NABCEP test disclosure [RE-wrenches]

[graham at solarexpert.com]

Jeff,

I understand what you are suggesting regarding test disclosure in an
effort to make sure questions are relevant to the PV installation trade
and the correct answers correspond to each question.  I do know that the
California Solar Contractor Test is kept strictly confidential,
otherwise the questions and answers will be sold by apparently
legitimate contractor study schools to those preparing for examination.
(It’s much easier to memorize answers than comprehend formulas). The
state does occasionally contact those who have previously passed the
test to review the questions and answers. The test in split up so that
contractors do not have a chance of copying the entire test especially
now that digital devices such as cameras and voice recorders have become
so inconspicuous.  I flew to Sacramento a couple of years ago to assist
with the addition of questions so that future solar tests include a
proportionate amount of PV questions.  One of these days was spent
reviewing some of the thermal questions and I noticed two questions with
incorrect answers.  We discussed these particular questions in depth and
the correct answers were changed for future tests.  We also had to sign
legal papers stating that none of the information would be disclosed to
any external parties, especially the hawks outside offering $ who resell
the information.

Perhaps those who have passed the NABCEP test could be asked to
volunteer time to come to a secure site to review a percentage of the
test.  If enough volunteers are found the entire test could eventually
be reviewed.  Those who passed handily should perhaps be the ones
selected.

One problem that could arise out of such review is the addition of new
questions so difficult that the Certified Installers intentionally keep
their ranks small and exclusive.

Graham Owen
GO Solar Company

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