Everything You Need to Know About the NABCEP Associate Program

Are you wanting to start a career in renewable energy but don’t know where to start?  NABCEP’s Solar PV Associate Program can be a great way to break into the industry with no previous knowledge.  Let’s take a deeper dive into the PV Associate program, how to get it, the benefits of obtaining it, and the costs associated.

What is the NABCEP Associate Program?

The NABCEP Associate Program is a certification program that qualifies an individual’s basic knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Solar PV systems. It’s an entry-level certification that helps individuals who are new to the solar industry to gain a better understanding of the industry.

What are the eligibility requirements for the NABCEP Associate Program?

1. High School Diploma or equivalent 
2. Meet one of the eligibility pathways to sit for the Examination

• Educational– Complete a course from an approved training provider such as Heatspring, or Everblue and pass the PV Associate Exam.  Heatspings 18 Hour Bootcamp course is so good they guarantee you will pass on the first attempt or they will pay for your retest if unsuccessful. 
• Experience– Have at least 6 months of documented experience in the solar industry and a passing score on the PV Associate Exam.

What information does the NABCEP PV Associate program cover? 

According to the NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA) the following information is covered in the program.  NABCEP refers to 5 “Performance Domains”.  This information is from the JTA on NABCEPS website (2017 edition) most current as Feb 2023.

1. Application: 15% of Examination
   • Tasks:
     1. Describe types of PV system applications
     2. Identify key features and benefits of specific types of PV systems
     3. List the key components of specific types of PV systems
     4. Understand the safety concerns associated with the different types of PV systems
     5. List the advantages and disadvantages of PV system compared to other electricity generation sources
2. Sales and Economics: 13% of Examination
   • Tasks:
     1. Determine necessary customer information to collect 
     2. Identify the customer’s motivations to install solar
     3. Estimate system size to meet the customer’s financial objective
     4. Identify information from a client customer utility bill relevant to grid‐interactive solar
     5. Identify information from the client on electricity usage relevant to stand‐alone solar
     6. List key factors that impact the economics of solar
     7. Recognize how policies and available financial benefits affect different PV markets
     8. Identify financial risks associated with PV systems
     9. Identify common financing options
     10. Identify predictable maintenance costs over the life of the system
3. Design: 25% of Examination
   • Tasks:
     1. Ensure equipment is appropriate for intended use
     2. Identify relevant codes and requirements that impact PV design and installation
     3. Recognize electrical concepts and terminology
     4. Identify factors impacting solar resource on design and performance
     5. Identify equipment specification data
     6. Describe the function of typical components in PV systems
     7. Explain PV system sizing considerations
     8. Read an electrical diagram of a PV system
     9. Recognize structural requirements of PV systems
4. Installation: 29% of Examination
   • Tasks:
     1. Identify the elements of a complete site‐specific safety plan
     2. Identify the elements of the plan set
     3. Identify the elements of racking installation
     4. Identify the elements of electrical component installation
     5. Identify the elements of energy storage component installation
     6. Identify the elements of the system commissioning procedure
5. Operation and Maintenance: 18% of Examination
   • Tasks:
     1. Identify commonly used electrical test equipment and its purpose
     2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze simple electrical circuits
     3. Describe the effects of performance parameters that are commonly monitored for PV systems
     4. Describe different types and elements of system performance monitoring equipment
     5. Identify common factors that result in deviations from expected system performance
     6. Describe typical maintenance requirements for PV systems
     7. Identify the safety requirements for operating and maintaining different types of PV systems

How do I obtain the NABCEP Associate Program certification?

To receive the NABCEP PV Associate certification, you must pass an online, proctored exam that tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of solar energy. The exam is composed of 70 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are pilot questions and do not count toward the final score. You will have 2 hours to complete the test. Signing up is done through the training provider and exam fees are usually sent to NABCEP.  Although, Everblue does include this fee in their course.

What are the benefits of having the NABCEP Associate Program certification?

Having the NABCEP Associate Program certification can provide you with several benefits, including:

1. It can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job in the solar industry.
2. It demonstrates to your potential employer that you have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of solar energy.
3. It can provide you with a better understanding of the solar industry and its technologies.
4. It can increase your chances of being promoted within your company.
5. It can lead to higher pay.
6. It can help you prepare for advanced NABCEP certifications.

1. What is the passing score for the NABCEP Associate Program exam? A scaled score of 65% is considered passing for the NABCEP Associate Program Exam.
2. Can I take the NABCEP Associate Program exam online? Yes, the NABCEP Associate Program exam can only be taken online using an online proctor.
3. How long is the NABCEP Associate Program certification valid? The NABCEP Associate Program certification is valid for three years. After that, you must obtain the required CEUs and submit for recertification.
4. What is the cost of the NABCEP Associate Program certification? The cost vary depending on the course you decide to complete. All together the costs should run about $1000. See Cost breakdown HERE.
5. Can I retake the NABCEP Associate Program exam if I don’t pass it the first time? Yes, you can retake the NABCEP Associate Program exam, but you’ll need to pay the exam fee again. You can attempt up to 6 times in a 2 year period. Did you know Heatspring offers a guaranteed passing score with its 18 hour solar bootcamp course?

Launching your career in the solar energy sector can be made easier by achieving the NABCEP Associate Program certification. It will give you a thorough comprehension of the basics of solar energy. This will enhance your chances of getting hired or being promoted within your organization. The 18 hours of credit received for the PV associate can also be applied to one of the more advanced NABCEP Board certifications if you decide to go down that path. Start your solar career right away with an ONLINE COURSE!