New Solar/Alternative Energy Certification Program Now Available in America

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - October 13, 2009) - Until recently the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has been the only certification organization in town when it came to individuals seeking training in the solar field and wanting to obtain a "Certificate of Knowledge" or "Certificate" in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and/or Solar Thermal industries.

In the last three months, however, a new association has joined the ranks of qualified Solar and Alternative Energy Certification known as Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), International.

In order to assist students interested in entering the "solar" industry, the "alternative energy" industry or seeking employment in the "green energy" fields, interested parties can find information below from both certification organizations, which was compiled for the benefit of the general public's review.

For individuals looking to enter the solar industry they should recognize the difference in terminology between NABCEP, which offers the Entry level "Certificate" of Knowledge, and ETA International, which offers the Level I "Certification."

The compilation of data below is available to any person by reviewing BOTH organizations' web sites, published news articles and press releases as of October 12, 2009.

There may be additional information available and it is highly recommended that students research the chart below, as this information may not be 100% accurate.

Editor's Note: An ETA vs. NABCEP Comparison JPG Graphic is available for print.

     ETA vs. NABCEP Training Course Certification Comparison Chart
                                                  ETA          NABCEP
                                                  ---          ------
"Certificate"/Certification Offered in
 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric                  x              x
Certification Offered in Solar Thermal             x              x
Certification Offered in Small Wind Installation   x
Certification Offered in Geothermal                x
Certification Offered in Micro Hydro               x
Certification Offered in Fuel Cells                x
Mandatory "Hands-On" Training Required
 for Certification                                 x
Curriculum Reviewed to Meet Certification
 Standards                                         x
Instructors Reviewed to Meet Certification
 Standards/References Checked                      x
Follow International Standards ISO 17024
 Certification Processes                           x              x
Student "Certificate"/Certification Exams        $150            $75
Number of Schools Pending/Offering Courses
 and "Providers"                                  105            122
Estimated Approved Schools in 6 months            400            150
Years in Business                               31 yrs          7 yrs
Total Approved Certified Administrators
 (Estimated)                                     1,000           150
Total Certifications Issued by ETA/NABCEP
 Entry Level COK                                100,000*        3,678**
Websites:                                    www.eta-i.org  www.nabcep.org

Source: Ameri-Skills
*  Total ETA Certifications Issued
** Total NABCEP Entry Level Certificates of Knowledge Issued

Contact Information: Contact: Burt Price 888-895-8186