About this course

This is a great chance to learn building science from one of the top instructors in the world. Brynn has been teaching this course in person for years - now he's ready to answer your questions and help you earn your BSP Certificate.

This course is a prerequisite to the BAT technician certification exam, which is a prerequisite to the Building Analysis Professional Exam.

Earning the Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge is your first step into the world of energy efficient home performance. You will learn some of the widely-used industry terminology related to building science. Building science demonstrates how various components of a home interact to affect the home’s overall performance. Understanding the relationships between the building envelope, heating, A/C, insulation, mechanical ventilation, lighting, appliances and other systems of the home will enable you to assist yourself and others. Learn how these systems affect the comfort, health and safety of occupants and durability of the home. Discover why improving the energy efficiency of the home should be the first step toward solar, geothermal, or other renewable energy improvements.

The second edition of the BSP guide features an extended renewables section and an entire chapter dedicated to the U.S. DOE Home Energy Score. The guide and the exam are available in English or in Spanish, based on the user's preference.

The BSP Certificate of Knowledge can be earned by studying the guide and then challenging the BSP online exam from your computer. The BSP exam is a 100-question multiple choice exam with a passing score of 70%. Once you successfully complete the exam, you can print your personalized BSP certificate from a computer connected to a working printer.

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

Course outline

10 modules • 27 assignments • 8 hours to complete • 1:57 hours of video lectures

Welcome • 4 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Details about taking the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge (BSP) Exam
  • Overview of course (04:15 minutes)
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction

In this module, we will discuss these three topics: What is Home Performance? What is Building Science? Define the "House as a system concept."

  • Introduction to Building Performance (07:16 minutes)
  • BSP - Introduction to Building Performance - Quiz
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Heat and Insulation

In this module, we will discuss heat, air, and moisture movement. We will also determine how heat is measured and how it affects the home.

  • Heat and Insulation (19:07 minutes)
  • BSP - Heat and Insulation - Quiz
Module 3 • 4 assignments
Air and Air Sealing

In this module, we will discuss how air moves and how to address air sealing in a dwelling.

  • Air and air sealing (14:38 minutes)
  • BSP - Air and Air Sealing - Quiz
  • The Energy Conservatory - Blower Door Overview (04:52 minutes)
  • The Energy Conservatory - Blower Duct Leakage to Outside Pressurization Test (01:19 minutes)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Moisture and Moisture Control

In this module, we will learn how moisture moves through a building. We will also discuss moisture's effect on comfort, building durability, and indoor air quality. We will also cover what is the great secret to home performance.

  • Moisture and Moisture Control (13:27 minutes)
  • BSP - Moisture and Moisture Control - Quiz
Module 5 • 3 assignments
Mechanical Systems

In this module, we will discuss space heating and cooling, the distribution system, water heating, and combustion science.

  • Mechanical systems (25:41 minutes)
  • BSP - Mechanical Systems- Quiz
  • The Energy Conservatory - Total Duct Leakage Video (05:13 minutes)
Module 6 • 2 assignments
Conservation Strategies

In this module, we will discuss energy audits and customer education, electricity and water conservation, windows and doors, and renewable energy.

  • Conservation Strategies (16:32 minutes)
  • BSP - Chapter 6 - Quiz
Module 7 • 2 assignments
U.S. DOE Home Energy Score

In this module, we will discuss the Home Energy Score tool, what assessors look for, and what the homeowner learns from the assessment.

  • US Department of Home Energy Score (05:03 minutes)
  • BSP - Chapter 7 - Quiz
Module 8 • 1 assignments
Final Exam - BPI Exam Instructions

Here is the final exam and a review for the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge. You need a minimum score of 70% to pass. After completing the course, contact us at 248-450-3105 or email us at info@hvactrain.com to provide your exam code for the actual BPI exam. The BPI exam is an open book and open notes, and you can take it at your convenience. Additional testing fees will apply.

  • BSP Final Exam
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Ready to take the BPI Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge Exam?
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructor

  • Brynn Cooksey

    ESCO's Top 25 Most Influential HVACR Instructors of 2024, HVAC U
    View profile

    Brynn Cooksey Sr., affectionately known as the "Air Doctor," is a Detroit native and the Owner of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC. Brynn earned that nickname for his renowned engineering solutions in the HVACR and Electrical industries. After spending 15 years in the Utility Gas and Power industry, Brynn took over his family's heating and cooling business and... Learn more

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 8 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials for as long as their membership remains active.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, 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.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.

Reviews

3.8
Based on 2 reviews
24
students have taken this course
09/15/2024
Justin T
09/07/2024
David K

You might be interested in these courses

The use of technology such as cookies allows HeatSpring to operate and improve the functionality of our website and derive insights about our audience.

You can read more about our privacy policy here.