Elmhurst’s Background Ventilation Testing course provides a unique opportunity for individuals working in retrofit or airtightness to expand their skillset/services as well as improve the quality and compliance of their assessments. This training is designed to help professionals assess the air change rate (ACH) in existing properties, ensuring they meet ventilation requirements – particularly under PAS 2035 pathways A, B, and as an alternative for pathway C.
✅ Assess existing properties for background ventilation and air change rates
✅ Ensure compliance with PAS 2035 for retrofit projects
✅ Avoid unnecessary installation of background ventilators
✅ Upskill as a Retrofit Assessor or Airtightness Tester
✅ Expand your service offering and professional credibility
This training is ideal for Retrofit Assessors, Retrofit Coordinators, Installers, Designers, and existing Airtightness Testers looking to upskill or diversify their services.
Elmhurst’s training offers flexible options depending on your background and experience – from complete beginners to experienced professionals looking for a fast-track route.
Background Ventilation & Level 1 Airtightness Training (On Demand and Classroom)
£1,750 + VAT
Immerse yourself in a blended learning experience that combines flexible on-demand theory with practical, in-person training, guided by industry experts and perfect for those looking to gain real-world experience in airtightness and ventilation testing.
- Duration: 3 days (including 1 practical day)
- Location: Multiple
- Format: 2 days of on-demand theory (6 modules) followed by 1 day of instructor-led, practical training
- Qualification: Level 1 Qualification in Airtightness Testing + Certificate of Competency in Background Ventilation Assessment + 15 Hours Certified CPD
- Ideal for: New entrants with no previous experience who want to build a strong foundation in both airtightness and background ventilation testing.
Background Ventilation Training (On Demand and Classroom)
For those just wanting to do Background Ventilation Testing, Elmhurst offers two training routes tailored to your existing qualifications: the New Entrant Route for energy and retrofit professionals without airtightness testing qualifications, and the Upskill Route for existing Level 1 or 2 Airtightness Testers.
| New Entrant Route | Upskill Route | |
| Cost | £895 + VAT | £495 + VAT |
| Duration | 2 Days (1 Day On-Demand Theory + 1 Day Practical) | Approx 3 Hours |
| Location | Multiple (On-Demand + Classroom based practical day) | On Demand |
| Format | 4 on-demand theory modules, followed by 1 practical day with hands-on testing and competency assessment | 4 on-demand theory modules, |
| Qualification | Certificate of Competency in Background Ventilation Assessment of Existing Buildings + 10 Hours Certified CPD | Certificate of Competency in Background Ventilation Assessment of Existing Buildings + 2.5 Hours Certified CPD |
| Ideal for | Energy or retrofit professionals with no previous airtightness qualifications, and just want to do Background Ventilation Testing. | Level 1 or 2 qualified Airtightness Testers |
What's the process for Background Ventilation Testing?
The test method for background ventilation is The Installation Assurance Authority (IAA) guidance.
The test method requires that whole house and bedrooms tests are carried out. Preparing the property for the test includes closing trickle vents and turning off or closing any other vents or ventilation systems but not sealing them, as you would in an air pressure test. This gives an indication of the buildings worst case background ventilation.
The test can be conducted by using Pulse or Blower Door test equipment, however the test does lend itself to the Pulse equipment which allows for the testing of the door undercuts in bedroom tests where a blower door would need to be installed.
On our Background Ventilation Training Course you will learn how to safely and correctly conduct a Background Ventilation Test and understand the equipment/software used to conduct these tests.
Why choose Elmhurst for Background Ventilation training?
Quality lies at the heart of what we do, and it all starts with the training that we offer. We strive to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to deliver quality property and energy assessment services. Since 1993 we have trained thousands of individuals and have evolved our courses to reflect the changing landscape of training delivery and energy assessment.
✅ Leave feeling confident– leave feeling confident that you can put theory into practice
✅ Learn at your own pace– our courses cater for those completely new and familiar with energy assessment
✅ An engaging learning experience– Our trainers have the practical experience and know how to deliver a truly engaging learning experience
✅ Support beyond the training– As the UK’s largest government approved energy assessor scheme, we can provide technical support to you, not only during your training, but also long after you’ve completed it
There are no formal pre-requisites to attend Elmhurst’s Background Ventilation Training (New Entrant Route). However, the course is best suited to Retrofit Assessors, Retrofit Coordinators, Installers, Designers, and energy professionals who do not currently hold a qualification in Airtightness Testing.
Please note: If you are already a qualified Level 1 or 2 Airtightness Tester, you should enrol on Elmhurst’s Background Ventilation Upskill course, which is specifically designed for professionals with airtightness testing experience.
This is difficult to answer as it varies from test to test. Each quotation will be unique and dependant on the size and complexity of the building, as well as the number of tests to be carried out on the same site.
Background ventilation testing is usually carried out for Retrofit work under PAS 2035 work, however it can also be carried out for other purposes such as conversion or extension work.
To carry our Background Ventilation Testing you will need to attend a two day, classroom based course.
Candidates that have successfully completed a competency and practical test can then go on to join a Competent Person Scheme, such as Elmhurst’s.
Becoming a Background Ventilation Tester will enable you to assess the Background Ventilation of Existing Dwellings.
Yes – Once competent, to carry out Background Ventilation testing for PAS 2035, the tester must be a member of a Competent Person Scheme, such as Elmhurst’s, as well as the IAA.
More information can be found on the IAA Scheme here.
If you wish to carry out background ventilation testing for other purposes, such as conversion or extension work, the IAA membership is not required.
Become a member of the Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme
Once you have successfully completed the Background Ventilation training, you can apply to join the Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS). Being a member of a scheme provides reassurance to clients that you are trained and competent to provide background ventilation tests.
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