HVAC Pros & Builders: Boost Your Credentials with BPI’s Infiltration and Duct Leakage Certification

Looking to stand out in the competitive construction and HVAC industry? The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Infiltration and Duct Leakage (IDL) Certification can give you a solid edge. This specialized certification proves your expertise in duct leakage and blower door testing—skills that are increasingly in demand as energy efficiency grows in importance. Whether you’re a seasoned HVAC professional, builder, remodeler, or insulation specialist, IDL certification demonstrates your commitment to quality and understanding of proper testing techniques, in compliance IECC codes for new home construction or existing home remodels.

How To Qualify

Good news! The IDL certification is accessible to professionals at all experience levels. Unlike many other certifications, no prerequisites or prior certifications are required.

How to Prepare

Get exam-ready with HeatSpring’s intensive BPI IDL Certification prep course. Though no formal training is required for the field exam, industry veteran Brynn Cooksey breaks down complex testing procedures into practical, field-ready skills.

Exam Details

The field exam evaluates your hands-on testing abilities through a series of practical tasks outlined in the IDL Certification Field Guide. The 90-minute exam can be completed remotely, allowing you to demonstrate your skills from your own location.

During this open-book exam, candidates must:

1. Set up and operate a whole house depressurization device (blower door)
2. Conduct a duct pressurization test
3. Perform total leakage diagnostics
4. Perform leakage to the outdoors diagnostics 
5. Perform general analysis

A full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for the IDL exam can be found in the “Functions and Tasks” section of the BPI IDL Certification Scheme Handbook. 

A score of 85% is required to pass. While candidates may use reference materials, outside assistance is prohibited.

Maintaining Your IDL Certification

The IDL Certification requires renewal every 3 years. To be eligible for certification renewal, professionals must:

• Accumulate a minimum of 1000 hours (over the course of 3 years) of experience related to the IDL certification. This includes diagnostic measurements, infiltration and duct leak testing, interpretation of testing results, oversight, and QA/ OR; 
• Successfully challenge the IDL field exam that is current at the time of renewal

Certification renewal fees are $300 for one certification, $400 for 2 certifications, and $500 for 3+ certifications. When you are ready, submit your Application for BPI Certification Renewal, fees, and documentation to BPI via mail or online.

Ready to advance your career and boost your credentials in building performance? Get started on getting your Infiltration & Duct Leakage Certification today!