NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification
The PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Board Certification was created for those who have a demonstrated knowledge and expertise in qualifying prospects, site analysis, performance analysis and financial incentives of PV systems. PVTS Board Certified Professionals can collect technical requirements, analyze customer needs to determine energy usage to advise and provide customers with the most appropriate solution for their situation.
PV Education Requirements for the PVTS Certification Exam
NABCEP is in the process of changing the PVTS requirements. Until August 31, 2023, either option will be available. For that reason, we've mentioned both in our summary on the PVTS.
New Requirements
A total of 58 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to it for the PVTS exam. Of these hours, at least 40 hours of advanced PV-specific training covering the NABCEP PVTS Job Task Analysis must come from an an accredited institution (HeatSpring courses qualify). The remaining 18 hours can be from an accredited or non-accredited provider.
Past Requirements Available As An Option Only Until August 31, 2023
There are seven(!) ways to qualify for the PVTS exam, based on your work experience and educational background anywhere between 0-60 hours of Advanced PV Training are required to sit for the PVTS Exam.
Our NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep bundle saves you money and time in getting all of the hours and knowledge you need to pass the exam.
Read the NABCEP Handbook to see all of the pathways explained in full. Here is the older version of the NABCEP Handbook which can be used until August 31, 2023. In the Handbook, you'll also find:
- Eligibility Requirements
- Experience Requirements
- Documenting Experience
Qualifying for the Examination
New Requirements
There are two pathways to qualify to sit for the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification Examination:
Category A:
Completion of a minimum of ten (10) hours of OSHA Outreach Training Program for the Construction Industry training (or provincial equivalent); AND
Completion of at least 58 hours of PV training, which includes:
At least forty (40) hours of advanced PV-specific training covering the NABCEP PVTS Job Task Analysis
A maximum of eighteen (18) may be obtained from non-accredited, non-certified sources; AND
Verifiable sales experience equaling at least 8 Sales Credits* with 100% of projects sold within the previous 2 year period with a minimum of 50% solar and installed
Category B:
Completion of a minimum of ten (10) hours of OSHA Outreach Training Program for the Construction Industry training (or provincial equivalent); AND
Completion of at least 58 hours of PV training, which includes:
At least forty (40) hours of advanced PV-specific training covering the NABCEP PVTS Job Task Analyses
A maximum of eighteen (18) may be obtained from non-accredited, non-certified sources; AND
Verifiable sales experience equaling at least 4 Sales Credits* with 100% of projects sold within the previous 2 year period with a minimum of 50% solar and installed:
AND hold:
An Advanced Degree in Science or Engineering (Master’s or Bachelors’)OR
Associates degree in solar or renewable energy OR
Electrician’s License (Master or Journeyman) OR
Current State or government Solar Contractor’s License
Sales Credits are as follows*:
System size of 1 – 24 kW = 2 Sales Credits
System size of 25 kW- 999 kW = 3 Sales Credits
System Size of 1MW and up = 4 Sales Credits
Practice Exam
We offer NABCEP PV Technical Sales Practice Exam. By taking the practice exam, you will have the opportunity to become comfortable with the format of the exam.
Documenting Training
HeatSpring will provide you with all of the documentation you need for your courses.
To document training, the Applicant must submit a certificate of completion or a transcript for each completed accredited training program or course used to meet the minimum training requirements. All certificates of completion and transcripts must clearly state that the course covered subject matter directly relates to the PVTS JTA. If the subject matter of the course is not clearly stated in the title, then the Applicant must provide a course outline or syllabus and a signed letter on letterhead from the training provider or instructor which details how many hours were spent covering the PVTS JTA or relevant codes. Course(s) must have been taken with an accredited institution.
Keep your PVTS Certification - Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements
New CEU Requirements
A total of 30 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to maintain your PVTS certification and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your certification renewal. HeatSpring certificates of completion can be used as documentation with NABCEP. Training hours must fulfill specific sub-categories including:
- 18 hours specific to the PVTS job task analysis (JTA)
- 10 hours specific to renewable energy related topics
- 2 hours must be building and/or fire codes
Old Requirements Available As An Option Only Until August 31, 2023
A total of 18 Advanced PV Training Hours can still be used to maintain your PVTS certification and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your certification renewal. HeatSpring certificates of completion can be used as documentation with NABCEP. These hours must fulfill specific sub-categories including:
- 12 JTA Hours
- 2 Building and Fire Code Hours
- Up to 6 RE Elective Hours
These NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours are approved for NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification CEU renewal: