What is Energy Skilled Recognition?

The Department of Energy built this program to distinguish credential programs as leaders in preparing workers for meaningful and in-demand job opportunities.  Recognition as Energy Skilled^TM signifies that training programs and certifications align with clean energy transition goals. 

Specific job families for recognition currently include:

• Heat Pump Programs
• Heat Pump Water Heater Programs
• Energy Assessment Programs

Recognition also allows certification programs to be approved as eligible within funding opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Training Providers and Certification Bodies Learn how to apply for Energy Skilled recognition.

Contractors Find Energy Skilled-recognized organizations and tools for your business.

Consumers Learn about the benefits of using contractors with Energy Skilled-recognized credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: I want to pursue a training or certification that is Energy Skilled-recognized. What’s my first step?
A: Navigate to the Program page that contains recognized credentials relevant to your line of work (e.g., Heat Pump Installation, Heat Pump Water Heater Installation, Home Energy Assessment).  Follow links provided in the “Recognized Program” column of the table(s) on that Program page to learn more about each program, including whether it fits with your existing skills, training is offered in your area, or it is stackable with an existing credential you have. Be sure that the name of the recognized program found on the Energy Skilled website is the same as the one found on the training organization’s site – you might want to confirm in writing or on the phone before registering for the training program.

Q: I think I already completed a training or certification that is Energy Skilled-recognized. Where can I find out the status of my credential?
A: Use the links on our “Contributors and Collaborators” page to find the website for the organization your training or certification is associated with. Navigate to the organization’s website, and follow their instructions for looking up the status of your credential (they may have an online look-up tool, or may offer a phone number or email address to contact).

Q: What do you mean by “credential?”
A: A “credential” is a broad term that encompasses several types of professional learning and the resulting proof that the learning was completed. Credentials recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as Energy Skilled must bestow to individuals upon completion a certification, a certificate, a degree, or licensure.  
Section 3(52) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines a recognized postsecondary credential as “a credential consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the state involved or federal government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.”  Learn more about the characteristics, definitions and parameters of postsecondary credentials in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Notice (TEN) No. 25-19, “Understanding Postsecondary Credentials in the Public Workforce System.”

Q:  How do I get my organization’s certification / training program / degree / license recognized as Energy Skilled?
A: Visit the PNNL Energy Skilled page to learn about eligibility and how to apply. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) manages the Energy Skilled recognition program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.