NABCEP Certified Training Program
40-Hour NABCEP PV
Associate Certification
Training
Your Pathway to Solar Installation Professional
Provided by Smart North America, Inc.
Flexible Payment Options Available
Pay at once or in 4 installments through Afterpay at checkout
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Expert Instruction
Taught by Industry Leaders
NABCEP Program Manager
DOE Solar Instructor Training Network
Trainer, Master Electrician, and Solar Installer
Trainer, Master Electrician, and Solar Installer
Trained by the Best
Trained under Jim Dunlop, Author of “Photovoltaic Systems” and NABCEP Program Manager
Recognized Training Provider
Part of the Department of Energy’s Solar Instructor Training Network
Professional solar trainer, licensed master electrician, and solar installer. The Certification by NABCEP is recognized throughout the United States and in over 100 countries around the world.
Course material is based on the most comprehensive solar textbook written for the Joint Apprentice and Training Commission (Training arm of Unions in the United States)
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Industry Recognition
Why This Credential Matters
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) sets the
global benchmark for solar certification.
Global Recognition
Recognized throughout the United States and in over 100 countries worldwide as the industry standard.
Growing Industry
The solar industry is expanding across farms, rural properties, commercial facilities, and distributed energy systems nationwide.
Verified Knowledge
Demonstrates verified expertise in solar fundamentals, electrical safety, NEC compliance, and installation principles.
What You’ll Master
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Solar resource fundamentals -
Electrical safety and theory -
Photovoltaic modules and system components -
Inverters and energy storage -
NEC-compliant installation principles -
Safe work practices -
System sizing and performance fundamentals
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A Growing Industry. A Real Opportunity.
Designed for Farmers & Technical Professionals
If you are a:
Farmer
Electrician
Technical learner
Career changer
Landowner
Skilled trades professional
Workforce development participant
This program is designed for you.
The NABCEP PV Associate credential is recognized nationally and worldwide as the foundational certification for photovoltaic professionals.
What You’ll Be Able To Do
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Understand how solar
works on agricultural properties -
Evaluate solar for irrigation,
barns, storage facilities, and equipment -
Implement safe solar
installations
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Communicate effectively with
installers and inspectors -
Begin a pathway toward becoming a professional solar installer -
Work confidently
on solar projects
Participants will gain both conceptual understanding and practical safety awareness necessary to work confidently on solar projects.
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Comprehensive Training
40-Hour Two-Part Professional Training Series
This course is not just exam preparation. It is your Pathway to Solar Installation Professional.
Part I
Solar Foundations & Safety
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20 Hours
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Solar energy fundamentals -
Electrical theory (Ohm’s Law, watts, amps, voltage) -
List Item #3PV modules and array configurations -
Batteries and storage basics -
Inverter technologies -
OSHA-aligned safety awareness -
Working safely around energized systems
Part II
System Design, Code & Exam Prep
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20 Hours
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NEC requirements for photovoltaic systems -
Grounding and rapid shutdown -
Wire sizing and voltage drop -
Load calculations and system sizing -
Agricultural and rural applications -
Commissioning and troubleshooting basics -
Structured exam preparation
Important Requirement
Completion of all 40 instructional hours is required for qualification submission.
Attendance and participation are mandatory to ensure you receive the comprehensive training needed to succeed in your certification journey.
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Certification Process
Exam Qualification & Registration
Upon Successful Completion:
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Smart North America verifies attendance and competency -
We enter you into the NABCEP database as qualified -
You receive confirmation of eligibility -
We assist you with registering for the NABCEP PV Associate exam
Important: Students may register only after qualification is submitted and confirmed.
Exam fees are separate unless otherwise stated.
Note: Qualification submission does not guarantee exam passage. Success on the exam depends on your dedication to the coursework and study preparation.
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Investment in Your Future
Limited Enrollment – Reserve Your Seat
Due to hands-on instruction and technical review components, class
size is limited.
Solar PVA Training
40-Hour Certification Course
$1,695
Complete Training Package
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40 hours of professional instruction -
NABCEP qualification submission -
Expert-led curriculum -
Course materials included -
Exam registration assistance
Flexible Payment Options
Pay at once or in 4 installments over 6 weeks at checkout through Afterpay
Click for details and enrollment
Installation Professional
Additional Advanced Training
To Be Announced
Details coming soon
Upon confirmation of dates and location, we will announce the advanced Installation Professional Candidate training program.
This pathway includes additional weekend bootcamp training and field experience to prepare you for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification.
Details Coming Soon
Refund Deadlines
100%
Full Refund
Minus $50 processing fee
Through March 18, 2026
75%
Partial Refund
25% cancellation fee
Through April 4, 2026
No
Refunds
Within 14 days of start
14 days before class
Once seats are filled, enrollment closes.
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Advanced Career Path
Become an Installation Professional
Take your career to the next level with additional training and NABCEP PVIP
certification
Solar Career Pathway Ladder
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Complete 40-Hour NABCEP PV Associate Training
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Pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam (Nationally & Worldwide Recognized Credential)
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Participate in Additional Weekend Bootcamp & Field Training
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Accumulate Documented Installation Experience
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Apply for NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification
NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP)
Advanced Professional Certification
The NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification validates advanced professional competency in system design, installation leadership, commissioning, troubleshooting, and safety oversight. Unlike the PV Associate credential, PVIP requires documented installation experience and responsible project roles.
