NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is the certification and credentialing organization for renewable energy professionals. Its credentials run from entry-level Associate certifications through Board Certifications including PV Installation Professional and Energy Storage Installation Professional, plus the Operations and Maintenance Associate Technician credential and a Board Eligible status for candidates who have passed exams but not yet completed the experience requirement. It also accredits training providers and maintains dedicated pathways for U.S. Armed Forces members.
NABCEP reports that 60 percent of EPCs consider Board Certifications essential or very important when hiring, and that 26 percent of Board Certified Professionals go on to start their own business.
How it gets used on a real project
Two audiences. If you are building a career on the technical side, the Associate credential is a realistic first step and the Board Certifications are the recognized marker of experience. If you are hiring or qualifying a contractor, knowing the difference between an Associate credential and a Board Certification tells you whether you are looking at demonstrated knowledge or demonstrated field experience, which is not a distinction that survives a resume summary.