Comment #1Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 5,6Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 206.2.2Comment Intent: ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: Strike 206.2.2.1.1.1 There should only be one HERS Modeler certification that RESNET will be the authority of. There should not be a need to certify a HERS modeler for each RESNET approved software. The purpose of the new HERS Modeler certification is to help unify the industry as to how a house is modeled to gain unified HERS results across all software. Historically the HERS Rater certification has never been required to certify for each software. If a HERS rater is going to supervise the HERS modeler, then the HERS Rater would be required to certify for each software. Then the QAD would be required to certify for each software they perform file reviews on. This is an unnecessary redundancy across the entire RESNET industry. Upon proper training, a HERS modeler candidate should be able to create an energy model on any RESNET approved software. The RESNET Accredited Training Provider will provide training for the specific software that the HERS modeler candidate wishes to use. Proposed Change: 206.2.2 HERS Modeler 206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Test: 206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider. 206.2.2.1.1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification. 206.2.2.2 Complete a formal HERS Modeler training course conducted by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider. Training shall be based on the HERS Modeler Core Curriculum developed by RESNET, including one or more modules specific to the RESNET Accredited Software Tool(s) for which the Candidate is seeking certification. The training shall include the following content: 206.2.2.2.1 Calculating Building Dimensions 206.2.2.2.2 Reading Plans 206.2.2.2.3 Modeling Software Basics: Navigation and Layout, Help Menu, Technical Support 206.2.2.2.4 Modeling General Rating Information 206.2.2.2.5 Modeling Structural Components 206.2.2.2.6 Modeling Mechanical Systems and Equipment 206.2.2.2.7 Modeling Infiltration 206.2.2.2.8 Modeling Lights and Appliances 206.2.2.2.9 Modeling On-Site Energy Generation 206.2.2.2.10 Modeling General Building and Site Information 206.2.2.2.11 Generating and Interpreting Rating Reports
Strike 206.2.2.1.1.1
There should only be one HERS Modeler certification that RESNET will be the authority of. There should not be a need to certify a HERS modeler for each RESNET approved software. The purpose of the new HERS Modeler certification is to help unify the industry as to how a house is modeled to gain unified HERS results across all software.
Historically the HERS Rater certification has never been required to certify for each software. If a HERS rater is going to supervise the HERS modeler, then the HERS Rater would be required to certify for each software. Then the QAD would be required to certify for each software they perform file reviews on. This is an unnecessary redundancy across the entire RESNET industry.
Upon proper training, a HERS modeler candidate should be able to create an energy model on any RESNET approved software. The RESNET Accredited Training Provider will provide training for the specific software that the HERS modeler candidate wishes to use.
206.2.2 HERS Modeler
206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Test:
206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider.
206.2.2.1.1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification.
206.2.2.2 Complete a formal HERS Modeler training course conducted by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider. Training shall be based on the HERS Modeler Core Curriculum developed by RESNET, including one or more modules specific to the RESNET Accredited Software Tool(s) for which the Candidate is seeking certification. The training shall include the following content:
206.2.2.2.1 Calculating Building Dimensions
206.2.2.2.2 Reading Plans
206.2.2.2.3 Modeling Software Basics: Navigation and Layout, Help Menu, Technical Support
206.2.2.2.4 Modeling General Rating Information
206.2.2.2.5 Modeling Structural Components
206.2.2.2.6 Modeling Mechanical Systems and Equipment
206.2.2.2.7 Modeling Infiltration
206.2.2.2.8 Modeling Lights and Appliances
206.2.2.2.9 Modeling On-Site Energy Generation
206.2.2.2.10 Modeling General Building and Site Information
206.2.2.2.11 Generating and Interpreting Rating Reports
Comment #2Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 7Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 207.1.2.1Comment Intent: ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: There is no need to create a professional development course for each software. There should only be one universal professional development course for HERS Modeler recertification. The purpose of the new HERS Modeler certification is to help unify the industry as to how a house is modeled to gain unified HERS results across all software. Proposed Change: 207.1.2 HERS Modelers 207.1.2.1 Attend a HERS Modeler Professional Development course offered by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider. Each course shall be reviewed and approved by RESNET Accredited Software Provider(s) for which the course is being offered. The HERS Modeler must complete annual professional development for each RESNET Accredited Software program for which they wish to maintain certification.
There is no need to create a professional development course for each software. There should only be one universal professional development course for HERS Modeler recertification. The purpose of the new HERS Modeler certification is to help unify the industry as to how a house is modeled to gain unified HERS results across all software.
207.1.2 HERS Modelers
207.1.2.1 Attend a HERS Modeler Professional Development course offered by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider. Each course shall be reviewed and approved by RESNET Accredited Software Provider(s) for which the course is being offered. The HERS Modeler must complete annual professional development for each RESNET Accredited Software program for which they wish to maintain certification.
