The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the most widely respected certification organization in the renewable energy industry, announced the launch of its new PV Design, PV Installer, and PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification applications. All three of the NABCEP PV Specialist Certification exams are available via computer-based testing (CBT) at over 500 test sites in the United States.

NABCEP PV specialization is the process by which a PV professional builds on a broad base of advanced education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to their area of specialty. Earning a NABCEP Board Certification has a positive impact on the professional's reputation, credibility, and consumer confidence while also making hiring decisions easier for companies looking to hire qualified candidates.

"The labor market in the PV industry has matured to the point where PV system design, commissioning, and maintenance aren't just roles anymore, they're career paths for individuals working in the industry," said Shawn O'Brien, NABCEP's Executive Director. "By developing these new specialty certifications, we hope to give solar professionals another way to expand their careers while also providing PV consumers even more tools to choose skilled and knowledgeable professionals in the industry. For consumers, hiring a NABCEP Board Certified Professional dramatically reduces the risk of installing a PV system."

NABCEP developed its new specialist certifications with the financial assistance of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office.

About NABCEP

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established and widely recognized national certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers entry-level knowledge assessment, professional certification, and company accreditation programs to renewable energy professionals and companies throughout North America.  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.

About the Solar Energy Technologies Office

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development to improve the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Learn more at energy.gov/solar-office.