The interNational Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) has launched the Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP) designation. With no prerequisites, the CLCP is open to all applicants.
Intended to demonstrate a high degree of general knowledge in lighting controls, the CLCP is based on the Lighting Controls Association’s Education Express online education system. This high-quality curriculum, developed by the lighting controls industry, represents some 60 hours of learning. Courses are registered for AIA LU/HSW, NCQLP LEU and CALCTP/NALTCP education credits.
Being automated online, Education Express is flexible to accommodate students learning at their own pace. Passage of the automatically graded quiz enables education credit.
Similarly, the CLCP is automated. After successfully completing all Education Express courses, the applicant takes a separate two-hour 100-question test, which is administered online and automatically graded.
Passage earns certification for three years, during which time the CLCP must maintain it via eight hours of continuing education each year.
Rationale
The lighting industry is undergoing massive change due to growing demand for intelligent LED lighting systems and controls. LED lighting, which promises high operating cost savings, is ideally paired with networked lighting controls, which promise additional savings and flexibility. Advances in wireless communication and miniaturization have resulted in LED luminaires being packaged with embedded intelligence, sensors and connectivity for sophisticated control.
Growing demand for lighting controls is creating an education gap among service providers unfamiliar with aspects of lighting control technology, particularly networked controls. Of particular interest is:
• Consultation: Building owners need expert advice on product selection. Many lighting controls, particularly networked lighting controls, are not standardized. Integration issues between systems must be resolved.
• Installation: Poor control performance can generate user complaints and lower than expected energy cost savings. Lighting controls must be properly installed.
• Startup/Commissioning: New lighting control systems must be calibrated and tested to ensure conformity with manufacturer instructions, the design intent and owner project requirements.
• Maintenance: As with any other lighting equipment, lighting control systems must be maintained. It is recommended that the system owner perform periodic inspections and re-aim, recalibrate and reprogram sensors and controllers as needed.
As misapplication and poor installation can impact user satisfaction and demand, the industry responded with several important initiatives:
• CALCTP: The California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program (CALCTP) is an ongoing program providing training in lighting controls to electrical workers and contractors. This program has been expanded to include other states such as Illinois and Washington under NALCTP, and is expected to be rolled out in Canada.
• CALC: The DesignLights Consortium is developing a training program to support its members and other utilities implementing rebates based on its new Qualified Products List for Networked Lighting Controls.
• The Lighting Controls Association: An association of lighting manufacturers, the Lighting Controls Association provides free public education about lighting control technology and application under its Education Express program. Five courses are prerequisites for applying for CALCTP/NALCTP certification.
To date, none of these organizations has developed a national certification signifying a high level of general expertise in lighting controls technology, application, design and commissioning. Recognizing the growing importance of lighting controls, NALMCO developed the CLCP.
Benefits
The CLCP presents a qualification that demonstrates an individual has achieved a high degree of generalized knowledge in lighting controls. The higher level of knowledge can lead to business opportunities, better service, higher-quality projects and greater competitiveness.
About NALMCO
Founded in 1953 to represent the lighting management industry, NALMCO represents 99 companies that provide lighting maintenance, lighting upgrades and lighting and sign repair services to commercial building owners and managers.
These companies, located in 39 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, generate an estimated annual $1.1 billion in revenues and purchase $400 million in electrical products and material in 2012. They employ more than 4,300 workers and operate a fleet of some 1,800 service vehicles.
Apply for CLCP
The CLCP certification is available to any electrical industry professional at NALMCO.org.
JOHN BYRNE says
Cannot go on to the NALMCO.org websit to register
Darnell Hendricks says
Not able to register for CLCP certification course. Link is not pulling up any info or registration forms.
James Donson says
Is the NALMCO website down?
Lighting Controls Association says
The NALMCO website was by unfortunate coincidence down the day the article appeared. It’s back up now. Sorry for the inconvenience!