Massachusetts Green STEP (Sustainability Technical Education Program)

Sustainability education program for technical high schools

Massachusetts (MA) Green STEP supplements existing high school curriculum with specialized training workshops related to science, technology, engineering and math, known as S.T.E.M. MA Green STEP focuses on energy and sustainability, while increasing student awareness of job opportunities in these emerging industries, including weatherization, home performance, and clean energy production.

MA Green STEP can also help students find and obtain career-related opportunities in the sustainability and green building industries. This may include:

Work-based learning

Apprenticeships

Internships

Job Shadowing

Full or Part-Time Employment

For more information on the MA Green STEP program contact [email protected].

Explore In-School Trainings

Technical Trainings

Heat Pump Water Heaters and Geothermal

Course Description: Students will learn about the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy, the positive impacts on reducing climate change, and the benefits of adopting heat pumps. They will become familiar with heat-pumps as an energy-efficient alternative to either displace or replace a home’s existing HVAC system.

Weatherization & Blower Door

Course Description: Students will become familiar with standard industry terminology and the role of weatherization and air-tightness in energy-efficient building design and their benefits. Students will learn the mechanics of a blower door test, how to locate air leaks in the house, and determine where an air barrier or sealant should be placed.

Duct Blaster & Air Sealing

Course Description: Students will become acquainted with the terminology, components, and functionality of a Duct Blaster. They will be instructed on assembling and operating a Duct Blaster, gaining practical skills in detecting air leaks by touch, sight, and sound around air ducts.

Certificates of Knowledge Trainings

Urban Green Council GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green

Course Description: Students will learn how to understand foundational strategies that make buildings efficient, healthy, and resilient. They will also learn basic elements of high-performance construction and building operations. This certification is valid indefinitely.
Course Length: 6-8 hours, including exam time
Exam: Online assessment of 25 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 80% pass score, no time limit.
Prerequisite: None

Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Science Principles (BSP)

Course Description: The BSP Certificate is a foundational course for developing an understanding of energy-efficient home performance. Course content introduces industry terminology and shows how various components interact and affect overall home performance. This certification is valid indefinitely.
Course Length: 10-12 hours, including exam time
Exam: Online assessment of 100 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 70% pass score, no time limit.
Prerequisite: None

BPI Healthy Housing Principles (HHP)

Course Description: The HHP Certificate builds upon basic home performance knowledge and teaches students how to incorporate health into their understanding of a home system. This certification is valid indefinitely.
Course Length: 10-12 hours, including exam time
Exam: Online assessment of 100 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 70% pass score, no time limit.
Prerequisite: None

Advanced Certification Trainings

Comprehensive, extended certifications designed to cultivate expertise in holistic weatherization, green building design, and energy auditing.

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage (IDL)

Course Description: The IDL certification is a simple, comprehensive way for students to gain the skills needed to offer duct leakage and blower door tests in compliance with IECC codes for new home construction or existing home remodels. This certification is valid for 3 years.
Course Length: 20 hours, not including exam time
Exam: Hands-on field exam. Passing score 85%, 1.5 hour time limit.
Prerequisite: BPI Building Science Principles

BPI Building Analyst-Technician (BA-T)

Course Description: The BA-T certification teaches data collection and diagnostic testing for whole-home assessments. The BA-T's skills and knowledge include: buildings & their systems, testing & data collection, and industry standards. This certification is valid for 3 years.
Course Length: 36 hours, not including exam time
Exam: Hands-on field exam with oral questions. Passing score 85%, 4 hour limit.
Prerequisite: BPI Building Science Principles

USGBC LEED Green Associate (LEED-GA)

Course Description: The LEED GA credential affirms thorough comprehension of green building principles and practices. The LEED GA exam measures general knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects. This certification is valid indefinitely with 15 continuing education hours during each 2-year reporting period.
Course Length: 40+ hours, not including exam
Exam: In-person at Prometric Testing Center or from home as a remote proctored exam. 100 multiple-choice questions. Passing score 85%, 2 hour limit.
Prerequisite: None

Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) Home Energy Rater (HERS)

Course Description: The HERS certification prepares individuals to inspect and evaluate a home’s energy features, prepare a home energy rating, and make recommendations for improvements that will save the homeowner energy. This certification is valid for 3 years.
Course Length: 40+ hours, over multiple weeks
National Rater Exam: Online, open-book, multiple-choice. Passing score 40/55, 2 hour limit.
RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test: Online, open book, interactive simulation. Passing score 85%, 2 hour limit.
RESNET Rater Simulation Practical Test: Online, open book, interactive simulation. Passing score 73%, 2 hour limit.
Prerequisite: None
Requirements: (1) Training course with Accredited Rater Training Provider, (2) After passing exams: Complete 5 probationary ratings under an accredited Rating Provider.

Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius) Certified Passive House Consultant (CHPC)

Course Description: CPHCs learn to design to the Phius climate-specific building standard, the leading passive building certification in North America. The certification teaches students how to apply passive building principles in a cost-optimized, climate-specific manner. Certification is valid for 3 years.
Course Length: 40+ hours, over multiple weeks
Exam: A combination of the online and design exams is used as the student’s final score. Total passing score 70%.
Exam 1: Online, multiple choice & multi-select. 70% of total score, 3 hour limit.
Exam 2: Hands-on design submission. 30% of total score, 4 weeks.
Prerequisite: None