NABCEP Credentials

A total of 58 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to sit 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.

If you need all 58 advanced PV training hours you may be interested in our NABCEP PV Technical Sales bundle options to save money and get all the advanced PV training hours required.

• NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: Codes & Standards Focus
• NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: Commercial & Industrial Sales + Energy Storage Focus
• NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: PV Associate Exam Pathway

You can compare the different pathways here.

Read the NABCEP Handbook to see all of the pathways explained in full. In the Handbook, you'll also find:

• Eligibility Requirements
• Experience Requirements
• Documenting Experience

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% sold 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% sold and installed:

AND hold:

• An Advanced Degree in Science or Engineering (Master’s or Bachelor's); OR

• Associates degree in solar or renewable energy; OR

• Electrician’s License (Master or Journeyperson); 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

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.

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