How to get your NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential

The NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic energy systems. The PV Associate Credential is earned by passing an examination based on the related NABCEP Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Learning Objectives.

How to Get the NABCEP PV Associate Credential

HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered PV Associate Provider and applicants for the PV Associate Exam may complete our Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep course to fulfill the training requirements to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam. Upon successful completion of this course, students may submit a PV Associate Exam application along with the $150 exam fee to HeatSpring. We will then submit your application and fee to NABCEP to verify you have completed the coursework.

There are three pathways to obtaining a NABCEP Associate credential:

• Education Pathway — Successfully complete a training course with a NABCEP Associate Registered Training Provider, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination. Click here to view this class.
• Experience Pathway — Document at least six months of full-time equivalent work experience in a job that is directly involved with photovoltaics, solar heating, or small wind technologies, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination.  To begin, go to NABCEP’s Apply Now! page.
• NABCEP Entry Level Conversion Pathway — You already received a NABCEP Entry Level Achievement Award for photovoltaics. If the award was earned more than three years ago, documentation of at least 12 hours of continuing education within the last three years will also be required. To begin, go to NABCEP’s Apply Now! Page.

How do I schedule a NABCEP Associate Exam?

If you are completing the Education Pathway, HeatSpring will register you to take the exam – you do not submit an application to NABCEP.

Practice Exams

We offer a free online practice exam for the NABCEP PV Associate Credential Exam. By taking the practice exam, you will have the opportunity to become comfortable with the format of the exam.

KEEP YOUR PV ASSOCIATE – CONTINUING EDUCATION (CEU) REQUIREMENTS

A total of 12 Advanced PV Training Hours are required to maintain your NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) credential and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your credential renewal.