If you use a subcontractor for rebate-relevant installations (i.e., HVAC, insulation, or windows/doors), make sure they are a member of the HPCN. It is a good idea to include the name of the subcontractor on the quote to the customer, so they can confirm for themselves that the subcontractor is a member of the HPCN.

You must clearly identify the name of the subcontractor on your customers’ invoices. The homeowner will need to look up the subcontractor’s name in the rebate application.

The HPCN was developed to support capacity building for retrofit professionals and improve quality workmanship in the industry. To ensure that businesses have ultimate responsibility for the quality of installation work, the HPCN only permits companies that directly employee installers to participate. This provides the customer with confidence that the registered company has paramount responsibility to them and their project; this also helps protect your company from liability if you use an HPCN member as a subcontractor.

Yes, but you cannot be the company admin or trained installer for more than one HPCN company (see the question below).

Note that this applies to member companies and installers that are in good standing with the HPCN. The HPSC reserves the right to enact disciplinary action on other HPCN companies owned or co-owned by participants that are no longer in good standing with the HPCN.

No, each company registered with the HPCN must have a unique company admin and unique installers. This is to ensure that HPCN members are committed to employing and training the appropriate person(s) and amount of person(s) to manage their membership and adhere to membership requirements.

It would be an unfair competitive advantage for multiple businesses to benefit from the same trained installer and, in many cases, it is simply not realistic to be able to deliver the quality of work and customer service required by the HPCN.

Any eligible company may apply for as many sectors as they are qualified for within the HPCN. In this example, if the renovation contractor installs window and door retrofits, they are welcome to apply to the network for the Windows & Door sector. If they also install insulation retrofits, they will have the option to enroll in that sector as well.

If an individual is self-employed, and they meet the eligibility criteria, they may join the HPCN. They would register their business, serve as the Company Admin, and complete the required training.

Individual employees are not eligible to join the HPCN without an associated company as it is the company that is granted HPCN membership.

HPCN membership is associated with the company, not the individual. If an HPCN-trained employee leaves your company, Company Admins must notify HPSC staff immediately.

HPCN-trained individuals will never lose their training status (i.e. they aren’t required to retake training they’ve already completed unless there are significant changes made to the training). Individuals transitioning from one HPCN company to another should contact HPCN staff for support.

Currently, there is no set membership period. Contractors will be subject to ongoing management that will require all business accreditation and qualifications to remain up-to-date, both of which may incur a fee that the contractor is responsible for. As the program grows and evolves, it is also possible that additional qualifications or training will be introduced in the future and existing qualifications or training may be removed. The HPSC will always provide reasonable warning of these changes to provide contractors and their employees amble time to prepare.

The HPCN is currently only open for the following sectors: HVAC, Insulation, Windows and Doors, Solar and Battery, General Retrofit, and Energy Advisors. If your company directly employs individuals for these services, you may be eligible to join the HPCN. If you do not offer these services and only offer electrical services, you are not currently eligible to join the HPCN.

Electricians do not need to be registered with the HPCN to access rebates. There are electrical service upgrade rebates available through the CleanBC Energy Savings Program. If you are interested in providing your customers access to those rebates, contact the Energy Savings Program to learn more.

The TAN program is managed by FortisBC and operates separately from the HPCN. Eligible contractors may be members of one or both networks with separate and distinct benefits associated with each. Qualifications from TAN do not transfer to the HPCN and vice versa.

Companies are not permitted to use the names of rebate program partners (or their logos) on their websites or promotional materials*. This is to avoid confusion for homeowners who may erroneously affiliate companies with government or utility programs. Instead, you may refer to “provincial rebate programs” and are welcome to link out to the appropriate rebate program websites.

*Some HPCN sectors, where membership is required to access rebates (currently HVAC, Insulation, and Windows & Doors), may be permitted to list rebate program names using specific, standardized language. Details are provided to members.

