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How do I qualify for NXT Level lighting training?
Visit the Individual Designation page for qualification requirements.

Who’s behind NXT Level lighting training?
NXT Level is managed and administered by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) in collaboration with its partner utilities and energy efficiency stakeholders throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

What if I change jobs or leave my company?
NXT Level designees maintain their designation regardless of whether they change jobs or leave a company. However, individuals must notify a program administrator upon moving companies or branches within a company to update their standing on the designation list.

What if my company doesn’t qualify?
Individuals who successfully complete NXT Level training are eligible to receive NXT Level designation. However, individual designees will not be listed on the designation list until their company has also achieved designation.

What if I do not pass the final exam?
As participants are allowed unlimited attempts at passing the exam, we would encourage you to revisit course material and try the final exam again.

Can I participate if I have less than one year of experience?
Yes, however you will not receive your official NXT Level 1 designation until you have at least one year of relevant work experience under your belt. Once you have at least a year of experience, you can notify the program administrator to initiate your designation.

How do I find a NXT Level designated company/contractor?
All companies and their staff who have earned NXT Level designation are listed on the NXT Level designation list.

How does my company/branch qualify for NXT Level designation?
Visit the Company Designation page for qualification requirements.

Does each branch of my company need to apply separately?
Yes—NXT Level designation only applies to a specific branch or location of a company. If a company has multiple locations, each one must apply separately and meet all qualification requirements to be listed on the NXT Level designation list.

What’s required for an individual to be on the NXT Level designation list?
An individual must earn NXT Level designation and be employed by a company who has successfully completed the NXT Level company application process.

What if a NXT Level designated employee leaves my company?
If your sole NXT Level designated staff member leaves your company, you will have 90 days to enlist another employee to complete their NXT Level designation in order to continue to qualify for NXT Level listing. If you hire a new employee who is already NXT Level trained, please notify the program administrator to assist you with updating your information on the designation list.

What if my company is not located in Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington?
NXT Level is available to companies who perform commercial lighting retrofits in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. If your company is just outside of these states, but does work in one or more of them, please contact us at info@nxtleveltraining.com or (800) 413-9661.

What does NXT Level 1 cover?
NXT Level 1 provides comprehensive training covering project sales, auditing, lighting design, installation, economics, performance, energy codes, utility program proposals and commissioning. The training is offered entirely online and at your own pace—there is no live instructor. Participants have 90 days to complete the course and exams. To learn more, visit the NXT Level 1 training page.

Who is eligible to participate in NXT Level 1?
Individuals who have relevant lighting-industry experience are encouraged to apply. However, an individual must have at least one year of experience to be eligible to earn the designation. Individuals with 5 or more years of experience or a valid lighting credential are afforded special consideration during the training.

Eligible companies must be located in Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington, have at least three years’ experience working on lighting retrofit projects using utility lighting incentive programs, and hold a valid business license and current workers compensation insurance.

How much does NXT Level 1 training cost?
Valued at over $600, NXT Level 1 training is available at no cost for qualifying participants in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, thanks to your local utility.

How long does the training take?
The time it takes to complete NXT Level 1 depends on your current lighting industry experience. Those who have less than five years of experience must complete all seven courses and the associated exams to complete the training and earn the designation—a total of approximately eight to 12 hours. Those with five or more years of experience may opt to take only the exams—approximately two hours. Those with valid industry credentials may bypass the courses and exams entirely.

Does NXT Level 1 training qualify for CEUs?
Completion of your NXT Level 1 training and designation will qualify you for 8 CEUs in Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington.

How often is the training curriculum updated? 
The lighting industry is constantly evolving. For that reason, the NXT Level team evaluates and updates NXT Level 1 and 2 courses each year.

What does NXT Level 2 cover and how does this differ from NXT Level 1?
Building upon the strong foundation of NXT Level 1, NXT Level 2 provides a deeper dive and hands-on training covering lighting assessment, evaluating lighting and control systems for your application, and three areas of specialization including project development, design and specification, and installation.

The training includes up to four components depending on the area of specialization selected: 1) an in-person, full-day lighting workshop with live instruction, 2) online coursework, 3) a live, interactive webinar, and/or 4) a real-life field assignment guided by an expert mentor.

You can view the full coursework and descriptions here.

Who is eligible to participate in NXT Level 2?
Individuals who are NXT Level 1 designated will receive an invitation to participate in NXT Level 2 when training becomes available in their region. If you are NXT Level 1 designated and have not yet received an invitation, please contact the program administrator to find out about availability in your area.

How much does NXT Level 2 training cost?
Valued at over $1,200, NXT Level 2 training is available at no cost for qualifying participants in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, thanks to your local utility.

How long does the training take?
NXT Level 2 requires, at a minimum, the following time commitment: 1) one full-day, in-person workshop (eight hours), and 2) online courses, a live webinar and/or in-field assignments in your chosen area of specialization (approximately six hours). Participants may optionally choose to complete the coursework for all three areas of specialization, which takes approximately 6 hours each to complete.

Does NXT Level 2 training qualify for CEUs?
Completion of your NXT Level 2 training and designation will currently qualify you for 8 CEUs in Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington.

How often is the training curriculum updated? 
The lighting industry is constantly evolving. For that reason, the NXT Level team evaluates and updates NXT Level 1 and 2 courses each year.