What course is right for me?
If you are looking for a basic introduction to the concept of Passive House design and construction, we recommend taking the 50: Basic Understanding of a Passive House Building. Whether you are a planner, builder, policy maker or looking to build your own home, this course will provide a valuable overview. Please note that this course is self-paced.
For a more in-depth overview of the core principles of Passive House design, without pre-requisites, we suggest Introduction to Passive House High Performance Buildings (90). This live online course covers the history of energy efficient buildings, energy consumption data, environmental impact, case studies and the economics of creating high performance buildings. Though this course is generally geared towards developers, project coordinators, subcontractors and component suppliers, architects, engineers, architectural technologists and other design professionals, it does not encompass the technical knowledge required to build to the Passive House standard.
If you want a more advanced and detailed understanding of Passive House principles, we recommend Passive House Design and Construction (120A). This live online or in-person course covers the technical, economic and policy elements of Passive House buildings. Participants will learn how to apply Passive House principles in the context of building physics, windows and mechanical systems. Recommended for building industry professionals and individuals who are going to be involved in the design and construction of Passive House buildings or EnerPHit (retrofit) projects, including: architects, engineers, design professionals, site supervisors, general contractors, building inspectors, city planners, homeowners, investors and suppliers of high-performance building materials that may be used in Passive House construction.
If you are planning to design or build a Passive House building, you will need to take 120A and Understanding and Working with the Passive House Planning Package (120B). The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) is the energy modelling software essential for designing a Passive House building. Participants will understand the input and outputs of PHPP, how to select appropriate climate data sets and record building measurements.
Preparation for the Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant Exam (120C) is specifically for people intending to write the Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant exam, and who have already completed courses 120A and 120B (or equivalent). It is delivered as a live online module. The exam is set by the Passive House Institute and can be challenging, so we recommend taking one or both of these courses that provide information and exercises to thoroughly prepare you. Pathway to Passive House Designer/Consultant Certification (120P) bundles all three courses (120A/120B/120C) and is not only offered online, but as a hybrid option in select cities, whereby 120A is offered in-person with 120B/120C following online. The live online 120P courses are recorded and available for three months after they have ended.
If you are going to be directly involved in the construction of Passive House buildings, you will need to take Passive House Construction Training Course for Trades (150P). This three-part course teaches practical Passive House building techniques and theory about this high-performance building standard, and is recommended for tradespeople, site supervisors and general contractors. It may also be of interest to designers, architects, architectural technologists and developers. All theoretical components of this course are covered in 120A: Passive House Design & Construction.
The Passive House Construction Training Courses for Trades are not only offered online, but as a hybrid option combining 150A (Theoretical) and 150B (Practical) in-person in select cities, with the optional 150C (Exam Preparation) following online if one is working towards certification. If you wish to certify as a Passive House Tradesperson with the Passive House Institute you must challenge and pass the Certified Passive House Tradesperson Exam. The live online 150P courses are recorded and available for three months after they have ended.
If you have completed 120A and 120B and/or are already designing and building to the Passive House Standard, we offer masterclasses in PHPP, designPH, Passive House Retrofits, Passive House Design for Multifamily Buildings and A Pattern Language from Passive House.
We also offer multi–day intensives on Building Enclosures for High Performance Buildings, Ventilation for High Performance Commercial Buildings and Flixo Training to Model Thermal Bridges for High-Performance Buildings. Prior knowledge of Passive House design is recommended but not essential for these courses.
If you are still unsure what course is right for you, please contact us at [email protected].
What will I need to bring to a course?
Digital slides and relevant resources are made available for all our online and in-person courses. For in-person classes, you may also want to bring a notebook and pen. No laptop is required for in-person sessions. As part of the 120P Pathway you’ll need a laptop with a 2004 or later version of MS Excel/Open Office in order to run the PHPP design software. You will receive an email shortly before the start of each course outlining what you will need to bring.
Back to top
How do I become a Certified Passive House Designer or Consultant?
There are two routes to achieving the International professional designation Certified Passive House Designer or Consultant, and our complete Pathway to Passive House Designer/Consultant Certification (120P) is a key stepping stone. Once you’ve completed all three courses that are part of the Pathway to Certification (120A-120B-120C), you must either pass the 3.5 hour formal exam set by the Passive House Institute (PHI) in Germany (and offered by Passive House Canada) OR act as the Passive House designer on a house or building that achieves the International Passive House requirements.
Back to top
Can I get support on my Passive House project after my course?
Passive House Canada does not offer consulting services but we encourage you to connect you with professionals in your area and get involved with Passive House socials and events for knowledge sharing.
Back to top
Can I get professional development learning credits?
