Comparing NABCEP PV Associate Credential to ETA Level I Certification
(Entry Level PV Programs)
NABCEP AssociateETA PV Level 1
Type of ProgramCredentialCertification
Experience Required in Installing PVNoneNone
Training from Accredited School Required40 hours40 hours
OSHA Safety Training RequiredNoneNone
Customer Service Certification RequiredNoneNone
Application Fee $25None
Examination Fee $125$155
Re-Examination Fee$125Free (1 time)
Number of Questions / Passing Score70 / 65%75 / 75%
Hands on Testing RequiredNoYes
Credential or Certification Valid for…3 years4 years
Re-certification Education Requirement12 hrs24 hrs
Renewal Fees$150$100 ($25 x 4 yrs)
Exam Covers:
Initial System Design A bitYes
Verify System Design YesYes
Commercial System Design NoNo
Managing the Project NoNo
Installing Electrical Components YesYes
Installing Mechanical Components YesYes
System InstallationYesYes
Commercial System Installation A bitA bit
Conducting Maintenance A bitA bit
Troubleshooting Activities A bitA bit
Commissioning A bitA bit

Comparison Summary:
Both programs are designed for individuals who are contemplating entering the residential solar PV market – or are in trades where a knowledge of photovoltaics will be very helpful. In the ETA program, there is extensive hands-on experience obtained in a classroom environment, which is part of the certification process. The NABCEP Associate program is a credential, rather than a certification – which may be a critical distinction in some jurisdictions.


Comparing NABCEP PV Installer Certification to ETA Level 2 Certification
(Advanced Level PV Programs)
NABCEP InstallerETA PV Level 2
Type of ProgramCertificationCertification
Experience Required in Installing PV3 projects2 years, OJT Docs
Training from Accredited School Required58 hours60 hours
OSHA Safety Training Required10 hours10 hours
Customer Service Certification RequiredNoneETA CSS Certification
Application Fee $125None
Examination Fee $375$155 (includes CSS)
Re-Examination Fee$275Free (1 time)
Number of Questions / Passing Score / 70%100 / 75%
Hands on Testing RequiredNoNo
Credential or Certification Valid for…3 years4 years
Re-certification Education Requirement18 hrs24 hrs
Renewal Fees$390$100 ($25 x 4 yrs)
Exam Covers:
Initial System Design A bitYes
Verify System Design YesYes
Commercial System Design NoYes
Managing the Project Yes Yes
Installing Electrical Components YesYes
Installing Mechanical Components YesYes
System InstallationYesYes
Commercial System Installation A bitYes
Conducting Maintenance Yes Yes
Troubleshooting Activities Yes Yes
Commissioning Yes Yes

Comparison Summary:
Both programs are designed for individuals working within the PV industry. Both require documentation of a significant level of experience prior to being able to sit for the examination. Both require OSHA 10 training as part of the certification process, however ETA also requires applicants become certified in Customer Service as well (CSS). The CSS examination is included within the ETA examination fee.


Cost of obtaining and maintaining (initial certification and renewal) the NABCEP certification is significantly higher ($890) versus $250 for the ETA Level 2 program.