SkillCat has announced a new partnership with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) to bring the Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate to the SkillCat platform, expanding access to one of the industry's leading building science credentials for technicians across the country.
Available now in the SkillCat app on iOS and Android, the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate gives HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and weatherization professionals a flexible, mobile-first way to build a deeper understanding of how homes function as complete systems.
As homes become more energy efficient and increasingly electrified, understanding the relationship between HVAC systems, insulation, ventilation, indoor air quality, and the building envelope has become more important than ever. The Building Science Principles course helps technicians develop that whole-home perspective, allowing them to better identify performance issues, improve comfort and efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for homeowners.
The self-paced course includes approximately six hours of instruction covering house-as-a-system concepts, building science fundamentals, construction basics, indoor air quality, occupant health and safety, and why energy efficiency improvements should come before technologies like solar or geothermal. Students complete the course by taking a 100-question BPI exam, earning an industry-recognized credential upon passing.
The partnership represents another step in SkillCat's mission to make high-quality technical education more accessible while helping meet the growing demand for skilled trades professionals.
"Building science and healthy homes are one of the fastest growing areas in this industry, and it
was a real gap on SkillCat. Now the BPI Building Science Principles certification sits right in the
app alongside everything else we offer. That partnership lets us get this training in front of a lot
more people, whether they're breaking into the trades or already in them. For contractors, it's a
way to upskill the team, move into a new market, and go after revenue they weren't quoting
before."
Brendan Arsenault, Head of Partnerships, SkillCat
This partnership also expands access to BPI's nationally recognized training by connecting it directly with the technicians already using SkillCat to earn certifications and develop their careers. It also creates a pathway for learners interested in pursuing additional BPI credentials, including the Building Analyst Technician certification.
"We're excited to partner with SkillCat to bring BSP to more skilled trades professionals and
expand access to foundational building science education."
Amanda Hatherly, CEO, Building Performance Institute
For contractors, the Building Science Principles Certificate provides another opportunity to strengthen their teams as more companies expand into home performance services. Technicians with a stronger understanding of whole-home performance are better equipped to reduce callbacks, identify opportunities for energy improvements, and communicate more effectively across multiple trades.
The BPI Building Science Principles training is included with a SkillCat subscription, giving users access to the full self-paced course through the SkillCat app. After completing the training, learners can choose to take the BPI Building Science Principles certification exam for $120. Upon passing, they earn the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate, which never expires, provides six BPI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for BPI Certified Professionals, and serves as a prerequisite for the Building Analyst Technician certification.
By combining SkillCat's mobile-first learning platform with BPI's nationally recognized building science standards, the partnership makes it easier than ever for technicians to gain valuable skills, earn respected credentials, and advance their careers from anywhere.
