The recertification process aims to recognize the importance of re-evaluating performance-verified metrics in buildings every three years. During this process, the project is re-evaluated to verify that it continues to perform as designed. The requirements for retesting performance verified features depend on the extent of alterations made to the project since initial certification. Projects teams can contract with an approved WELL Performance Testing Organization–learn more about hiring a performance testing agent. Your performance testing organization can provide you with a quote for testing based on the information you provide on the scope of changes since the point of certification.

If a WELL Certified project has not undergone extensive alterations, it is eligible for a reduced amount of testing. (Table about Eligibility for Reduced Sampling Points Based on Extent of Alterations located below.)

In Table 3 in the Performance Verification Guidebook, reduced sampling points for parameters are categorized as:

• Full: Parameters are assessed to the full scope of test locations specified in the Performance Verification Guidebook
• Reduced: Parameter is assessed at half the number of test locations specified in the Performance Verification Guidebook
• None: No performance testing is required

The extent of project alterations that may affect a project’s eligibility for reduced testing, as noted in Table 3 of the Performance Verification Guidebook, is defined by changes since certification in five main categories relating to the building, each with their own subcategories, as follows:

• Interior design: doors, appliances, furniture, finishes, layout and lighting
• Exterior design: building grounds, exterior lighting
• Mechanical systems: heating, ventilation and air conditioning
• Structure: building envelope and fenestration

You can determine the scope of performance testing by using the recertification tool applicable to your project. The ‘Performance Verification’ tab in the recertification tools will show the scope of testing required based on the types of alterations that you have listed in the 'Project Information' tab.

For example, if you indicate that there have been no changes made in all of the categories listed in the “project information” tab, the “performance verification” tab will show that your project is eligible for reduced sampling in most air and thermal comfort features, some water features, and that none is required for most light and sound features (screenshots below). 

Projects that upgrade to v2 at the time of recertification do qualify for reduced sampling as indicated in the “Performance Verification” tab of the recertification tool. 

However, if your project has undergone changes in the project boundary, for example, related to heating and ventilating systems, the “performance verification” tab will show that “full” testing will be required for most air, thermal comfort, and sound features. 

The scope of performance testing should be communicated to the contracted Performance Testing Agent prior to testing for recertification.

More detailed information regarding reduced sampling points can be found in the Performance Verification Guidebook (pg. 42). 

Scheduling performance testing

All projects, regardless of version, have two options to schedule performance testing for recertification:

Option 1 - Schedule performance testing through IWBI

• Schedule performance testing through IWBI by completing the WELL PV Scheduling Form. Once our team receives this information, we will connect your project to a WELL Performance Testing Provider. 

Option 2 - Contract directly with a local WELL Performance Testing Provider

For a list of WELL Performance Testing Provider, view our directory and filter Affiliation level for “Performance Testing Providers”. 

Upgrading certain features to WELL v2 that are verified through continuous monitoring 

If you are pursuing recertification under your initial certification version, but would like to upgrade specific features to WELL v2 to utilize continuous monitoring requirements, you may do so. To identify the alignment between versions, use the relevant version of the Skybridge tool (v1 to v2 pilot | v2 pilot to v2). Include a narrative stating that you have used the Skybridge tool to upgrade to the v2 feature when uploading continuous monitoring data for each feature. 

Annually aggregated data 

For WELL v2 pilot and WELL v2 projects, there is an option to utilize annually aggregated data for compliance with select performance verified features in accordance with the Performance Verification Guidebook for recertification.

For your project to be eligible for this pathway, a WELL Performance Testing Agent must conduct all annual testing for the relevant feature(s). Additional information and examples of the relevant annually assessed features can be found in the recertification chapter of the Performance Verification Guidebook (pgs. 42 - 43).