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Question 1

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What does a HERS Index score of 100 represent?

A home built to the HERS Reference Home standard based on the 2006 IECC

A net-zero energy home

A home that exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements by 100%

A home with zero carbon emissions

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: RESNET HERS Exam

Exam Questions

RESNET

73%

Passing Score (40/55)

RESNET

2 hrs

Exam Duration

RESNET

$125

Exam Fee

RESNET

Open Book

Exam Format

RESNET

3 years

Certification Validity

RESNET

The RESNET National Rater Test has 55 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours with a 73% passing score (40/55). Open book. Must also pass Combustion Appliance Simulation Test (85%) and Rater Simulation Practical (73%). Major domains: Building Science (20%), Diagnostics (20%), Energy Modeling (20%), HERS Standards (15%), ENERGY STAR (10%), Combustion Safety (10%), Insulation (5%). Plus 5 probationary ratings required.

Sample RESNET HERS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your RESNET HERS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does a HERS Index score of 100 represent?

A.A home built to the HERS Reference Home standard based on the 2006 IECC

B.A net-zero energy home

C.A home that exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements by 100%

D.A home with zero carbon emissions

Explanation: A HERS Index of 100 represents a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home, which is based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). A score of 0 represents a net-zero energy home. Exam tip: Remember that lower HERS Index scores indicate better energy performance.

2Which organization develops and maintains the HERS standards?

A.U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

B.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

C.Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

D.International Code Council (ICC)

Explanation: RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) develops and maintains the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) standards. While the ICC co-sponsors the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 standard and EPA administers ENERGY STAR, RESNET is the primary body governing the HERS rating system. Exam tip: RESNET also accredits rating providers and training providers.

3What is the difference between a confirmed rating and a projected rating?

A.A projected rating is completed from plans before construction; a confirmed rating includes field verification of the completed home

B.A confirmed rating uses software while a projected rating uses manual calculations

C.A confirmed rating is done by RESNET and a projected rating is done by the rater

D.There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable

Explanation: A projected rating is based on building plans and specifications before or during construction, while a confirmed rating includes field inspections and diagnostic testing of the completed home. The confirmed rating verifies that the home was built as planned. Exam tip: Only a confirmed rating produces an official HERS Index certificate for the homeowner.

4Under ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2022, what is the reference home's heating system efficiency for a gas furnace in Climate Zone 5?

A.78 AFUE

B.80 AFUE

C.The same efficiency as the rated home's installed system

D.92 AFUE

Explanation: Under ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2022, the reference home uses the same heating system type and fuel as the rated home, with the efficiency set equal to the rated home's equipment. This is a change from earlier standards where the reference home used a fixed default efficiency. Exam tip: The reference home mirrors the rated home's system type, but other components like the building envelope use prescriptive 2006 IECC values.

5What role does a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider play in the rating process?

A.They train new raters and administer certification exams

B.They perform all initial home energy ratings

C.They oversee and audit the work of HERS raters to ensure quality and consistency

D.They develop energy modeling software

Explanation: RESNET Quality Assurance Providers (also called Rating Providers) are responsible for overseeing raters, performing quality assurance reviews of completed ratings, and ensuring that all ratings meet RESNET standards. They conduct file reviews and field audits of rater work. Exam tip: Every certified HERS rater must work under a Quality Assurance Provider.

6Which standard governs the minimum requirements for how HERS ratings are conducted?

A.RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards (MINHERS)

B.ASHRAE Standard 90.1

C.ICC International Building Code

D.ENERGY STAR Homes Program Requirements

Explanation: The Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards (MINHERS) establishes the minimum requirements for how HERS ratings are conducted, including rater qualifications, rating procedures, and quality assurance requirements. MINHERS incorporates ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 by reference. Exam tip: MINHERS addenda are used to update and modify rating requirements between full standard revisions.

7A home has a HERS Index of 55. Compared to the HERS Reference Home, this home uses approximately how much less energy?

A.45% less energy

B.55% less energy

C.55% more energy

D.45% more energy

Explanation: A HERS Index of 55 means the home uses approximately 45% less energy than the HERS Reference Home (100 - 55 = 45). The HERS Index is a relative scale where 100 equals the reference home and lower scores indicate better performance. Exam tip: Each point reduction in the HERS Index represents roughly a 1% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the reference home.

8What is the primary purpose of the HERS Reference Home in the rating process?

A.To serve as a standardized baseline for comparing the energy performance of the rated home

B.To establish the minimum code-compliant design for a home

C.To define the maximum allowable energy consumption for new construction

D.To calculate the homeowner's expected utility costs

Explanation: The HERS Reference Home serves as a standardized baseline against which the energy performance of the rated home is compared. It is configured with the same geometry and orientation as the rated home but with 2006 IECC prescriptive envelope values and standardized mechanical systems. Exam tip: The reference home is automatically generated by RESNET-accredited software based on the rated home's characteristics.

