Application for BSS Designation

What is a BSS?

Individual Members of any Participating BEC (a Provincial Building Envelope Council) are entitled to seek accreditation as a Building Science Specialist and, if successful, to use the designation BSS.

Accreditation is subject to the member being in good standing and having satisfied the BSS eligibility requirements. To keep the BSS designation, members must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct for Building Science Specialists, maintain an up-to-date membership in any BEC, and provide proof of required continued education annually from the year of accreditation.

The Building Science Specialist designation will provide members of the industry, including building designers, specifiers, developers, contractors, and owners, the confidence that any designation holder has a high level of education and understanding in the field of Building Science as deemed by the BSS Advisory Committee, composed of key industry figures.

 

Steps to obtain The BSS Designation

  1. Become a member of a participant provincial Building Envelope Council (BEC)
  2. Complete the educational requirements:

Have an engineering or architectural undergraduate or graduate degree and at least 2000 hours of practical experience directly related to the practice of building science directly related to the practice of building science.

OR

Have an engineering or architectural diploma from a recognized college or polytechnical institute and at least 5000 hours of practical experience directly related to the practice of building science directly related to the practice of building science.

Practical experience in building science encompasses a variety of hands-on activities and applications that enhance understanding of how buildings perform in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability,  and occupant comfort. Here are some key areas where practical experience might be gained:

  1. Field Surveys and Assessments: Conducting onsite evaluations of buildings to assess thermal performance, moisture management, air quality, and overall comfort. This often involves using tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters.
  2. Building Diagnostics: Participating in diagnostic testing, such as blower door tests and duct blaster tests, to evaluate air leakage and energy loss in buildings.
  3. Construction Management: Gaining experience in overseeing construction projects, focusing on best practices in building envelope design, material selection, and energy-efficient systems.
  4. Energy Audits: Performing energy audits to identify opportunities for energy savings in existing buildings. This includes analyzing utility data and providing recommendations for improvements.
  5. Building Simulation: Using software tools to model energy consumption and environmental impacts of building designs. This helps in understanding how various design elements affect overall performance.
  6. Sustainable Design Practices: Engaging in projects that emphasize sustainable materials and technologies, such as geothermal heating, solar energy systems, and rainwater harvesting.
  7. Research Projects: Involvement in research initiatives, either academic or industry-based, focusing on emerging building technologies or methods for improving building performance.

 

  1. Successfully complete the following four professional exams offered by the Building Science Specialist Board (A minimum final mark of 65% must be achieved in each of the exams):

Building Science Theory Exam

Building Envelope Systems Exam

Materials Exam

Mechanical Systems Exam.

 

Building Science Specialist Board Approval

Upon meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting a complete application, the candidate’s name will be reviewed by the Building Science Specialist Board. The Building Science Specialist Board reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to request additional information from the applicant and/or to refuse the request for accreditation. Representatives from industry, Academia, and the provincial BEC's (Building Envelope Councils) make up the Building Science Specialist Board.

BSS Application Form