Request your feedback on the new BPI WHALCI certification training

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Corbett Lunsford on May 18, 2011 at 1:06pm

Hey Matt-

We're offering this course monthly, using our own curriculum.  One thing I've done is limit the class size to 4 people.  I like to make sure they're comfortable both passing the exam and actually using these techniques in the field, and with a big class that's tough.  We can do it in 3 days, both airsealing and dense pack.

www.BuildingPerformanceWorkshop.com/training/installer

Permalink Reply by Matthew Redmond on May 19, 2011 at 10:45am

Thanks Corbett, We have our training setup for a class size of 6 and we use two proctors for the testing.NYSWDA's training center does not in most cases allow trainers to proctor those people that they just trained.  I train the class then two proctors test the class on the 5th day (3 trainees per proctor). We use NYSERDA's curriculm and it breaks down to this:

Monday- Building Science Module

Tuesday- WHALCI

Wednesday-WHALCI

Thursday- WHALCI

Friday- Testing 

So far so good but the props are taking a beating. Depending on the demand we may go to class size of 12 with 3 proctors on test day. I will also need an extra trainer on class days. How's the demand on your end? Is it a required certification in your state?

Permalink Reply by Michael Dunseith on May 18, 2011 at 3:08pm

Corbrett, Are you using the BPI props?

 

Permalink Reply by Gary Baggett on May 19, 2011 at 12:08pm

Corbett, is the WHALCI mandatory in the new HPwES program there in Ill?

Permalink Reply by Craig Triplett on August 18, 2011 at 9:36am

Matt,

We are offering WHALCI at our training facility and the one thing that I did to save the props was make the boxes and flat portions out of 3/4 melamine. The foam sticks very well to the surface. Once it's tested, the foam that is left on the reusable prop can easily be scraped off with a putty knife. I've been using the same props for over a year now and no problems.

Also, as far as I know, ILHPwES is not requiring the installers to be WHALCI certified. They are requiring the Analyst and Envelope Certs for the contractors.

Permalink Reply by Matthew Redmond on August 26, 2011 at 9:53am

Craig, Thanks. I'll keep your melamine tip in mind. Our props are beat to hell and I will have to replace them shortly.

Permalink Reply by Jason Scheurer on March 6, 2012 at 10:01am

Hey Matt and Corbett,

My name is Jason Scheurer, and I travel around the country teaching this curriculum for the past year or so and the props do take a beating. But we have noticed if you use the log sealer such as BPI recommends, the sealants come off easier. We  have gone to the Melamine way of things and it works even better. I am an Independent approved Super Proctor for BPI in BA, EP, RBE-WHALC, MF. I usually have up to (12) students in the class for (3) days of training, then another proctor comes in for (3) days and tests up to (4) students per day. We will switch off from training and proctoring since this is the new protocol for BPI. If any of you guys need help with training or proctoring, I am available.

Permalink Reply by Debra Monte on March 15, 2012 at 5:35pm

Where did you find that information "log sealer, such as BPI recommends"?

Permalink Reply by Dale@EnergyWright on March 15, 2012 at 7:07pm

Hi Debra,

NYSWDA tested a number of release agents about 3 years ago and pioneered the use of wax emulsion (log sealer) for their props. One brand is made by UC Coatings and is called Anchorseal which works well to allow foam to release from wood. If you have a lot of area to cover, you can use a garden sprayer to apply it, but a brush is better in most cases.

They also make Bates which works well to allow mastic to release from duct work. 

Permalink Reply by Debra Monte on March 15, 2012 at 8:32pm

Thank you.