement in facility management. These options represent a full spectrum of professional development for every career stage, from new entrants to experienced practitioners.
IREC Micro-Credentials Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
IREC developed a nimbler framework to validate specialty skills and competencies that would co-exist alongside full-scope certification schemes. A micro-credential as defined by IREC is viewed as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate competency in a specialty area.
LEED Professional Credentials U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
LEED is one of the most prominent professional credentials for sustainable design, construction, and operations. LEED Green Associate is a foundational professional credential signifying core competency in green building principles. LEED AP with specialty is an advanced professional credential signifying expertise in green building and a LEED rating system.
Living Future Accreditation International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
The International Living Future Institute offers its Living Future Accreditation (LFA) that goes hand-in-hand with the ILFI standards for buildings, products, and communities. The ILFI standards set rigorous benchmarks for buildings covering seven categories called petals (place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty). The LFA recognizes proficiency in the world's most ambitious, advanced, holistic sustainable design standards.
NABCEP Certifications North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP) is a certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers certifications and credentials for skilled professionals, specialists, and those new to working in the areas of photovoltaics, solar heating, and small wind technologies.
USGBC Digital Badges USGBC
Demonstrate your Skill in Green Building with USGBC Badges. Digital badges showcase continued professional accomplishments in more specific areas of green buildings, such as Health & Wellness, Building Data Analytics, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and more.
WELL AP Credential International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute offers its WELL Accredited Professional (AP) credential that indicates expertise in WELL Building Standard and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities around the world. WELL Building Standard is a global rating system focused on the ways buildings and everything in them can improve occupant comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance health and wellness.
These accredited qualifications provide experienced practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to advance a career in energy efficiency and building trades. Experienced practitioners include people with a formalized education, foundational credentials, and/or 3+ years of experience in their profession.
AEE Certifications Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
A comprehensive list of energy and sustainability related certifications, with links for each certification that lists out the certifications objectives, eligibility, requirements, and application steps.
AFE Certifications Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
AFE offers experienced facilities professionals the following certifications: Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM), Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS), and Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS) en Espanol.
ASHE Certifications American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE)
To develop leaders in facility management and construction who understand the complexity of healthcare facilities, ASHE offers three professional certifications: Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), and Certified Healthcare Physical Environment Worker.
ASHRAE Certifications American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE certification programs were founded to meet the industry needs of today and provide valu to thousands of build-environment professionals, employers and building owners. For the past 100+ years, ASHRAE has worked hard to earn and maintain a worldwide reputation for being theleader in HVAC&R design. ASHRAE certification programs serve to reinforce that reputation.
Become a Certified Lead Auditor in Energy Management Institute for Energy Management Professionals (IEnMP)
The EPI ISO 50001 Energy Lead Auditor credential supports the creation of an international workforce focused on maximizing the energy savings impact of ISO 50001:2018 implementation in industrial, commercial, and public sector organizations. This credential enables auditors to have one credential that is accepted in all participating countries.
Become a Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems Institute for Energy Management Professionals (IEnMP)
Everything you need to know in order to become a CP EnMS (Certified Practioner in Energy Management Systems), including information about the certification, associated fees, minimum requirements, exam preparation, current training courses, and recertification.
Building Operator Certification Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC)
NEEC administers the Building Operator Certification (BOC), a nationally-recognized competency-based training and certification program that offers facilities personnel the improved job skills and knowledge to transform workplaces to be more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Building Performance Institute, Inc. Certifications Building Performance Institute (BPI)
BPI offers a wide range of certifications for early, mid-career, and adcanced professionals in the home performance residential buildings industry including multifamily and manufactured housing. Certifications are relevant to installers, building home assessors and auditors, technicians, and individuals interested in promoting healthy homes.
Building Science Principles Certificate Building Performance Institute (BPI)
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy auditing and upgrade work. The Building Science Principles Certificate is an introductory course on building science and home performance. Building Science and home performance knowledge is beneficial for many different career paths involving the built environment.
