The Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge verifies basic knowledge of the building science behind house-as-a-system home performance. Building science demonstrates how various components of a home interact to affect its overall performance. After passing the 100-question online exam with a score of 70% or better, candidates will earn the certificate.
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Building Science Principles (BSP)
How do I take the BSP Exam and how much does it cost?
The BSP Reference Guide can be accessed online as often as you like for an unlimited time. The Digital Guide may be purchased as an through the BSP registration system for $119 if paid by ACH/Check/Debit or $122.57 if paid by Credit, or you may purchase the Printed Reference Guide version for $139 + shipping if paid by ACH/Check/Debit or $143.17 + shipping if paid by Credit.
The online exam costs $119 if paid by ACH/Check/Debit or $122.57 if paid by Credit and it may be taken at any time as it is accessible online. To access the exam, register on BPI's online portal and pay the exam fee. Alternatively, you may prefer to take the exam at a BPI Test Center. Click here to find a BPI Test Center near you. Please note that the exam is not refundable.
From BPI's perspective, the BSP exam is considered open book and the guide may be accessed during the exam. Please note that some organizations providing the exam might not allow open book access during the exam; open book access is at the discretion of the organization supplying the exam. The online exam may be taken at any time from a computer connected to the internet.
How long do I have to take the exam?
Candidates have up to one (1) year to take the exam after purchasing it online. Each exam attempt is a separate purchase. Once you log in to a computer and start the exam, you should plan for about two (2) hours to complete the exam. The BSP exam should not time out as long as you remain logged in and connected to the internet. When you finish answering the questions, you will close out the exam session and receive your score.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
Candidates may re-take the BSP exam at any time. BPI recommends studying the Reference Guide in depth before attempting to take the exam again. In addition, candidates may wish to get training from a BPI Test Center and can locate the closest one by reviewing the list here.
Candidates who fail the BSP exam and wish to re-take it must pay the exam fee again.
How will I receive my BSP certificate?
Upon passing the exam, you will be able to print your BSP certificate in PDF format from the BSP Dashboard that is unique to you, as long as you log in from a computer, are connected to the internet, and allow popup blockers.
After I pass the BSP exam, am I BPI certified?
No - passing the BSP exam does not make you BPI certified.
The BSP is a certificate, not a professional certification. It’s your first step into building science, but it doesn’t replace the training, field exams, or hands-on skills required of BPI Certified Professionals.
BPI Certified Professionals complete rigorous written and field testing, earn continuing education credits, and re-certify every three years. If you’re interested in becoming certified, explore our full list of BPI Professional Certifications.
Will the BSP certificate qualify me to assist others with their home performance projects?
The BSP certificate lets you give general guidance, but it does not qualify you to perform diagnostic testing or hands-on retrofit work.
You’ll be able to spot potential issues and know when a trained BPI Certified Professional is needed, but any technical testing or retrofit work must be done by a certified pro. If you want to advance to that level, explore BPI’s Professional Certifications.
