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HERS Rater Exam – RESNET Certification Examination,
2026/2027, 120 Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Foundations of HERS & RESNET (Questions 1-15)
1. Why was RESNET created and by whom?
A) To certify HVAC installers; created by ASHRAE
B) To provide home inspection services; created by NAHB
C) To use a scoring system to compare energy use of different houses on a level playing field; created
by NASEO and Energy Rated Homes of America
D) To enforce building codes; created by ICC
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: RESNET was created to establish a standardized scoring system (the HERS Index) that allows
comparison of home energy performance across different designs and locations. It was founded by the
National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and Energy Rated Homes of America to oversee
the HERS industry, provide accreditation standards, and establish ethics and protocols for inspection,
testing, and software analysis .
2. What role does a HERS Trainer play?
A) Provides software and quality assurance for Raters
B) Trains Raters on how to perform HERS ratings
C) Certifies homes as energy efficient
D) Performs field inspections and testing
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Trainer is responsible for delivering accredited training to individuals seeking to
become HERS Raters. This includes teaching building science principles, RESNET standards, inspection
protocols, and proper use of rating software .
3. What are the primary responsibilities of a HERS Rater?
A) Design HVAC systems and perform Manual J calculations
B) Enforce local building codes and issue permits
C) Inspect and test the minimum rated features of the home, enter data into RESNET-accredited
software, and provide reports to the client
D) Sell energy-efficient products to homeowners
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
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Rationale: The HERS Rater's core responsibilities include conducting field inspections, performing
diagnostic testing (blower door, duct leakage), collecting data on rated features, inputting that data into
RESNET-accredited modeling software, and generating HERS Index reports for clients. Raters do not
design systems or enforce codes .
4. What do HERS Providers provide to Raters?
A) Financing for home energy improvements
B) Building permits and code approval
C) Software, oversight, marketing assistance, and quality assurance
D) HVAC equipment and installation
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: HERS Providers are organizations accredited by RESNET that oversee Raters. They provide
access to RESNET-accredited software, conduct quality assurance reviews, offer marketing support, and
ensure Raters maintain compliance with RESNET standards .
5. Which organization is responsible for setting national standards for HERS Raters?
A) RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network)
B) ASHRAE
C) EPA (ENERGY STAR)
D) ICC (International Code Council)
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ A
Rationale: RESNET is the governing body that develops and maintains the national standards for home
energy rating systems, including ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 (the Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of
the Energy Performance of Dwelling Units) .
6. What is the purpose of quality assurance (QA) reviews in the HERS rating process?
A) To increase the cost of certification
B) To replace the need for field inspections
C) To maintain consistency and accuracy in ratings and ensure compliance with RESNET standards
D) To promote specific software products
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: Quality Assurance reviews are conducted by HERS Providers to verify that Raters are
performing inspections and ratings correctly, consistently, and in accordance with RESNET standards. QA
helps ensure the integrity and credibility of the HERS Index .
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7. Is a Home Energy Rater required to verify compliance with the local energy code?
A) Yes, code compliance is the primary responsibility
B) No, the Rater is not required to determine compliance with regulatory requirements such as
construction codes
C) Only for new construction homes
D) Only for existing homes
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Rater's role is to evaluate energy performance and generate a HERS Index score,
not to enforce or verify code compliance. While ratings may be used to demonstrate code compliance in
some jurisdictions, the Rater is not acting as a code official .
8. If a Rater enters an existing home and the owner's 9-foot Burmese python is loose, is the Rater
required to complete the inspection?
A) Yes, the Rater must complete all scheduled inspections regardless of conditions
B) No, the Rater is not required to enter any area or perform any procedure that is likely to be
dangerous
C) Yes, but only if the homeowner agrees to restrain the snake
D) No, but the Rater must reschedule within 24 hours
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: RESNET standards prioritize safety. Raters have the right to refuse entry or testing in any
situation they deem unsafe, including the presence of dangerous animals, structural hazards, or other
unsafe conditions. This is a matter of professional judgment and personal safety .
