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NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification Examination — Information & Free Practice

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About NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification Examination

NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification Examination · US

Key exam facts

Provider
NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) owns the certification examination; Meazure Learning provides testing delivery and scoring.
Format
English multiple-choice examination with four choices per item, delivered by computer at a test center (CBT) or live remote proctoring (LRP).
Exam questions
Total questions: 70; Scored questions: 60; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit
Four hours, including scored and pilot questions.
Passing score
A scaled score of 70 on the 0–99 reporting scale; this is not a raw percentage.
Exam fee
US$375 examination fee; separate US$125 application fee; US$275 re-examination fee. An additional US$75 applies outside the United States and Canada; fees may change.

Topics covered

  • Review customer expectations (12%)

  • Review project criteria (12%)

  • Assess project site (15%)

  • Configure mechanical design (13%)

  • Configure electrical design (17%)

  • Configure system monitoring, control, and communications design (7%)

  • Prepare project documentation (8%)

  • Secure permits and approvals (8%)

  • Adapt system design (8%)

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

English multiple-choice examination with four choices per item, delivered by computer at a test center (CBT) or live remote proctoring (LRP).

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 70; Scored questions: 60; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.

How long is the exam?

Four hours, including scored and pilot questions.

What is the passing score?

A scaled score of 70 on the 0–99 reporting scale; this is not a raw percentage.

How much does the exam cost?

US$375 examination fee; separate US$125 application fee; US$275 re-examination fee. An additional US$75 applies outside the United States and Canada; fees may change.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.