About this course

Training & Practice Exam to Pass the PVSI Exam on Your First Try

NABCEP's PV System Inspector (PVSI) Board Certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of inspecting residential and commercial photovoltaic systems. This Board Certification is for those who are highly knowledgeable of PV systems, applicable codes and ordinances, and assessing the safety and operation of PV systems.

This NABCEP PV System Inspector (PVSI) Certification Prep Course gives you the advanced hours and knowledge required to earn NABCEP PVSI Certification.

The PVSI Practice Exam is included with the prep course - it's a great way to prepare and get comfortable so you can pass the PVSI exam on your first try.

Course outline

6 modules
23:32 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 11 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

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Module 1 • 34 assignments
NEC Overview

Before we dive deep into NEC articles specific to PV and ESS, we are going to get more familiar with the rest of the NEC, from a PV and ESS point of view.

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Module 2 • 34 assignments
NEC Article 690 PV Systems

Article 690 was first put into the NEC in 1984.

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Module 3 • 17 assignments
Module 3 Energy Storage Systems (706) and Interconnections (705)

If you are studying for the NABCEP PV System Inspector (PVSI) exam, you do not need to focus as much on ESS. ESS is a hot topic and very important in real life, which is more important than what NABCEP puts on exams.

Article 706 ESS was new in the 2017 NEC and much of it came out of Article 690. It was originally meant to replace Article 480 Storage Batteries, however 480 was kept in the NEC. Article 690 points us to 706 when using energy storage systems and not 480. Different AHJs interpret this differently and the NEC can sometimes contradict itself as we will learn.

Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources is very important for both PV and ESS and is definitely a part of the PVSI exam.

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Module 4 • 12 assignments
More NEC and some Building Codes

Here we have some extras.

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Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

  • NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
  • NABCEP NEC
  • NABCEP JTA
  • NABCEP RE Elective
  • NABCEP Building or Fire Code
  • NABCEP PV Associate Renewal

NABCEP Registered Provider

This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.

Instructors

Sean White

2014 IREC Trainer of the Year, HeatSpring / White House Energy Inc. / Sean White Solar / Norcal Solar

Sean White was the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Trainer of the Year. He is an IREC Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar. He contributed to the development of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis and has been a member of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Technical Committee. Sean is a...

Bill Brooks

Principal, Brooks Engineering

Bill Brooks PE, of Brooks Engineering LLC, has over 30 years of experience designing, installing, and evaluating grid-connected PV systems. More than 12,000 installers and inspectors have attended his courses throughout the U.S. and abroad. His field troubleshooting skills have been valuable in determining where problems occur to focus training on those issues of...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 4-module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.

How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.8
Based on 76 reviews
279
students have taken this course
09/19/2025

This course was a great deep dive into the NEC codes both 2017 and 2020 and pointing out the differences and what is going on. This is a pretty heavy course to take in I would definitely recommend prior NEC knowledge and prior PV knowledge and electrical knowledge or else it can be a lot to swallow. I have been involved in pv since 2006 this course helped me on the new codes and review items I knew there is a lot of knowledge to be gained and a lot of good insight and Sean was able to add humor to the course.

Fredrick Brooks
General Manager, Pacific Panel Cleaners
07/20/2025

As a DIY Solar enthusiast, it was great getting in depth NEC requirements. Really liked being able to play back the video at 1.5x or even 2x depending on the section. Diagrams were really helpful and I found it easy to understand everything.

Leo Rossignac-Milon
09/01/2024

I highly recommend this course to give you a good understanding of the NEC and how it will benefit you as a PVSI/solar professional.

Andrew Tran

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