NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS (NOS)
National Occupational Standards have been developed by Asset Skills to define the Skills and Knowledge required to practice competently as an Energy Assessor.
These standards need to be met in order to join an accreditation scheme and become licensed to practice as an Energy Assessor.
- Domestic ENERGY ASSESSOR (Using RdSAP software): Status - Fully approved and available for free download. Click here to download the document.
- On Construction ENERGY ASSESSOR (SAP software) - Please note that a policy change by Communities & Local Government has required these NOS to be revised. Please contact Tom Orton via torton@assetskills.org if you wish to see and comment on the latest draft NOS.
- Non domestic (Commercial Buildings) ENERGY ASSESSOR using SBEM or DSM Software: Status - Fully approved available for free download. Click here to download the document.
- Operational Rating ENERGY ASSESSOR: Status – Fully approved and available for free download. Click here to download the document.
- Air Conditioning ENERGY ASSESSOR: Status – Fully approved and available for free download. Click here to download the document.
- Zero Carbon Unit: Status – This Unit is proposed as an addition to the NOS for On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors. It describes the competences involved in preparing certificates for dwellings that are assessed as being ‘Zero Carbon’ (in accordance with the HMT definition). Click here to download the document.
Becoming Accredited
You will need to become a member of an accreditation scheme approved by the Secretary of State (see list below for more information) for the category or categories of Energy Assessor you wish to become
When applying to do so you will either need, amongst other things, EITHER to possess an approved qualification or demonstrate to the accreditation scheme that you have all the relevant skills and knowledge as set out in the NOS.
This you can do in one of two ways:
OPTION ONE - Obtain an approved qualification from one of the following awarding bodies – ABBE, City and Guilds or the National Federation of Property Professionals.
Approved Qualifications: ABBE (Awarding Body for the Built Environment)
- Domestic (Level 3)
- On Construction Domestic (Level 3)
- Non-Domestic (Levels 3 and 4)
- DECS (Level 3)
- Air conditioning (in development)
Further details: www.abbeqa.co.uk
Approved Qualifications: City & Guilds
- Domestic (Level 3)
- Non-Domestic (Levels 3 and 4) (in development)
- DECs (Level 3) (In development)
- Air Conditioning Energy Assessment (Levels 3 and 4) (under consideration)
Further details: www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Approved Qualifications: NFOPP (National Federation of Property Professionals)
- Domestic (Level 3)
- Non-Domestic (Levels 3 and 4)
Further details: www.nfopp.co.uk
OPTION TWO
Route for experienced practitioners to accreditation as an Energy Assessor
This is referred to as the APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) route and can be used by practitioners already experienced in energy assessment work to go directly for accreditation. The APEL Framework sets out how this is achieved and includes an application form and details of the “gateway” through which applicants have to pass before they can make a full APEL application.
The APEL framework is currently being reviewed. If you would like to receive a copy as soon as it’s finalised, please email EPBD@assetskills.org
Accreditation Schemes
The following lists all companies who are registered Accrediation Schemes:
Education and Training
There are various providers of training, ranging from colleges to private training companies. Courses vary in duration and content, but most offer a mix of distance learning and contact with a tutor or study group.
Contact an awarding body for a list of the training providers for their qualification.
All awarding bodies and most accreditation schemes will be able to give advice about which route is suitable for you – starting with an appraisal of your skills and knowledge to identify additional training you may need to meet the National Occupational Standards.
Funding for Energy Assessor Training
There is currently no public funding available in England and Wales to directly support training costs – but it is hoped that this may change in the next few months.
However, candidates for Domestic Energy Assessor training may be able to obtain a Career Development Loan that would assist with the cost of training fees: more information would be available from the training provider and via this advisory website – http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm
In England,however,it is possible that the Regional Learning and Skills Council will be able to help indirectly through their Management and Leadership grants. These are usually eligible for organisations employing less than 250 staff and vary between £1000 and £4000, some or all of which need to be ‘matched’ by the employer. For more details, email EPBD@assetskills.org, including details of the area in which you work.
Moving from one strand of Energy Assessor to another
Many energy assessors, having been accredited to undertake one strand of the work, will be keen to obtain further skills and knowledge to enable them to carry out energy assessments for other strands. This does not mean starting from scratch!
Asset Skills is currently mapping the different skills needed to move between one strand and another and expects to add detailed guidance to this website before the end of April 2008.
As a general guide however, the generic or ‘soft’ skills described in units 1 and 2 of the NOS are common to most of the strands, leaving technical skills to be added.
For information prior to publication of the official guidance, email epbd@assetskills.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asset Skills is developing a list of questions and answers which will be available on this site during April 2008.
More Information
Register of Domestic Energy Assessors, On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors – www.hcrregister.com
Register of Non-Domestic and Display energy Certificate Assessors – www.ndepcregister.com
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The EPBD in Scotland
The EPBD is being implemented in Scotland on a slightly different basis compared to the rest of the UK. Please click here for more information.
In addition, you may wish to visit the Scottish Building standards website for full details and any enquiries – www.sbsa.gov.uk/epc.htm
The EPBD in Northern Ireland
The EPBD is being implemented in Northern Ireland on a slightly different basis compared to the rest of the UK. Please visit the Department of Finance & Personnel NI website for full details and any enquiries – www.buildingregulationsni.gov.uk
TELEPHONE HELPLINE
If you are a potential Energy Assessor you may like to use the FREE Telephone Helpline;
08000 567 160
which gives objective advice on careers and qualifications.
Direct Information from Asset Skills
Tom Orton: Tel: 01392 423 399 Email: torton@assetskills.org
2 The Courtyard, 48 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP
www.assetskills.org
This site is owned and run by Asset Skills
Asset Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Property, Facilities Management, Housing and Cleaning industries. Our main aim is to improve and develop skills in these sectors. This we do by working closely with professional bodies, trade associations, employers and training providers. As a result our objectives are to help increase productivity and competitiveness across the four industries.