NABCEP PV Design Specialist Certification

The NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Board Certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of PV system designers. This Board Certification demonstrates your proven ability to configure the mechanical and electrical design components of PV systems.

Review Advanced Training Requirements

Initial Exam Requirements

In order to sit for the PVDC exam applicants must submit documentation of 18 Advanced PV Training Hours from an accredited institution (HeatSpring courses qualify) AND documentation of 6 NEC hours.

See NABCEP Handbook for Additional Requirements

Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements

A total of 30 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to maintain your PVDC certification and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your certification renewal. These hours must fulfill specific sub-categories including: 6 NEC Hours, 12 JTA Hours, 2 Building and Fire Code Hours and up to 12 RE Elective Hours.

See NABCEP Handbook for Additional Requirements

Take Courses to Earn Approved NABCEP Hours:

NABCEP Approved Course Advanced Hours for Exam Recertification CEU Hours NEC JTA RE Elective Building or Fire Code
40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs 40 30 6 30 12 6
30-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs 24 30 6 30 12 2
58-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training + Energy Storage Associate 58 30 12 48 24 8
Comprehensive Solar Plus Storage 24 30 3 12 6 0
Megawatt Design 30 30 6 18 6 0
Utility Scale Solar Construction & Project Management 3 3 0 3 3 0
20-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Systems and the 2017 NEC 20 20 20 20 20 1
Designing Small Scale PV Systems with Energy Storage 24 30 6 18 12 2
Energy Storage Associate Boot Camp 18 18 6 18 12 2
Utility Scale Commercial & Industrial Solar and Storage 101 24 35 6 18 35 2
NEC 2017 & 2020 Solar + Storage Requirements 0 2 2 2 2 0
Photovoltaics and the 2020 NEC for NABCEP Credit 2 2 2 2 2 0
Infrared Imaging as a PV Characterization Tool 1 1 0 1 1 0
18-hour Solar PV Boot Camp 18 18 5 18 18 2
Drone Pilot Boot Camp 2 2 0 2 2 0
Solar Building Codes, Fire Codes, Electric Vehicles, Rapid Shutdown and Energy Storage Systems 2 2 1 2 1 1

These NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours are approved for the NABCEP PV Design Specialist Certification.

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