Yes, Passive House Canada is accredited with several professional associations, including BC Housing, Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), Architectural Association of Alberta (AAA), and Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). We also report to the Education Provider Program (EPP) which encompasses the Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland and Labrador (ALBNL), the Architects’ Association of New Brunswick (AANB) and Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA). AIBC and EPP require that attendees either attend live via zoom or sign an attendance form at each in-person course. We then submit attendance on the attendees’ behalf. Other associations typically allow their members to self-report their learning units directly. BC Housing offers an online portal where we list our courses. BC Housing members should report their attendance at a course through the portal. We try to advertise our courses through the above professional institutions where possible. We also are in the process of working with other professional associations to become accredited educational providers with them. If you are a member of a professional institution that is not listed above and wish to receive credits, please get in touch with us.
Visit this page for more information on education credits.
Back to top
Why should I learn with Passive House Canada?
Passive House Canada has been teaching Passive House design and construction across Canada since 2010 and is distinguished as a leading Passive House education provider. We offer a comprehensive program for a wide audience that can be tailored to individual or organizational needs and interests.
Our course instructors are industry professionals immersed day to day in Canadian Passive House projects and are accredited by the Passive House Institute. We continuously incorporate participant feedback and apply what we learn to create an in-depth training program that thoroughly equips graduates to begin designing Passive House buildings.
As a non-profit organisation, we strive to keep our prices accessible while offering first rate material with industry expert course instructors.
Back to top
How many times a year are the exams offered?
Both Certified Passive House Designer / Consultant and Certified Passive House Tradesperson exams are regularly offered online. Please check our calendar for upcoming dates. The exams tend to sell out quickly. Don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] if you the exam date you are interested in is sold-out.
Back to top
When will I know if I passed the exam?
You will receive notification of your exam results approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the date of writing. Please note, the Passive House Institute will contact you directly with your results; Passive House Canada do not receive exam results before participants. If you do have questions about your exam results, please contact [email protected].
Back to top
What does the exam preparation course cover?
The Preparation for the Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant Exam (120C) is a live online, instructor-led review of the topics covered in the Passive House Design and Construction course. It will also provide guidance on how to prepare for the exam. The instructor will be available to answer any questions you may have. The courses are recorded and available for three months after they have ended.
Back to top
What are your refund, transfer and COVID-19 policies?
We strive to make our education programs available to as many people as possible. We understand the uncertainty of these unprecedented times may result in you having to defer or cancel your course. As a not-for-profit organization, we need to cover our administrative costs resulting from cancelled or rescheduled courses.
Accordingly, this is our refund, transfer and COVID-19 policy (effective January 1st, 2021).
Online Courses
Seven days or more prior to start of course
- 80% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Three to six days prior to start of course
- 50% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Two days prior, up to day of course
- No refund. Transfer of registration to alternate date (10% Late Transfer Fee will apply).
In-Person Courses
Fifteen (15) days or more prior to start of course
- 80% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Fourteen (14) to Seven (7) days prior to start of course
- 50% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Six (6) days up to the day of course
- No refund. Transfer of registration to alternate date (20% Late Transfer Fee will apply).
The health and safety of our participants is important to us. Participants are not permitted to attend in-person courses if they are exhibiting any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and difficulty swallowing, coughing or sneezing, or other symptoms as described by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Exams (Consultant/Designer & Trades)
15 days or more prior to the exam
- 90% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Ten days prior to start to the exam
- 50% refund, or transfer of registration to alternate date.
Seven days prior, up to day of the exam
- No refund. Transfer of registration to alternate date (10% Late Transfer Fee will apply).
Back to top
How do I renew my Passive House Designer or Consultant Certification?
The Passive House Institute (PHI) requires you to renew your Passive House Designer or Consultant certification every five years. There are two ways you can do this:
- If you are designing and constructing Passive House buildings, including EnerPHit, you can submit project documentation for assessment. You can find details of the process here.
- Via credit points attained through courses, events or teaching activities. For renewal, it is necessary to provide proof of 100 credit points, which must have been acquired within the validity period of the previous certificate i.e. 5 years. One learning unit (45 minutes) equates to 1 credit. You can find more information here.
Passive House Canada masterclasses, as well as our conferences and eligible events, are approved for PHI credits towards re-certification. You can consult PHI continuing education database here for more details. The credits associated with our courses can also be found on the individual course pages.
Back to top
How do I renew my Passive House Tradesperson Certification?
The Passive House Tradesperson certification will expire after five years. There are two ways you can do this:
- You can renew your Passive House Tradesperson certificate by documenting your work on a highly energy efficient building or a certified Passive House project. You can find details of the process here.
- Visit Passive House relevant courses and events, or engage in Passive House teaching activities to collect further training credit points (CP). 30 CP must be achieved altogether to renew your tradesperson certificate; 20 CPs at the most may be obtained in one of the possible areas (teaching, events or advanced training courses). You can find more information here.
Passive House Canada masterclasses, as well as our conferences and eligible events, are approved for PHI credits towards re-certification. You can consult PHI continuing education database here for more details. The credits associated with our courses can also be found on the individual course pages.
Back to top
