NABCEP Releases Expanded Photovoltaic Entry Level Learning Objectives

Mr. Auerbach continues, “The review and revision of Learning Objectives is a regular part of maintaining the validity of our nationally recognized examinations. We asked Jerry Ventre, a leading expert on renewable energy education, to head up a Learning Objectives Review Committee.” The committee was tasked with ensuring that the Learning Objectives were in keeping with the needs of a rapidly changing industry. Their second major task was to increase the usefulness of the Learning Objectives as a course outline for educators.

Don Warfield, Chair of NABCEP says, “The Board was very pleased with the results of this Committee’s work. They fulfilled their mandate on both major objectives. The depth of experience on the review committee is reflected in the greatly increased granularity of detail in the Learning Objectives. As always we are grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers.”

A new exam based on the revised Learning Objectives will be distributed in February 2010. Until then, all exams will be based on the old Photovoltaic Entry Level Learning Objectives. Renewable energy educators are urged to use the revised Learning Objectives when developing materials for courses that will be delivered after the end of this year.

The Photovoltaic Entry Level Exam program has grown to be one of NABCEP’s most successful programs. The number of students who have successfully passed the Photovoltaic Entry Level Exam has grown to 3,400 individuals. Passing the Photovoltaic Entry Level Exam is now widely viewed as an accomplishment that benchmarks an individual’s basic knowledge of PV systems. A growing number of employers in the PV industry view passing the PV Entry Level exam as a desirable pre-requisite for employment.

About NABCEP: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP’s mission – to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders – is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.