System Design
Site evaluation, structural loading, equipment selection, NEC compliance
Project Management
Permitting, inspections,
crew supervision
Installation
Array layout, wiring, grounding, inverter integration
Commissioning
System startup, verification,
documentation
System Design
Site evaluation, structural loading, equipment selection, NEC compliance
Project Management
Permitting, inspections,
crew supervision
Installation
Array layout, wiring, grounding, inverter integration
Commissioning
System startup, verification,
documentation
Commissioning
System startup, verification,
documentation
Maintenance
Diagnostics, troubleshooting, corrective actions
Safety Oversight
OSHA compliance, fall protection,
energized work
Smart North America PVIP Preparation Pathway
Your complete roadmap to professional certification
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40-Hour PV Associate foundational training -
Additional 16–24 hours advanced classroom instruction (minimum recommended) -
Two (2) full days of supervised field installation work -
Structured documentation of installation experience -
Preparation aligned with NABCEP eligibility categories
Additional Weekend Bootcamp
Advanced field training and hands-on experience
Payment information will be posted before class date.
$400
Place and time TBD
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Legal & Policies
Important Information
Refund Policy
Visa, MasterCard & American Express Compliant
Smart North America adheres strictly to Visa, MasterCard, and American Express consumer protection standards.
Refund Deadlines:
- Full refund minus $50 processing fee available through March 18, 2026
- 75% refund (25% cancellation fee) available through April 4, 2026
- No refunds within 14 days of scheduled class start date
Refund Requests Must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be emailed to info@smartnorthamerica.com
- Meet the published deadline requirements
Refunds will be issued in the original form of payment. Processing time varies by card issuer.
Students unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances may request transfer to a future session when space is available and written approval is granted.
Customers are encouraged to contact Smart North America directly to resolve concerns prior to initiating a chargeback.
Smart North America adheres strictly to Visa, MasterCard, and American Express consumer protection standards.
Refund Deadlines:
- Full refund minus $50 processing fee available through March 18, 2026
- 75% refund (25% cancellation fee) available through April 4, 2026
- No refunds within 14 days of scheduled class start date
Refund Requests Must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be emailed to info@smartnorthamerica.com
- Meet the published deadline requirements
Refunds will be issued in the original form of payment. Processing time varies by card issuer.
Students unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances may request transfer to a future session when space is available and written approval is granted.
Customers are encouraged to contact Smart North America directly to resolve concerns prior to initiating a chargeback.
Privacy Policy
Your information is protected
Smart North America collects only information necessary to:
- Process enrollment
- Submit qualification to NABCEP
- Assist with exam registration
- Communicate course materials
Payments are processed securely through PCI-compliant merchant systems via Square.
We do not store full credit card information.
Personal information is not sold or shared except as required for certification processing or legal compliance.
Smart North America collects only information necessary to:
- Process enrollment
- Submit qualification to NABCEP
- Assist with exam registration
- Communicate course materials
Payments are processed securely through PCI-compliant merchant systems via Square.
We do not store full credit card information.
Personal information is not sold or shared except as required for certification processing or legal compliance.
ADA Compliance Statement
Committed to equal access and inclusion
Smart North America is committed to equal access and inclusion consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with documented disabilities.
Accommodation Requests:
Must be submitted in writing at least 14 days prior to course start by emailing:
info@smartnorthamerica.com
We will engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations while maintaining essential program standards.
Smart North America is committed to equal access and inclusion consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with documented disabilities.
Accommodation Requests:
Must be submitted in writing at least 14 days prior to course start by emailing:
info@smartnorthamerica.com
We will engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations while maintaining essential program standards.
Student Agreement & Acknowledgment
Terms and conditions
By enrolling, the student agrees:
- Completion of all 40 instructional hours is required for qualification submission
- Attendance and participation are mandatory
- Exam fees are separate unless otherwise stated
- Refunds are governed strictly by the published refund schedule
- Enrollment confirms agreement to all policies listed
- Qualification submission does not guarantee exam passage
- Smart North America reserves the right to reschedule or cancel sessions if necessary
NOTE: Payment of registration acknowledges that student agrees with the above policies.
By enrolling, the student agrees:
- Completion of all 40 instructional hours is required for qualification submission
- Attendance and participation are mandatory
- Exam fees are separate unless otherwise stated
- Refunds are governed strictly by the published refund schedule
- Enrollment confirms agreement to all policies listed
- Qualification submission does not guarantee exam passage
- Smart North America reserves the right to reschedule or cancel sessions if necessary
NOTE: Payment of registration acknowledges that student agrees with the above policies.
Merchant Policy Summary
Secure payment processing
- Secure payment processing through Square
- Refunds issued only to original payment method
- Refunds processed per stated policy deadlines
- Documentation maintained in accordance with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express requirements
- Customers encouraged to seek direct resolution before chargeback filing
- Secure payment processing through Square
- Refunds issued only to original payment method
- Refunds processed per stated policy deadlines
- Documentation maintained in accordance with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express requirements
- Customers encouraged to seek direct resolution before chargeback filing
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Get in Touch
Contact Information
For enrollment, ADA accommodation, refund requests, or exam qualification assistance
Smart North America, Inc.
NABCEP Training Provider
Phone
334-890-8228
Email
info@
Smartnorthamerica.com
We’re Here to Help
Whether you have questions about the course content, need assistance with enrollment, require
accommodations, or want to discuss payment options, our team is ready to support you.
Contact us directly for: Enrollment questions, ADA accommodation requests, refund inquiries, exam qualification assistance, payment plan options, course schedule details, or any other questions about the NABCEP PV Associate Certification Training program.