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:
Our training quality promise to you
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 energy assessment services. In a constantly evolving industry, staying current is key. Our close ties with the sector ensure our courses remain relevant and up to date, offering you knowledge that’s not only timely but timeless.
✔️ Expertise – our trainers are fully qualified and come with invaluable industry experience
✔️ Adaptability – we’re always fine tuning our courses based on your feedback
✔️ Personalised support – guidance that is tailored to your pace making learning with us as individual as you are
✔️ Transparent Pricing – our all-inclusive pricing means you focus on learning, not fees
✔️ Qualify with confidence – complete your course ready to tackle the industry and your role head-on, armed with practical skills and real-world knowledge
✔️ Support beyond 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 into your career
Why choose Elmhurst for OCDEA Training?
We know there’s a lot of choice when it comes to choosing a training provider for your next course, but we’re confident in our ability to deliver the best quality training in our industry.
Take a look at what you get when you choose to train with Elmhurst:
| Elmhurst Energy | Other Training Providers |
|
| Multi award winning training provider | ✔ | ❌ |
| 30 Years Industry Experience | ✔ | ❌ |
| Course content developed with real-world feedback from industry | ✔ | ❌ |
| Bespoke training | ✔ | ✔ |
| UK’s largest technical support team in the industry | ✔ | ❌ |
| Dedicated customer service team, just for training | ✔ | ❌ |
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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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