Ready to build a career in home energy efficiency? Our free training gives you the skills and knowledge to launch your career as a Rating Field Inspector or HERS Modeler.
In our program, students will:
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Participate in online classes — learn basic building science, home energy-efficiency, math skills, and RESNET standards. Classes are Monday–Friday from 5-7:30pm. RFI classes are 5 weeks total; Modeler classes are 12 weeks total.
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Gain hands-on experience — test out field equipment during two in-person workshops led by our Technical Director, Tim Poole, and job shadow skilled HERS Raters on site across the state.
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Receive personalized support — get help with program requirements and support services from our Success Coach, Miranda Bushey, and gain Career Mentorship from an experienced professional in the HERS industry each week.
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Become career-ready — be prepared to enter the industry every step of the way, from polishing resumes and cover letters, to making industry connections and sharing job openings, and through Transition to Employment group meetings run by our Success Coach.
What do Rating Field Inspectors and HERS Modelers do?
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Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs) visit homes during different stages of construction to gather field data by conducting inspections and running diagnostic tests.
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HERS Modelers enter field data into specialized computer software to create an energy model of a home, which calculates the home's energy efficiency.
Check back for 2027 cohort dates!
If you're interested in becoming an RFI or Modeler, you can submit an application to be added to our waitlist and receive updates on our 2027 schedule.
Fall 2026 Mentorship Program for Rating Field Inspectors
Please note that the fall cohort is for Rating Field Inspectors only.
- Application deadline: Friday, September 18th
- First and second-round interviews: Monday, September 7th through October 8th
- Decision emails: Friday, October 9th
- OSHA-10 training: Friday, October 16th-Thursday, October 22nd
- Fall 2026 Mentorship Program start: Monday, October 26th
Requirements include: MA residency, 18+, U.S. work authorization (without sponsorship), high school diploma or higher (exception with Trade School seniors), (half of each cohort) live in an Environmental Justice neighborhood, and have access to a computer, WiFi, and transportation. See the full list here.
Candidates who apply will participate in a comprehensive intake and needs assessment process. If selected, the program is free for candidates thanks to grant-funding from our sponsor, MassCEC. We are excited to provide an excellent entry point into the HERS industry!
2026 Schedule
View the full 2026 calendar here. Please note that it may be updated from time to time. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact Tim at tim@nehers.org.
Each cohort will start with 8 RFI and 8 Modeler seats. For more information on program requirements, read here.
Benefits of Participation
RFI and Modeler positions can lead to a rewarding career as a HERS Rater. The HERS Rater credential is a gateway to a career with many opportunities for advancement, such as:
- Above Code Programs:
- Additional Certifications:
- And more!
Our long-term goal is to build a robust and diverse ecosystem of RFIs, Modelers, Raters, QA Providers, support staff, and HERS Rating trainers in the Northeast, so that we can deliver a wider range of trainings and meet the rising demand for HERS Ratings in a growing field that is essential to reaching the ambitious climate goals set out by the state of Massachusetts.
For inquiries regarding our mentorship program, please feel free to reach out to us at info@nehers.org or call/text 978-633-3013. We are happy to assist you with any questions or support you may need regarding our programs and services.
Submit a Mentorship Program application form!
Thank you to MassCEC for sponsoring this program through grant funding.
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