AEE's new Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in applying the principles and practices of geothermal heat pump design and related disciplines, as well as to raise the professional standards within the field, and to encourage those involved in the design process through a continuing education program of professional development. The CGD certification is granted by the Association of Energy Engineers and sponsored by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium® (GHPC). Associated training programs are presented by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA).

Eligibility

The prerequisites to qualify for the certification process have been designed to take into account the possible diversity of education and practical experience an individual may have. However each CGD candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

• A four-year engineering degree and/or P.E., and/or R.A.
  with at least three years of combined experience in commercial geothermal heat pump design, and/or heating, ventilating and air conditioning field.
  
  
• A four-year non-technical degree, with at least five years of combined experience in commercial geothermal heat pump design, and/or heating, ventilating and air conditioning field.
  
  
• A two-year technical degree,
  with at least eight years of combined experience in the geothermal heat pump design, heating, ventilating and air conditioning field.
  
  
• Ten years or more of verified combined experience in commercial geothermal heat pump design, and/or heating, ventilating and air conditioning field.

All candidates for CGD certification will be required to take and pass an online examination. This examination will be administered in conjunction with training programs offered through the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. For more information on this requirement, contact the training coordinator (contact information provided below).

Fee
A fee of $250 must be paid at the time the CGD application is submitted (included with the course training fee of $1645).

How to Apply for CGD Certification
To receive your Certified GeoExchange Designer Application Package, please write, call or email:

John Clapp, Training Coordinator
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
374 Cordell South
Stillwater, OK 74078-8018
(405)744-5175
email: j.clapp@okstate.edu

For questions about certification process, please contact:

Francine Seskin, CGD Certification Administrator
Association of Energy Engineers
4025 Pleasantdale Road, Suite 420
Atlanta, GA 30340
(770) 447-5083, ext. 223
email: fseskin@aeecenter.org

Maintaining Certification
Continuing education is essential to maintaining high standards of professional competency.  A CGD must accumulate eight (8) professional credits every three years to maintain certification.

The above serves as a guideline for the 8 credits to be accumulated during each three year renewal period.  A reminder form will be sent during the year your CGD certification expires.  Please keep a file of your credits to assist with completing this form. 

Renewal Fee:
A fee of $250 is required for each three-year renewal of your CGD certification. If you do not renew your certification by your renewal date, you will be required to retake the exam to be reinstated. It is therefore important to inform AEE if your address changes. Failure to do so will delay your receipt of your renewal notice, and may result in your being required to retake the exam.