9What is the primary hazard that a HERS rater must check for before conducting a blower door test on a home with combustion appliances?

A.Carbon monoxide from backdrafting combustion appliances

B.High levels of radon gas

C.Asbestos in the insulation

D.Lead paint on window frames

Explanation: Before conducting a blower door test, a HERS rater must be aware of the risk of backdrafting combustion appliances (furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces), which can cause carbon monoxide to spill into the living space. Depressurization from the blower door can exacerbate backdrafting conditions. Exam tip: Combustion appliance zone (CAZ) testing is required to verify safe operation under worst-case depressurization conditions.

10During a combustion appliance zone (CAZ) test, what is the worst-case depressurization condition?

A.All exterior doors and windows closed, all exhaust fans operating, and interior doors to the CAZ closed

B.All windows and doors open with all exhaust fans off

C.All windows open and furnace running at full capacity

D.All exhaust fans off and the air handler running

Explanation: Worst-case depressurization occurs when all exterior openings are closed, all exhaust devices (bath fans, kitchen range hood, dryer) are operating, the air handler is running, and interior doors to the combustion appliance zone are closed. This creates maximum negative pressure in the CAZ. Exam tip: The purpose is to determine if combustion appliances can vent properly under the most challenging conditions the home will experience.

About the RESNET HERS Exam

The RESNET HERS Rater certification qualifies professionals to perform Home Energy Rating System (HERS) energy ratings for residential buildings. The National Rater Test covers building science, diagnostic testing (blower door and duct leakage), energy modeling using REM/Rate software, HERS Index calculation, ENERGY STAR home certification, and combustion safety. This is an open-book exam with 55 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must also pass simulation tests and complete probationary ratings.

Questions

55 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (open book)

Passing Score

73% (40 out of 55)

Exam Fee

$125 (RESNET-accredited Training Providers)

RESNET HERS Exam Content Outline

20%

Building Science Principles

Heat transfer, air and moisture movement, house-as-a-system, thermal and pressure boundaries

20%

Diagnostic Testing and Equipment

Blower door setup and operation, duct leakage testing, infrared camera diagnostics, calibration

20%

Energy Modeling and Software

REM/Rate software, energy analysis inputs, HERS Index calculation, modeling best practices

15%

HERS Rating Process and Standards

HERS rating procedures, RESNET standards, Rater responsibilities, quality assurance

10%

ENERGY STAR and Code Compliance

ENERGY STAR home certification, IECC compliance, above-code programs, verification protocols

10%

Combustion Safety and Depressurization

Combustion appliance safety testing, home depressurization, draft testing, worst-case scenarios

Insulation and Envelope

Insulation grading, installation quality, thermal enclosure verification, Grade I/II/III criteria

How to Pass the RESNET HERS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 73% (40 out of 55)
Exam length: 55 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (open book)
Exam fee: $125

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

RESNET HERS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the HERS Index scale: 100 = standard new home, 0 = net-zero, lower is better

2Master blower door setup including multi-point depressurization testing procedures

3Study duct leakage testing: total leakage vs. leakage to outside, and how results affect the HERS score

4Understand insulation grading criteria: Grade I (full contact, no gaps), Grade II, Grade III and their impact on ratings

5Practice with REM/Rate software inputs — know what building characteristics affect the HERS Index most

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RESNET HERS Rater exam?

The RESNET National Rater Test is an open-book, 55-question multiple-choice exam with a 2-hour time limit. You need 40 out of 55 correct (73%) to pass. It covers building science, diagnostic testing, energy modeling, and HERS rating procedures.

What are the RESNET HERS Rater prerequisites?

You must complete a RESNET-accredited HERS Rater training program before taking the exam. After passing the National Rater Test, you also need to pass simulation tests and complete 5 probationary ratings, all within 15 months.

Is the RESNET HERS exam open book?

Yes, the RESNET National Rater Test is open book. You can reference your training materials during the 2-hour exam. However, the simulation tests (Combustion Appliance and Rater Practical) have their own formats.

How much does the RESNET HERS Rater exam cost?

The RESNET National Rater Test fee is $125. However, the total cost to become a HERS Rater is significantly higher ($1,500-$3,000+) because you must complete a RESNET-accredited training program first.

What other tests are required besides the National Rater Test?

You must also pass the RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test (85% passing score) and the RESNET Rater Simulation Practical Test (73% passing score). Plus, complete 5 probationary ratings under a Rating Provider.

How long is RESNET HERS certification valid?

RESNET HERS Rater certification must be renewed every 3 years. Renewal requires attending a RESNET-approved conference or completing professional development courses through a RESNET-accredited Training Provider.

What is the HERS Index?

The HERS Index is a scoring system where a standard new home scores 100 and a net-zero energy home scores 0. Lower scores indicate better energy efficiency. HERS Raters calculate this score using energy modeling software like REM/Rate to rate residential buildings.