If you have a certification-related question for which you do not find an answer in the FAQs below, you may send an email to certification@hbi.org.
Q What is the Residential Construction Academy (RCA)?
A The Residential Construction Academy (RCA) is a department within the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The department’s goal is to establish training programs and resources to bridge the skills gap that traditionally exists between classroom and job site in the residential construction industry.
Q What is the Residential Construction Academy Series upon which instructor certification is based?
A Based on national skill standards set by NAHB members; the Residential Construction Academy Series curriculum/learning system represents a partnership between HBI and Delmar Cengage Learning. The RCA Series is a direct link from education and training programs to the residential construction industry. Particular emphasis is placed on the trade areas of carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, facilities maintenance and masonry. The goal is a skilled, knowledgeable workforce able to meet the industry’s needs today and well into the future.
Q What is HBI Instructor Certification?
A Based on national skill standards set by NAHB members; the Residential Construction Academy Series curriculum/learning system represents a partnership between HBI and Delmar Cengage Learning. HBI offers instructor industry certification to ensure consistency in instructor teaching/training methodologies and knowledge competency when teaching to the industry skill standards contained throughout the RCA Series curriculum.
Q Why is certification needed?
A The easy answer . . . to remain as competitive as possible in teaching to the residential construction industry’s skills standards and materials, you must be certified.
If you want to (a few examples):
- Demonstrate your advanced knowledge as an industry professional.
- Gain professional credibility.
- Be in compliance for your school district’s professional development requirements.
- Make the most of the RCA Series teaching materials.
Q If I have completed a degree program do I still need to become certified?
A Yes.
Q What is the process to become an HBI Certified Instructor?
A HBI has made the process concise for your busy schedule. You simply have to apply, register and take the course administered by The Ohio State University. It is all online and you get six weeks to complete the course.
Q How do I register?
A Registration for certification courses is through HBI’s website, www.hbicertification.org. Registration is limited to 60 instructors per session and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your application has been approved by HBI and your tuition is paid in full, you will be given access to The Ohio State University online classroom system, and you may begin your coursework on the first day of your session.
Q Do I have to forward any information to The Ohio State University?
A No. It is essential that you provide the email address and contact phone number that will be used to complete the online course modules when submitting your Application for Enrollment Form to HBI.
Q What Information will HBI forward to The Ohio State University on my behalf?
A HBI will forward your full name, email address and phone to The Ohio State University. It is extremely important that you provide HBI with the email you will use to access the online course modules.
Q How frequently are the classes offered?
A The classes will be offered to meet demand but at least three times per year. Contact HBI at certification@hbi.org to get dates for the next class.
Q What are the eligibility requirements for registration?
A Instructors must be recognized as journey level in their craft and/or have a minimum of three (3) years teaching experience. To be eligible to register you must first complete the Application for Enrollment form. To access this form, go to www.hbicertification.org.
Q. What documentation do I need to submit?
A You will be required to submit one or more of the following documents: Signed letter from current employer (no substitutes accepted); State Education License; Verification of Teaching Experience; State Industry Craft License and/or Verification of Craft Employment.
Q How do I find out if my registration application is approved?
A You will be notified via email.
Q How much does it cost to become certified?
A The fee for certification is $400.00, payable to Home Builders Institute.
Q Is the certification process solely online?
A Yes. The instructor certification is online. Student certification, however, will be given online and pencil-paper to accommodate specific needs or requirements.
Q What do I study in preparation for the certification?
A The certification process involves coursework. You will be responsible for answering the ten (10) questions at the end of each module. These questions are specifically related to the information you have learned in the module.
Q What documentation will I receive to show I am certified?
A You will receive a certificate from HBI. In addition, you will also receive two (2) CEUs from The Ohio State University.
Q Are there criteria to waive taking the course modules?
A Contact HBI at certification@hbi.org to get additional information/criteria on the waiving the test.
Q What do I need to do to renew?
A HBI certification is valid for 5 years. During that period, instructors must complete at least one industry continuing education course each year in order to maintain a current certification. The first year following certification must include an OSHA 30 hour or 500 – level course. Other subsequent course options include any of HBI’s Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) Designation courses, NAHB’s University of Housing offerings, or other acceptable industry-specific courses with prior approval from HBI.
Q Is there a new credentialing process?
A Yes. For more detail see question below - What is a credentialed program?
Q If my program previously was credentialed by HBI does that mean I am certified?
A No. As of January 1, 2009, all currently credentialed institutions and programs are granted a provisional credentialing certificate for 18 months (until June 2010). Instructors must successfully complete the HBI Instructor Certification in order for the program to remain credentialed.
Q If I teach more than one trade area, do I have to get both programs credentialed?
A Yes. HBI credentials programs, not schools/institutions. You will have to fill out a separate Application for Credentialing for each program you teach.
Q What is a credentialed program?
A A credentialed program occurs when the following six criteria are met:
- Training program utilizes NAHB's Residential Construction Skill Standards.
- Training program purchases and teaches with RCA Series materials.
- Instructors must be certified by HBI through The Ohio State University online professional development program.
- Students complete the industry approved HBI online tests.
- HBI receives and reviews one or more of the following for program validation:
* lesson plans
* course description
* syllabi
* or other official type of course outline
- HBI receives and approves the completed Application for Credentialing.
Q Who do I contact for additional questions?
A Contact:
C. Deanna Lewis
Director for Career Services
Email: certification@hbi.org
Phone: 202-266-8927
