BPI certification

Getting a BPI certification as a building analyst involves understanding and being able to apply a full range of knowledge. One of the first things a building analyst must understand is the concept of building science. Building science is a growing technical area that looks at analyzing and controlling a variety of physical occurrences that affect buildings of all sorts and sizes. Some of these physical phenomenons include weather, building materials, human physiology, subterranean issues, energy consumption, and environmental controls. Building science involves all aspects of new building construction as well as retrofitting existing ones.

A building analyst must also understand all of the systems that go into any building. This includes areas such as insulation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundations, and fire suppression systems. The analyst learns how each system can affect a building and how it performs when it comes to energy efficiency, health, and safety. Whether through practical experience or specialized training, building analysts that hold a BPI certification have an advanced understanding of how systems affect all aspects of existing buildings. The analyst takes this knowledge and learns how to take measurements on how well a building is performing. Analysts learn how to use various pieces of technical equipment.

Analysts learn how to take the measurements collected and apply them in making a full assessment of how a building is performing. Being able to perform a thorough analysis of building systems allow the building analyst to complete a whole house project.

In addition to understanding how a building works, how to take measurements, and how to analyze the data, building analysts also need to understand the BPI standards as well as how to apply project specifications. They also need knowledge of professional conduct, ethics, and communication. All of this comes together for those that want BPI certification as a building analyst.

Those seeking this certification will take both a written as well as the field exam that assesses all of these areas of knowledge. The applicant must pass both exams with 70% or above. Becoming a building analyst is the first step that many take to getting BPI certification. There are other designations available. No one needs the building analyst designation in order to take tests for other designations. However, the building analyst designation opens up the door to the small home certification model. Many professionals go on to become specialists in building envelope or mechanical systems.