Comment #3Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 14-15Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 208.2Comment Intent: Not an ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: ? Can the SDC 200 committee state that employing a certified modeler is optional or not required for rating companies? As: • Reflected in the RESNET accredited provider structure of comprehensive file and field review for Quality Assurance, the basic role of a certified rater is to be fully responsible for the accuracy of all inputs in a RESNET HERS energy model, thus eliminating need for a certified modeler. The option of retaining a certified modeler would be the decision of the rating company. • Some rating companies currently employ non credentialed personnel to pre-flight and originate HERS energy models. Subsequently the certified rater on the rating vouches for and corroborates the accuracy of the inputs after his / her plans review, visual inspection, site visits, and testing. It appears Addendum 50 does not explicitly rule this existing arrangement out in the future. Please advise. Please state that this approach remains or does not remain allowable. ? By default, current HERS raters are also allowable HERS energy modelers. There is no need for current HERS raters to earn this separate modeler credential as we read the language. Please advise or confirm. ? Those who earn the rater certification in future are automatically presumed to be sufficient in energy modeling, there is no need to earn a separate energy modeling credential when an individual is earning his / her rater certification in the future. Please advise or confirm. ? When a rating company is using a certified modeler, can that modeler be a sub-contractor or hired vender of energy modeling services, or does the modeler have to be in direct employment of the rating company? NEHERS supports the hired energy modeling vender path as a means to promote HERS business models. However we support: The modeler must be associated w/ an accredited HERS provider. He is allowed access to the HERS energy modeling software only via the provider path ? NEHERS is concerned that an energy modeler w/ access to the rating software could deliver HERS rating report (electronic or paper) documentation to builders, code officers, developers and homeowners that has not been registered in the RESNET registry but presented as energy code compliance documentation anyway. Will the criteria of this addendum allow the energy modeler to pass electronic or paper based documentation to clients w/out clearly stating the documentation is “Projected Rating Only – Not adequate for code compliance” or something to that effect? Should a certified HERS raters name / RTIN be associated for every dwelling address in any / all HERS energy models and subsequent documentation. Please consider if the energy modeler should be contracted only by a certified energy rater, a rating company aligned w/ an accredited HERS provider or a HERS provider directly. This intent being designed to prevent modelers from being contracted by builders, developers or others for rating documentation that isn’t uploaded to the RESNET registry or been made subject to RESNET HERS QA. ? Members of the standards committee expressed remarks that the statement of the capabilities of a modeler and the training regimen that go into the training for the category / credential could use further development and definition. ? What would be the requirement for moving from certified modeler to certified rater? Would a full rater class and testing be required or would it be RFI class and testing, combined w/ the modeler credential, getting the full rater certification? ? Is the energy modeler subject to direct review of file QA via the providers QAD or only indirectly as a result of the file QA being conducted on the certified HERS rater that uses the certified energy modelers models?
? Can the SDC 200 committee state that employing a certified modeler is optional or not required for rating companies? As:
• Reflected in the RESNET accredited provider structure of comprehensive file and field review for Quality Assurance, the basic role of a certified rater is to be fully responsible for the accuracy of all inputs in a RESNET HERS energy model, thus eliminating need for a certified modeler. The option of retaining a certified modeler would be the decision of the rating company.
• Some rating companies currently employ non credentialed personnel to pre-flight and originate HERS energy models. Subsequently the certified rater on the rating vouches for and corroborates the accuracy of the inputs after his / her plans review, visual inspection, site visits, and testing. It appears Addendum 50 does not explicitly rule this existing arrangement out in the future. Please advise. Please state that this approach remains or does not remain allowable.
? By default, current HERS raters are also allowable HERS energy modelers. There is no need for current HERS raters to earn this separate modeler credential as we read the language. Please advise or confirm.
? Those who earn the rater certification in future are automatically presumed to be sufficient in energy modeling, there is no need to earn a separate energy modeling credential when an individual is earning his / her rater certification in the future. Please advise or confirm.
? When a rating company is using a certified modeler, can that modeler be a sub-contractor or hired vender of energy modeling services, or does the modeler have to be in direct employment of the rating company? NEHERS supports the hired energy modeling vender path as a means to promote HERS business models. However we support:
? NEHERS is concerned that an energy modeler w/ access to the rating software could deliver HERS rating report (electronic or paper) documentation to builders, code officers, developers and homeowners that has not been registered in the RESNET registry but presented as energy code compliance documentation anyway.
? Members of the standards committee expressed remarks that the statement of the capabilities of a modeler and the training regimen that go into the training for the category / credential could use further development and definition.
? What would be the requirement for moving from certified modeler to certified rater? Would a full rater class and testing be required or would it be RFI class and testing, combined w/ the modeler credential, getting the full rater certification?
? Is the energy modeler subject to direct review of file QA via the providers QAD or only indirectly as a result of the file QA being conducted on the certified HERS rater that uses the certified energy modelers models?
