For the 2019 Energy Code, lighting controls and mechanical systems nonresidential certificate of acceptance (NRCA) forms are required to be submitted to and recorded by an ATTCP. The NRCAs recorded by the ATTCPs are limited to the NRCA-LTI-02-A through NRCA-LTI-05-A, NRCA-LTO-02-A, and NRCA-MCH-02-A through NRCA-MCH-20-A. The NRCAs recorded by an ATTCP will have the logo of the ATTCP included on the form. Field inspectors should verify that the ATTCP logo is included on submitted NRCAs.
The CEC does not require certificate of compliance (NRCC) or certificate of installation (NRCI) forms to be recorded by an ATTCP. However, some ATTCPs do require the information from the related NRCCs and NRCIs to be entered into its system for purposes of quality assurance check on the NRCAs. ATTCPs may provide an added service to complete, track, and manage the NRCCs and NRCI, along with the required NRCAs.
Acceptance testing was included in the 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) to help ensure that the installed equipment in nonresidential buildings was operating as designed and in compliance with the Energy Code. Acceptance testing generally includes three phases: documentation inspection, construction inspection, and functional testing. While performing the document inspection, the technician is required to review the construction plans that were approved by the local building department. These plans should include the nonresidential certificates of compliance and the nonresidential certificates of installation that are required by the Energy Code. The technician then compares the approved plans and documentation to the actual installations and verifies that they are consistent. After all necessary modifications are made, the technician can then proceed with the functional test. The functional test is specific to the equipment type and requirements in the Energy Code. Acceptance testing can be performed by the installing technician or a third party. The acceptance test is intended to give the installing technician a credible document that shows that the installed system was operational and in compliance with the Energy Code when the technician left construction site.
Yes, acceptance testing is a mandatory requirement in the Energy Code for both lighting controls and mechanical systems.
Lighting controls acceptance tests have been required to be completed by a certified Acceptance Test Technician since July 2014.
The mandatory requirement that any person performing a mechanical systems acceptance test in a nonresidential building must be a certified Acceptance Test Technician took effect on April 14, 2021. To allow a reasonable time for training and implementation of additional Acceptance Test Technician, the California Energy Commission expects authorities having jurisdiction to enforce the mechanical systems Acceptance Test Technician requirements to all nonresidential permit applications submitted on or after October 1, 2021.
The CEC approves ATTCPs that train, certify, and oversee installation technicians performing acceptance tests for nonresidential buildings. This helps to ensure that the acceptance testing is performed correctly and gives the local building inspectors some confidence that the project is in compliance with the Energy Code.
An ATTCP is an entity that is approved by the CEC to provide training, certification, and oversight services for technicians and their employers. There are two types of ATTCPs: lighting controls ATTCPs and mechanical ATTCPs. A list of all approved ATTCPs can be found on the Approved ATTCPs webpage.
An Acceptance Test Technician (ATT) is an installation technician that is certified by an ATTCP to perform nonresidential acceptance testing for lighting controls (Title 24, Part 6, Section 130.4) or mechanical systems (Title 24, Part 6, Section 120.5).
There are two types of ATTs: lighting controls ATTs and mechanical systems ATTs. Technicians seeking certification to perform lighting controls acceptance tests need to be trained and certified by an approved lighting controls ATTCP. Technicians seeking certification to perform mechanical acceptance tests need to be trained and certified by an approved mechanical ATTCP.
While the general requirements for certification from ATTCPs are dictated by the Energy Code, each ATTCP has requirements and procedures that are specific to their program. To learn about how to receive certification from a specific ATTCP, visit the ATTCP's website. Technicians may be certified by any of the approved ATTCPs to perform acceptance testing, and may hold certification from more than one ATTCP at a time. However, please be advised that technicians will be subject to the fees and requirements of each ATTCP from which they receive certification.
Technicians who are in industries including, but not limited to:
- Electrical Contractors
- Certified General Electricians
- Professional Engineers
- Licensed Architects
- Controls Installation and Startup Contractors
- Certified Commissioning Professionals
- HVAC Installers
- Mechanical Contractors
- Testing and Balancing (TAB) certified technicians
Participation in the technician certification program is limited to persons who have at least three years of verifiable professional experience and expertise in lighting controls and electrical systems, as determined by the lighting controls ATTCPs.
For more information on technician pre-qualification requirements, please contact the approved Lighting Controls ATTCPs.
Technicians who are in industries including, but not limited to:
- Professional Engineers
- Licensed Architects
- HVAC Installers
- Mechanical Contractors
- Testing and Balancing (TAB) certified technicians
- Controls Installation & Startup Contractors
- Certified Commissioning Professionals
Participation in the technician certification program is limited to persons who have at least three years of verifiable professional experience and expertise in mechanical controls and systems, as determined by the mechanical ATTCPs.
For more information on technician pre-qualification requirements, please contact the approved Mechanical ATTCPs.
The industry certification threshold must be satisfied before ATT and acceptance test employer certification requirements take effect. These conditions have been satisfied for both lighting controls and mechanical systems.
The threshold has been met for lighting controls and the ATT certification requirements became effective on July 1st, 2014.
Yes, the California Energy Commission determined that the threshold had been met for mechanical systems on April 14, 2021. To allow a reasonable time for training and implementation of additional Acceptance Test Technician, the California Energy Commission expects authorities having jurisdiction to enforce the mechanical systems Acceptance Test Technician requirements to all nonresidential permit applications submitted on or after October 1, 2021.
An acceptance test employer is certified by an ATTCP. Each ATT must be employed by an acceptance test employer to participate in the program; even ATTs that are self-employed. However, an ATT can also be certified as an acceptance test employer.
There are two types of acceptance test employers: lighting controls ATEs and mechanical ATEs. If the technician(s) you employ perform lighting controls acceptance tests, then you need to be trained and certified by an approved lighting controls ATTCP. If the technician(s) you employ perform mechanical acceptance tests, then you need to be trained and certified by an approved mechanical ATTCP.
While the general requirements for certification from any of the ATTCPs are dictated by the Energy Code, each ATTCP will have requirements and procedures that are specific to their program. To learn about how to receive certification from a specific ATTCP, visit the website of that ATTCP. Employers may be certified by any of the approved ATTCPs, and employers may hold certification from more than one ATTCP at a time. However, please be advised that employers will be subject to the fees and requirements of each ATTCP from which they receive certification.
You may find ATTs available in your area by visiting the various ATTCP website and to looking up each provider's list of certified ATTs.
You may verify the certification status of an ATT by visiting the ATTCP's website (linked on the CEC ATTCP webpage) that certified a particular ATT. Look up the ATT's certification number. If the ATT’s name and certification number are listed on the ATTCP website, then the ATT’s certification information is valid.
All approved ATTCPs are authorized by the CEC to train, certify, and provide oversight to ATTs and acceptance test employers. Certain ATTCPs provide services to union members only, although certification from those ATTCPs may be available to non-union members as well. For more information about union or non-union options, please visit each ATTCP’s website.
The ATT may be a third party, but is not required to be a third party.