Professional Certification in the Commissioning Industry Mike Eardley, PE, CCP Director of Commissioning services Cannon Design
AIA Quality Assurance The Building Commissioning Association is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-aia members are available upon request. This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
Course Description A review of the present state and future direction of Commissioning Certification
Learning Objectives At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the current Cx certification landscape 2. Demonstrate why certification is important for the Cx industry 3. Identify what elements are desirable in Cx certification 4. Discuss the future of certification in this profession
Need for Certification Professional service, need minimum standards Requirements to protect the Cx and related industries Minimum requirements for Owners to use in RFQs Certification just one piece of qualifications No certification can fully ensure a capable CxA A CxA can be capable without any certification
Cx Certification Today Many different organizations represented Differing roles (manager vs. technician) New buildings and existing Varying requirements and prerequisites Varying Costs
Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP) Education Experience References Examination
CCP Education and Experience Education Four year undergraduate Four year undergraduate Two year undergraduate degree or higher in a non degree in a non building building sciences field sciences field or or Two year undergraduate High school diploma or degree in a building GED sciences field or Completed apprenticeship program in a building sciences field Employment Minimum of 3 continuous years as commissioning provider in lead role within the past 5 years Minimum of 3 continuous years as a commissioning provider in lead role within the past 5 years Minimum of 5 years of building related experience Minimum of 3 continuous years as a commissioning provider in lead role within the past 5 years Minimum of 12 years of building related experience
CCP Portfolio 3 projects 150,000 SF $30M Lead CxA Led the process from design through construction If University of Wisconsin course: o 2 projects o 100,000 SF o $15M o (other courses will be under consideration)
CCP References Reviews self-assessment of the work performed Performed required scope Met expectations Do you recommend this applicant?
CCP Examination 125 Questions Multiple Choice 2 Hours Sample Questions provided within the application materials Pre-Design 4% Design 18% Construction 53% Occupancy and Operation 13% Additional Standards 12%
CCP Benefits Verify knowledge of the process and the industry Promotes professional growth Meets the requirements of projects where specified For providers to demonstrate professional credibility Level of assurance for employers when hiring For building owners when selecting Cx providers
Building Cx Certification Board (BCCB) Volunteer board All CCPs Created in 2005 to oversee certification, now independent of BCA Reviews applications for CCP Meets monthly by conference call Currently looking for 4 additional members Focusing on areas such as: o certification recognition and awareness o possible firm certification o entry level Associate Commissioning Professional
Associate Commissioning Professional (ACP) Purpose Achieving CCP is a significant step Necessary to put Cx providers on the path to CCP before the required experience is met Solution Entry level certification based on: o currently employment in the industry o building relate education o examination
www.bcxa.org
Equivalency Letter Demonstrates that CCP requirements are consistent with the highest level of certification BCCB recommends that the CCP be considered an approved equal for CxA qualification purposes
Equivalency Letter For use by those responsible for: o Leading the Cx process o Hiring the Cx Authority Outlines requirements for the CCP o Education o Experience o References o Examination Links to California Commissioning Collaborative (CCC) summary
Commissioning Certification Summary
Takeaways Certification is currently very confusing CCP is comprehensive in terms of: o education o experience o references o examination Getting certified is a professional achievement
BCA Committees BCA National Committees (www.bcxa.org) o Building Commissioning Certification Board o Standards o Professional Development o Marketing & Outreach o Administration Get involved with your Chapter o Chapter Events o Chapter Meetings o Scholarship
Mike Eardley, PE, LEED AP, CCP Associate Vice President Director of Commissioning Services Boston, MA 617.504.2150 meardley@cannondesign.com