How do you know if someone is qualified to commission your building? Maybe this credential will help you learn

by Brianna Crandall — April 14, 2017 — The AABC Commissioning Group (ACG) recently announced that its CxA credential achieved accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as becoming a recognized certification by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines program.

ACG’s CxA, or Certified Commissioning Authority, program recognizes independent building commissioning professionals who have demonstrated significant technical, management, and communications skills. They must also have documented project experience in leading, planning, coordinating and managing commissioning teams to implement commissioning processes in new and existing buildings.

Justin Garner, P.E., CxA, of Engineered Air Balance Co. and ACG Certification Council chairman, stated:

The CxA credential comprises the largest pool of certified commissioning providers in the world. Gaining ANSI accreditation and Better Buildings recognition, combined with ACG members’ longstanding commitment to providing independent, third-party commissioning services, cements the CxA as the preeminent commissioning credential for new and existing buildings.

The combination of the ANSI and DOE “seals of approval” means that building owners or managers, contractors, state or local jurisdictions, code organizations, or others who want to ensure that they are using a commissioning certification that is industry-accepted, third-party validated, and ISO 17024-compliant can confidently specify ACG’s certified commissioning authority.

Additionally, this recognition ensures that the CxA is considered an approved commissioning credential for all federally funded projects. The General Services Administration (GSA) has long recognized the value of commissioning citing commissioning agents’ “in-depth expertise with the commissioning process including verification techniques, functional performance testing, system equipment and O&M knowledge.”

The next opportunity for approved candidates to take the CxA credential exam is April 25 at the CxEnergy Conference and Expo in Orlando, FL. A 12-hour commissioning workshop is also offered on April 24-25. Those interested should visit ACG’s Membership and Certification page, which provides complete details and a downloadable CxA Candidate Handbook.

CxEnergy also provides an array of AIA-approved commissioning presentations provided by experts that provide ACG CxAs with continuing education credits (CECs) required to maintain their certifications.