Quality Assurance Program2024-12-18T11:07:23-08:00

CHEERS Quality Assurance Program

CHEERS operates a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program designed to oversee California HERS Raters.

Through random quality assurance reviews and technology enabled audits, the program helps ensure accountability, uphold high standards of work, and pinpoint areas where HERS Raters can benefit from additional training.

Rater Quality Assurance Failure Reporting

CHEERS Quality Assurance Policy

CHEERS Quality Assurance staff perform annual evaluations of a Rater’s performance using a combination of onsite audits, shadow audits, and desk audits. Once a quality assurance review is complete, a disposition email is sent directly to the Rater to notify them of their results.

If an audit reveals a violation of Title-24 Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing (FVDT) requirements or intent, CHEERS uses a four-step progressive disciplinary process that includes:

  • Notice of Violation

  • Probation

  • Suspension

  • Decertification

If CHEERS determines that a Rater has committed a severe violation, it may immediately move to suspension or decertification. Severe violations include but are not limited to; knowingly falsifying field verification or diagnostic testing (FVDT) documents, engaging in criminal activity, coordinating or participating in organized schemes to violate Title-24 regulations, and/or demonstrating a pattern of noncompliance with these regulations. CHEERS may extend the timelines for responses, replies, and final determinations throughout the progressive disciplinary process outlined below.

CHEERS will issue a Notice of Violation that includes a description of the violation and any related corrective actions.

Corrective Actions

  • Rater may be required to undergo additional training to demonstrate a clear understanding of code requirements.

  • Rater may also be responsible for the costs associated with quality assurance testing and further training for the violations.

  • Rater may be required to take corrective actions and remedy the FVDT related to the violation within a specified timeframe.

Administrative Requirements

  • Rater shall submit a written response to CHEERS within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Violation.

  • Within 30 days of the Notice of Violation, or 20 days after receiving the Rater’s response or additional information (whichever is later), CHEERS will issue a final determination of the violation. Rater shall have 10 days to provide the information requested.

  • If additional information is required, CHEERS will request it from Rater.

CHEERS may place Rater on Probation if Rater fails to comply with the Notice of Violation within the specified timeframe or receives a second notice of violation.

Corrective Actions

  • Rater may be required to retake all CHEERS Rater training requirements at their own expense and successfully pass the required testing

  • Rater shall be responsible for the additional cost of quality assurance testing and a $450 fee will be charged to Rater’s account.

  • Rater may be required to take corrective actions and resolve the FVDT violation within a specified timeframe.

Administrative Requirements

  • Rater shall submit a written response to CHEERS within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Probation.

  • Within 30 days of the Notice of Violation, or 20 days after receiving Rater’s response or additional information (whichever is later), CHEERS will issue a final determination of probation.

  • If additional information is required, CHEERS will request it from Rater. Rater shall have 10 days to provide the information requested.

CHEERS may suspend Rater for up to eight (8) months if Rater fails to fully comply with the terms of Probation or receives a new Notice of Violation while on Probation. Once suspension is in effect, Rater will be prohibited from submitting any new compliance documents to the CHEERS registry.

Corrective Actions

  • Rater shall perform all actions required in progressive disciplinary requirements.

Administrative Requirements

  • Rater shall submit a written response to CHEERS within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Suspension.

  • Within 30 days of the Notice of Suspension, or 20 days after receiving the Rater’s response or additional information (whichever is later), CHEERS will issue a final determination of suspension.

  • If additional information is required, CHEERS will request it from Rater. Rater shall have 10 days to provide requested information.

CHEERS may decertify Rater if Rater fails to comply with the terms of suspension or receives an additional Notice of Violation while a Notice of Suspension is pending and/or upon completion of Rater’s suspension.

Administrative Requirements

  • Rater shall submit a written response to CHEERS within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Decertification.

  • Within 30 days of the Notice of Decertification, or 20 days after receiving the Rater’s response or additional information (whichever is later), CHEERS will issue a final determination of decertification.

  • If additional information is required, CHEERS will request it from Rater. Rater shall have 10 days to provide requested information.

Quality Assurance Notifications

Whether you have received a failure notice or simply need guidance, the CHEERS Quality Assurance team is available to help.

CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a HERS rater?2023-11-04T08:45:46-07:00

A HERS rater is responsible for performing field verification and diagnostic testing for the benefit of a homeowner or building owner to ensure proper measure installation and systems operations.

After performing field verification and diagnostic testing, a HERS rater is required to document test results by completing and signing a Certificate of Compliance (CF3R) for each HERS measure verified in the CHEERS Registry.

What can I do as a HERS rater to demonstrate transparency when completing verifications?2023-11-04T08:44:43-07:00

Photo documentation is a great way to demonstrate transparency when completing verifications. HERS raters are highly encouraged to upload geo-tagged photos of the front of the home and each verified measure to the CHEERS Activity Wall.

Code             ⬞ Explanation
MECH -20 Duct-Test / picture of manometer reading.
MECH -21 Duct location / picture of ducting representing compliance.
MECH -22 Fan-watt / picture of the measuring device and reading.
MECH -23 Airflow / picture of the measuring device and reading.
MECH -28 Return duct + filter sizing / 1 pic representing compliance.
MECH -25 Refrigerant Charge – picture of gauge readings. Pic of ambient air temperature.
MECH -26 EER – 3 pics total. 1 each for the FAU, Coil, and A/C tag.
MECH -27 Indoor Air Quality – picture of the airflow reading.
MECH -29 Duct surface area reduction / Buried ducts – 1 picture of ducts at rough / 1 pic at final of buried ducts.
MECH -30 Ventilation Cooling – picture of the nameplate of the equipment.
MECH -31 Whole House Fan – picture of the airflow reading and/or watt reading if applicable.
MECH -32 Kitchen range hood – pic of range hood label.
MECH -33 Variable Capacity Heat Pump – 1 picture for each required verification.
ENV -20 Pic of blower door reading.
ENV -21 3 pics representing compliance.
ENV -22 2 pics of compliant walls / 1 pic of attic at final.
PLB -22 Compact / standard / parallel piping – 1 pic of distribution system that demonstrates compliance of the measurement.
Which CHEERS Registry feature can HERS Raters use to assist with a transparent quality assurance process?2023-11-04T08:48:27-07:00

The CHEERS Activity Wall can be used to assist with a transparent quality assurance process. The Activity Wall is  a central location to post field comments, attach documents, and upload  photos of test results and equipment serial numbers. 

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