If you need 58-hours of Advanced PV Training in order to sit for a NABCEP PV Certification exam there are several different pathways which you should review the pick the correct course.
This training can fulfill the 58 hours of advanced training required to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification exam (as long as you pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam).
If you pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam after completing the first course, you receive 18 advanced NABCEP credits. Completing the second course gets you 40 advanced NABCEP credits, for a total of 58. HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered Provider
Not Included: "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" and "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" Books
The Solar PV Installer Boot Camp course is based on Dr. Sean White's NABCEP PV Associate Exam preparation book: "Solar Photovoltaic Basics." The 40-Hour Advanced PV Installer course is based on Dr. White's NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification exam prep book: "Solar PV Engineering and Installation." These books are not included in the course price. They can be purchased for about $35 through Amazon or other online booksellers.
Not Included: NABCEP PV Associate Exam Fee ($150)
After completing the Solar PV Boot Camp Training, you'll need to take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam in order to earn your first 18 advanced NABCEP credits. The exam can now be taken at home via Live Online Proctoring on your own computer or at any of the 1,350 Scantron testing centers in the world. After completing the course and earning a certificate of completion, students can submit a NABCEP PV Associate application and $150 exam fee in the last module of the course. We guarantee that you will pass the exam on your first try, if you don't we will refund the $150 exam fee or let you take the exam again at no charge. Learn more about NABCEP Exams
Alternate Pathways for 58-hours of Advanced PV Training
If you are not interested in also earning the NABCEP PV Associate credential OR if you are interested in Energy Storage please review our 58-hour Advanced PV Training pathways.
Check out a free preview of the course by clicking the button below. This is a live assignment from the course and will give you a good sense for what the course will be like.
Part 1: Solar PV Installer Boot Camp Training + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep
First, you'll complete the basic training material to prepare for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. If you pass the PV Associate Exam after completing the course, which most students do, you'll receive 18 advanced NABCEP credits toward sitting for the PV Installation Professional certification exam.
Part 2: 40 Hour Advanced Solar PV Installer Training
Next, you'll get into more complex aspects of solar design and installation. This course focuses on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and preparing for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification exam. It is approved for 40 hours of advanced NABCEP training.
70 Question NABCEP Practice Exam
The 40-Hour Advanced Solar PV Installer Training is based on the NABCEP Job Task Analysis and includes sample exam questions for every section.
Earn 58 Advanced NABCEP Credits
If you complete the Solar PV Boot Camp Training and pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam AND then complete the 40-Hour Advanced Solar PV Installer Training, you'll have all 58 advanced NABCEP credits needed to sit for the PV Installation Professional Certification exam. The exam is offered at Scantron testing centers and also online through Live Online Proctoring.
Flexible Online Training for Industry Professionals
This online course is self-paced. You can begin instantly upon enrollment.
Access Information and Build Your Training Library
After enrolling, the course materials will remain in your account and be accessible 12 months (1 year) after enrollment. Access can be extended beyond 1 year with a monthly membership. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world.
Earn A Certificate of Completion
When you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Earn Continuing Education Credits
Approved for: 40 NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours, NABCEP JTA, NABCEP NEC, NABCEP RE Elective, NABCEP Building or Fire Code, NABCEP PV Associate Renewal, 18 NABCEP PV Training Hours (passing score on the PV Associate exam required).
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours by Credential and Category
Excellent course. Clearly taught by a very knowledgeable teacher. I am preparing for the NABCEP PVIP exam and this was the perfect study guide. Many practice exams with the answers explained in great detail. The ability to work at my own pace but still having instructor feedback and responses makes for a very convenient and smooth learning process. If you are preparing for any NABCEP exam, this course is a must.
Sean White was the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Trainer of the Year. He is an ISPQ Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar. He contributed to the development of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis and has been a member of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Technical Committee. Sean is a...[more]
Module 1
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History of Solar, Markets and Applications for Solar PV, and Safety Basics
You'll learn about the beginnings of solar PV technology, current markets and applications for the technology, and the basic safety considerations and requirements for solar PV installers. Topics include: different types of PV systems, OSHA, National Electrical Code (NEC), arc flashes, overcurrent protection devices, fall protection, and lockout-tagout (LOTO).
Module 2
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Electricity Basics + Solar Energy Fundamentals
This module covers concepts, definitions, terminology, and formulas related to electricity. It also lays out the science, data, and principles you must understand to grasp how solar energy is collected. Topics include: Ohm's Law, power, energy, voltage, current, batteries, multimeters, measurement, types of DC connections, transmission, insolation data, solar time, sun paths, shading, and solar radiation.
