Frequently Asked Questions
HPBOP is an acronym for High Performance Building Operations Professional. The HPBOP certification acknowledges the professional status for building technicians and confirms the necessity of building technician work. Although the credential is primarily intended for building engineers, operators, and technicians, others such as professional engineers and facility managers are welcome to apply.
HPBOP Certification requires that an applicant meet education and work experience eligibility requirements and successfully complete the program’s examination. Membership in HPBOP is not a prerequisite to participate in the program.
Check Eligibility
Check Eligibility
To participate in the HPBOP Certification program, a candidate must complete and submit an application. The applicant will be notified by email either of acceptance/approval of the application or of denial and the reason thereof.
Note: Candidates must schedule and take the examination within 90 days of approval.
There is an application fee of $250 at the time you sign up for the exam. There will be no additional fee for taking the exam. Fees for retaking the exam will be $150. If an applicant is determined to be ineligible for the exam and certification, the application fee will be refunded.
Candidates will have up to 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete the online, proctored, and timed exam. In addition, candidates should plan for an additional 10-15 minutes to complete the portal entry and exam startup procedure. Candidates requesting special accommodation will receive an additional 30 minutes to complete the exam.
To maintain your certification, you must a) complete 45 credits for approved activities and b) pay the $150 renewal fee once every 3 years. You will use a recertification form/spreadsheet to self-record your activities; see an example here at Sample Re-Certification Tracking Form
To start the process, log in to your account and navigate to the Recertification page where you can then download the editable recertification tracking form. On the first page, you will see a list of the 11 types of approved activities. Please have all of your renewal materials ready to submit within 30 days of your 3-year anniversary date.
To start the process, log in to your account and navigate to the Recertification page where you can then download the editable recertification tracking form. On the first page, you will see a list of the 11 types of approved activities. Please have all of your renewal materials ready to submit within 30 days of your 3-year anniversary date.
The HPBOP Certification attests to the knowledge and skills of the holder. It verifies that the certification holder is proficient in the operation and maintenance of a high performance building.
Hiring HPBOP certified professionals ensures that your buildings will be operating to high standards. With your support, your HPBOP professional will be able to ensure that your building is operating efficiently and with full attention to occupant comfort and safety.
By hiring and promoting HPBOP certified technicians you can be confident that your front line employees will be able to maintain and operate a healthy, efficient and safe facility.
NAHBO stands for the National Alliance for High-performance Building Operations, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which owns and manages the HPBOP Certification program. If you wish to make a monetary or in-kind donation, your contributions will be received by NAHBO and are tax deductible.