Building Commissioning Technician Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

The Building Commissioning Technician Certificate of Achievement equips students with the skills to verify and optimize building systems for energy efficiency. Through hands-on projects and industry partnerships, students gain proficiency in the commissioning process, HVAC systems, and California energy codes, preparing them for entry-level roles in the growing green building sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Building Commissioning Technician Certificate of Achievement provides students with the necessary skills for entry-level employment in the energy-efficient building industry. Building Commissioning (Cx) involves verifying that a building's systems function as intended. Commissioning Technicians (CxT) and Commissioning Agents (CxA) collaborate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and building owners to ensure that building systems are designed, installed, and tested according to project specifications. The certificate focuses on applying the building commissioning process to new and existing buildings. Students learn the process fundamentals from predesign to occupancy and operations. Courses in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Building Controls Automaton, and California energy codes help students understand the roles of various stakeholders in the commissioning process.

Objectives:

• Gain foundational knowledge of the building commissioning process.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of commissioning technicians and agents.
• Develop proficiency in applying commissioning principles to new and existing buildings.
• Acquire expertise in testing and verifying building systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Meet the growing demand for skilled commissioning professionals in the energy-efficient building sector.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Building commissioning process
• System testing and verification
• Energy-efficient building design and operation
• California energy codes
• HVAC systems
• Building automation
• Electrical systems

Course Schedule:

The certificate program comprises 25 units of coursework. Students typically complete the program in one to two years, depending on their pace and course availability. Specific course offerings and schedules may vary from semester to semester. Students are advised to consult with the program coordinator or academic advisor for the most up-to-date information.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• Electricity & Electrical Theory (ESYS 002): Introduces the fundamentals of electricity, electrical circuits, and electrical components.
Students learn about electrical safety, wire sizing, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Fundamentals of Building Commissioning (ESYS 006): Provides an overview of the building commissioning process, including its history, benefits, and industry standards.
Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of commissioning team members and the different phases of a commissioning project.
• Advanced Lighting Controls (ESYS 035): Explores advanced lighting control systems, including lighting fixtures, sensors, and controllers.
Students learn about lighting design principles, energy-efficient lighting technologies, and control strategies to optimize building lighting systems.
• HVACR Systems Design (ACR 075): Covers the principles of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems.
Students learn about HVACR system components, design considerations, and energy-efficient HVACR technologies.
• Boiler & Hydronic Heating (ACR 084): Focuses on boiler and hydronic heating systems, including their components, operation, and maintenance.
Students learn about boiler types, hydronic heating system design, and energy-efficient heating strategies.
• Building Automation Fundamentals (ACR 090): Introduces building automation systems, including their components, functions, and applications.
Students learn about building automation controllers, sensors, and actuators, and how they are used to control and monitor building systems.
• Advanced Building Control Networks (ACR 091): Delves into advanced building control networks, including their design, installation, and maintenance.
Students learn about network topologies, communication protocols, and cybersecurity measures for building control networks.
• California Mechanical Codes (BIT 020): Provides an overview of California's mechanical codes, including the California Building Code (CBC) and the California Mechanical Code (CMC).
Students learn about code requirements for HVACR systems, plumbing systems, and other mechanical systems in buildings.
• California Electrical Codes (BIT 040): Covers California's electrical codes, including the California Electrical Code (CEC) and the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).
Students learn about code requirements for electrical installations, safety, and energy efficiency in buildings.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams: Students demonstrate their understanding of the course material through written exams, which may include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions.
• Projects: Students apply their knowledge and skills through projects, such as designing and implementing lighting control systems or troubleshooting HVACR systems.
• Lab Assignments: Students complete lab assignments to gain hands-on experience with building commissioning equipment and techniques.
• Portfolio: Students develop a portfolio of their work, which may include projects, lab assignments, and other evidence of their learning.

Assessment Criteria:

• Accuracy: Students' work is evaluated for its accuracy and completeness.
• Technical Proficiency: Students demonstrate their technical proficiency in applying building commissioning principles and techniques.
• Communication Skills: Students effectively communicate their findings and recommendations in written and oral formats.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Students demonstrate their ability to identify and solve problems related to building commissioning.
• Professionalism: Students exhibit professionalism in their work and interactions with others.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce new concepts and theories.
• Discussions: Students engage in discussions to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Group Projects: Students work in groups on projects to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Laboratory Activities: Students participate in laboratory activities to gain hands-on experience with building commissioning equipment and techniques.
• Field Trips: Students may participate in field trips to visit buildings undergoing commissioning or to meet with industry professionals.

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in building commissioning, energy-efficient building design, and related fields. Faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and preparing them for successful careers in the industry.

Unique Approaches:

• Industry Partnerships: The program collaborates with local industry partners to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and access to industry professionals.
• Energy Efficiency Focus: The program emphasizes energy efficiency in building design and operation, preparing students for the growing demand for skilled professionals in the green building sector.
• Project-Based Learning: Students engage in projects to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world building commissioning challenges.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Commissioning Technician
• Commissioning Agent
• Building Performance Analyst
• Energy Auditor
• Building Operator
• Sustainability Consultant

Opportunities:

• Growing Industry: The demand for skilled commissioning professionals is increasing as more buildings adopt energy-efficient technologies and sustainable design practices.
• High Earning Potential: Commissioning technicians and agents can earn competitive salaries, with experienced professionals earning six-figure incomes.
• Career Advancement: With experience and additional training, commissioning technicians can advance to roles such as Commissioning Agent or Building Performance Analyst.

Outcomes:

• Graduates of the Building Commissioning Technician Certificate of Achievement program are prepared for entry-level employment in the energy-efficient building industry.
• They possess the knowledge and skills to work effectively as part of a commissioning team and to ensure that building systems operate at optimal performance.
• Graduates are also well-positioned to pursue further education and training to advance their careers in the field of building commissioning and energy efficiency.