Your Guide to Getting BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) Certified Brit Heller The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) certification represents advanced expertise in home energy assessment. BA-P certified professionals evaluate building systems, conduct energy modeling, and analyze performance data to deliver comprehensive, prioritized recommendations for improving home efficiency and comfort. Beyond personal professional development, the BPI Building Analyst Professional certification holds significant industry and government recognition. Here are just a few: Listed as an example certification in the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program Administrative and Legal Requirements Document Recognized by DOE as a qualifying credential for taxpayers to claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), and for contractors to qualify for the Contractor Training Grant Program administered by the State Energy Offices Designated by the U.S. Department of Energy as Energy Skilled in the Single Family Home Energy Audit category If you are a home performance professional, this advanced certification is for you! Let’s get into the details about what it takes to become a BA-P. How To Qualify To be eligible to sit for the BA-P exam, candidates must have first gotten their Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate as well as their Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) Certification. BPI requires these prerequisites because the BSP and BA-T provide essential foundational knowledge and hands-on diagnostic testing skills that the BA-P builds upon for advanced tasks like energy modeling, project administration, and in-depth analysis. Topics Covered on the Exam A full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for a Building Analyst Professional can be found in the Job Task Analysis portion of BPI Building Analyst Professional Scheme Handbook. Below is a high-level exam blueprint. Analyzing Collected Data – 64% Evaluate combustion safety testing data – 4% Evaluate blower door test data – 5% Evaluate mechanical ventilation data – 8% Evaluate HVAC distribution systems data – 5% Evaluate fenestration data – 2% Evaluate thermal/pressure boundary – 8% Evaluate heating, cooling, and DHW equipment data – 8% Calculate baseload – 3% Evaluate water conservation data – 1% Evaluate health and safety data – 15% Evaluate construction details – 5% Modeling and Work Scope – 36% Use energy modeling software – 20% Generate a recommended work scope – 16% How to Prepare While you can take the exam without prior coursework, HeatSpring’s BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) Certification Training course offers thorough preparation to maximize your chances of success. Most students opt to enroll in the BPI Building Analyst Certification Package, which includes prep for the Building Science Principles Certificate, the Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) Certification, as well as the Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) Certification. Exam Details The proctored, multiple-choice exam includes 60 questions and is closed-book. Candidates get up to 2.5 hours to complete the exam. Candidates will find out if they pass or not immediately upon completion of their exam. A passing score is 70% or above. The exam fee is $450 to take the exam. Candidates can attempt the BA-P online exam up to 6 times in a one-year period. Additional exam fees will apply. Maintaining Your BA-P Certification The BA-P Certification requires renewal with BPI every 3 years. To maintain certification, professionals must complete ONE of the following: Complete 30 CEUs in whole-house building science and submit a renewal application Pass the current version of the BA-P online exam Note: Your BA-P certification must be active 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 email. If you still have any lingering questions about getting your BA-P, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@heatspring.com. Building Performance Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification Building Science Energy Modeling Sustainable Building Originally posted on December 9, 2024 Written by Brit Heller Director of Program Management @ HeatSpring. Brit holds two NABCEP certifications - Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PVIP) and Photovoltaic Technical Sales (PVTS). When she isn’t immersed in training, Brit is a budding regenerative farmer just outside of Atlanta where she is developing a 17-acre farm rooted in permaculture principles. She can be found building soil health, cultivating edible & medicinal plants, caring for her animals or building functional art. More posts by Brit