Weatherization Training & Certification in PA

BPI - Building Performance Institute Inc.

For current weatherization workers:

All individuals performing DOE-funded weatherization work must be certified. Agencies performing DOE-funded projects without properly certified individuals are considered out of compliance and future funding could be affected.
If you currently hold a certification as an installer, crew chief, or auditor, please note that you must complete the following coursework in order for your certification to remain valid:

All installers, crew chiefs and auditors:
DOE Lead Certification must be completed by March 31, 2011

All crew chiefs and auditors:
Baseload Auditing must be completed by August 31, 2011

All Auditors:
BPI Certification must be attained by July 1, 2011

How do I become a certified weatherization worker in Pennsylvania?

To become a certified weatherization worker, you must complete the curriculum for certification you wish to receive. Training must be completed at a certified weatherization training provider. Three certifications are available for weatherization workers: installer, crew chief, and auditor.
Installer–An installer is a crew member or contractor who installs weatherization measures, such as insulation, caulking and replacement doors and windows, in eligible dwellings according to Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program standards and guidelines. Coursework for Installers.
Crew Chief – A crew chief supervises a crew of installers and directs their efforts to weatherize eligible dwellings. Crew chiefs participate in the weatherization work and check it for accuracy. Coursework for Crew Chiefs.
Auditor – An auditor assesses an eligible dwelling for potential weatherization services. Auditors visually inspect the building shell and mechanical systems; conduct diagnostic, health and safety tests; record the location, condition and dimensions of walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors and mechanical systems; enter data into computerized energy audit or use a priority list to select cost-effective measures; and prepare clear and accurate work orders to ensure the most appropriate measures are installed properly. Coursework for Auditors.

Additionally, building analyst certification from the Building Performance Institute, or BPI, is required for crew chiefs and auditors. Learn more about BPI Certification.

What happens after my application is submitted to the Weatherization Training Center at Penn College?

Once you submit an application to the Weatherization Training Center, our staff prints a transcript report, if you have attended WTC courses. We attach the transcript report to your application package.

Next, our staff reviews your application to make sure all required documentation is included in your package. After our initial review, we send your application to the Application Review Committee (ARC) for final review and determination of certification. The ARC is organized and chaired by PA L&I and consists of representatives from L&I, DCED, Penn College, and other weatherization-related organizations.

The ARC then either approves or does not approve the application. Upon approval, you will receive a letter from the PA L&I with your PA Weatherization Worker Certification. If your application was not approved by the ARC, you will still receive a letter from PA L&I notifying you with an explanation of why your application was not approved and what you need to do to obtain certification.

The Weatherization Training Center at Penn College is not responsible for approving or disapproving worker applications, and all questions regarding your application status should be directed to the PA Department of Labor & Industry, c/o Kelly Whitman, Director of Weatherization Training, at 717-772-8623 or e-mail.

PA Weatherization Worker Application Documents

This application must be filled out for a weatherization worker to receive free training. Again, please note that free training is only available to individuals working as a direct hire for a WAP agency or WAP subcontractor of an agency.

Application Weatherization Worker
Form A: Additional Qualifications
Form B: Installer
Form C: Crew Chief
Form D: Auditor
Form E: DOE Lead Certification

How and when will I find out if my application has been approved?

Once your application has been reviewed by the Application Review Committee, you will receive a letter from the PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) that states one of the following:

Your application was approved;
Your application was approved with provisions that need to be successfully addressed (such as completing missing courses);
Your application was not approved with an explanation of reasons and next steps.

The Weatherization Training Center at Penn College is not responsible for approving or disapproving worker applications and has no control over when you will receive notification of your application status. All questions regarding your application status should be directed to the PA Department of Labor & Industry, c/o Kelly Whitman, Director of Weatherization Training, at 717-772-8623 or e-mail.

How much does certification cost?

Incumbent (existing) workers – If you work for a weatherization assistance provider, or WAP, or a WAP subcontractor, you are eligible for training at no cost to you.

Workers who have experience in weatherization work may be eligible to test out of the certification requirements. To apply, fill out the above Application WX Worker form listed under PA Weatherization Worker Application Documents and attach a completed Installer, Crew Chief or Auditor Application.

Current building & construction workers new to weatherization – If you are currently employed in the building & construction industry, and wish to obtain a weatherization certification, please contact your local training provider for information on dates and pricing of training.

What happens if I leave my WAP agency before completing all the courses?

Pennsylvania weatherization certification belongs to each individual, so changing jobs will not affect your state certification in any way.

DOE Lead Weatherization Certification Requirements

All individuals, including specialized subcontractors, working on DOE-sponsored weatherization projects must have taken a lead-safe course that meets DOE lead-safe standards as outlined in Weatherization Program Notice 08-6 and Weatherization Program Notice 09-6, and Weatherization Program Notice 10-1.
The DOE Lead course currently offered by the weatherization training providers meets this requirement. Additionally, individuals who can show proof of completion of a course that meets the standards outlined in the Department of Energy's Weatherization Program Notice 08-6 will be considered as having DOE Lead certification.
Please note that EPA Lead courses are different from DOE Lead Safe Weatherization course, and completion of an EPA Lead course does not satisfy the DOE Lead Safe Weatherization requirement.
For more information, please see Form E of the Pennsylvania Weatherization Worker Application, or call the PA Department of Labor & Industry Weatherization Training Office at (717) 772-8623.