This depends on a number of factors:

• your sector – each sector has its own qualification requirements, see a breakdown of the approximate time requirements in the various sector FAQ sections on this page
• previous training – if you have previously completed any of the required training you do not need to retake it, you can simply submit a certificate of completion
• your availability to complete training and availability of the required training

Some contractors complete their registration in a week. Others take several weeks or several months. We strongly encourage contractors to reach the contents of this FAQ page to understand the requirements and how your company may need to prepare to complete them.

We encourage companies to train all their residential retrofit employees.

The required minimum number of HPCN-trained employees, and their roles, differs slightly depending on the sector.

HVAC, Insulation, and Windows & Doors: At least one (1) installer per residential retrofit crew.

Solar & Battery: At least one (1) installer and one (1) designer per residential retrofit crew. The same person may serve both roles if qualified.

General Retrofit: All Supervisors or Project Managers who work with residential retrofits.

Energy Advisors: All (eligible*) Energy Advisors in your company who work with residential retrofits (existing homes) to complete the trade designations and training.

*The HPCN is currently open for Energy Advisors who work with existing homes (retrofits) and can provide evidence of 15 pre-retrofit house files (D) submitted and accepted by NRCAN. This will be requested later in the registration process.

Completion of the specified training is mandatory for all contractors who wish to join the HPCN. Permitted substitutions for specific courses are listed in the sector-specific FAQs on this page.

The training requirements were determined for industry, by industry. The HPSC worked with industry representatives from each sector to identify training needs, complete a gap analysis of existing resources, and select existing training and/or develop new training. You can read more about the development process of the required training here.

Mandatory training for home performance sectors can benefit all companies and individuals, across all levels and years of experience. It helps ensure that you and your company have access to the latest information and resources for retrofitting with a whole-home approach in BC. It provides greater consistency in retrofit approaches, which leads to greater customer satisfaction and a more level playing field for your business. It also helps enhance the overall reputation of the retrofit industry by increasing the quantity of well-trained retrofit contractors in BC; a strong reputation can increase support for the industry and open up new opportunities for your business.

Yes, several of the HPCN-required courses qualify for CPD credits with BC Housing. For more information on CPD points and reporting, search “HPSC” on their education registry or contact BC Housing.

Currently, all contractors registering in the HPCN must complete the mandatory qualifications and are unable to challenge them. There are a few reasons for this:

• The mandatory requirements are chosen for their specificity to retrofits (rather than new construction), British Columbia (rather than being non-region specific), and current best practices. Not all industry qualifications are deemed equal on these variables by the HPSC Sector Councils.
• In terms of the option to challenge the requirements with an exam: it is the desire of the Sector Councils to have contractors in the HPCN trained in the standard approach outlined above, rather than only passing a knowledge check.

For standardization and logistics purposes, the current HPCN requirements will remain in place for now. The HPSC continues to be committed to working with industry leaders to identify future enhancements to the HPCN. To share your feedback on the HPCN and its requirements, we encourage you to

1. Consider joining a Sector Council to help shape the HPCN and other industry initiatives
2. Send your feedback to info@homeperformance.ca

*Energy Advisors are required to have $2 million in general liability and $1 million in errors and omissions.

The requirement to provide proof of $5 million in general liability insurance (or $2 million in general liability and $1 million in errors and omissions for Energy Advisors) was decided by the HPSC Sector Councils, and the HPSC and its program partners. Being a member of a network like the HPCN comes with an inherent liability risk for the contractor/Energy Advisor themselves, as well as the HPSC and its program partners. The dollar amounts required are based on market best practices to adequately protect all parties involved.

We require you to list the HPSC as an “additional insured” because we list HPCN members in a public search tool; there is an inherent liability risk to the HPSC that comes with this promotion should a homeowner choose to take legal action against a member. There shouldn’t be a cost associated with adding an “additional insured” to your policy.

WorkSafeBC promotes safe and healthy workplaces. While sole proprietors/Energy Advisors may not be required by law to have WorkSafeBC coverage, our Sector Councils have identified that it is best practice and in the best interest of the individual to obtain coverage. WorkSafeBC may suggest that you are eligible for Personal Optional Protection coverage. That coverage would meet the requirements of the HPCN to provide a clearance letter showing that you are active and in good standing with WorkSafeBC.