9. Is a Rater required to perform Manual J load calculations for HVAC system sizing?
A) Yes, this is a core responsibility of all Raters
B) Yes, but only for homes over 3,000 square feet
C) No, the Rater is not required to offer or perform HVAC system design or sizing consultation
D) No, unless the builder requests it
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: Manual J load calculations are typically performed by HVAC contractors or engineers for
system design. HERS Raters evaluate the installed system's performance and efficiency but are not
responsible for sizing or designing HVAC systems .
10. Which of the following would be considered an ethical violation by a HERS Rater?
A) Disclosing a conflict of interest prior to performing a rating
B) Refusing to enter an unsafe area of a home
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C) Providing false data or manipulating results to achieve a desired HERS Index score
D) Recommending energy efficiency improvements to a client
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: The RESNET Code of Ethics requires Raters to perform accurate, unbiased assessments.
Falsifying data or manipulating results to achieve a target score undermines the integrity of the rating
system and is a serious ethical violation .
11. When must a HERS Rater report a conflict of interest?
A) Only if the conflict results in a lower HERS Index
B) Prior to performing ratings, to maintain transparency and trust
C) Only after the rating is complete
D) Conflicts of interest do not need to be reported
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: Conflicts of interest (e.g., financial interest in the home being rated, personal relationships
with the builder) must be disclosed before performing the rating to ensure transparency and allow the
client or Provider to determine if an independent Rater is needed .
12. What is the primary purpose of the HERS Index?
A) To determine property tax assessments
B) To compare the energy efficiency of different homes on a standardized scale
C) To certify homes as "green"
D) To calculate utility bills
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Index is a scoring system where a score of 100 represents the energy consumption
of a home built to the 2006 IECC standard. Lower scores indicate better energy efficiency. This allows
consumers and builders to compare homes objectively .
13. The HERS Index scale is designed such that a score of 0 represents:
A) A home built to current code
B) The average home in the U.S.
C) A net-zero energy home
D) A home with no insulation
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: A HERS Index of 0 indicates that a home uses zero net purchased energy (net-zero energy).
The scale is linear: a home with a HERS Index of 50 uses half the energy of a reference home built to the
2006 IECC standard (Index 100) .
HERS Rater Exam – RESNET Certification Examination,
2026/2027, 120 Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Foundations of HERS & RESNET (Questions 1-15)
1. Why was RESNET created and by whom?
A) To certify HVAC installers; created by ASHRAE
B) To provide home inspection services; created by NAHB
C) To use a scoring system to compare energy use of different houses on a level playing field; created
by NASEO and Energy Rated Homes of America
D) To enforce building codes; created by ICC
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: RESNET was created to establish a standardized scoring system (the HERS Index) that allows
comparison of home energy performance across different designs and locations. It was founded by the
National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and Energy Rated Homes of America to oversee
the HERS industry, provide accreditation standards, and establish ethics and protocols for inspection,
testing, and software analysis .
2. What role does a HERS Trainer play?
A) Provides software and quality assurance for Raters
B) Trains Raters on how to perform HERS ratings
C) Certifies homes as energy efficient
D) Performs field inspections and testing
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Trainer is responsible for delivering accredited training to individuals seeking to
become HERS Raters. This includes teaching building science principles, RESNET standards, inspection
protocols, and proper use of rating software .
3. What are the primary responsibilities of a HERS Rater?
A) Design HVAC systems and perform Manual J calculations
B) Enforce local building codes and issue permits
C) Inspect and test the minimum rated features of the home, enter data into RESNET-accredited
software, and provide reports to the client
D) Sell energy-efficient products to homeowners
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
,2
Rationale: The HERS Rater's core responsibilities include conducting field inspections, performing
diagnostic testing (blower door, duct leakage), collecting data on rated features, inputting that data into
RESNET-accredited modeling software, and generating HERS Index reports for clients. Raters do not
design systems or enforce codes .
4. What do HERS Providers provide to Raters?
A) Financing for home energy improvements
B) Building permits and code approval
C) Software, oversight, marketing assistance, and quality assurance
D) HVAC equipment and installation
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: HERS Providers are organizations accredited by RESNET that oversee Raters. They provide
access to RESNET-accredited software, conduct quality assurance reviews, offer marketing support, and
ensure Raters maintain compliance with RESNET standards .
