NABCEP PV Installation Professional

The PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Board Certification is considered the gold standard for PV professionals in the renewable energy industry. Recognized and demanded by organizations worldwide, the PVIP Board Certification validates your competence to perform in the role of PV Installation Professional, which encompasses PV design, installation, operations, commissioning and maintenance. The exam covers four key knowledge domains: System Design, Installation, System Commissioning, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M).

We offer a free 35-question practice exam to help prepare you to pass the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam. See which questions you got wrong and get detailed feedback on areas for improvement. Re-take the practice exam as many times as you want.

The NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis (JTA) outlines the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for individuals seeking to pass the NABCEP PV Installation Professional exam. The JTA serves as a guide for the PVIP exam and is divided into the following domains, tasks and knowledge points:

Domain I: System Design - 32% of exam questions

• Task 1: Review customer expectations
  • Equipment location
  • Aesthetic concerns
  • Electric loads assessment (e.g., new construction, multi-modal and stand-alone systems)
  • System functionality and performance requirements
  • Value engineering
• Task 2: Review project criteria
  • Authorities having jurisdiction criteria (e.g., codes, standards, covenants, and regulations)
  • Electric service provider criteria (e.g., utilities, co-ops, third-party providers)
  • Construction plan sets and project specification documents
• Task 3: Assess project site
  • Characteristics of appropriate array locations
  • Characteristics of viable roof surfaces
  • Live and dead load characteristics of PV arrays
  • Common roof structural design
  • Drilling and trenching equipment capabilities
  • Characteristics of appropriate equipment locations
  • Types of electrical services
  • Point of interconnection
  • Raceway installation parameters
  • Effect of obstructions
  • Construction site hazards
  • Characteristics of appropriate staging/lifting/ access locations
  • Shading analysis tools and techniques
  • Azimuth measurement tools
  • Magnetic declination
  • Slope tools and techniques
  • Building use and dimensions
  • Effects of wind exposure
  • Required site information documentation
• Task 4: Configure mechanical design
  • PV system performance simulation software
  • Basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry calculations (e.g., area, slope, inter-row shading, withdrawal loads)
  • Characteristics of racking systems
  • Fastener selection criteria (e.g., types, sizes)
  • Structure attachment criteria (e.g., spacing, quantity, type)
  • Waterproofing and flashing methods and materials
  • Existing and allowable loads (e.g., snow load, seismic)
  • Design principles of ground mount foundations
  • Effect of PV module tilt and orientation
  • Characteristics of PV module technologies
  • Methods for equipment racking and/or installation
  • Criteria for placement of energy storage systems
  • Pathways and setbacks (e.g., walkways, clearances, accessibility)
• Task 5: Configure electrical design
  • Inverter selection criteria (e.g., types of inverters, DC to AC ratio)
  • String size calculations and layout
  • DC circuit sizing formulas (e.g., PV source and output circuits, battery cables)
  • AC circuit sizing formulas (e.g., inverter output circuit, feeders)
  • Module level power electronics (MLPE)
  • Voltage drop calculations
  • Methods of interconnection (e.g., supply-side connection, load-side connection)
  • Conductor properties and types
  • Raceway selection criteria and calculations
  • Raceway installation methods
  • Source circuit combining methods (e.g., combiner boxes, wire harnesses)
  • Overcurrent protection selection criteria
  • Electrical enclosure selection criteria
  • Panelboard selection criteria
  • Disconnect selection criteria
  • Grounding system criteria and components
  • Rapid shutdown equipment and methods
  • Arc-fault protection equipment and methods
  • Characteristics of battery technologies
  • Characteristics of charge controllers
  • Characteristics and components of AC coupled systems
  • Energy storage system sizing and performance calculations
  • Power requirements of auxiliary systems (including backup power)
• Task 6: Configure system monitoring, control, and communications design
  • Monitoring selection criteria (e.g., PV system data, consumption data, charging/discharging data)
  • Automated shutdown (e.g., motorized switches, protection relays)
  • Low-voltage wiring methods
  • Communication methods (e.g., wired, wireless)
  • Characteristics of building automation systems
  • Tracking system controllers
• Task 7: Prepare project documentation
  • Plans included in a complete project plan set
  • Characteristics of electrical diagrams and schematics (e.g., one-line, three-line)
  • Use and meaning of electrical symbols and terms
  • Engineering requirements (e.g., structural, electrical, civil, geotechnical, environmental)
  • Architectural plan requirements (e.g., elevations, street view renderings)
  • PV system labeling requirements
  • Permit application package requirements (e.g., manufacturer specification sheets)
• Task 8: Secure permits and approvals
  • Authorities having jurisdiction criteria (e.g., codes, standards, covenants, regulations)
  • Types of inspections (e.g., electrical, structural, environmental)
  • Documentation criteria
  • Electric service provider and interconnection requirements (e.g., equipment locations, clearances)
• Task 9: Adapt system design
  • Site condition assessment
  • Design options (e.g., value engineering, alternate materials and methods, contingency plans)
  • Effect of site conditions on design
  • Document control (e.g., revisions of plan sets from pre-construction to as-built and record drawings)
  • Change order process and documentation
  • Authorities having jurisdiction criteria (e.g., codes, standards, covenants, and regulations)
  • Equipment specifications
  • Project budget (e.g., time budget, financial budget)