Both HVAC companies that wish to become a member and existing members of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) will be affected.

Note: If your company does not directly employ HVAC installers but you subcontract out the work you do not need to become a member of the HPCN, instead your subcontractor should become a member. 

The HPCN is a voluntary initiative with benefits that include:

• Enabling your customers access to select rebates from our program partners including CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC, and Pacific Northern Gas.
• Training subsidies to cover the cost of training plus a wage contribution (while funding lasts).
• Business information displayed in the HPCN and CleanBC Better Homes search tools, which is promoted across BC.
• Public recognition for quality work and the use of the Home Performance Contractor Network logo.
• Invitations to exclusive networking, engagement, and training opportunities for home performance professionals and stakeholders.

You DO NOT need to complete the new training requirements to legally complete HVAC work in British Columbia. The training is only required for membership in the HPCN to enjoy benefits such as offering your customers rebate access.

New registrants are defined as

• companies wishing to join or rejoin the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN)
• employees completing the training for existing HPCN member companies

The table below outlines the effective date for the new training requirements. Pay close attention to dates as they vary based on your service territory and existing credentials.

*Eligible trades are journeypeople or final-level apprentices in Plumbing, Pipefitting/Steamfitting, Gasfitting, or Sheetmetal trades. Final-level apprentice Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are also included in this group.

** Journeypeople Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics.

The HPSC defines the Lower Mainland and other areas of BC according to the map and legend below. Companies will be subject to the “effective date” based on their service territory, not their physical office location.

Existing members are defined as

• companies that are already members of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) prior to the effective date(s)
• employees (of an HPCN member company) that have completed the previously required HPCN training

The table below outlines the “effective date” for the new training requirements. Pay close attention to dates as they vary based on depending on your service territory and existing credentials.

*Eligible trades are journeypeople or final-level apprentices in Plumbing, Pipefitting/Steamfitting, Gasfitting, or Sheetmetal trades. Final-level apprentice Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are also included in this group.

** Journeypeople Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics.

The HPSC defines the Lower Mainland and other areas of BC according to the map and legend below. Companies will be subject to the “effective date” based on their service territory, not their physical office location.

Yes, effective immediately the new training requirements are the recommended and preferred option for joining the HPCN HVAC sector. Installers may complete the new requirements at any time now to be considered a qualified HPCN installer.

The effective date(s) above are when the new training requirements become mandatory for the HPCN.

Some of the training courses are available directly through BCIT while others are available through the HPSC, TECA, or HRAI. The table below explains the registration options. You can register for the BCIT microcredential right away or complete the first few courses and then register with BCIT.

Yes! As always, training subsidies will be available for 100% of course costs plus a wage contribution while funding lasts. Companies pay for their installers’ training upfront and submit a request for reimbursement after becoming full HPCN members.

Subsidies are even available for journeypeople RACMs who wish to take the hands-on lab course, which is an optional course for them.

Other discounts or grants may be available through BCIT. In those cases, HPCN members are eligible for reimbursement of up to 100% of the course costs after these other discounts or grants were applied.

Yes! You do not need to re-take any of the required training that you have already completed.

Everyone will need to register with BCIT to complete the microcredential. When registering, simply inform BCIT of any prior training you have completed.

Existing Members’ Training

Some existing HPCN members have already completed three of the six (3/6) required courses, while others have completed two of the six (2/6) required courses, as there is overlap between the original and new training requirements.

The following table provides a breakdown of how the original training pathway translates to the new training pathway for existing HPCN members.

*Eligible trades are journeypeople or final-level apprentices in Plumbing, Pipefitting/Steamfitting, Gasfitting, or Sheetmetal trades. Final-level apprentice Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are also included in this group.

Partly. It is strongly recommended that the training is taken in the order provided. In some cases, there are course prerequisites and the order must be followed. The following table outlines which courses have prerequisites.

The Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) exists to promote quality workmanship and retrofitting with a house-as-a-system approach. The first iteration of HPCN-required training for the HVAC sector reflected the HVAC Sector Council’s* desire to see first-of-its-kind BC-specific training, easily accessible throughout the province.

• The HPSC has continued to work with our HVAC Sector Council to evaluate the training requirements to ensure they reflect up-to-date best practices and meet the evolving needs of industry. Several factors were involved in the decision to update the HPCN HVAC required training now:
• The HVAC sector council has long requested a hands-on training component. The launch of the BCIT microcredential, which includes a hands-on course, provides a timely opportunity to update the HPCN training requirements.
• HPCN Contractor Management cases reveal remaining training gaps leading to ongoing quality workmanship concerns in the HVAC industry.
• There have been evolving conversations and support for credentialing in the province with industry and government, for example, new interest and support for microcredentials to fill short-to-medium term credentialing gaps.

*Sector Councils are groups of industry volunteers that meet regularly with HPSC staff to provide industry insights and feedback to guide HPSC work, including the HPCN.

All existing members will be subject to the existing member effective dates for your service area(s), regardless of when your membership opened. It is highly recommended that you complete the full training requirements as soon as possible to avoid interruptions to your membership.

New registrants

Your company will not be able to finish your registration and become a member of the HPCN until the required (and eligible) staff complete the new training requirements.

Existing members

Your company’s HPCN membership will be paused (i.e. you will no longer have access to membership benefits) until the required (and eligible) staff complete the new training requirements.

Companies who do not have installers meeting one of the eligibility criteria above will no longer be eligible to join the HPCN as of the effective dates for your service area.

New registrants

Your company will no longer be eligible to join the HPCN.

Existing members

Your company’s HPCN membership will be closed and you will no longer have access to membership benefits as of the effective date.

In recognition of their existing credentials, journeyperson Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (RACMs) are exempt from having to complete the final required in-person course: BCIT Residential Air Source Heat Pump Installation Skills (hands-on lab).

In comparison, eligible non-RACMs that join the HPCN will need to complete the additional 45 hours of hands-on training. Additionally, RACM final-level apprentices are eligible to join the HPCN by completing the final hands-on course and earning the full BCIT microcredential.

The qualifications for each HPCN sector were determined through consultation with the HPSC’s HVAC Sector Council. Since the HPCN launched in 2021, the HVAC Sector Council has spent considerable time discussing the merits of requiring the Red Seal certification for the HPCN and ultimately concluded the following:

A trade designation for residential retrofit heat pump installations is required to improve quality workmanship.

The only trade designation for heat pumps currently available in BC is the Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic. This designation includes comprehensive and broad training but unfortunately does not focus specifically on residential retrofits. The residential retrofit installation process for heat pumps in BC differs significantly enough that despite the comprehensive training required for this designation, it does not satisfy the necessary criteria to be an acceptable substitute for the HPCN required training.

The HVAC Sector Council continues to work with the HPSC to advocate for solutions to residential HVAC credentialing and quality workmanship.

The new BCIT microcredential, while not a full-fledged trade designation, is one such short-to-medium term solution that has been identified and created with industry input. Additional solutions, such as a residential-specific Red Seal program, continue to be explored.

The HPCN will no longer list furnace installers as a stand-alone subsector as of September 1, 2027. Heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, and ventilation will be the available services for contractors to select in their profile and for homeowners to search for in the Contractor Search Tool.

This is to reflect that the HPCN training pathway will no longer include furnace best practices training. The new training pathway will continue to cover heat pump, dual-fuel systems, and ventilation, and therefore, those services will remain available for selection.

There will be no HPSC-given exceptions or substitutions to the new training requirements. BCIT may recognize alternative courses through their Prior Learning Assessment process. Contractors inquiring about exceptions or substitutions should contact BCIT directly at soce-heatpump-microcredential@bcit.ca or 604-432-8697.