5. Which organization is responsible for setting national standards for HERS Raters?
A) RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network)
B) ASHRAE
C) EPA (ENERGY STAR)
D) ICC (International Code Council)
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ A
Rationale: RESNET is the governing body that develops and maintains the national standards for home
energy rating systems, including ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 (the Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of
the Energy Performance of Dwelling Units) .
6. What is the purpose of quality assurance (QA) reviews in the HERS rating process?
A) To increase the cost of certification
B) To replace the need for field inspections
C) To maintain consistency and accuracy in ratings and ensure compliance with RESNET standards
D) To promote specific software products
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: Quality Assurance reviews are conducted by HERS Providers to verify that Raters are
performing inspections and ratings correctly, consistently, and in accordance with RESNET standards. QA
helps ensure the integrity and credibility of the HERS Index .
,3
7. Is a Home Energy Rater required to verify compliance with the local energy code?
A) Yes, code compliance is the primary responsibility
B) No, the Rater is not required to determine compliance with regulatory requirements such as
construction codes
C) Only for new construction homes
D) Only for existing homes
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Rater's role is to evaluate energy performance and generate a HERS Index score,
not to enforce or verify code compliance. While ratings may be used to demonstrate code compliance in
some jurisdictions, the Rater is not acting as a code official .
8. If a Rater enters an existing home and the owner's 9-foot Burmese python is loose, is the Rater
required to complete the inspection?
A) Yes, the Rater must complete all scheduled inspections regardless of conditions
B) No, the Rater is not required to enter any area or perform any procedure that is likely to be
dangerous
C) Yes, but only if the homeowner agrees to restrain the snake
D) No, but the Rater must reschedule within 24 hours
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: RESNET standards prioritize safety. Raters have the right to refuse entry or testing in any
situation they deem unsafe, including the presence of dangerous animals, structural hazards, or other
unsafe conditions. This is a matter of professional judgment and personal safety .
9. Is a Rater required to perform Manual J load calculations for HVAC system sizing?
A) Yes, this is a core responsibility of all Raters
B) Yes, but only for homes over 3,000 square feet
C) No, the Rater is not required to offer or perform HVAC system design or sizing consultation
D) No, unless the builder requests it
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: Manual J load calculations are typically performed by HVAC contractors or engineers for
system design. HERS Raters evaluate the installed system's performance and efficiency but are not
responsible for sizing or designing HVAC systems .
10. Which of the following would be considered an ethical violation by a HERS Rater?
A) Disclosing a conflict of interest prior to performing a rating
B) Refusing to enter an unsafe area of a home
, 4
C) Providing false data or manipulating results to achieve a desired HERS Index score
D) Recommending energy efficiency improvements to a client
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: The RESNET Code of Ethics requires Raters to perform accurate, unbiased assessments.
Falsifying data or manipulating results to achieve a target score undermines the integrity of the rating
system and is a serious ethical violation .
11. When must a HERS Rater report a conflict of interest?
A) Only if the conflict results in a lower HERS Index
B) Prior to performing ratings, to maintain transparency and trust
C) Only after the rating is complete
D) Conflicts of interest do not need to be reported
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: Conflicts of interest (e.g., financial interest in the home being rated, personal relationships
with the builder) must be disclosed before performing the rating to ensure transparency and allow the
client or Provider to determine if an independent Rater is needed .
12. What is the primary purpose of the HERS Index?
A) To determine property tax assessments
B) To compare the energy efficiency of different homes on a standardized scale
C) To certify homes as "green"
D) To calculate utility bills
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ B
Rationale: The HERS Index is a scoring system where a score of 100 represents the energy consumption
of a home built to the 2006 IECC standard. Lower scores indicate better energy efficiency. This allows
consumers and builders to compare homes objectively .
13. The HERS Index scale is designed such that a score of 0 represents:
A) A home built to current code
B) The average home in the U.S.
C) A net-zero energy home
D) A home with no insulation
✔✔ Correct Answer ✔✔ C
Rationale: A HERS Index of 0 indicates that a home uses zero net purchased energy (net-zero energy).
The scale is linear: a home with a HERS Index of 50 uses half the energy of a reference home built to the
2006 IECC standard (Index 100) .