Electricity Basics Video 1 (Video - 29:46 minutes)
Electricity Basics Video 2 (Video - 21:20 minutes)
PV Math Quiz (20 questions) (Quiz)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Read Chapter 4 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Solar Energy Fundamentals (Text)
Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 1 (Video - 27:29 minutes)
Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 2 (Video - 29:43 minutes)
Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 3 (Video - 21:42 minutes)
Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 4 (Video - 28:45 minutes) Preview
Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 5 (Video - 30:49 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Solar Energy Fundamentals Quiz (Quiz)
Module 3
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PV Module Fundamentals and System Components
This module covers how solar photovoltaic (PV) technology works, the materials used to make PV modules, module efficiency, important formulas, temperature and voltage considerations, and how to test a PV system. It also provides definitions for the primary components that comprise a solar PV system.
PV Module Fundamentals - Part 1 (Video - 30:08 minutes)
PV Module Fundamentals - Part 2 (Video - 23:57 minutes)
PV Module Fundamentals - Part 3 (Video - 23:48 minutes)
PV Module Fundamentals - Part 4 (Video - 29:18 minutes)
PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (Download .pdf)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Read Chapter 6 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - System Components (Text)
System Components - Part 1 (1 0f 3) (Video - 18:55 minutes)
System Components - Part 1 (2 of 3) (Video - 18:30 minutes)
System Components - Part 1 (3 of 3) (Video - 15:11 minutes)
System Components - Part 2 (Video - 27:36 minutes)
System Components - Part 3 (1 of 2) (Video - 18:09 minutes)
System Components - Part 3 (2 of 2) (Video - 24:53 minutes)
Thin Film PV Manufacturing YouTube Video (Resource)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Module 3 Quiz PV Module Fundamentals and System Components (Quiz)
Module 4
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PV System Sizing and Electrical Design
This module covers the factors to consider when sizing a grid-tied or off-grid system, system losses, tilt, factors that increase or decrease PV system output, single-line diagrams, ampacity, Ohm's Law, voltage drop, charge controllers, AC- and DC-coupled battery systems, battery charging stages, overcurrent protection devices, and determining voltage ranges.
Read Chapter 7 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Sizing Principles (Text)
PV System Sizing - Part 1 (Video - 30:50 minutes)
PV System Sizing - Part 2 (Video - 15:58 minutes)
PV System Sizing - Part 3 (Video - 21:44 minutes)
PV System Sizing - Part 4 (Video - 16:39 minutes)
PV System Sizing - Part 5 (Video - 19:01 minutes)
PV System Sizing - PVWatts Part 1 (Video - 14:54 minutes)
PV System Sizing - PVWatts Part 2 (Video - 21:28 minutes)
PV System Sizing - PV Watts Part 3 (Video - 25:49 minutes)
System Sizing (Student Request) (Video - 23:34 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Read Chapter 8 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Electrical Design (Text)
PV System Electrical Design Part 1 (1 of 2) (Video - 17:25 minutes)
PV System Electrical Design Part 1 (2 of 2) (Video - 20:27 minutes)
PV System Electrical Design Part 2 (Video - 13:03 minutes)
PV System Electrical Design Part 3 (1 of 2) (Video - 20:24 minutes)
PV System Electrical Design Part 3 (2 of 2) (Video - 17:31 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Module 4 Quiz (Quiz)
Module 5
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PV System Mechanical Design, Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
In this module, you will study PV System Mechanical Design, which goes along with Chapter 9 in Solar Photovoltaic Basics.
Also included in this module is Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting which goes along with Chapter 10 in Solar Photovoltaic Basics, which means you are getting close to the end!
Read Chapter 9 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Mechanical Design (Text)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (1 of 5) (Video - 17:04 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (2 of 5) (Video - 19:34 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (3 of 5) (Video - 20:43 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (4 of 5) (Video - 20:45 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (5 of 5) (Video - 20:44 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 2 (1 of 4) (Video - 19:03 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 2 (2 of 4) (Video - 19:20 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 2 (3 of 4) (Video - 18:09 minutes)
PV System Mechanical Design - Part 2 (4 of 4) (Video - 19:30 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Read Chapter 10 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Performance Analysis, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting (Text)
Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting Part 1 (Video - 24:32 minutes)
Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting Part 2 (Video - 30:00 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Module 5 Quiz (Quiz)
Module 6
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Voltage Temperature Calculations + Practice Exams
In this module, you'll learn about voltage temperature calculations, review some useful resources and take exams to see how well you've mastered the material presented during the course. These exams can be repeated here as many times as you want and are highly recommended to be used to prepare for the NABCEP PVA exam!
Note: Since 2019, NABCEP has not had any voltage temperature calculations on their PVA exams.