There are a few permitted substitutions for the required TECA/HRAI courses:

There are NO OTHER SUBSTITUTIONS for the required HVAC sector qualifications/training. The HPSC has spoken with TECA/HRAI about the required courses and confirmed that they cover unique and comprehensive material.

If you have taken TECA’s Forced Air Guidelines you DO NEED to complete the Principles of Moving Air and Heat Loss/Heat Gain courses. While the Forced Air Guidelines course includes content on heat loss/heat gain, the specific Heat Loss/Heat Gain course is much more comprehensive and in-depth; TECA has confirmed that it is not a valid substitute.

The HPCN qualification criteria were developed by a Sector Council of industry representatives for each sector. The HVAC Sector Council determined that a Class B Gas Fitter Ticket is required for any installer responsible for furnace retrofits under the HPCN designation. As the ticketed installer is ultimately responsible for the installation, they are responsible for completing the remaining training as well. If multiple employees are working together to complete the installation, it is the goal of the HPCN that all involved employees complete the required HPCN training.

Note: there are no furnace-related rebates that require HPCN membership at this time. Visit the Rebate Eligibility page for more information.

First, make sure you have followed the proper steps for signing up for the training. The course is hosted on a separate website from the rest of the HPCN content so you must create a new account. This log in is NOT the same one you use for the HPCN Portal. Follow the instructions in #1 above.

If you followed the instructions in #1 above and are still experiencing problems, check that all of the steps in the instructions showed up for you. For example, when you created your account did a pop-up window open to ask you to confirm your location? If not, this means your internet browser’s pop-up blocker is preventing you from completing the account set-up. Turn off your pop-up blocker for this website to continue with the account set-up process. Here is an article on how to turn off your pop-up blocker for certain websites that might be helpful.

Your progress is automatically saved as you progress through the training. You can simply exit your internet browser and the next time you return to the training, you can continue where you left off.

• Visit homeperformancetraining.ca
• Depending on your browser settings, you may be automatically signed in. If not, click on the “Sign In” button in the top right hand corner, enter the email and password you used to create your account on the training website, and log in. Click on “Dashboard” in the top right hand corner.
• Click “Start” on the training module at the top of the page.

• There could be a few reasons why this is happening. Please try these troubleshooting steps before contacting us for further support.
  
  A) Exit the Training Window

  Some of the training modules open in a new window. This window will need to be closed before you can progress to the next module. If you minimize the screen, you’ll notice that the training webpage is still open in the background. The images below show how the training module window (highlighted in yellow) can be minimized to reveal the training webpage still open in the background.

  

  

   

  When you reach the end of a module (i.e. you have finished all the sections and are unable to click the “next” button), click the “Save and exit” button in the top right corner of the training module window.

  

  The training module window will close and should reveal the main training website that was still open in the background. From here, you can finish progressing through the course by clicking on “Next Module” in the right hand corner until you reach the wrap-up page. Click on “Return to Dashboard” to continue to the remaining modules in the course.

  

   

  B) Watch Videos to the Very End

  Another reason for a “stuck” module, is if any of the videos are not watched completely to the end. Check that each step in the “Course Description” box on the left-hand side has either a check mark or red “X” next to it. If any are blank, revisit the step and make sure you watch the video to the very end.

  C) Assignment Feedback

  If your module contains an assignment, such as Module 4 step 27 (Airflow Assignment), you must click on the “Feedback” tab in order to mark this step as complete. This could cause the Module to be “stuck”.

  

  D) Accidentally Enrolled Twice

  If you accidentally enrolled in the Learning Pathway more than once, this can sometimes cause issues with the modules. To check which Learning Pathways (and how many) you are enrolled in, from the “Dashboard”, click on “Learning Paths”. Check if there is just one listing of Quality Installation of Air Source Heat Pump and Forced Air Furnace Retrofits in BC Homes). If there two listing of this pathway, this may be causing the issue and the HPSC will need to fix it. Contact hpcn@homeperformance.ca for support.

  

• Visit homeperformancetraining.ca/store, log in to your account, and click the dashboard button in the top right corner.
  

