How to Become an Energy Auditor
The role of an Energy Auditor has gained a great deal of prominence in recent years. Qualified candidates normally are expected to have a mixture of educational credentials as well as experience, in order to secure a position of this type. Here is some background on what is required in order to become a successful energy auditor.
Education
Different agencies and companies will set different standards for the level of education required for an energy auditor. In some cases, an undergraduate engineer with a four-year degree will be sufficient. In other situations, a graduate level degree will be necessary in order to meet the basic requirements for the job. At other times, the graduate level degree will need to be coupled with additional degrees relating to business management. The best approach is to find out exactly what level of formal education is required in the company of choice, if known.
Experience
Along with formal education, there is usually a requirement of some degree of practical experience before it is possible to obtain the position of Energy Auditor. Often, this will involve two to three years working in a role that is an adjunct, or support, to another Energy Auditor. This allows the candidate the opportunity to get to know the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the profession. The amount of practical experience required is usually more for persons with less in the way of educational credentials, and tends to decrease as the amount of formal education rises. This may be due in part to the fact that many of the degree programs include some hours of work-study.
When Experience Is At A Minimum
In the absence of experience, some positions for Energy Auditors will offer a few alternatives to candidates who meet the other requirements for consideration. For example, the candidate may be allowed to take the exam for provisional certification and employment, with the provision that a minimum amount of work experience will be logged within a given period of time. Upon presenting proof of fulfilling the requirement for practical experience, the candidate is then awarded full certification. The exact time frame for fulfilling work experience requirements will vary from one jurisdiction to another, but the normal time frame is between two years and six years.