Domain II: Installation - 38% of exam questions

• Task 1: Develop safety plan
  • OSHA requirements (e.g., fall protection, competent/qualified person, reporting of incidents)
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., specific equipment required for project, maintenance of PPE)
  • Site hazard assessment
  • Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
  • Emergency response resources and protocols
  • Weather event response actions
  • Specific equipment and training required for site
  • Elements of an effective safety meeting
• Task 2: Safeguard against hazards
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • OSHA CFR 29 1926 safety standards
  • Proper care and use of safety equipment (e.g., life cycle, defects, storage)
  • Proper care and use of test equipment (e.g., life cycle, defects, storage)
  • Proper care and use of power tools (e.g., life cycle, defects, storage)
  • Safe work practices
  • Training requirements (e.g. education materials, security clearances, certifications, manufacturer recommendations)
• Task 3: Install raceways
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for raceways and associated fittings
  • Proper raceway selection and sizing
  • Proper installation and labeling of raceways per NFPA 70/AHJ requirements (e.g., expansion joints, physical protection)
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation of raceways
• Task 4: Install electrical equipment
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for equipment and associated fittings
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation of electrical equipment
  • Proper installation and labeling of equipment per NFPA 70 requirements
  • Plan sets and schematics
• Task 5: Install DC PV system conductors
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for DC conductors
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Appropriate conductor installation and pulling practices
  • Wire management in a neat and workmanlike manner
  • Termination and connection per NFPA 70
• Task 6: Install AC PV system conductors
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for AC conductors
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Appropriate conductor installation and pulling practices
  • Wire management in a neat and workmanlike manner
  • Termination and connection per NFPA 70
• Task 7: Install grounding and bonding systems
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for grounding and bonding
  • Proper installation of bonding and bonding jumpers
  • Grounding systems and certifications (e.g., UL 2703, integrated bonding)
• Task 8: Complete utility interconnection point
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for utility interconnection
  • OSHA safety standards
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Calculation and verification of OCPD overcurrent protection device (OCPD) and disconnecting means
  • Effective and efficient communication regarding shutdown and inspection processes
  • Proper termination of conductors per NFPA 70
  • Local electric service provider requirements for interconnection
  • Methods of interconnection
• Task 9: Install system monitoring, control, and communication hardware
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications
  • Neat and workmanlike installation of monitoring equipment
  • Types and methods of data communication hardware
  • Termination and connection per NFPA 70
• Task 10: Install battery equipment
  • NFPA 70 (NEC) articles for use, installation, and construction specifications for batteries
  • OSHA safety standards
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Proper installation of batteries and battery equipment (e.g., labeling, spill kits, enclosure, ventilation)
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation of battery equipment
  • Proper conductor installation, routing, identification, size, color, type, and rating
  • Proper battery handling, storage, future maintenance, and installation techniques
  • Environmental impact (e.g., protected species, water management)
• Task 11: Install ground-mounted structure
  • NFPA 70 (NEC)
  • Authorities having jurisdiction criteria (e.g., codes, standards, zoning, covenants, regulations)
  • OSHA safety standards
  • Foundation and structural elements (e.g., geotechnical requirements)
  • Construction and assembly of PV structure and racking
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation
  • Location of underground utilities (e.g., call ahead, underground locator services)
  • Site protection and restoration (e.g., straw and seed)
  • Equipment requirement and availabilities
• Task 12: Install building-mounted system
  • Authorities having jurisdiction criteria (e.g., codes, standards, zoning, covenants, regulations)
  • OSHA safety standards (e.g., fall protection, hoisting, scaffolding)
  • Mounting surface compositions (e.g., tile, composite, membrane, metal)
  • Mounting surface and structure protection and restoration
  • Array layouts per location (e.g., inter-row shading, electrical efficiency)
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation
  • Types of roofing system construction
  • Lightning protection systems
  • Staging materials and equipment (e.g., roof or other structure loading, security)
  • Waterproofing building penetrations
  • Equipment requirements and availabilities
• Task 13: Install PV modules
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • OSHA safety standards (e.g., fall protection, ladder use, lifting)
  • Neat and workmanlike manner of installation (e.g., coplanar, square)
  • Proper module handling and preparation
  • Proper wire management methods and materials
  • Termination and connection per NFPA 70
  • Grounding and bonding (e.g., integrated grounding, bonding washers, lugs)
  • Regional considerations (e.g., animal guarding, ice and snow, wind)

