RESNET National Rater Test

The RESNET National Rater Test is an on-line 55 question multiple-choice test. The test is open book and raters have two hours to complete the test. The test is based on building science concepts and rating procedures. Raters receive the results from the test immediately after completing the test. The passing threshold is 40 out of 55 questions. The test must be administered by a RESNET accredited Rater Training Provider. The testing fee is $125.00.

RESNET Rater Test Categories

The RESNET National Rater Test’s questions are divided into the key categories of building science and home energy ratings. The following are the categories of the test questions and the percentage of questions in each category that are contained in the test:

General 7.7%

Health and Safety 10.0%

Building Science Topics 9.7%

Insulation 9.7%

Heating and Cooling Systems 9.7%

Domestic Water Heating Systems 7.7%

Appliances and Lighting 7.0%

Air Leakage 10.7%

Conditioned Air Distribution Systems 9.7%

Ventilation 8.7%

RESNET Rating System 9.7%

How the RESNET Rater Test Was Developed

Early in the process, every item in RESNET’s question bank was edited and reviewed by volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SME) with the guidance of a psychometric consultant. This step alone Improved the test by simply eliminating poorly worded question stems and using plausible-but-definitely-not-correct distractors.

Once the item bank was updated with new and improved questions, RESNET’s psychometric consultant created three new fixed-form exams. This is a change from the previous test methodology, in which question items were randomly assigned (weighted by category) from a database. The primary reason for moving away from this method is that with a random collection of questions, one Candidate may draw a more difficult set of questions than another. For the new test, passing scores were determined through a Pass Point Study consistent with procedures adopted in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, NCME, 1999) and with standards published by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). With training and guidance from the psychometric consultant, volunteer SMEs applied the Modified-Angoff procedure to rate the difficulty of every item in the bank by responding to the following question: “What percentage of candidates who are just barely qualified for certification will answer this item correctly?” After statistical analysis of the SME responses, the passing score of 40 was recommended by the psychometric consultant for all three test forms.

RESNET Rater Test Study Guide Outline

All of the questions in the national rater test were supported by publications and web sites. The following are source documents for the national rater test:

Handbook of Fundamentals, ASHRAE

Manual J, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)

Residential Energy, John Krigger

ACCA Standard 12

Minneapolis Duct Blaster and Blower Door Manuals, The Energy Conservatory or Retrotec Blower Door and Duct Testing Manuals

RESNET website, especially the links to:

Energy code compliance 2015 or 2018 IECC

RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards

ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301-2014

ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 380-2016

Formal Technical Interpretations

Please remember, this is a national test and may cover topics that are not addressed in detail in a particular state’s program.

Retest Policy

In the event of failure of the Rater Standard Exam, please note our policy regarding retesting below:

First failure: User will be blocked for 7 days before being able to try again.

Second failure: User will be blocked for 14 days before being able to try again.

Third failure: User will be blocked for 45 days before being able to try again.

 

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