The NAHB Research Center is seeking interested, qualified individuals to become National Green Building Certification accredited verifiers. As the sole certifying body, the NAHB Research Center is responsible for training and accrediting eligible individuals to verify that homes across the country meet the criteria of the national certification program. Individuals may work for larger organizations but verifiers are accredited on an individual basis.
To become an accredited verifier, an individual must first meet eligibility pre-requisites. Then the individual must attend verifier training and pass an accreditation test. Once complete, the individual must submit the verifier listing fee and other required documentation to the NAHB Research Center to become a listed, accredited verifier.
Learn more about becoming a verifier:
Verifier Tasks
Accredited verifiers perform the following key functions:
- Executing a verification agreement with the builder. This defines specific verification fees, number of meetings with the builder, number of inspections of any home presented for certification, and any expected performance tests of homes under construction.
- Confirming with the builder that the appropriate home scoring method/tool correctly shows the points claimed by the builder and that both parties understand the level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) of green building certification that is being sought by the builder.
- Checking to see if a builder candidate is in an approved green development and, if so, determine the number of pre-approved points the green development provides to the builder.
- Deciding, with the builder, whether an initial document review of the builder's supporting documentation is required before the initial (pre-drywall) site inspection. Verifiers complete such document review, if needed, and record results.
- Scheduling the first (pre-drywall) site inspection and notifying the certifying agent (the NAHB Research Center)of this scheduled date.
- Conducting the pre-drywall site inspection and documenting the results.
- Documenting any performance tests (i.e. duct leakage test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
- Scheduling the second (final) inspection and notifying the certifying agent (the NAHB Research Center) of this scheduled date.
- Including documentation of any performance tests (blower door or flow hood test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
- Conducting the final site inspection and documenting the all results (documentation review, first and final site inspections) and any verifier comments into the appropriate form for confirmation by the certifier.
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Eligibility Pre-requisites
Individuals interested in becoming a verifier must have pre-requisite training and/or experience that provides them a baseline understanding of general home building practices and specific "green" building knowledge. Specific types of experience that meet this eligibility requirement include 1 year of acceptable* professional experience in home building, and
* NAHB Research Center will determine adequate experience to meet the acceptable level.
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Accreditation Process
In order to become accredited by the NAHB Research Center, a prospective verifier must:
- Maintain an appropriate knowledge base and skill sets for the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines (and the forthcoming ANSI National Green Building Standard, once available). This is accomplished by meeting one or more of the eligibility pre-requisites.
- Complete a verifier training session by the NAHB Research Center, and pass a test on how to verify compliance based on the national program criteria.
- Pay an annual verifier accredidation/listing fee set by the NAHB Research Center ($125). A Verifier Agreement must be executed by the prospective verifier and the NAHB Research Center prior to the verifier being listed on NAHBGreen.org. Those who have completed and passed the verifier training can download an accreditation packet in Microsoft Word format. This packet details all the information you must submit to become an accredited verifier.
- Maintain appropriate records and be available for at least annual audits by the NAHB Research Center.
- Attend an annual continuing education seminar approved by the NAHB Research Center.
- Execute a participation agreement with the NAHB Research Center. (included in the accreditation packet).
- Submit proof of required insurance coverage, including general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation, and professional liability.
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Verifier Training
Eligible prospective verifiers must participate in training administered by the NAHB Research Center — either in person, via web cast, or via self-guided online materials — and pass a verifier accreditation test. The course covers the protocol for verifying that a house meets the national certification program requirements, and is intended to ensure all verifiers across the country evaluate homes in a consistent manner. This training does not include developing the "green" expertise each prospective verifier is expected to have as a pre-requisite.
You must register online for ALL verifier training sessions. Or, call the NAHB National Green Building Program Hotline at (877) NAHB-GRN for more information. Currently, the NAHB Research Center will not charge a fee for participation in any training sessions, but there is a $125 annual accreditation/listing fee for verifiers. Registration for training is open only to individuals who meet the pre-requisites. Registration must be submitted at least one week prior to any training session to allow time for confirmation of the participant's experience and qualifications by the NAHB Research Center.
Organizations interested in hosting an on-site training session should contact us via email or call the Hotline at (877) NAHB-GRN.
Upcoming Training Seminars
Upcoming half-day training sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations. Additional sessions - both online and in-person - are being scheduled on an ongoing basis as participant interest warrants; some may coincide with other regional and national trade shows, including the 2009 International Builders' Show. Check this site frequently for the latest training updates.
To register, submit the initial verifier application; available training seminar dates appear at the bottom of the form. Registration for training is open only to individuals who meet the pre-requisites. Registration must be submitted at least one week prior to any training session to allow time for confirmation of the participant's experience and qualifications by the NAHB Research Center. Also please note, submitting the application/registration form does not constitute a reserved seat in the training session selected. Applications are taken on a first come, first served basis and applicants will be notified by e-mail of their session registration status.
Available Training Dates