Building Performance Diagnosticians

Certification or Licensing

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Green Buildings Career Map, the following certifications are preferred by employers:

• building energy assessment professional, building energy modeling professional, healthcare facility design professional (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
• certified energy manager (Association of Energy Engineers)
• Green Globes professional (Green Building Initiative; the initiative also offers a credential for college students)
• leadership in energy and environmental design accredited professional—especially the operations + maintenance specialty (U.S. Green Building Council)

Additionally, the Building Performance Institute provides more than 20 certification credentials.

To become certified, applicants must meet educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. Contact the aforementioned associations to learn more about certification requirements.

A professional engineer (PE) license is required for engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public. To receive a PE license, engineers must have a bachelor's degree from a school accredited by ABET, the accrediting board for engineering and technology, four years' relevant work experience, and pass a state examination. New engineers may qualify for licensing in two stages. They may take the Fundamentals in Engineering examination after receiving a bachelor's degree, for the engineer in training (EIT) or engineer intern (EI) designation. The next stage is the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, which they may take after securing the EIT or EI designation and meeting work experience requirements. Engineers must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license in most states. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (https://ncees.org) offers engineering exams.