Read Special Section - Voltage Temperature Calculations in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" (Text)
String Sizing no longer on NABCEP PVA exam (Text)
String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 1 (1 of 2) (Video - 17:46 minutes)
String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 1 (2 of 2) (Video - 18:12 minutes)
String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 2 (Video - 26:29 minutes)
String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 3 (1 of 2) (Video - 16:28 minutes)
String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 3 (2 of 2) (Video - 23:24 minutes)
String Sizing Quiz (Quiz)
Resource: SolSmart Permitting (Resource)
Backfeeding the grid with a Tesla Model S (Video - 02:01 minutes)
Exam 1 70 questions (Quiz)
Exam 1 Answers with detailed explanations (Download .pdf)
Exam 2 75 Questions (Quiz)
Exam 2 Answers with detailed explanations (Download .pdf)
Exam 3 99 Questions (Quiz)
Exam 3 Answers with detailed explanations (Download .pdf)
Course Outline #2 - 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs
Module 1
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Introduction and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
In this opening module you will get to know your instructor, explore various solar resources, do some foundational reading, learn about important terms and concepts that you'll need to memorize or at least familiarize yourself with, and do an in-depth review of the sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) that relate to solar PV design and installation.
Read: Chapter 1 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Memorize and Familiarize (Text)
Resources Part 1 PV Labs (Video - 07:59 minutes)
Resources Part 2 PV Watts (Video - 26:00 minutes)
Resources Part 3 Design Software and solarabcs (Video - 18:40 minutes)
Resources Part 4 NABCEP PVIP Information (Video - 26:49 minutes)
Resources Part 5 Other NABCEP Certifications and Prices for all Certifications (Video - 20:17 minutes)
Resources Part 6 Solar Websurfing (Video - 27:08 minutes)
Markets and Getting Up To Speed (Video - 13:08 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 1: Memory Techniques (Video - 05:45 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 2: NEC Articles 100 Definitions and 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations (Video - 10:12 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 3: NEC Articles 200-250 including 230 Services, 240 Overcurrent Protection and 250 Grounding and Bonding (Video - 10:11 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 4: NEC Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials, including the 310 Tables and different Articles on installing Conduits, such as EMT or Cables (Video - 11:09 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 5: NEC Chapters 4, 5 & 6. 4 is Equipment for General Use and includes 480 Storage Batteries, 5 is Special Occupancies and 6 is Special Equipment and includes 690 PV! (Video - 20:50 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize - Video 6: NEC Chapter 7 Video 1 of 2 including Articles 705 Interconnections, 706 Energy Storage Systems and 710 Stand-Alone Systems (Video - 23:32 minutes) Preview
Memorize and Familiarize - Video 7 NEC Chapter 7 Video 2 of 2, including Articles 710 Stand Alone Systems and 712 DC Microgrids (Video - 24:26 minutes) Preview
Memorize and Familiarize - Video 8: NEC Chapter 9 Tables and Annex C Conduit and Tubing Fill Tables for Conductors and Fixture Wires of the Same Size (Video - 08:26 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize - Video 9 Useful Information (Video - 19:37 minutes)
Memorize and Familiarize Video 10: More Useful Information (Video - 25:15 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Read: Chapter 2 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - The National Electric Code (Text)
Presentation slides (PDF) (Download .pdf)
Free Access to the National Electrical Code (NEC) - NFPA (Registration required) (Resource)
Audio 2020 NEC Article 690 Reading - Radio 690! (Audio .m4a)
NEC Notes (Text)
NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 1 (Video - 29:57 minutes)
NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 2 (1 of 2) (Video - 16:35 minutes)
NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 2 (2 of 2) (Video - 17:55 minutes)
NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 1 (Video - 19:39 minutes) Preview
NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 2 (Video - 19:49 minutes)
NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 1 (Video - 16:40 minutes)
NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 2 (Video - 16:44 minutes)
NEC Articles 210 Branch Circuits, 215 Feeders and 230 Services (Video - 20:47 minutes)
NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 1 (Video - 22:47 minutes)
NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 2 (Video - 19:51 minutes)
NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (Video - 26:36 minutes) Preview
NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (Video - 21:18 minutes)
NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 1 (Video - 15:06 minutes)
NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 2 (Video - 21:46 minutes)
NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 1 (1 of 2) (Video - 14:57 minutes) Preview
NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 1 (2 of 2) (Video - 18:53 minutes)
NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 2 (Video - 21:11 minutes)
320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 1 (Video - 15:19 minutes)
320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 2 (Video - 17:27 minutes)
NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 1 (Video - 15:38 minutes)
NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 2 (Video - 17:11 minutes)
NEC Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Video - 10:42 minutes)
NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 1 (Video - 28:19 minutes)
NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 2 (1 of 2) (Video - 19:32 minutes)
NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 2 (2 of 2) (Video - 15:09 minutes)
Informational Annexes (Video - 11:16 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Reference: NABCEP PV Installation Professional Resource Guide (Download .pdf)
Reference: "Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems" (Download .pdf)
NABCEP Certification Exam Fees (new in 2020) (Download .png)
Updating Course Material - If you completed a module and later it says you did not, you can just click on if you want it to show as completed. (Text)
To view your test results (Text)
Module 1 Adv. PV Quiz (Quiz)
Module 2
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National Electrical Code - Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
This module, you will go through Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Familiarity with this part of the NEC is critical for solar designers and installers.
