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ENERGUIDE RATING S YS TEM (ERS ) V.15S UP P LEMENTARY S TUDY GUIDEEnergy Advisor ExamSupplementary Study GuideMarch 2018
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamAc kn o wle d g m e n ts a n d Dis c la im e rThis document was prepared with financial support from Ontario’s Independent Electricity SystemOperator (IESO).Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) assisted CIET and Knowenergy in this project by providing publiclyavailable information on the EnerGuide Rating System program. However, NRCan assistance does notimply endorsement of this product.The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) kindly agreed to share figures from its CanadianHome Builder’s Manual.Ref. No. 8339ii
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamIn tro d u c tio nEnergy advisors use the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) to assess the energy performance andsavings potential of homes at the design, construction and renovation stages. As part of their duties,energy advisors are required to provide helpful advice to homeowners and builders who want to improvehome energy efficiency. Qualified energy advisors must have the necessary knowledge and experiencein the following areas:› The EnerGuide Rating System;› Residential construction practices for low-rise housing, including multi-unit residential buildings(MURBs);› Energy efficiency renovation practices;› Building science;› Basic mathematics, geometry and computer skills;› Data-collection requirements;› Energy simulation modelling using HOT2000;› Good client relations.To register as an energy advisor under ERS V.15, candidates must meet the following criteria: 11Pass the Foundation Level Exam;2Pass the EnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam;3Be affiliated with at least one licensed service organization;4Be registered with Natural Resources Canada by:- Passing the Foundation Level Exam and the Energy Advisor Exam;- Completing the probationary files to the satisfaction of the service organization’s qualityassurance specialist;- Providing proof of a Criminal Record Check to the service organization manager.To register to deliver EnerGuide Rating System services for MURBs, the energy advisor must:1Meet all of the energy advisor requirements listed above;2Pass the Multi-Unit Residential Building Exam;3Complete the probationary files for multi-unit residential buildings to the satisfaction of the serviceorganization’s quality assurance specialist.1Natural Resources Canada. (2017). “Registration Process for an Energy Advisor: Administrative Procedures” (Version 15.4,pp. 18-20). Canada.Ref. No. 83393
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamThe service organization is responsible for vetting and ensuring the competency of its energy advisors.NRCan recommends a set of basic probationary files. However, if deemed necessary by the serviceorganization, the candidate energy advisor may be required to complete additional files.NRCan has developed a complete competency profile (please follow this link 2) consisting of a numberof learning objectives to guide candidates in preparation for the exam. The contents herein are intendedas a supplementary study guide to help candidates assess whether they are ready to pass theEnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam (required for energy advisors and qualityassurance specialists); however, it should not be used as a stand-alone resource to prepare for theexam. Candidates should use this supplementary guide once they believe they are sufficiently preparedto pass the exam. In addition to using this guide, candidates are encouraged to read the latest versionof the references listed herein and consult the NRCan EnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy AdvisorExam Competency Profile available on its website 3.This study guide focuses on the Energy Advisor Exam process and directs candidates to the appropriatedocuments needed to prepare for the exam. It also provides practice questions to help candidatesunderstand the types of questions included in the y/efficiency/housing/new-homes/16631.Ref. No. 83394
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor Exam1Th e En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m V.15 – En e rg y Ad vis o r Exa mThe EnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam is designed to evaluate candidates’knowledge of home energy performance assessments and descriptions. The three-hour exam consistsof 150 questions. There are four categories and 27 competencies or subcategories, with a total of 220learning objectives. The four categories are as follows:1The EnerGuide Rating System;2 HOT2000 Modelling Version 11;3 Administration and Delivery of the EnerGuide Rating System Version 15;4 Quality Assurance of the EnerGuide Rating System Version 15 – General.1.1Typical PitfallsOne of the most common mistakes made by candidates when preparing for the EnerGuide RatingSystem V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam, especially those who have already delivered an ERS energyrating under previous versions, is assuming that they have already gained all the fundamentalknowledge needed to successfully pass the new exam. Energy advisors who deliver the 0-100 ERS arewarned that there are significant changes between V.10 and V.15 (see list below). As such, allcandidates are encouraged to carefully prepare for the exam. Lack of preparation is the main cause offailure.Candidates need to master the knowledge required to provide all of the following services:› Basic Service;› Renovation Upgrade Service;› Construction Blower Door Service;› Construction Upgrade Service for New Homes.What follows is a list of the major changes to the ERS standard compared to the former version:› A revised scale that uses actual energy units and provides ratings of homes in gigajoules per year;› An expanded rating scope to account for space cooling;› The EnerGuide Rating now indicates on-site renewable energy contributions;› Updated standard operating conditions;› Provisions for adjusting electrical base loads and hot water loads for zero-rated homes;› Minimized built-in policy-based adjustments to the EnerGuide rating, such as house size or energysource;› Several service delivery types are defined.Ref. No. 83395
