NABCEP Entry Level Exam *Not NABCEP Certified PV Installers.

[aikawa]

Hello

New to the forum and new to Solar energy. I just graduated from University in Tokyo and planning on getting into the marketing sector in the solar industry. However as I have no prior knowledge of solar/PV systems, I decided to take the NABCEP entry level exam at MTEC in Michigan to get more knowledge in PV.
Just having the terminology would help me grow in the industry.

Anyway i wanted to ask for those who have taken the test on how difficult it is?
The 1 week intensive class starts in mid March, and I have already purchased James Dunlop's Photovoltaic systems textbook. Started this week as I was a little jet lagged from the flight from Tokyo. Ive gotten through a few chapters and it seems like I should review alot of the terminology.

What are your guy's say in this? I also would like to mention I graduated with a Liberal Arts Major (Sociology/Anthropology) so have little background in physics etc.

Any tips for studying for the exam? Will there be many mathematical/physics questions? OR is it more focus?ed on the vocabulary/terminology?

Thanks for the help!

Thanks

[Jason]

Hi aikawa!

Are you still looking for information regarding this?

I know there are a few members on here that have taken that exam, if you are, I'll shoot them an email and see if they will provide some input.

[aikawa]

hey, thanks for the reply.

Yes I am still looking. My exam is on March 20th, so if i'd could get some concrete tips/hints that would be great!


Thanks again

[CHSSolar]

NABCEP Entry Level

Aikawa - I commend you on wanting to take the entry level exam. Our industry has seen too many sales and marketing that don't understand the need to learn the technical side of selling PV. In my opinion it is a critical part of the process. Where are you planning on taking your class?

In preparation for the Entry level examination I would study the following:
1. Download the resource material available on the NABCEP website; in particular the .pdf's from Bill Brooks and John Wiles (industry leaders and educators).
2. Know the vocabulary/terminology
3. KNOW THE MATH, KNOW THE MATH, KNOW THE MATH
4. Be careful of tricky multiple choice questions.
5. Know OSHA safety regulations.

Overall the exam was difficult. I took it last September and now am sitting for the big one in two weeks (March 13).

Good Luck!

[aikawa]

Hey

Thanks for the reply. I will be taking the 1 week intensive course at MTEC in Traverse city, Michigan.

I found this site greencredential.com. They have study guides for the PV installers exam. Waiting for the COK study guide to come out in early March.

I also am using James Dunlop's text.

[aikawa]

Sorry just have a few more questions about the exam.

1. There are 60 questions, I need 39 to pass?

2. Are the questions real tricky/confusing or ask basic questions like:
What is the estimated size of an array using 12% efficient modules that should produce approximately 5Kw at peak sun?

3. Has anyone purchased a copy of the study guide provided by greencredential.com?
Thanks

[Isc]

Sounds like you are pretty up to speed on the types of questions asked on the entry - level exam. if you are from outside the U.S. I would recommend becoming familiar with OSHA regs for PPE and fall protection. Most of the entry level questions are basic - array azimuth, tilt angle, reading a sunpath chart, basic sizing of system questions, etc.

When I took the entry level exam I would say that it was around 40 out of 60 questions scored correctly would pass...however they do not grade on a ten point scale and I beleive some questions are weighted...ie: a passing score is 350 out of 500.

Good luck and just absorb everything like a sponge...

[aikawa]

Thanks for the responses.

I think Im ok with the basic terminology. The math isnt hard, just being able to apply the right formula for the question seems to be the tricky part.

[Jason]

Good luck on your test coming up in 5 days. Please keep us updated on how it went!

[MarineLiner]

Well, well, well,
how is it getting on ?
Thought, it's time to share.

[BRYANinNC]

Testing in 2 days for me

Hi all,
I don't know how 'aikawa' did on the test, but hopefully he will respond sometime.

As for me, I'm scheduled to take the Entry Level exam on Sat, Dec 18 in Charlotte, NC. Thanks to those who posted tips in this thread.

Wish me luck.

Thanks,
Bryan

[russ]

Good luck with the exam Bryan!

I used to live in Charlotte - nice city.

Russ

[BRYANinNC]

Exam wishes

Hi Russ,
Thanks for the good wishes.

I'll try to post some thoughts from the exam after I take it. Maybe that can help the next person.

One of the best things that I have found to be helpful so far is to study with 4 classmates that I met when we all took the prep class together from Central Piedmont Community College. These are guys that have worked in various trades in their employment history and are now trying to add to their knowledge with a sloar certification. Having more eyes and ears to bounce questions off of has been a great learning opportunity for me.

[martinjsto]

good luck with your exam, i am looking into the installation course here in Australia in he new year, does anyone know if its the same . the Installers course here runs for 6 months full time and you can work in the industry once passed. has anyone here from Ausyland recently been qualified? if so any links to helpfull information will be appreciated. I am hopefuly doing the course in march if i quallify, im in Perth Western Australia, thanks.

[mbaba9999]

how can i study 350-500 questions

how can i study 350-500 questions

Sounds like you are pretty up to speed on the types of questions asked on the entry - level exam. if you are from outside the U.S. I would recommend becoming familiar with OSHA regs for PPE and fall protection. Most of the entry level questions are basic - array azimuth, tilt angle, reading a sunpath chart, basic sizing of system questions, etc.

When I took the entry level exam I would say that it was around 40 out of 60 questions scored correctly would pass...however they do not grade on a ten point scale and I beleive some questions are weighted...ie: a passing score is 350 out of 500.

Good luck and just absorb everything like a sponge...