BSI International Verifier Certification
The goal of the Building Science Institute (BSI) International Verifier certification scheme is to familiarize candidates outside the United States with the structure of the IECC, ANSI 301, ANSI 380, and ENERGY STAR® New Homes program. There is a specific need for those pursuing LEED Residential™ certification to be able to capture data related to the energy conservation goals of the project, and meet the requirements listed in the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
An International Verifier is credentialed by the Building Science Institute, and qualified to perform verification and testing in conformance with ANSI 301 and ANSI 380, understand the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and verify compliance (NOT certification) with ENERGY STAR program requirements.
BSI International Verifier, Level 1 Required Training
Prior to certification, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs (all hosted for BSI through Intellectual Ferret):
- The Residential Construction Guide 1
- Terminology
- Building Science
- Comfort
- Design
- HVAC Design
- Development
- Construction Management
- IECC Certification Training (2015, 2018, or 2021)
- BSI Verifier Training
- ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 training
- ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Construction
- HouseRater Training
- HouseRater Comprehensive On-boarding
- How to Energy Model in HouseRater
- 8 Projected Energy Models using case study materials will be completed by the end of this workshop
- How to Use the HouseRater Inspection App
Completion of the above coursework will satisfy the requirements to be certified as a “BSI International Verifier, Level 1”. Individuals certified will have the understanding of building science fundamentals, air sealing and insulation inspections, and how to perform air infiltration and duct leakage tests, in order to comply with the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
After completing the prerequisite coursework, candidates will submit an International Verifier application. This will formally request the certification, and present any additional certifications such as the ASHRAE BCxP to BSI for consideration.
Upon successful application and review, the credentialed individual will be listed under BSI’s Verifier Registry, with the explicit note the certification is only applicable outside of the United States of America.
BSI International Verifier, Level 2 Required Training
In order to earn the BSI International Verifier Level 2 certification, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:
- BSI International Verifier Level 1 Certification
- Mentored Inspections
- Mentored inspections must be mentored by BSI or an approved third party, if requested
- Prior commissioning certifications or professional licenses can meet the mentored inspection requirements; recognition is considered on a case-by-case basis as part of the Verifier On-boarding process
- 1 mentored pre-drywall / insulation inspection
- During this mentored inspection it is expected for the candidate to demonstrate knowledge and the capability to inspect, verify, and document air sealing and insulation (if applicable).
- 1 mentored final inspection
- During this mentored inspection it is expected for the candidate to complete the air infiltration and duct leakage tests, showing conformance with ANSI 380 or alternative standards approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.
Completion of the above coursework will satisfy the requirements to be certified as a “BSI International Verifier, Level 2”. Individuals certified will have the understanding of building science fundamentals, air sealing and insulation inspections, and practically demonstrated their ability to perform air infiltration and duct leakage tests, in order to comply with the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
They will be listed under BSI’s Verifier Registry, with the explicit note the certification is only applicable outside of the United States of America.
Recertification
BSI International Verifiers (Level 1 and Level 2) must annually earn 6 continuing education units (CEUs).
These CEUs can be earned from an accredited or approved source. Examples include, but are not limited to workshops, seminars, and webinars from the following:
- Green Business Certification Inc.™ (GBCI)
- GreenHome Institute (GHI)
- AIA / AIA International
- International Association of Engineers (IAENG)
- Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA)
- Air Tightness Testing & Measurement Association (ATTMA)
- ASHRAE
- Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- Get It Right Initiative Ltd. (GIRI)
- Accredited Universities
- CEUs earned for Professional License renewal
BSI International Verifiers must submit a certificate of completion (or other form that verifies completion) to BSI. As long as 6 CEUs are earned and submitted within a calendar year, BSI International Verifiers will automatically meet the recertification requirements.
Note 1: If a candidate earns the BSI International Verifier certification after more than 75% of a calendar year has been completed, the recertification requirements for the remaining year will be waived.
Note 2: If a BSI International Verifier (Level 1 or 2) fails to submit CEUs for recertification before the end of a calendar year, they must submit 6 CEUs within the first 90 days of the next calendar year and earn an additional 6 CEUs during the remainder of the new calendar year.
Note 3: CEUs do not “roll-over”. If a BSI International Verifier earns 12 CEUs in a calendar year, those CEUs are only applicable to satisfy the recertification requirements of that calendar year.
Note on ENERGY STAR New Homes Certification
Unless the host country of the project has an agreement with the federal government of the United States of America, projects can NOT be certified as ENERGY STAR, but can show compliance with program requirements.
BSI Staff will provide feedback and interpretations to project teams on ENERGY STAR New Homes requirements which may not be wholly applicable to a project depending on local requirements.