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamHow to P re p are fo r th e En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m V.15 – En e rg y Ad vis o r Exa mAs a first step, candidates should read the Candidate Handbook that contains information on:› The exam development process;› How to prepare for the exam;› How to register for and pay fees to take the exam;› The exam day procedure;› The Candidate Statement of Understanding.The scope of knowledge required to become a certified energy advisor is wide and covers mostelements that influence home energy performance. For this reason, NRCan provides a list ofcompetency profiles outlining the learning objectives [File Exchange/EnerGuide Rating System V.15 –Energy Advisor Exam Competency Profiles] 4 required to study for ERS V.15. These profiles providecandidates with the suggested references for each learning objective.All learning objectives in these competency profiles are important, although some require particularattention. To help candidates better prepare, NRCan has identified the most challenging 110 learningobjectives which are found in the various competency profiles categories. We suggest that candidatespay special attention when studying these (File Exchange/Support Doc V.15 exam EAs)4To help candidates become familiar with exam content, the exam website 5 provides a tutorial andsample quiz that candidates can take after registering at https://nrcan.ysasecure.com/. The 15-minutesample quiz includes 15 multiple choice questions similar to the ones that are asked in the FoundationLevel Exam and the three EnerGuide Rating System Exams (i.e. ERS V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam,ERS V.15 – Quality Assurance Specialist Exam and Service Organization Manager Exam).Tip s1 Study the documents referenced in the reference section below;2 Read this study guide;3 Take the tutorial quiz and the sample quiz well in advance of the exam;4 Make sure to arrive at the exam venue 30 minutes in advance to get ready;5 To make the best use of the time allowed, bookmark those questions you are uncertain about.When facing uncertainty, candidates should use this bookmark feature and move on to otherquestions since the uncertain questions might become clearer as they progress through the exam.Candidates may later return to these tougher questions;6 Most importantly, prepare well and get ready!45https://fileexchange.nrcan.gc.ca/. Username oee sh user Password 23welcomeU.https://nrcan.ysasecure.com/.Ref. No. 83396
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor Exam1.2WarningsTo become a qualified and effective energy advisor, candidates must achieve all the learning objectives,not only the most challenging. This guide is not designed to reduce the amount of preparation bycandidates; rather, it is designed to raise awareness and enhance understanding about the most difficultsections of the exam.Compared with the previous versions (i.e. 1-100 ERS), the new ERS V.15 contains several changes.To maximize their chances of passing the EnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam,candidates should carefully study the latest versions of relevant documentation.Remember: Being a 0-100 ERS Energy Advisor does not mean that you can easily pass theEnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam!1.3Comments and Error etcanada.com.Ref. No. 8339foundintheguideorsubmitcommentsto7
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor Exam2Re fe re n c e sWhat follows is a list of the essential references to be studied in preparation for theEnerGuide Rating System V.15 – Energy Advisor Exam:1 Energy Advisor Exam Competency Profiles;2 EnerGuide Rating System Standard Version 15;3 EnerGuide Rating System Technical Procedures Version 15;4 EnerGuide Rating System HOT2000 User Guide Version 15;5 EnerGuide Rating System Administrative Procedures Version 15;6 EnerGuide Rating System Quality Assurance Procedures Version 15;7 EnerGuide Rating System Electronic File Submission User Guide Version 15.To obtain the most up-to-date versions of the above documents, candidates should visit theFile Exchange4 or contact NRCan. To obtain the login information, please contact NRCan [email protected]. No. 83398
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamP ra c tic e Qu e s tio n sThis section provides practice questions to help candidates understand the types of questions asked inthe Energy Advisor Exam. These questions are not drawn from the exam question deck. They are theauthor’s interpretation of the questions that candidates may encounter and, as such, may differ fromactual questions in both format and content.1 Identify the types of systems that can be modelled in the heat/DHW combination screen.A) Propane, gas and oil, and storage tank water heater combo systems (condensing or noncondensing);B) Gas and tankless water heater combo systems without a secondary storage tank (condensingor non-condensing);C) Propane and tankless water heater combo systems with a secondary storage tank (condensingor non-condensing);D) Combo systems using an oil boiler.2 How should the Energy Advisor prepare the HOT2000 file for submission to the serviceorganization?A) The energy advisor models the house in HOT2000, saves the calculations as an “h2k” file andsubmits the house evaluation file to the energy service organization;B) The energy advisor models the house in HOT2000, saves the calculations as an “hse” file andsubmits the house evaluation file to the energy service organization;C) The energy advisor models the house in HOT2000 and saves the calculations as an XML file.The homeowner submits the house evaluation file to the energy service organization;D) The energy advisor models the house in HOT2000 and saves the calculations as a TXT file.The homeowner converts the house evaluation file into a Homeowner Information Sheet usingthe Report Generator and submits it to the energy service organization.3An energy advisor must be affiliated with a licensed service organization and registered withNatural Resources Canada prior to offering EnerGuide Rating System services. Among thefollowing, which is not relevant to the registration requirements for energy advisor candidates?A) Demonstrate proficiency by passing the Foundation Level Exam and Energy Advisor Exam;B) Provide proof of possession of a home warranty number or its provincial/territorial equivalentto the service organization(s);C) Complete probationary files to the satisfaction of the service organization’s quality assurancespecialist;D) Provide proof of a Criminal Record Check to the service organization’s manager.4 In case of solid-fuel burning equipment, the energy advisor should collect the following information:A) Equipment manufacturer and model, whether the damper is open or closed;B) Equipment type, flue diameter, whether the damper is open or closed;C) Equipment type, flue diameter, and the temperature of exhaust gas;Ref. No. 83399
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamD) Equipment type, flue diameter, the temperature of exhaust gas, and the radiation loss level.5What does rated annual energy consumption represent?A) The sum of space heating, space cooling, domestic water heating, distribution of ventilationair (electrical energy consumption only), and electrical base loads;B) The distribution of ventilation air (electrical energy consumption only) and electrical baseloads;C) The sum of space heating, space cooling, and domestic water heating;D) None of the above.6Baseboards, furnaces, boilers and solid-fuel burning appliances may serve as supplementarysystems. When this is the case, which data are required to be collected?A) The equipment type, energy source, presence of a pilot, and pilot light energy consumptionif available;B) Equipment type, flue diameter, whether the damper is open or closed, and the number ofidentically-sized openings (for whole-building MURBs);C) The equipment type, flue diameter, and the temperature of exhaust gas;D) Data are not required for this case.7Skylights, windows within doors, and patio doors should be modelled:A)B)C)D)In the wizard;In the main interface upon exiting the wizard;Both in the wizard and in the main interface upon exiting the wizard;None of the above.8 When modelling a radiant heating system, the modelling requirement(s) to be entered in theradiant heating screen is/are:A)B)C)D)9Manufacturer, model, and heating capacity;The effective temperature and percentage of the radiant heated area;The energy factor of radiant heating;The heating capacity and the energy factor of radiant heating.The air exchange rate per hour at a forced air pressure difference of 50 Pa is calculated by blowerdoor software based on the airtightness test results using a formula where:A)B)C)D)Q CΔP;Q CΔPn;Q mΔPc;Q nΔPc.10 If a motorized vent damper is not an option listed in the Equipment Type drop-down menu (e.g.for an oil furnace with flame retention head or gas furnace with continuous pilot), how should theuser modify the HOT2000 default Flue Diameter value?A) Decrease by 25 mm (1 in);B) Increase by 25 mm (1 in);C) Increase by 52 mm (2 in);Ref. No. 833910
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamD) Do not modify the default value.11 When modelling a heat pump as a ground source heat pump (GSHP), which of the following kindsof information is not required in HOT2000?A) The Unit Function by specifying whether the heat pump is used for heating only or bothheating and cooling;B) The Central Equipment Type by selecting the equipment type as a central split system,central single package system, or mini-split ductless;C) The Heating/Cooling Efficiency;D) The Temperature Cut-off Type.12 The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) sets out thegeneral rules governing how private-sector organizations collect, use, or disclose personalinformation in the course of commercial activities across Canada. Among the followingstatements, which is true?A) It also applies to organizations that are not engaged in commercial activity;B) It also applies to personal information of employees of federally regulated works,undertakings, or businesses (e.g. banks, airlines, and telecommunications companies);C) It also applies to organizations that operate entirely within a province with legislation deemedsubstantially similar to the PIPEDA if personal information does not cross provincial ornational borders;D) It does not apply to organizations that operate entirely within a province with legislationdeemed substantially similar to the PIPEDA if personal information crosses provincial ornational borders.13 For zero-rated homes, the data-collection requirement(s) for dryers are:A) Annual energy consumption as displayed on the EnerGuide label;B) Manufacturer name and model number;C) Manufacturer name, model number and annual energy consumption as displayed on theEnerGuide label;D) None of the above.14 How and why should an Energy Advisor create geometry sketches and building plans?A) Geometry sketches and building plans are not mandatory and the Energy Advisor canproceed with the EnerGuide Rating System procedure without them;B) Geometry sketches and building plans must be clear, complete and sufficiently detailed inorder for a third party to recreate the house geometry calculations;C) Geometry sketches and building plans must be drawn by a third-party specialist to documentthe house shape for NRCan;D) Geometry sketches and building plans do not need to be extremely detailed because theirmain purpose is to provide a general idea to a third party about the house geometry.15 How should a skylight shaft wall be modelled in HOT2000 when it is located in a roof assemblywhose depth is filled with insulation?A) Wall regardless of its slope;Ref. No. 833911
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamB) Glass block configuration;C) Window regardless of its slope;D) Can be ignored.16 If the efficiency of a heat pump or air-conditioning unit is unknown, what further data should beexclusively collected?A)B)C)D)Unit function;Manufacturer and model number;Whether or not the basement is cooled;Model numbers of both the condenser and evaporator coils of ASHPs and central airconditioners.17 Under which condition should the temperature of cut-off type heat pumps be considered asRestricted?A) If the air-source heat pump shuts down when it is not able to meet the full space heatingload;B) If the air source heat pump shuts off at a user-defined temperature;C) If interior temperature reaches 72 F (22 C);D) If the house mechanical system is equipped with a balanced heat recovery ventilator.18 The ERS official marks should never be used in the following manner:A) To suggest that NRCan or any other government body endorses a particular organization,company, or product;B) To associate the ERS official mark or graphic identifier with products or services not withinthe scope of the NRCan EnerGuide Rating System;C) To disparage the Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada or any othergovernment body;D) All of the above.19 To take the ERS exams, prospective energy advisors must:A) Register to take the relevant exam(s) at a Natural Resources Canada approved test centre,pay exam fees, write the exam(s) in the presence of a Natural Resources Canada approvedexam proctor, and achieve a passing grade on said exam(s);B) Register to take the relevant exam(s) at a Service Organization Canada-approved testcentre, pay exam fees, write the exam(s) in the presence of a Service OrganizationManager-approved exam proctor, and achieve a passing grade on said exam(s);C) Register to take the relevant exam(s) online, write the exam(s), and achieve a passing gradeon said exam(s);D) Pay exam fees (no registration is needed), take the exam online, and achieve a passinggrade on said exam(s).20 Which of the following is not a data field in the Main House selector screen?A) House type;B) Heating system type;C) Ceiling type;Ref. No. 833912
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamD) Year built.21 The geometry (footprint) of a house can initially be estimated by HOT2000 by specifying theWidth/Depth or Perimeter/Area of the house footprint. How should the Width/Depth orPerimeter/Area be determined?A) Width/Depth or Perimeter/Area determinedsurrounding the heated volume;B) Width/Depth or Perimeter/Area determinedsurrounding the heated volume;C) Width/Depth or Perimeter/Area determinedsurrounding the heated and unheated volume;D) Width/Depth or Perimeter/Area determinedsurrounding the heated and unheated volume.at the interior extremities of the wallsat the exterior extremities of the wallsat the interior extremities of the wallsat the exterior extremities of the walls22 Which of the following is not a valid domestic hot water system?A)B)C)D)Heat pump condensing hot water system;Oil conventional tank hot water system;Induced draft gas-fired hot water system;Tankless propane hot water system.23 What is the first step that an energy advisor should take to initiate the Renovation Upgrade Serviceof a house?A) Determine potential for energy upgrades including those aligned with the planned work;B) Discuss potential renovation plans and any house-related concerns the homeowner mayhave;C) Ensure completeness and accuracy of Basic Service information or perform a Basic Serviceif it has not been performed;D) Model the house and the upgrades in HOT2000 to assess potential reduction in energyconsumption.Ref. No. 833913
En e rGu id e Ra tin g S ys te m (ERS ) V.15 S u p p le m e n ta ry S tu d y Gu id eEnergy Advisor ExamAnswer Key:1. A6. A11. B16. B21. B2. A7. B12. B17. B22. A3. B8. B13. C18. D23. C4. B9. B14. B19. A5. A10. A15. D20. BRef. No. 833914
Thank you for having taken the time to peruse this supplementary study guide.We hope you found this material useful.We wish you great success!
Energy Advisor Exam Ref. No. 8339 5 1 The EnerGuide Rating System V.15 - Energy Advisor Exam . The EnerGuide Rating System V.15 - Energy Advisor Exam is designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge of home energy performance assessments and descriptions. The three-hour exam consists of 150questions.
