NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential
The NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic energy systems. The PV Associate Credential is earned by passing an examination based on the related NABCEP Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Learning Objectives.
PV Education Requirements for the PVA Credential Exam
HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered PV Associate Provider and applicants for the PV Associate Exam may complete our Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep course to fulfill the training requirements to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam. Upon successful completion of this course, students may submit a PV Associate Exam application along with the $150 exam fee to HeatSpring. We will then submit your application and fee to NABCEP to verify you have completed the coursework.
Qualifying for the Examination
There are three pathways to obtaining a NABCEP Associate credential:
- Education Pathway - Successfully complete a training course with a NABCEP Associate Registered Training Provider, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination. Click here to view this class.
- Experience Pathway - Document at least six months of full-time equivalent work experience in a job that is directly involved with photovoltaics, solar heating, or small wind technologies, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination. To begin, go to NABCEP’s Apply Now page.
- NABCEP Entry Level Conversion Pathway - You already received a NABCEP Entry Level Achievement Award for photovoltaics. If the award was earned more than three years ago, documentation of at least 12 hours of continuing education within the last three years will also be required. To begin, go to NABCEP’s Apply Now Page.
How do I schedule a NABCEP Associate Exam?
If you are completing the Education Pathway, HeatSpring will register you to take the exam – you do not submit an application to NABCEP.
Practice Exam
We offer NABCEP PV Associate Practice Exam. By taking the practice exam, you will have the opportunity to become comfortable with the format of the exam.
Keep your PVA Credential - Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements
A total of 12 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to maintain your PVA credential and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your credential renewal. HeatSpring certificates of completion can be used as documentation with NABCEP.
These NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours are approved for NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential CEU renewal: