IGSHPA and CSA Group have long worked together to support the GSHP industry. This collaboration has now taken a transformative step forward with the offering of new self-paced, online modules covering key GSHP concepts, from understanding GSHP systems and their benefits to drilling, heat fusion, system controls, commissioning, and more. This modernized approach empowers professionals to learn on their schedule, fill specific knowledge gaps, and enter the workforce or augment their careers with in-demand, job-ready skills.
Each of the modules below are available for purchase and provide 90 day course access. Successful completion of a module includes a milestone badge, reflecting achievement along a learning path. These modules prepare professionals for the instructor-led courses and certification programs, as well as provide comprehensive design and installation skills.
Click on the “Purchase this Module” button in the course description to starting taking one of the courses. To view all of the courses, go to the CSA Store and view the bundle (all 9 modules), including a discount for purchasing all of the self-paced modules at once.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the training is based upon the CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448:25 Series Design and Installation Standard for Commercial and Residential GSHP Applications. It is highly recommended that you purchase the standard before starting the training. IGSHPA members can purchase a licensed PDF at a substantial discount on the IGSHPA Standards page.
Module 1: GSHP Systems – Introduction to GSHP Systems and Standards – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Gain a foundational understanding of GSHP systems, including their benefits, applications, and basic principles of operation.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Define the terminology associated with GSHP systems.
- Locate and explain the role of federal, state, provincial, and local codes and standards as they relate to the design and installation of GHX.
- Explain federal, state, provincial, and local code and standards as they relate to the building mechanical system.
- Explain the benefits associated with GSHP systems.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 2: GSHP Systems – Residential Systems Buried Pipe and Heat Fusion – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Learn the techniques and best practices for installing buried pipes and performing heat fusion.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the difference between piping and fitting materials permitted to construct a GHX and other piping materials that may be installed on a project site.
- Describe the expansion and contraction characteristics of approved GHX materials and methods to mitigate the effects of thermal expansion and contraction within the heat exchanger.
- Explain the importance of flushing buried closed-loop piping, and the impact on the system if this is not done.
- Explain header and manifold design and installation techniques that allow for ground heat exchanger isolation and leak management, including projects that incorporate vaults or valve boxes dictated by the project site.
- Identify typical errors made during construction that require correction prior to backfilling or submerging a GHX.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 3: GSHP Systems – Drilling and Grouting – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Understand the means, methods, and standard requirements for drilling and grouting in GSHP systems.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Identify different drill rigs and their application to a given project or site.
- Define terminology associated with grouting and different grout classifications.
- Locate online tools and information for various grout manufacturers to determine grout mixes, properties, and safety requirements.
- Explain the importance of grouting vertical and horizontal drilled boreholes correctly, and the impact of incorrect grouting.
- Identify proper grouting materials for the GHX design and installation.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 4: GSHP Systems – Trenching, Backfilling, and Compaction – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Understand the methods for trenching, backfilling, and compaction to help ensure the integrity and longevity of GSHP installations.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Reference and apply the guidance of CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448 Series related to trenching, backfilling, and compaction to each installation.
- Describe safety issues related to trenching.
- Locate and comply with local requirements for relevant health and safety authorities and regulatory bodies relative to trenching.
- Explain the importance of contacting locating services before digging.
- Select and install pipe location tapes, wires, or devices as required by the ground heat exchanger design.
- Explain the importance of as-built drawings, and what should be provided to the building owner.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 5: GSHP Systems – Residential Systems Flushing, Purging and Pressure Testing – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Learn the essential flushing, purging, and pressure testing steps to help maintain optimal performance and prevent issues in GSHP systems.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of flushing and purging closed-loop piping prior to connecting it to interior piping, and the impact on the system if this step is skipped.
- Determine the specifications to properly flush and purge a system.
- Explain the major steps for integrating the outside and interior piping systems at system start-up, including flushing of the interior piping system.
- Describe the GHX pressure test process and provide guidance when tests do not pass.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 6: GSHP Systems – Residential Systems Equipment and Equipment Rating Standards – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Explore the various equipment used in GSHP systems and understand the equipment rating standards.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the basic operation of a GSHP and how its performance varies from traditional HVAC equipment.
- Explain why manufacturers’ performance data needs to be adjusted when calculating system efficiency.
- Differentiate between the testing conditions specified in ANSI/AHRI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-1 and ANSI/AHRI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2 for water loop heat pumps, groundwater heat pumps, and ground loop heat pumps.
- Locate the GSHP manufacturer’s equipment performance information and either select or verify that the scheduled equipment is correct for the ground heat exchanger design temperature range and flow rates (air and/or water, as applicable).
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 7: GSHP Systems – Water Quality – core**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Discover the importance of water quality in GSHP systems and learn how to monitor and maintain it.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1 hour (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how water quality affects GSHP system performance, reliability, and lifespan, and the risks associated with poor-quality water.
- Apply best practices in material and piping system component selection, system preparation, and construction to minimize contamination and maintain water quality throughout the GSHP system lifecycle.
- Review water quality reports and compare them to manufacturer and regulatory requirements to determine whether treatment or alternative water sources are needed.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This module is part of the 7 core modules that are prerequisites for the instructor-led commercial design workshop. Attendees should review the self-assessment checklist to determine which modules should be taken in advance of the instructor-led workshop.
Module 8: Construction: Inspection, Start-up, Test, Adjust, Balance, and Commissioning – Further Learning**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Gain insights into the basic controls and sequence of operation for GSHP systems.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Verify that proper materials and processes are used for the GHX design and installation.
- Identify the points of inspection for all pipe, grout, and U-bend assemblies during construction of a GHX.
- Explain how the installer’s technician and/or commissioning agent is to start-up and confirm the mechanical equipment operation and performance utilizing the appropriate documentation.
- Verify that the installation is operating according to the sequence of operation specified by the design.
- Review the GSHP system start-up sheet or test, adjust, and balance (TAB) report to confirm that ground loop pump(s), GSHP units and related accessories are operating according to the designer’s specification and manufacturer’s performance data catalog values.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This self-paced online course is designed to further prepare you for the optional professional certification exam.
Module 9: Residential Systems Integration and Lessons Learned – Further Learning**
Receive an IGSHPA Milestone badge for each successful module completion.
Learn the critical steps for inspecting, starting up, and testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) GSHP systems.
Click for more details …
This course is part of the following program:
GSHP Residential System Design Program
Target Audience:
- Professional Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Engineering Technologists
- Contractors – General/Mechanical/HVAC
- Civil/Geological Engineers
- Utilities/Government Employees
Course Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours (90 days course access)
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of current, clear, and concise designs customized for each unique project.
- Recognize typical errors made during construction that require correction prior to commissioning a GSHP system.
- Verify that the installation is operating according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Verify that the installation follows CSA/ANSI/ISGHPA C448.1:25, Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for residential and other small buildings.
This button links to the CSA Group store.
*IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.
**This self-paced online course is designed to further prepare you for the optional professional certification exam.