How to become an Energy Advisor: FAQs

If you still have questions about becoming an Energy Advisor,
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Energy Advisor Exam Prep

To become an Energy Advisor, pass the Natural Resources Exams for Foundation Level, and then Energy Advisor (House).

Foundation Level Path

Energy Advisor (House) Path

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FAQs

What is the process for becoming an Energy Advisor?

To become a Registered Energy Advisor (formerly a Certified Energy Advisor), you must pass two exams and become affiliated with service organization. You will then work on a series of probationary house files that the service organization oversees. Once you have successfully carried out these three steps, you can become a Registered Energy Advisor.

The Foundation Level exam assesses competencies such as numeracy, low-rise housing construction and renovation, building envelopes, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, building science principles, and the house-as-a-system concept.

The Energy Advisor (House) exam assesses knowledge of the EnerGuide Rating System, HOT2000 energy modelling, blower door testing, reporting, and general quality assurance.

You can download a visual map of the registration process here.

What to expect in the exam process?

Both the Foundation Level and Energy Advisor (House) exams are three hours (180 mins) long, each with 150 multiple choice questions. Each exam has a different selection of questions pulled randomly from a large menu or question bank.

NOTE:
THE EXAMS ARE DELIVERED BY NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA.
YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE THEM YOURSELF VIA THE LINKS BELOW.

Blue House Energy does not administer the actual exams, we do have timed practice exams

For more details on the exam process, read the Candidate Exam Handbook by Natural Resources Canada.

Exam related information can be found at https://nrcan.ysasecure.com.

To register for the exams, you must first complete the Register section.
Purchase the exams in the Products section.
Find your location in the Exam Centres section.

What is the criteria to become an Energy Advisor?

While having some experience in the home construction and renovation industry is a terrific way to start, it is not required.

Being an Energy Advisor is more than just technical skills. As someone whose work will range from meeting people in their homes to working directly with builders and renovators, good communication skills (soft skills) are just as important.

If you have good people skills, good organizational skills, and like solving puzzles, a mid-career switch might be a good option!

How are Blue House Energy courses delivered?

All Blue House Energy courses are delivered online and on-demand ('asynchrously'). You have 12 months access to all of the content so you can learn and review on your own schedule, without having to take time off from your existing job.

What do I get when I sign up for your Energy Advisor courses?

All our courses are self-directed learning, with streaming video, voiceover, animation, quizzes and downloadable study material as well as study tips, test-taking strategies, and timed practice exams with unlimited attempts.

PLUS You also get:

Monthly live Q&A sessions with our roster of experts

A community forum to chat with other EA Preppers

An AI assistant to help you tailor your studying to your needs

A curated, searchable resource hub so you can dive deeper into specific topics

'HelpDesk Technical support

How much time do I need to dedicate to this training?

Expect to put in somewhere between 50 to 80 hours of effort for each exam prep. How much time you need to spend on studying will depend on your background and your learning style, but this is a good rule of thumb.

Does BHE assist with identifying a Service Organization for probationary files?

Sometimes BHE gets requests for trainees. If that is the case we can put you in touch with service organizations. We highly recommend joining the Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors (CACEA) as a 'trainee' member as soon as you can to take advantage of free and member-only events as well as potential job opportunities within the membership.

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Benefits of on-demand vs Instructor-led training?

Choose what works best for you

On-demand training

On your schedule
Private and secure
Audio versions for your smart phone

Building science challenges
Helpful study hints
Mock exam questions

Instructor-led training (ITL)

On a set schedule
Classroom activities

The following organizations offer ITL courses. You can view their course calendar and register through their websites.

The Canadian Institute for Energy Training (CIET)

Building Knowledge Canada

"I enjoyed the course in many ways and it really helped me understand the information I needed for the Foundation exam. I had pretty much zero knowledge of the requirements needed to pass the exam so I looked for a course and came across this one. They come recommended by Natural Resource Canada as a course to prep for this exam and I can see why."

- John M.

"The training was well laid out and organized. I was able to complete the courses in a reasonable time. I would certainly take courses through Blue House again!"

- Stefanie C.

"I am glad that I took the course. The content of the course was very good. The facilitator was great, from keeping record of all the questions of the attendees, to delivering all the required content, and for the prompt responses to all questions. The instructor was very knowledgeable and amazing."

- Gemayel C.

Have questions?

Book a free 30-minute Energy Advisor Kickstarter Session with Program Coordinator Carla Harder

What to expect: