IREC develops new credentialing standard for energy-related certificate programs; invites public comment

IREC Standard 14732: 2012, Requirements for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Certificate Programs, describes curriculum, administrative, personnel, facilities, and equipment requirements for certificate programs training the renewable energy and efficiency/weatherization workforce. Assessment to this new Standard will provide third-party verification to students, funders, policymakers and others that certificate programs meet and document educational processes, specific energy content and requirements for design, delivery and assessment resulting in issuance of a market-valued certificate.

IREC’s new standard does not replace IREC’s ISPQ 01022 Standard. It will focus on the specialty certificate programs emerging in the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields. Distinguishing features include requirements for a systematic program plan, written examination, and more rigorous auditing and surveillance.  Review the content of the IREC Standard 14732: 2012 (pdf) here.

IREC is working in partnership with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for joint accreditation to this new Standard. Candidates who are successful in meeting the requirements will be awarded ANSI-IREC accreditation.

The public comment period for the Standard will close on December 7, with an expected release date for a final document  in early January 2012.

Provide your comments through our survey tool here.

To learn more about the new Standard and Joint Accreditation Program, IREC is hosting a webinar on November 17. The webinar is free, but you must register to attend.  Register here.

Access slides from the October 24 webinar introducing the Standard (pdf) here.

Visit the joint accreditation Program website here.