OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification — Requirements & Free Practice

US · License preparation

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification

Voluntary certification of PV commissioning and maintenance specialists; it does not replace state licensing.

Licensing authority: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners · Application information

Initial by examination
NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS) Certification Examination
Advanced Training
At least 24 hours of advanced training within five calendar years before application, including 18 hours of accredited PVCMS JTA training and 6 hours of NEC training. All training must have a formal teacher-learner format, with required hours counted as contact hours between teacher and learner. Web-based training qualifies when the learner receives feedback and progress is monitored.
Application
Document eligibility, agree to NABCEP Code of Ethics, pay application and examination fees, and obtain application approval before scheduling.
Exam
Pass the PVCMS written certification examination; schedule only after approval and payment.
Experience
At least 12 project credits, including at least 3 credits in a decision-making commissioning or maintenance role; qualifying service must be within two calendar years before application and systems at least 1 kW DC.
Minimum Age
18
Safety Training
At least 30 hours of OSHA Construction Industry Outreach Training or government equivalent.
Source Claim Ids
["pvcms-route-exam","pvcms-route-conditions","pvcms-exam-registration"]
Veterans Alternative
The handbook also gives a PVCMS veterans application path to the same certification exam. It requires OSHA 30, at least 24 hours of classroom training before the exam within five calendar years; all 24 hours must be with an accredited institution and cover advanced PV installation and practices in the PVCMS JTA. It also requires documented commissioning or maintenance worth at least 12 project credits, a DD-214 and a signed senior-management letter about decision-making experience. If the applicant's MOS or equivalent is unrelated to PV, all experience must be demonstrated through projects completed as an employee; related MOS experience may come from multiple Armed Forces roles or positions.

NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS) Certification Examination

Provider
NABCEP via Meazure Learning
Format
Computer-based testing or live remote proctoring
Exam questions
Total questions: 70; Scored questions: 60; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit
4 hours
Examination outline
  • Review or develop commissioning protocol (10%)
  • Complete visual and mechanical inspection (12%)
  • Conduct mechanical tests (8%)
  • Conduct electrical tests (15%)
  • Verify system operation (10%)
  • Confirm project completion (8%)
  • Orient end user to system (8%)
  • Verify system operation and performance (8%)
  • Perform preventive maintenance (10%)
  • Perform corrective maintenance (10%)
Examination sources