Domain III: System Commissioning - 17% of exam questions

• Task 1: Review or develop commissioning protocol
  • Applicable standards (e.g., manufacturer recommendations, building system, IEC 62446-1, performance testing)
  • NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
  • Project-specific requirements
  • Test equipment
• Task 2: Complete visual and mechanical inspection
  • Project design
  • Manufacturer requirements
  • NEC and local AHJ requirements
  • Electric service provider requirements (e.g., disconnecting means, interconnection method, equipment location, labeling requirements)
• Task 3: Conduct mechanical tests
  • Installation per torque specifications
  • Field testing (e.g., pile load tests, soil test, concrete slump test)
  • Witness testing (eg., module wind or snow loading)
• Task 4: Conduct electrical tests
  • Proper use of diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeter, insulation resistance tester)
  • Insulation resistance testing
  • Polarity testing
  • DC string open circuit voltage (Voc) testing
  • DC string maximum power current (Imp) testing
  • DC string short circuit (Isc) testing
  • Continuity testing
  • Ground resistance test
  • Wire termination torque verification
  • AC voltage testing
  • Witness testing (e.g., functionality of relay, communication to utility, anti-islanding)
• Task 5: Verify system operation
  • Startup procedure
  • Acceptance test and/or performance verification test
  • Impact of site conditions on testing (e.g., cell temperature readings, plane of array irradiance, power output)
  • Proper use and calibration requirements of testing equipment
• Task 6: Confirm project completion
  • Finalized documentation (e.g., commission report, signed permits, permission to operate [PTO], photographs)
  • Visual documentation (e.g. photograph, thermal image, screen shot)
  • Close-out procedures (e.g., punch lists, contract reconciliation, demobilization)
  • Owner-signoff requirements (e.g., appropriate site addition, customer satisfaction)
  • Warranty and owner's documents (e.g., manuals, specification sheets, signed permits)
  • Equipment identification requirements (e.g., labeling, tags, signage)
  • Operation instructions and/or training for owner
  • Warranty terms and coverage
  • System design, operation, and performance metrics (e.g., performance ratio)
• Task 7: Orient end user to system
  • Safe startup, operation, and shutdown procedures
  • Emergency procedures
  • Location of components
  • Monitoring access

Domain IV: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) - 13% of exam questions

• Task 1: Verify system operation and performance
  • Access to system monitoring, control, and communications platform(s)
  • Platform settings and alert mechanisms
  • Indicators of failure, underperformance, or false alarms
  • Interpretation of performance data
  • Seasonal impacts on system performance
  • Site weather data source
  • Climate data and impact on performance
  • Data monitoring system capabilities and instrumentation quality
  • Performance analytics (e.g., trends)
  • Remote diagnostics solutions (if available)
• Task 2: Perform preventive maintenance
  • OSHA safety regulations
  • O&M practices and causes of failure
  • Maintenance schedule criteria
  • NFPA 70E (e.g., lock-out/tag-out)
  • Site-specific safety requirements
  • Site-specific O&M procedure
  • Appropriate testing, equipment, and documentation required
  • Startup/shutdown procedures
  • Periodic visual and mechanical inspection
  • Instrumentation calibration
  • Mounting system degredation, failure points and causes (e.g., loose connections, corrosion, displacement)
  • Module failure points and causes (e.g., signs of overheating, damage to J-Box, discoloration)
  • Electrical equipment failure points and causes (e.g., vermin, debris, ventilation, water intrusion)
  • Wiring system degredation, failure points, and causes (e.g., unsupported conductors, connector failure, loose terminations, physical damage to raceway)
  • Battery system degredation, failure points, and causes (e.g., cable terminations, corrosion, capacity testing, deformation of battery)
  • Site factors affecting performance (e.g., module soiling, vegetation impacts, shading)
  • Array testing (e.g., Voc, Isc, Imp, fuse continuity testing)
  • Comparison of whole system performance to predicted values
• Task 3: Perform corrective maintenance
  • OSHA regulations
  • Troubleshooting procedures
  • NFPA 70E (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, personal protective equipment [PPE])
  • Site-specific safety requirements
  • Methods for diagnosing failure or low performance (e.g., multimeter, monitoring system, thermal imager)
  • Startup/shutdown procedures
  • Methods of repair or replacement
  • Field modification and equipment substitution
  • System cleaning (e.g., snow removal, dust/pollen removal)