How to Become an IGSHPA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) Certified Residential Designer (CRD) program is a comprehensive training course that equips professionals with the expertise to design efficient and sustainable ground source heat pump systems for homes.

Throughout the program, participants delve into every aspect of geothermal system design, from understanding the basic principles of ground source heat pumps to mastering complex calculations for system sizing and efficiency. 

By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge to tackle real-world design challenges, including working through sample problems. The program culminates in a certification exam, successful completion of which means you’ve officially become an IGSHPA Certified Residential Designer.

Let’s get into the details about earning your IGSHPA CRD credential!

How can you qualify to take the exam?

Every candidate must complete an IGSHPA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer course.

• Here’s a link to learn more about our IGSHPA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer course.
• In addition to the online course, students will purchase manuals directly from IGSHPA for $225.

What topics are covered on the IGSHPA CRD exam?

Here are the primary content domains covered:

• Ground Source Heat Pump Benefits
• System Components
• Heat Pump Types
• Design Process
• Energy Requirements
• Load Calculations
• Parameters that affect different types of heat pump performance, site, geology and soil conditions
• Heat pump and pipe design
• Economics of design

How much is it to take the exam? 

The IGSHPA exam package costs $350. It includes fees for the IGSHPA CRD exam, IGSHPA membership for 3 years, and an individual license for the CSA standards. This is paid once the course is completed and you are ready to take the exam.

Students get 2 attempts for the exam with this fee. In the event a student must take the exam for a third time, the retake fee is $150.

What can I expect with the CRD exam?

The open-book exam has 50 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score 80% or above. 

The CRD exam is not proctored and test takers may use any device to access the exam. 

How can I renew my certification?

Continuing education is required every three years for certification renewal. 

During the 3-year period, 8 points must be accumulated to renew your certification and an IGSHPA Continuing Education Form must be submitted. The points can be accumulated three ways:

• Employment
  • You may accumulate up to 4 points by remaining continually employed for 3 years in the combined geothermal heat pump and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning field.
  • Total points = (number of years x 1.33)
• Membership in an approved organization
  • Approved organizations include IGSHPA, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and similar organizations
  • 1 point = each year of membership
  •  Membership in more than one organization will apply toward accumulation of multiple points per year.
• Education
  • Points can be accumulated by participating in continuing education or professional activities in the combined geothermal heat pump or HVAC field.
  • 2 points can be accumulated for each 20 contact hours in seminars or training.
    • Total contact hours x 0.1 = CEU credit points 
  • 2 points can also be accumulated for each college credit hour, if that applies.

IGSHPA memberships & certification can be purchased for 1 or 3 years at a time. IGSHPA members receive a discount on certification renewal (your membership term must match certification renewal term). An annual IGSHPA individual membership is $125/year. Member certification renewal is $75/year, while non-member certification renewal is $225/year.  

You can learn more about IGSHPA certification renewal requirements here. 

Still have questions about getting your IGSHPA CRD? We’re happy to help! Send us an email at support@HeatSpring.com.