The Value of Certification and Certificates:
A professional certification is a credential that verifies someone’s knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a specific job task. Since 1987, IGSHPA has been a recognized leader and non-profit organization providing technical training for the ground source heat pump industry. We offer various workforce development training courses, certification and 3rd party accreditation certification pathways for the ground source heat pump industry professional to enter, advance and excel.
Earning certifications and certificates is generally useful, recommended and good for your reputation. They serve as a competitive advantage, especially in the heating and air conditioning trade where this specialized renewable energy technology and knowledge is increasingly sought after by institutional, commercial and residential buildings and owners.
Today, the demand for professional certification and certificates continues to grow, becoming required as many Federal, State/Provincial, and local governments, utilities and employers require IGSHPA training certificates to demonstrate they have the required knowledge and skills as well as for eligibility to consumer programs and financial incentive. Many will view them as a sign of commitment to your profession at the very least. Studies of various trade industries also show that workers who invest in certification and certificates tend to reduce their liability risks and earn higher profits and salaries.
Training is crucial, especially in a growing industry like the ground source heat pump industry. Quality designs and installation build confidence in GSHP technology and promote best practices. By completing any of our listed training courses along with a good understanding of the new bi-national (Canada/U.S.) CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448:25 Series Design and Installation Standard for Commercial and Residential GSHP Applications each student can gain new knowledge and challenge a final exam for professional certification. See this link for course offerings and details: Training & Certification | International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
The new IGSHPA/CSA Certification Program course(s) (GCSD/GRSD/GSVI) with personal certification credentials have 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 verify /inspect (GSVI certification) in compliance with CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448:25 Series 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, running personal certification programs and outlines the methods and procedures needed to ensure the objective and unbiased assessment of a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities.
Certified individuals will be periodically re-assessed to ensure that they remain up-to-date on technical developments and industry changes.
IGSHPA certification is valid for three years. During those three years, eight (8) points for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) must be accumulated to renew the certification. The required points can be accumulated in three ways; through employment, membership or an approved organization and/or education. See this link for complete details: IGSHPA Continuing Education form | International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
The IGSHPA training courses(s) that are offered with accreditation credentials are provided by independent Third-Party accreditation organizations (e.g., such as NATE, AEE or CSA Group) have specific requirements to keep personal certification status, see them for further details and status requirements.
When you join IGSHPA, you are networked with the industry’s leading experts and authorities. Maintaining your membership will provide many benefits to you and your organization such as discounts on training courses and online store items. For further member benefit details see this link: Membership | International Ground Source Heat Pump Association