The MREA aligns its course materials and offerings to meet Learning Objectives and Job Tasks outlined by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). We are a Registered Provider of the PV Associate Program training and exam, and are also an approved Education Provider for those who are working toward Board Certification, and those that already have NABCEP credentials and are looking Continuing Education for renewal or recertification.
Why NABCEP?
60% of EPCs consider NABCEP Board Certifications essential or very important when hiring employees
$11K average salary increase after earning NABCEP Board Certification
26% of NABCEP Board Certified Professionals end up starting their own business
MREA Training Options for NABCEP Credentials, and Continuing Education
The MREA is a Registered NABCEP Associate Provider for solar PV.
The NABCEP Associate Program is a credential program intended for people who are currently working in – or seeking employment in – the renewable energy industry, including: students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage in their renewable energy career, experienced professionals who have just begun offering renewable energy products or services, or those in renewable energy jobs for which there is no professional certification. As a Registered NABCEP Associate Provider for PV, the MREA delivers training that covers NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis. Individuals interested in the NABCEP Associate Program should review the NABCEP Associate Handbook.
There are three possible pathways to obtain a NABCEP Associate credential:
- Successfully complete a photovoltaics, solar heating, or small wind training course with a NABCEP Registered Associate Provider, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination.
- Document at least 6 months of full time equivalent work experience in a job that is directly involved with photovoltaics, solar heating, or small wind technologies, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination.
- Already have a NABCEP Entry Level Achievement Award for photovoltaics or solar heating, and pay a small conversion fee. If the award was earned more than three years ago, documentation of at least 12 hours of continuing education will also be required.
Eligibility requirements for sitting for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam:
Those who successfully complete the following MREA course progression (32 hours) will meet the minimum requirements to sit for the exam.
- Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101) – required
- PV Site Assessment (PV 201) – required
- PV System Design (PV 202) – required
Recommended, but not required:
- PV Exam Prep (PV 220) for additional review
See our course schedule to learn more about these courses, when they are offered, and how to register. MREA members receive a $20 discount on all courses.
View Course Offerings
MREA offers this course progression year-round, in online and in-person formats.
Ready to take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam?
Before registering for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam, students must review the NABCEP Associate Handbook, the NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis, and complete the Candidate Eligibility Form.
The NABCEP PV Associate Exam can be taken in Custer, WI, or online at one of NABCEP’s approved testing sites. Register for the exam using the links below. You will upload your Candidate Eligibility Form when registering.
- ONLINE ($150 fee)
- PAPER and PENCIL ($180 fee)
After you register, you will be contacted by the MREA to confirm eligibility and to guide you through the next steps in the process.
NABCEP Board Certifications
These Certifications ensure you have the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of renewable energy projects and employers across the world. Developed by subject matter experts for industry professionals, these US-based certifications are built on rigorous standards and ongoing research to meet the real-world needs of customers, businesses, utility companies, and governmental organizations. With a NABCEP Board Certification attached to your name, you can work in the renewable energy industry anywhere around the globe.
Requirements to sit for NABCEP Certification Exams:
There are many different fields of NABCEP Board Certifications. Requirements to sit for NABCEP Board Certification Exams, requires candidates to have both documented classroom training hours AND field experience. MREA can help students earn hours toward the classroom training hours requirement for these certifications but cannot assist with the project experience requirements.
Applying for Board Certification Exams:
Applying is done directly through NABCEP. To find out more, visit NABCEP.org and review NABCEP’s Certification Handbook. Required training hours for certification are reflected below for all credentials. Visit NABCEP.org for further information on eligibility, field experience requirements, and exam scheduling. NOTE: there is a 3-year period, beginning after certification, before additional courses must be taken for recertification. Certificants may perpetually repeat the recertification process every three years for as long as they continue to meet the established requirements for continuing education and practice. NABCEP shall regularly review and update standards and requirements as needed.
Please review the following table of courses to determine your best route to certification or recertification.
Visit NABCEP.org for further information on eligibility, field experience requirements, and exam scheduling.
NABCEP Requirements for Renewal / Recertification:
Expiration dates, we all have them. For those with licenses and professional credentials, it’s especially important. You’ve worked hard to earn your credentials and certifications, stay up to date with your continuing education requirements. MREA offers online and in-person courses that have been approved by NABCEP for continuing education. Additionally, we work with licensing agencies in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to serve our skilled tradesmen and women.
Note that there is a 3-year period, beginning after certification, before additional courses must be taken for recertification. Certificants may perpetually repeat the recertification process every three years for as long as they continue to meet the established requirements for continuing education and practice. NABCEP shall regularly review and update standards and requirements as needed. Required training hours for both certification and recertification are reflected below for all credentials below.