IGSHPA has partnered with CSA Group on new accredited training and certification programs. The two organizations have long worked together to support the GSHP industry. CSA and IGSHPA developed courses comprise over 20 choices to empower professions to become experts in the technology!

Free Geo 101 | Design Professionals | Inspectors/Project Managers | Installers | Service Techs | Developers/Government/Utilities | Certifications/Certificates | Legacy Training/Certification | Training Calendar | FAQs

Training is crucial, especially in a growing industry like the ground source heat pump industry. Quality designs and installation build confidence in the technology and promote best practices. Starting in 2023, IGSHPA began developing a plan for updating its entire training curriculum and certification program to modernize the approach to training with courses that are geared towards industry growth. As the industry grows, it becomes more specialized, which requires courses to be job specific, more accessible, and in smaller “bites”. The training courses and certification/certificate programs are being finalized and will be available by the end of 2025/early 2026. Some of the courses and certifications are available now. Scroll down for more information or click on the links above to go directly to the program.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. All of the new 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.
2. IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.

Design Professionals

*GCSD = GSHP Commercial System Designer; GRSD = GSHP Residential System Designer

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. All of the new 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.
2. The Commercial Design Workshop is based upon the C448 standard and the ASHRAE Design Manual (“The Blue Book”). It is highly recommended that commercial designers have the ASHRAE manual in addition to the C448 standard. To purchase the ASHRAE manual go to the ASHRAE Bookstore.
3. The commercial brochure is available here.
4. IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.

Inspectors, Code Officials, Project Managers

GSHP System Verification and Inspection

The online System Verification and Inspection self-paced training course provides a comprehensive program, designed specifically for individuals involved in GSHP system inspection and verification. Once the GSHP system is designed, the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate, interpret, and verify compliance with ANSI/ CSA/IGSHPA C448:25 Series Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for commercial and residential buildings is an importance part of the process to ensure that the construction materials conform to the construction documents (pipe material, pipe length, grout material, etc.). Determining that ground heat exchanger pressure testing and flushing meets the requirements in the specifications is another area important to a successful installation.   

*GSVI = GSHP System Verification & Inspection

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. All of the new 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.
2. IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.

GSHP System Installers

*GRIT = GSHP Residential Installation Technician; GHXI = Ground Heat Exchanger Installer

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. All of the new 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.
2. IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.

Service Technicians

Learning to service GSHP systems will keep you competitive in the HVAC market, where consumers and utilities are focusing on high efficiency electric technologies. The Residential Service Technician course is one of the first three modules developed by IGSHPA that are part of the “modularization” process of breaking down the Accredited Installer (legacy) 3-day course into modules that are specific to job functions, which will be important as the industry grows.

*GRST = GSHP Residential Service Technician

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Additional free “tech tips” troubleshooting videos are available to IGSHPA members in the “Member Resources” section of the Member Portal.
2. All of the new 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.
3. IGSHPA members are eligible for a 25% discount coupon. Check out membership options at the IGSHPA membership page.

Developers/Government/Utilities

Selecting a Ground Source Heat Pump Team is an IGSHPA course designed as a guide for architects, engineers/designers, building owners, client representative, developers, project managers and general contractors. This 5 hour comprehensive workshop will provide the necessary steps for a successful team and answer any questions based upon the instructors’ experience in the industry. Attendees should be familiar with basic HVAC terminology in order to obtain an understanding of the material presented. The course objectives include best practices in project bidding, planning and execution, understanding the importance of selecting qualified construction team members for ensuring the technical and financial success for Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) projects, identifying the key roles and responsibilities in the GSHP system installation, and developing concise project documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the new 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.

Certifications/Certificates

CSA Certification Program

IGSHPA has worked closely with CSA Group to create a robust bi-national (Canada/U.S.) certification program that can enhance your reputation in the industry as you demonstrate your commitment to promoting industry standards and best practices. By earning your professional certification, you are confirming you have the specialized skills and knowledge required for ground source heat pump systems.

The personnel certification program has been developed by CSA Group in conjunction with the industry to provide assurance that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design (GCSD or GRSD certification) or verfify/inpect (GSVI certification) a GSHP system in compliance with ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Series 25 Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for commercial and residential buildings.

The development of this certification is guided by the ISO/EC 17024 standard, which is the global benchmark for organizations operating personnel certification programs and outlines the methods and procedures required to ensure the objective and unbiased assessment of a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Passing the examination will indicate that the candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities necessary to perform the tasks outlined in each of the certification programs.

Certified individuals will be periodically re-assessed to ensure they remain up-to-date on technical developments and industry changes.

*GCSD = GSHP Commercial System Designer; GRSD = GSHP Residential System Designer; GSVI = GSHP System Verification & Inspection

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of the exam questions test knowledge of 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 and become familiar with it before attempting the certification exam. IGSHPA members can purchase a licensed PDF at a substantial discount on the IGSHPA Standards page.

