New NABCEP PV Technical Sales Prep Bundles are Live on HeatSpring to Meet Updated NABCEP Requirements

In November 2022, NABCEP announced that they were updating the recertification and exam requirements for the PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification to align with changes in the industry. The old eligibility option is no longer available after August 31, 2023. 

Let’s dive into these new requirements so you know what it takes to become PV Technical Sales certified as well as course options to help you get there!

Why get the NABCEP PV Technical Sales certification?

Straight up, there are a lot of bad solar sales people out there. We’ve all heard the horror stories from customers and seen the industry-shaming local news stories. I’m not aware of the NABCEP PV Technical Sales certification being required in any jurisdiction to sell solar systems, so why do it? 

Voluntarily learning and testing on the technical areas of qualifying prospects, site analysis, conceptual design, performance analysis, and financial aspects demonstrates that you have dedicated focus and attention to understand the complexities related to solar sales. You have invested your time and resources to prove your understanding. 

It sets you apart from competing salespeople. It also provides a measure of protection to the public by giving them a metric to judge your competency as a solar sales professional. It’s a way for customers and employers alike to validate your skills and knowledge as well as provide industry recognition.

How can I qualify to sit for the PVTS exam?

There are two pathways to qualify to sit for the PVTS exam:

Category A:

• OSHA 10 (or provincial equivalent); AND
• Completion of at least 58 hours of PV training, which includes:
• At least forty (40) hours of advanced PV-specific training covering the NABCEP PVTS Job Task Analysis
• A maximum of eighteen (18) may be obtained from non-accredited, non-certified sources; AND
• Verifiable sales experience equaling at least 8 Sales Credits* with 100% of projects sold within the previous 2 year period with a minimum of 50% sold and installed

Category B:

• OSHA 10 (or provincial equivalent); AND
• Completion of at least 58 hours of PV training, which includes:
• At least forty (40) hours of advanced PV-specific training covering the NABCEP PVTS Job Task Analyses
• A maximum of eighteen (18) may be obtained from non-accredited, non-certified sources; AND
• Verifiable sales experience equaling at least 4 Sales Credits* with 100% of projects sold within the previous 2 year period with a minimum of 50% sold and installed:

AND hold:

• An Advanced Degree in Science or Engineering (Master’s or Bachelor’s); OR
• Associates degree in solar or renewable energy; OR
• Electrician’s License (Master or Journeyperson); OR
• Current State or government Solar Contractor’s License

*Sales Credits are as follows:
System size of 1 – 24 kW = 2 Sales Credits
System size of 25 kW- 999 kW = 3 Sales Credits
System Size of 1MW and up = 4 Sales Credits

Both new categories require 58 hours of training. What options are available to build your knowledge and ace the exam?

• Codes & Standards Focus
  • Course Bundle: NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: Codes & Standards Focus
  • This includes foundations of solar, codes and standards related to solar installations in the National Electrical Code and other relevant standards, and technical sales principles exam prep.
  • This does not include PV Associate exam or credential.

• Commercial & Industrial Sales + Energy Storage Focus
  • Course Bundle: NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: C&I + Energy Storage Focus
  • This includes foundations of solar and energy storage, the commercial solar sales process, and technical sales principles exam prep.
  • This does not include PV Associate exam or credential.

• PV Associate Pathway
  • Course Bundle: NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification Prep: PV Associate Exam Pathway
  • This bundle enables you to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam, but you have to take and pass the PV Associate exam for the full 58 hours to count.
  • This includes foundations of solar, codes and standards related to solar installations in the National Electrical Code and other relevant standards, and technical sales principles exam prep.

Reach out to us at NABCEP@HeatSpring.com if you have any questions related to taking a NABCEP exam. We’re happy to help!