Earning your North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate credential is the single best way to launch a successful career in the solar industry. Whether you want to be an installer, a system designer, or work in technical sales, the NABCEP PVA is the foundational certification that employers look for.
However, to sit for the exam, you must first complete an approved training program. With dozens of online providers claiming to be the best, choosing the right course can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we break down the best NABCEP PV Associate courses available online today, comparing their curriculum, pricing, instructor quality, and pass rates to help you make the right choice.
*(Bonus: We have secured exclusive 20% discounts for our readers on the top courses listed below!)*
1. HeatSpring: Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep
**The Best Overall Course for Solar Beginners**
HeatSpring is widely considered the gold standard for online solar education, and their PV Boot Camp is our top recommendation for anyone looking to pass the NABCEP PV Associate exam.
* **Instructor:** Sean White (2014 IREC Trainer of the Year)
* **Standard Price:** $895 *(See our discount below)*
* **Format:** 18-24 hours of self-paced, instructor-led online video training.
* **Exam Fee Included?** No (The $150 exam fee is paid separately to NABCEP).
Why We Love It:
The biggest selling point of HeatSpring is their **Guaranteed Pass**. They boast an incredible 88% first-time pass rate for their students. If you complete the course and fail the exam on your first try, HeatSpring will pay for your exam retake fee.
Furthermore, you get a full year of access to the materials, and the instructor, Sean White, actively answers student questions on the course discussion boards. If you want the highest quality education with zero risk of wasting your exam fee, this is the course to take.
2. Everblue: NABCEP PV Associate Training
**The Best All-Inclusive Package**
Everblue is another highly respected training provider in the green building and renewable energy space. Their NABCEP PV Associate program is excellent for students who want a "one-and-done" purchase.
* **Standard Price:** $999 *(See our discount below)*
* **Format:** 40 hours of self-paced online training.
* **Exam Fee Included?** Yes!
Why We Love It:
Unlike HeatSpring, Everblue includes the $125-$150 NABCEP exam fee directly in the upfront cost of the course. This makes the checkout process incredibly simple—you pay once, take the course, and sit for the exam without pulling your credit card out a second time.
Their curriculum is incredibly thorough, offering 40 hours of training (compared to HeatSpring's 18-24 hours). This is great if you want a deeper dive into the material, though it does require a larger time commitment before you can take the test.
3. Solar Energy International (SEI): PV101
**The Best for Hands-On Learners (If you can travel)**
SEI is a non-profit educational organization that has been training solar professionals for decades. While they offer online courses, they are most famous for their in-person, hands-on training labs.
* **Standard Price:** Varies (Typically $800+ for online, $1,500+ for in-person)
* **Format:** Online or In-Person (Colorado)
* **Exam Fee Included?** No
Why We Love It:
If you struggle with online learning and prefer to physically touch solar panels, wire inverters, and climb on mock roofs, SEI’s in-person PV101 course in Colorado is an unforgettable experience. The downside is the cost—when you factor in travel, lodging, and the higher course fee, it is significantly more expensive than HeatSpring or Everblue.
The Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
If you want the most efficient path to passing the exam with the safety net of a pass guarantee, **HeatSpring** is the clear winner. Their curriculum is streamlined, the instructor is world-class, and the 20% discount makes it highly affordable.
If you prefer to pay for everything upfront (including the exam fee) and want a longer, more exhaustive 40-hour curriculum, **Everblue** is a fantastic alternative.
Don't Pay Full Price!
As a partner with both HeatSpring and Everblue, we are thrilled to offer our readers an exclusive 20% discount on both of these top-tier programs.