The PV System Inspector (PVSI) Board Certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of inspecting residential and commercial photovoltaic systems. This Board Certification is for those who are highly knowledgeable of PV systems, applicable codes and ordinances, and assessing the safety and operation of PV systems.
There are no specific pre-requisites to taking a NABCEP PV System Inspector Exam. That means no specific education requirements or work experience requirements to sit for the exam. It is not easy, so you do have to study and we recommend the 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training as the best way to prepare for the exam, which includes practice tests spcifically for the PVSI exam.
The PVSI Exam is intended to test the knowledge of someone who is familiar with PV systems. Knowledge of applicable codes and ordinances is presumed. Applicants should know how to assess the safety and operation of a system, be able to verify code compliance via interpretation of design plans and building documents, conduct on-site inspections, and report results.
See NABCEP Handbook for Additional Requirements
NABCEP System Inspectors must document at least 8 contact hours of continuing education related to the National Electric Code (NEC) over the course of their 3-year certification cycle.
See NABCEP Handbook for Additional Requirements
| NABCEP Approved Course | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 30-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 20-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Systems and the 2017 NEC | 0 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Photovoltaics and the 2020 NEC for NABCEP Credit | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NEC 2017 & 2020 Solar + Storage Requirements | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Solar Building Codes, Fire Codes, Electric Vehicles, Rapid Shutdown and Energy Storage Systems | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
These NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours are approved for the NABCEP PV System Inspector Certification.