Comment #4Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 5Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 206.2.2Comment Intent: ObjectionComment Type: TechnicalComment: • I have a type/ numbering correction to offer, Change the current language directly below: • 206.2.2 HERS Modeler • 206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Test: • 206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training provider. • 206.2.2.1.1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification. Proposed Change: • To this, directly below: See inserted type corrections and strikethroughs. • 206.2.2 HERS Modeler • 206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Tests: • 206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider. • 206.2.2.1.2 1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a A separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification.
• I have a type/ numbering correction to offer, Change the current language directly below:
• 206.2.2 HERS Modeler • 206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Test: • 206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training provider. • 206.2.2.1.1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification.
• To this, directly below: See inserted type corrections and strikethroughs.
• 206.2.2 HERS Modeler • 206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Tests: • 206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider. • 206.2.2.1.2 1.1 The HERS Modeler shall pass a A separate practical evaluation specific to each RESNET Accredited Software Tool for which they are seeking certification.
Comment #5Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 4-7Comment Intent: Not an ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: Currently anyone can complete HERS Ratings under a HERS Rater, will this allowance be removed? If this allowance is removed, how would it be enforced? One idea would be to split the HERS Rater certification into two components, inspections (RFI) and modeling (HERS Modeler). This could help streamline the HERS Rating certification process and eliminate any redundancies in training when becoming a Rater from an RFI. This could also be implemented in a way such that the HERS Rater training does not need to immediately change, however an additional pathway to HERS Rater certification could be implemented where someone can first become an RFI and then become an HERS Modeler, or vice versa. Additionally creating energy model specific training will further split the industry and could limit companies from developing energy modeling software in the future due to the additional hurdles that requiring software specific training entails.
Currently anyone can complete HERS Ratings under a HERS Rater, will this allowance be removed? If this allowance is removed, how would it be enforced? One idea would be to split the HERS Rater certification into two components, inspections (RFI) and modeling (HERS Modeler). This could help streamline the HERS Rating certification process and eliminate any redundancies in training when becoming a Rater from an RFI. This could also be implemented in a way such that the HERS Rater training does not need to immediately change, however an additional pathway to HERS Rater certification could be implemented where someone can first become an RFI and then become an HERS Modeler, or vice versa.
Additionally creating energy model specific training will further split the industry and could limit companies from developing energy modeling software in the future due to the additional hurdles that requiring software specific training entails.
Comment #6Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 3Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 204.1.2Comment Intent: Not an ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: In reference to the below statement, please see our suggestion for clarification. “Demonstrate mastery of the Home Energy Rating System knowledge and ability sets provided in Section 208 - Capabilities. Mastery is demonstrated by completing the following RESNET tests with a minimum (passing) score to be determined by RESNET.” Define what the minimum passing score is for each test (204.1.2.1 National Rater Instructor Competency Test; 204.1.2.2 RESNET Combustion Appliance Tests; and 204.1.2.3 Rater Simulation Practical Test) so that expectations to become a Certified Rater Instructor are clear.
In reference to the below statement, please see our suggestion for clarification.
“Demonstrate mastery of the Home Energy Rating System knowledge and ability sets provided in Section 208 - Capabilities. Mastery is demonstrated by completing the following RESNET tests with a minimum (passing) score to be determined by RESNET.”
Define what the minimum passing score is for each test (204.1.2.1 National Rater Instructor Competency Test; 204.1.2.2 RESNET Combustion Appliance Tests; and 204.1.2.3 Rater Simulation Practical Test) so that expectations to become a Certified Rater Instructor are clear.
Comment #7Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 5Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 206.2.2.1.1Comment Intent: Not an ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: “The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider.” Commnet: Recommend clarifying whether the RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation is an in-person, proctored test or if the test can be taken remotely online (or if it is any combination of these).
“The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider.”
Commnet: Recommend clarifying whether the RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation is an in-person, proctored test or if the test can be taken remotely online (or if it is any combination of these).
Comment #8Amendment: Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01Page Number: 5-6Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 206.2.2Comment Intent: Not an ObjectionComment Type: GeneralComment: There is no mention in this Standard if ONLY the HERS Modeler can perform the energy models of HERS Ratings or if the existing Raters and Providers and RFIs are now requiring to be HERS Modelers in addition to their current certifications. I think this warrants a clear definition. Proposed Change: Input language reflecting who can actually perform energy models and if existing Raters, Providers, QADs, and RFIs are grandfathered in or need the HERS Modeler certification.
There is no mention in this Standard if ONLY the HERS Modeler can perform the energy models of HERS Ratings or if the existing Raters and Providers and RFIs are now requiring to be HERS Modelers in addition to their current certifications. I think this warrants a clear definition.
Input language reflecting who can actually perform energy models and if existing Raters, Providers, QADs, and RFIs are grandfathered in or need the HERS Modeler certification.
Return to Proposed MINHERS Addendum 50, HERS Modeler, Draft PDS-01