Education for Women in Construction National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
The Education Foundation of the National Association of Women in Construction aims to provide the construction industry with materials for courses like construction bookkeeping technician, construction document technician, construction industry specialist, construction industry technician, and estimating and scheduling practitioner.
Energy Efficiency Management Certificate Program American Public Power Association
The Energy Efficiency Management Certificate Program offers public power utility professionals a firm grounding in all aspects of energy efficiency program development, implementation, budgeting, marketing, and management. This resource offers information about the program, a brochure, the program requirements, and associated fees.
Energy Management Professional Certification Energy Management Association (EMA)
The Energy Management Association (EMA) is dedicated to advancing the quality of energy management products and services for the benefit of the building owner. The core component of EMA’s programming is the Energy Management Professional (EMP) Certification that has achieved ANSI accreditation and is identified as a “Qualified Energy Auditor” by the definition established in the ASHRAE 211 Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits.
Healthy Housing Principles Certificate Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Earning the BPI Healthy Housing Principles (HHP) Certificate of Knowledge proves your understanding of how the different components of a home interact to affect occupant health. Homeowners and renters are a part of the house as a system. You will learn the effects of these eight principles: KEEP IT Clean, Dry, Pest-Free, Contaminant-Free, Safe, Ventilated, Comfortable, and Maintained.
How to Become a Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA)
Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist (CRES) assesses the mastery of refrigeration system operations and energy management strategies. While no other RETA credentials are required to qualify for the CRES credential, CRES candidates do need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of refrigeration operations to offer energy management strategies without compromising the safety or integrity of refrigeration systems.
IFMA Credentials and Professional Qualifications International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
IFMA offers a suite of credentials and professional qualifications that provide opportunities for entry into and advancement in facility management. These options represent a full spectrum of professional development for every career stage, from new entrants to experienced practitioners.
IREC Master Trainer and Instructor Certification Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Featuring two levels of recognition, IREC's certification program bolsters professional development for instructors and complements and organization's accreditation to provide an extra mark of distinction.
IREC Micro-Credentials Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
IREC developed a nimbler framework to validate specialty skills and competencies that would co-exist alongside full-scope certification schemes. A micro-credential as defined by IREC is viewed as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate competency in a specialty area.
LEED Green Rater Certificate U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
LEED Green Raters provide verification services for LEED residential projects and play a critical part in the LEED certification of residential buildings. With tens of thousands of registered projects, the demand for qualified LEED Green Raters is growing every day. They are individuals authorized by GBCI to perform verification services, based on their demonstrated experience and expertise in residential green building and verification.
LEED Professional Credentials U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
LEED is one of the most prominent professional credentials for sustainable design, construction, and operations. LEED Green Associate is a foundational professional credential signifying core competency in green building principles. LEED AP with specialty is an advanced professional credential signifying expertise in green building and a LEED rating system.
Living Future Accreditation International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
The International Living Future Institute offers its Living Future Accreditation (LFA) that goes hand-in-hand with the ILFI standards for buildings, products, and communities. The ILFI standards set rigorous benchmarks for buildings covering seven categories called petals (place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty). The LFA recognizes proficiency in the world's most ambitious, advanced, holistic sustainable design standards.
NABCEP Certifications North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP) is a certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers certifications and credentials for skilled professionals, specialists, and those new to working in the areas of photovoltaics, solar heating, and small wind technologies.
RETA Authorized Instructor Certification RETA
This page contains information on how to become a certified as a RETA Authorized Instructor. It contains information about how to take the exam, the associated certification fees, and other RAI resources.
USGBC Digital Badges USGBC
Demonstrate your Skill in Green Building with USGBC Badges. Digital badges showcase continued professional accomplishments in more specific areas of green buildings, such as Health & Wellness, Building Data Analytics, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and more.
WELL AP Credential International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute offers its WELL Accredited Professional (AP) credential that indicates expertise in WELL Building Standard and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities around the world. WELL Building Standard is a global rating system focused on the ways buildings and everything in them can improve occupant comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance health and wellness.
