How to Get Your IGSHPA Accredited Installer (AI) Certification

The IGSHPA Accredited Installer Certification is a program designed for professionals in the ground-source heat pump (GSHP) industry. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to install GSHP systems, which are growing in popularity as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for space conditioning. 

This certification is valuable for a wide range of professionals, including GSHP installers, contractors, dealers, home builders, manufacturers, distributors, architects, engineers, and drilling contractors. It’s also beneficial for utility company representatives who want to provide informed guidance to their customers.

By getting this certification, professionals can expand their opportunities and stay competitive in an industry increasingly focused on sustainable options. 

How can you qualify to take the exam?

Every candidate must complete an IGSHPA Geothermal Installer Accreditation course.

• Here’s a link to learn more about our IGSHPA Geothermal Installer Accreditation course.
• Manuals are recommended, but not required for the course. You can purchase manuals directly from IGSHPA for $225.
• The only exception to taking the course is if a candidate previously held the AI certification and is testing to get reinstated. Proof of previous certification is required to test for reinstatement.

What topics are covered on the IGSHPA AI exam?

Here are the primary content domains covered:

• Design and Material Options
• System Layout
• Pipe Joining Techniques
• Trenching/Drilling Processes
• Air and Debris Purging
• Pressure Drop Calculations
• Pump and Fluid Selection
• Thermal Conductivity
• Start-up, Performance Checking & Troubleshooting

How much is it to take the exam? 

The IGSHPA exam package costs $350. It includes fees for the IGSHPA exam, IGSHPA membership for 3 years, and an individual license for the CSA standards. It is paid when the student is ready to take their exam after they complete the IGSHPA Geothermal Installer Accreditation course.

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 AI exam?

The exam is open book, with 100 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score 80% or above. 

The AI 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 in 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? We’re happy to help! Send us an email at support@HeatSpring.com.