HERS RESNET Standards and Policies Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to RESNET standards, what are the minimum Quality Assurance (QA) requirements that a HERS Rater's Provider must perform annually on the rater's work?
- A 5% file review and a 5% on-site field review of the rater's projects.
- A 10% file review and a 1% on-site field review of the rater's projects. (Correct answer)
- A 1% file review and a 10% on-site field review of the rater's projects.
- QA reviews are only required if a formal complaint is filed against the rater.
Correct answer: A 10% file review and a 1% on-site field review of the rater's projects.
RESNET standards require that a Rater's Quality Assurance Provider must conduct a file review on at least 10% of the rater's energy modeling files and an on-site field review for at least 1% of the rater's total rated homes each year to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Question 2: A HERS Rater, who also owns a window replacement company, performs a rating on a home and recommends upgrading the windows. According to the RESNET Code of Ethics, which of the following actions is required if the rater wishes to bid on the window replacement work?
- The rater must offer the homeowner a discount on the rating if their company is hired for the window replacement.
- The rater is prohibited from bidding on any work they recommend as part of a HERS rating.
- The rater must disclose the potential conflict of interest in writing to the client. (Correct answer)
- The rater must get pre-approval from their Quality Assurance Provider before submitting a bid.
Correct answer: The rater must disclose the potential conflict of interest in writing to the client.
The RESNET Code of Ethics emphasizes objectivity, neutrality, and transparency. It requires that certified individuals and accredited providers disclose any potential conflicts of interest. While not prohibiting the work, the rater has an ethical obligation to inform the client in writing of their financial interest in the recommended work to ensure the client can make an informed decision.
Question 3: A HERS Rater candidate has successfully passed all required national exams and signed an agreement with a RESNET accredited Rating Provider. What is the final major step required before the Provider can grant them full HERS Rater certification?
- Attend a RESNET national conference.
- Publish an article on a building science topic.
- Successfully complete a minimum of five probationary ratings under the Provider's supervision. (Correct answer)
- Develop a new energy modeling macro for their software.
Correct answer: Successfully complete a minimum of five probationary ratings under the Provider's supervision.
To transition from a probationary to a fully certified HERS Rater, the candidate must complete a minimum of five probationary ratings. These ratings are overseen by their Quality Assurance Provider to ensure the candidate can apply their knowledge and skills correctly in real-world scenarios before rating homes independently.
Question 4: To maintain an active HERS Rater certification, RESNET requires raters to obtain a specific amount of continuing education. How many RESNET-approved Professional Development Hours (PDHs) must a rater complete every three years?
- 12 PDHs
- 24 PDHs
- 6 PDHs
- 18 PDHs (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 18 PDHs
RESNET requires all certified HERS Raters to complete 18 hours of RESNET-approved professional development every three-year certification cycle. This ensures that raters stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices in building science and energy efficiency.
Question 5: Which of the following is a key responsibility of a RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Provider regarding the ratings performed by the HERS Raters under their oversight?
- Marketing and sales support for their HERS Raters' businesses.
- Submitting all Confirmed Ratings to the National RESNET Registry. (Correct answer)
- Providing liability insurance for all their HERS Raters.
- Setting the local pricing structure for HERS ratings.
Correct answer: Submitting all Confirmed Ratings to the National RESNET Registry.
A primary administrative responsibility of a RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Provider is to submit all Confirmed, Sampled, or Threshold Ratings conducted by their certified HERS Raters to the National RESNET Registry. This ensures that a central record of all official ratings exists for verification and quality control.
Question 6: According to RESNET's record-keeping policy, what is the minimum length of time that a Rating Quality Assurance Provider and/or their certified HERS Raters must maintain the data file for a registered rating?
- One year
- Ten years
- Three years (Correct answer)
- For the life of the home
Correct answer: Three years
RESNET standards require that all records and data files for each registered rating, including tax credit verifications, must be maintained for a minimum of three years. This allows for audits, complaint resolutions, and verification of data by RESNET or other authorized parties.
HERS RESNET Standards and Policies Questions and Answers 1
According to RESNET standards, what are the minimum Quality Assurance (QA) requirements that a HERS Rater's Provider must perform annually on the rater's work?