Read: Chapter 3 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 690: Solar PV Systems (Text)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
2017 Versus 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) (Text)
2017 NEC Video 1 - Introduction to 690.2 (Video - 18:42 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 2 - 690.7 Voltage (Video - 16:59 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 3 - 690.8 Current (Video - 22:18 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 4 - 690.9 Overcurrent Protection (Video - 14:13 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 5 - 690.10 Stand-Alone Systems and 690.11 DC Arc-Fault Protection (Video - 06:00 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 1 (Video - 21:12 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 2 (Video - 25:23 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 7 - 690 Part III Disconnecting Means (Video - 19:32 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 8 - 690 Part IV Wiring Methods (Video - 30:06 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding (1 of 2) (Video - 18:01 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding (2 of 2) (Video - 17:04 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 10 - 690 Part VI to End of Article 690 (Video - 23:03 minutes)
2017 NEC Video 11 - 691 Large-Scale Photovoltaic (Video - 19:10 minutes)
Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 1 Outside of the Array Boundary (Video - 14:57 minutes)
Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 2 inside of the Array Boundary (Video - 20:17 minutes)
News: 690.12(B)(2)(1) Rapid Shutdown UL Listing (Text)
Module 3
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National Electrical Code (NEC) - Other Solar and Storage Related Articles
There are many NEC Articles besides Article 690 that are important to know about. This includes:
Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources
Article 706 Energy Storage Systems
Article 710 Stand-Alone Systems
Article 712 DC Microgrids
Article 625 EV Power Transfer Station
And more!
Read: Chapter 4 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 705: Interconnections (Text)
2017 NEC Video - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 1 (Video - 25:51 minutes)
2017 NEC Video - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 2 (Video - 20:46 minutes)
2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 1 (Video - 20:04 minutes)
2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 2 (Video - 17:26 minutes)
Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems (Video - 22:29 minutes) Preview
Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems (Video - 10:56 minutes)
Bill Brooks talks EV Power Transfer Station (Video - 05:38 minutes)
Bill gets excited talking about 705.13 Power Control Systems (Video - 08:16 minutes)
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 1 Supply and Load Side Connections (Video - 07:44 minutes)
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 2 with ESS Implications and Markets (Video - 11:51 minutes)
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 3 More 705.13 PCS and MIDs (Video - 08:04 minutes)
More EV to Grid-Full Circle with Bill Brooks (Video - 07:14 minutes) Preview
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 4 Supply-Side Connections and Microgrids (Video - 10:16 minutes)
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 5 Wire Sizing and Supply-Side Connections (Video - 05:52 minutes) Preview
Bill Brooks on 705 Video 6 Load-Side Connections (Video - 26:10 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Module 4
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Safety, Wire Sizing, Building Codes and Fire Codes
Always good to be safe, so safely size your wires and to understand some of the building and fire codes. For the NABCEP exam, do not worry so much about Bill's Building Codes and Fire Codes, however it is important information and for those of you looking for NABCEP Continuing Education (CE) this is a requirement.
Read: Chapter 5 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Safety, Strategy, and Investing Your Time Wisely (Text)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
Required Discussion Board Post #2 (Text)
Video Responses to Detailed Questions (Text)
Answer to Question on System Sizing (Video - 19:46 minutes)
Answer to Question on Connecting PV System to a Split Bus Panel (Video - 10:14 minutes)
Read: Chapter 6 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Wire Sizing (Text)
Module 5
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Practice Exam for NABCEP PV Certification and Trig
Here we have a full practice exam and 30-question practice exam that will prepare you for the NABCEP Certification exams. Also covered are trigonometry concepts you'll need for some solar calculations. The NABCEP PVIP exam usually has 1 or 2 questions that you can use trig to solve.
Read Chapter 7 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Solar Trigonometry (Text)
Trigonometry Review Part 1 (Video - 19:19 minutes)
Trigonometry Review Part 2 (Video - 14:34 minutes)
Required Discussion Board Post #1 (Text)
NABCEP Practice Exam (70 Questions) (Quiz)
NABCEP Practice Exam Answers with detailed explanations (Download .pdf)
Module 6
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Question-by-Question Practice Exam Review
Review each question from the practice exam to understand how to arrive at the correct answer.
