Every newly built domestic dwelling in the UK requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before being sold or let. With Elmhurst’s OCDEA Training, you will gain the skills and knowledge to complete energy calculations using Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) software to produce a new build EPCs.
✅ Play a critical role in the drive towards net zero
✅ Work for yourself- control your work/life balance
✅ Complete new build assessment work from your home or office – no site visits required
✅ Supplement your existing income, or build a completely new business
✅ Seek employment opportunities with existing energy assessment organisations
Elmhurst offers a range of OCDEA training options to suit different experience levels and learning styles, with both online and classroom-based courses available for new entrants, and an online fast-track route for experienced professionals.
Online On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor Training
Gain the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic On Construction Energy Assessment through expert-led, interactive online training – all from the comfort of your home or office.
Elmhurst offers two flexible online training routes to suit your experience level: the New Entrant Route for those new to the industry, and the APEL Route for experienced practitioners looking to upskill.
| New Entrant Route | APEL Route | |
| Cost | £1,255 + ABBE Reg Fee + VAT | £930 + VAT |
| Duration | 4 Days | 2 Days |
| Location | Online | Online |
| Format | Live, instructor-led sessions via Zoom | Live, instructor-led sessions via Zoom |
| Portfolio Completion | Full portfolio of work required including completion of five test cases to be carried out after training. | 3 Test Cases Only |
| Ideal for | New learners who are confident learning remotely and independently. | Learners working in the sector with relevant experience and evidence of prior learning. |
Classroom On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor Training
£1,910 + ABBE Reg Fee + VAT
Achieve the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic On Construction Energy Assessment through structured, face-to-face learning.
Our classroom-based course offers a highly interactive environment, ideal for those who prefer in-person engagement and direct support from expert tutors. You’ll benefit from the ability to ask real-time questions, collaborate with fellow learners, and gain hands-on experience in a focused setting.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Location: Multiple
- Format: Live, tutor-led classroom training with presentations, group activities, and discussion
- Portfolio Completion: Same as Online OCDEA Training
- Ideal for: This course is open to all learners aged 18 and over and can be successfully completed without prior experience in energy assessment. It is particularly suited to those who value a classroom environment with direct tutor guidance and prefer hands-on, collaborative learning.
What do On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors do?
An OCDEA performs energy calculations for new build homes to make sure they comply with national building regulations. This happens at both a design stage and after the property is built. The OCDEA will issue the necessary compliance report and EPC for building control to sign off.
As part of an assessment the OCDEA will work from specifications provided by builders, and use approved government software to calculate the energy efficiency score of the property. This involves analyzing the various construction details of the property.
The process is very consultative, often working with clients to ensure a building meets compliance, and if required, selecting appropriate energy saving measures. The role is completely desk based, with no visits to site.
Interested to see what a typical day might look like for an On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor? Watch below:
Why Train with Elmhurst?
Invest in you. Build your career. Trust Elmhurst to take you further – because your success is ours too.
As the UK’s largest government-approved EPC accreditation provider, we have a genuine vested interest in your success, because our name is on your certificate. We don’t just train you and leave you to it; we continue to support you throughout your career with resources, CPD, technical support, and a strong professional community.
✅ Value. Choice. Speed. Support – Lasting value, industry-respected qualifications, and trusted support – all with the speed and flexibility to learn your way
✅ Expertise – Learn from fully qualified trainers with invaluable industry experience
✅ Adaptability – Courses shaped by industry needs and your feedback
✅ Personalised Support – Guidance tailored to your pace and style of learning
✅ Qualify with Confidence – Gain practical, real-world knowledge to thrive from day one
✅ Support Beyond Training – From OCDEA accreditation to ongoing CPD, we’re with you every step of the way
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Frequently Asked Questions
General numeracy, literacy and computer skills are useful in this role. It also helps to have some background knowledge or experience of construction/building techniques although this is not essential.
Pricing starts at around £90-100 for a small simple dwelling/flat and can generally go up to around £250+ for a large/complex dwelling.
OCDEAs will just need a laptop/pc in order to carry out their assessment work. Specialist software can be used online or installed locally.
Building plans are typically sent electronically so dimensions can be taken in a PDF or CAD reader.
However should you receive paper plans then you will likely need a scale ruler.
For new build dwellings, work comes mainly from builders and architects, while for extension calculations the requests often come from homeowners. Work is driven by the requirement to produce EPCs and comply with Part L of the building regulations.
The OCDEA training takes 3-5 days depending on previous experience. To gain the qualification you will need to complete a portfolio of 5 assessments. Our advice is that these are completed within three months of completing the course but it may take longer (or quicker) depending on the amount of time you are able to devote to it.
On completion of the OCDEA Training, many OCDEAS work independently or for specialist energy/environmental consultancies. Others are employed by builders, architects, local authorities and manufacturers.
Calculating basic compliance with Building Regulations does not require an OCDEA to be accredited, however to issue EPCs and generate building regulation compliance reports the OCDEA will need to join an accreditation scheme.
Become a Member with Elmhurst
Once qualified as an OCDEA, you will be eligible to join Elmhurst’s industry leading accreditation scheme, free of charge.
If you are looking for a scheme which offers competitive lodgement fees, market leading software, professional technical support, opportunities to enhance your skills, as well as the tools to build a competitive business, then Elmhurst Energy is the accreditation scheme for you.
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