Tips From a Pro for Taking the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam

If you’re a solar industry member interested in taking the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification exam, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the work of instructor Sean White–and to check out his tips about studying for exams.

White, the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Trainer of the Year, is an IREC Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar.  He’s passionate about his work–and happy to tout his background.

“I’m the top person for teaching this exam prep course;  I write books on NABCEP exam prep,” he says.

White’s Books are Important Resources

When studying for the exam, two books come in handy–both of which White authored, one along with solar legend Bill Brooks, he says. ”Solar PV Engineering and Installation” is required reading for the course and “PV and the NEC, (National Electrical Code)” is optional but recommended; the 2020 NEC version will be available in August 2020. Brooks has more than 30 years of experience designing, installing and evaluating grid-connected PV systems and lends his voice to the course.

The newly updated 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs course was developed by White, with input from Brooks, and qualifies students for 40 hours of advanced training required for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam as well as hours for all other NABCEP PV certification exams and continuing education hours (NABCEP CEUs) for recertification.

Course Offers Flexibility to Students

There are many ways to study for the test due to the flexibility of the HeatSpring program, says White.

Students can complete all 40 hours of material in as little or as much time as they need, up to 12 months. Students are able to apply for the exam and still have full access to the course for a year, including the active message board. 

“Students can take their time if everyday life comes up,” says White.

White recommends that students take the test from home and prepare for that type of testing.

How to Prepare for At-Home Exams

If you choose this option, you’ll have “live online proctoring,” which means someone is watching, says White.

“They (the proctors) take over your computer with software. They check your different windows. They tell you to turn the computer around in different directions. If you ask questions, they respond,” he says. In addition, students are allowed to use two pages of blank paper. And they’re allowed to have on hand a hard copy of the NEC.

Students should become familiar with the NEC codebook by buying a paper edition and marking it up with only a highlighter. The night before the test, it’s beneficial to get familiar with looking things up in the NEC. For example, students should read the table of contents. This can also help students feel less anxious, he says.

NABCEP has many different certifications, the hardest of which is typically thought to be the PV Installation Professional exam. The best way to study for all these exams is to take the 40-hour course, says White. His classes have exclusive practice exams that help a lot.

Increased Online Learning Due to COVID-19 Crisis

The recent COVID-19 crisis has increased the speed at which people are adapting to online learning, says White. It has also boosted the number of people taking HeatSpring courses. And it has given White time to update his videos with great care. He has spent eight hours on every 15 minutes of video this time around.

“It’s a great time to take an online course and improve yourself,” says White. While the COVID-19 crisis has many downsides, “It has allowed for people to spend more time focusing on learning,” he says.

NABCEP Credential Course Finder Tool

Check out HeatSpring’s quick 3-step tool if you are ready to start the process to earn your NABCEP PV Certifications and Credentials.

Leading Organizations Choose HeatSpring

See why leading organizations like Solect Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office choose HeatSpring for Groups as their destination for team learning.