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.
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
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
| NABCEP Approved Course | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megawatt Design | 30 | 30 | 6 | 18 | 6 | 0 |
| 30-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs | 24 | 30 | 8 | 30 | 12 | 2 |
| 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs | 40 | 30 | 6 | 30 | 12 | 6 |
| 35-Hour NABCEP Advanced Solar Plus Storage: Proposals and Planning | 24 | 35 | 6 | 18 | 35 | 2 |
| Comprehensive Solar Plus Storage | 24 | 30 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| 20-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Systems and the 2017 NEC | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 1 |
| 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced Design: PV Systems with Energy Storage | 24 | 30 | 6 | 18 | 12 | 2 |
| Energy Storage Associate Boot Camp | 18 | 18 | 6 | 18 | 12 | 2 |
| 2-Hour Photovoltaics and the 2020 NEC for NABCEP Credit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Utility Scale Solar Construction & Project Management | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Infrared Imaging as a PV Characterization Tool | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 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.