A large office space in a commercial building, showing lots of cubicles.

By Monica Kanojia

The AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), a nonprofit association supporting commissioning professionals, recently received recognition by the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines (BBWG) program for its Commissioning Authority (CxA) certification. The Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines program establishes a clear set of guidelines that industry stakeholders are able to leverage toward the development of successful training and certification programs. These guidelines have established streamlined pathways for both new and experienced professionals to improve skillsets and show potential employers that they meet desired qualifications for commercial building projects.

Established in 2005, the AABC Commissioning Group is composed of commissioning companies that are committed to the advancement of independent third-party commissioning professionals. ACG’s CxA certification was developed to align with the BBWG program’s Building Commissioning Professional job category, which signals to potential employers that individuals with the certification have led, planned, coordinated and managed commissioning efforts in new and existing buildings.

Building commissioning is a complex undertaking and involves advanced knowledge of building systems and their interactions, which allow the early detection and resolution of performance issues. The integral role of a commissioning authority in improving upon project performance from the design phase through post-construction and occupancy makes it imperative for building owners to have the ability to identify highly skilled and qualified professionals. The BBWG recognized CxA certification developed and conferred through ACG saves building owners time and money, while working toward the completion of a high-performance facility that meets their operating goals.

CxA certification applications are required to go through an application process where they must meet at least the minimum eligibility requirements, including:

  • Education and experience
  • Mandatory commissioning project
  • Verification of independence
  • CxA Code of Ethics
  • A completed application with agreements and attestations

All of these stipulations must be met even before candidates are permitted to sit for the CxA examination. The exam itself ensures that candidates are well-versed in every aspect of commissioning, from the initial identification of scope, all the way through to ongoing commissioning after initial M&V.