IGSHPA Certificate Program

IGSHPA Certificates are an important part of skills assessment in conjunction with the CSA certification program. Certificates are earned upon successful completion of the exam for the Residential Installation Technician, Residential Service Technician, or Residential/Light Commercial Ground Heat Exchanger Installer courses. Certificates provide credentials for utility or state/provincial incentive programs to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the topics covered by these courses. Certificates must be renewed every three (3) years, including submission of CEUs to maintain the certificate. To learn more about IGSHPA Certificate programs, click on the links above to go to the course page for details on the benefits and requirements. Also consider reviewing the importance of IGSHPA certification and credentials for GSHP contractors in this document.

Legacy Training/Certification Programs

IGSHPA’s long history in the GSHP industry includes courses developed in the late 1980s, based upon the very first GSHP textbook in the industry, Closed-Loop/Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems Installation Guide. Over time, as the industry has changed, new courses and certification programs were developed to provide members with the latest updates and ensure that designers and installers were using the most up-to-date standards. Four IGSHPA “legacy” courses are in the process of being sunset, the Accredited Installer (AI), Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD), Certified Geothermal Inspector (CGI), and Certified Residential Designer (CRD), to make way for the exciting new courses that have been developed by the IGSHPA training committee and new accredited curriculum developed with CSA Group.

To learn more about the legacy courses, click on the button below or go to our FAQs.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Some utility and state/provincial programs/incentives require AI and/or CGD certification as part of the qualifications for the program. IGSHPA is working with these organizations to help transition to the new training programs. The new Commercial Design Workshop is a direct replacement for CGD. However, there are four courses that replace the AI course. To help with the transition, IGSHPA will continue to offer the AI course until programs have transitioned to the new curriculum and certification/certificate programs. At this time, any legacy courses must be scheduled on a case-by-case basis and will not be held unless a utility or state/provincial program requires the course. Eventually, all legacy courses will be sunset.
2. IGSHPA appreciates its members dedication to the GSHP industry and recognizes that there are thousands of certified individuals who have spent the time and resources to achieve certification and certificates. The IGSHPA certifications/certificates, NATE certification, and AEE certification may be maintained indefinitely, as long as they continue to be renewed (including required CEUs) and they are not allowed to lapse, effective, January 1, 2026. There are paths to the new certifications/certificates if desired, but updating to the new program is not required. For more details, see the notes at the Comparison of Legacy to New Curriculum page. There is also a white paper on the legacy training and how the new curriculum / certification program compares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Accredited Installer course being sunset?

The IGSHPA Accredited Installer course has served the industry well and has been one of the most popular GSHP training programs in the industry, training over 7,000 individuals since the late 1990s. When the course was created over 35 years ago, the industry was in its infancy, and there was a need for an all-encompassing, start-to-finish training program to educate stakeholders on proper design and installation of GSHP systems. As the industry has grown, there has been an opportunity for individuals to specialize, which requires a more modular approach to training and credentialing. IGSHPA’s new curriculum includes modules, in essence “building blocks”, geared towards the job description, not a “one size fits all”. For more information on the transition from the Accredited Installer training to the new modular training, compare the old to the new at this page. There is also a white paper on the legacy training and how the new curriculum / certification program compares.

What about states/provinces that require Accredited Installer for incentives?

IGSHPA is working on a transition from Accredited Installer to the new courses / certifications / certificates. Even though the Accredited Installer course has been sunset, it will still be available on a case-by-case basis until all incentive programs have a path forward to the new programs. We expect most states provinces to require the new GRSD (GSHP Residential System Designer) training / certification in place of the Accredited Installer with recommendations for others in the company to take the Residential Installation Technician, Residential Service Technician, and Residential / Light Commercial GHX (Ground Heat Exchanger) Installer courses, based upon their job functions. Recommendations for program changes are addressed in a white paper.

Why is the CGD (Certified GeoExchange Designer) course being sunset?

Like the Accredited Installer course, CGD has served the industry well but was developed over 20 years ago and the industry has changed significantly, especially with regard to design and installation standards. The new course is based upon the 2025 edition of the CSA / ANSI / IGSHPA C448 Design and Installation standard, which has significant changes, reflecting the latest industry practices. In addition, the design process follows the ASHRAE Design Book by Kavanaugh and Rafferty (“Blue Book”) and the process is significantly different with a combination of self-paced courses and a two-day instructor-led course, providing a path for both experienced and new GSHP designers. Check out the process for the new commercial program.

What about states/provinces that require CGD (Certified GeoExchange Designer) for incentives?

IGSHPA is working on a transition from CGD to the new GSHP Commercial System Designer training / certification. Fortunately, the GCSD (GSHP Commercial System Designer) certification is a direct replacement for the CGD certification. So, there should be very little transition for commercial incentives. Recommendations for program changes are addressed in a white paper.

