The job task analysis (JTA) that the exam is based on covers eight main topic areas: qualifying the customer; site analysis; conceptual design; financial costs, incentives, and savings; financial benefit analysis and financing; non-financial benefit analysis; performance analysis; and proposal preparation.

Clifton Park, NY, February 28, 2011 - The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is pleased to congratulate the 97 individuals who achieved a passing score on the recently administered PV Technical Sales Examination. The group of inaugural certificants has demonstrated extensive knowledge of the complex range of activities that make up a successful photovoltaic sales process. The job task analysis (JTA) that the exam is based on covers eight main topic areas: qualifying the customer; site analysis; conceptual design; financial costs, incentives, and savings; financial benefit analysis and financing; non-financial benefit analysis; performance analysis; and proposal preparation.

Don Warfield, chairperson of NABCEP, says, "Given the topic range of the exam, I'm confident that those who are certified as PV Technical Sale Professionals will be able to provide the highest level of ethical, accurate presentations of a proposed PV systems' electrical, financial, and environmental performance projections." He continues, "This credential dovetails nicely with our existing 'gold-standard' PV Installer Certification because it offers consumers quality assurance throughout the entire sales, installation, and commissioning process."

Ezra Auerbach, NABCEP's executive director, says, "This is the first certification program exam that NABCEP has delivered through a computer-based format-we are very happy with the outcome and have received almost universally positive feed back from exam candidates." Auerbach continues, "We are already hearing a great deal of interest for the next administration of this exam, and we expect a much higher volume of candidates for the next round of testing."

The second administration of the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam will be held July 15-30, 2011 at computer test centers across the US and Canada. The application deadline to sit for this round of the exam is May 6, 2011. All applications must be completed and received by NABCEP by that date for candidates to be considered for the July examination window. Candidates who complete their applications (including uploading all supporting documentation) before April 1, 2011 will receive a $25 discount on their application fee.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is pleased to announce the release of Learning Objectives and an exam blueprint for its new Solar Thermal Entry Level Knowledge Assessment program. The Learning Objectives, which were developed by a volunteer committee of Solar Thermal Industry practitioners and educators, are focused on ensuring that students will be able to demonstrate fundamental Solar Thermal knowledge. The knowledge assessment that is being developed by NABCEP according to the newly published blueprint will test students on their ability to solve generic, basic problems applicable to commonly installed Solar Thermal (ST) systems in North America.

Bill Guiney, Chairperson of the Technical Committee that developed these Learning Objectives and long-time participant in the Solar Thermal Industry says, "We are excited to release this document because it will assist renewable energy educators in developing curriculum for entry level Solar Thermal programs. These programs are critical to supplying new workers for our industry, which is experiencing record growth rates."

Ezra Auerbach, NABCEP's Executive Director says, "On behalf of the entire Board I want to thank the volunteers who developed these Learning Objectives. Their task was daunting; we asked them to distil a large and extensive body of knowledge into six major topic areas (domains). They worked long and hard to accomplish the task." The six topic areas covered by the new Learning Objectives are: Conducting a site analysis; Indentifying ST safety practices, standards, codes and certification(s); Indentifying systems for specific climates and applications; Identifying proper operation and installation methods; Identifying proper use of balance-of-system components and materials; and Indentifying common ST maintenance items.

NABCEP expects the first round of examinations based on the Learning Objectives to be available in the late spring of 2011. Educators and others interested in seeing the full set of Learning Objectives are invited to visit NABCEP's website at www.nabcep.org.

About NABCEP: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized national certification organization for professional installers in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP is a volunteer board of representatives who are chosen based on their experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. To learn more visit www.nabcep.org.