  

  

  From the dashboard page, click on “Learning Paths”.

  

   

  Under the HVAC course name, click on the button that says “Certificate”.

  

After completing a training module, close the training module window to return to the main training website (see #1 above). Click on the section that says “Module # Resources”.

Unfortunately, other technical issues sometimes occur due to different browser settings. Try the following steps to resolve the issue:

1. Exit out of your internet browser. Your progress in the course is automatically saved so you can exit at any time.
2. Reopen your internet browser and navigate back to the homeperformancetraining.ca website. If you are not automatically signed in, log in again by clicking on the “Sign In” button in the top right corner.
3. Click on the “Dashboard” button in the top right hand corner and resume your course where you left off.

If the issue is not resolved, try the steps above again, this time using a different internet browser if it is available to you (e.g. Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

If the issue is still not resolved, contact us at info@homeperformance.ca

No, there are no permitted substitutions for this sector’s training requirements.

No, there are no permitted substitutions for this sector’s training requirements.

The graphic below outlines the required steps to complete HPCN registration and become a member for the General Retrofit sector.

Yes, if your company also completes HVAC, insulation, or window and door installations and wants to be eligible to offer your customers access to provincial rebates for that work, you will also need to register in those sectors. Your membership in the General Retrofit sector does not cover these rebate types.

Professionals involved in retrofitting existing homes can gain substantial value from the CHBA BC’s Building Science for New Homes course, despite its primary focus on new construction. The course delves into fundamental building science principles that are equally applicable to both new builds and retrofits. The course focuses on the following overlapping themes between new constructions and retrofits:

• House-as-a-System Approach
• Building Envelope and Moisture Management
• Mechanical Systems Integration.
• Climate-Specific Construction Practices

The graphic below outlines the required steps to complete HPCN registration and become a member for the Energy Advisors sector.

There are multiple benefits for professionals who join the HPCN, including:

• Subsidized training up to $1,200 per eligible employee (available until May 2026 while funding lasts).
• Public recognition for quality work and the use of the Home Performance Contractor Network logo.
• Business information displayed in a public directory/search tool, which is promoted across BC, to reduce advertising costs, level the playing field, and increase ease of customer access.
• Invitations to exclusive networking, engagement, and training opportunities for home performance professionals and stakeholders.

Plus, your CACAE membership allows you to fast track the HPCN registration process. You will not be required to provide customer references, and certain business documents.

The graphic below outlines the required steps to complete HPCN registration and become a member for the Solar & Battery sector.

Yes, as of June 2026, all contractors participating in the BC Hydro self-generation program and associated rebates will be required to become HPCN members. Specific dates will be announced in the future.

If your customers are participating in the BC Hydro self-generation program and associated rebates then you will need to become an HPCN member.

You are also able to join the BC Hydro Alliance, an optional membership for contractors doing work on large commercial or industrial projects.

The HPCN’s training reimbursements are made possible through funding from the Province of BC. The purpose of the funding is to encourage uptake in the HPCN by supporting contractors to complete the required training. Training that was completed prior to the launch of the HPCN, therefore, does not fit within the scope of the funding mandate. 

• Subsidies are only available to contractors that are registered in the HPCN. Learn more about registering for the HPCN.
• The HPCN-registered business must pay for the employee’s training in order to be eligible for the subsidies as reimbursement payments are made to the company, not to individuals.
• Subsidies are applicable to HPCN-required training only and are non-transferrable to other training, companies, or individuals.
• Subsidies apply to the first attempt at training only (i.e., first completion of a course or exam whether pass or fail). Any retakes will not be eligible for reimbursement.
• Subsidies are available for employees that have completed all mandatory qualifications in their HPCN sector. Employees that have completed some, but not all, of the required training are not eligible for subsidies.

• You may not “double dip” on reimbursement with other programs/grants such as the BC Employer Training Grant. You may only request reimbursement for training not already covered by another funder/grant.
• Maximum reimbursement limits per company may apply.
• Reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.
• Registration with the HPCN does not guarantee reimbursement of training costs.