What about CRD (Certified Residential Designer) and CGI (Certified Geothermal Inspector)?

Like CGD, there are direct replacements for these two courses. The new GRSD (GSHP Residential System Designer) training / certification replaces CRD, and the new GSVI (GSHP System Verification & Inspection) online training / certification replaces CGI. Check out the process for the new residential design program.

How does the cost compare, new vs. old?

Some of the new courses are less than the old courses; some are more. However, the content is drastically different, and since the courses are based upon the job description, not a broad audience, individuals will be able to choose the courses that are right for them. IGSHPA has a training catalog, which includes pricing. Note that the training catalog is IGSHPA member pricing, which is a 25% discount. Non member pricing does not include the discount (divide the price by 0.75 for non member pricing). Also consider reviewing the importance of IGSHPA certification and credentials for GSHP contractors in this document.

Is certification included with the courses?

No. For the CSA/IGSHPA accredited courses, the exam is optional. Some individuals will simply take the courses for the learning opportunity. If certification is desired, successful completion of the exam is required. A certificate is available for the IGSHPA developed courses upon successful completion of the exam. Like the certification exam, it is optional if the learning opportunity was the objective for taking the course.

Why did IGSHPA partner with CSA Group?

IGSHPA and CSA Group have a long history of working together to support the GSHP industry, including the bi-national (Canada-U.S.) CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448:25 Design and Installation Standard. When the most recent standard was published in May 2025, IGSHPA sunset its 2017 Design and Installation Standards to promote industry consistency and to support a standard that was developed by committee of over 70 subject matter experts through an international SDO (Standards Development Organization), CSA Group. So, it was a natural to partner with CSA to ensure that the training and the standard provide consistent guidance. CSA Group has developed ANSI and CSA accredited training for decades for the gas industry, for electrical codes, and other industries. An accredited training program is important to a growing industry to show credibility and to ensure that the content is consistent with the goals of the program. CSA Group is an accredited body (similar to ANSI, ASHRAE, etc.). Likewise, certification to ISO standard 17024 requires an organization that can provide the requirements needed to meet the standard and ensure that the certification has the ability to objectively evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the task or job. Not all programs need certification and IGSHPA has certificate programs available as well. However, certification provides “peace of mind” for utilities, states/provinces, and other agencies needing assurance that individuals meet the requirements of their programs, incentives, or quality standards. CSA Group is an excellent partner for IGSHPA as the GSHP industry grows and workforce development/skilled individuals play an even more important role.

What if I’m certified under a legacy program (Accredited Installer, Certified GeoExchange Designer, Certified Residential Designer, Certified Geothermal Inspector)? 

As long as you stay current (submit CEUs and pay your recertification fees), you can continue to maintain your legacy certifications as long as you wish. However, if they lapse, they cannot be reinstated, since the program no longer exists. Current certified individuals may upgrade their certifications to the new program by simply taking the exam. Plus, existing certified individuals get a 25% discount on the exam cost if they are a business or individual member. Review the flow chart and white paper that show how the new courses and certifications compare. Then contact IGSHPA if you would like the discount coupon for the exam. Discounts are available for the following upgrades:

• Accredited Installer (AI): May upgrade to Certified GRSD (GSHP Residential System Designer) by taking the GRSD exam (CSA Store link) and/or taking the exam for the Residential/Light Commercial GHX (Ground Heat Exchanger) Installer certificate (link coming soon)
• Certified Residential Designer (CRD): May upgrade to Certified GRSD (GSHP Residential System Designer) by taking the GRSD exam (CSA Store link).
• Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD): May upgrade to Certified GCSD (GSHP Commercial System Designer) by taking the GCSD exam (CSA Store link).
• Certified Geothermal Inspector (CGI): May upgrade to Certified GSVI (GSHP System Verification and Inspection) by taking the GSVI exam (CSA Store Link).

NOTE: All of the new 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 or taking the above mentioned exams. Although the exam is open book (i.e., the standard is available online during the exam), familiarity with the standard will be very helpful in passing the exam. IGSHPA members can purchase a licensed PDF at a substantial discount on the IGSHPA Standards page.

Should I take the new training if I have already taken the legacy training?

The industry has changed significantly over the past ten years with new piping materials, new heat transfer fluids (antifreezes), the 2025 edition of the bi-national (U.S.-Canada) C448:25 Design and Installation Standard, new applications, etc. So, even though the legacy training basics are still valid, the new training includes all of the most recent industry advances.

More questions? Contact us.

Design Professionals | Inspectors/Project Managers | Installers | Service Techs | Developers/Government/Utilities | Certifications/Certificates | Legacy Training/Certification | Training Calendar | FAQs