Elmhurst’s ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment) qualification course provides a fantastic opportunity for those completely new to and familiar with the world of energy and building assessment, to become fully qualified Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs).
Our professional and friendly training is delivered at a pace that suits everyone, ensuring all attendees leave feeling confident in applying their newly acquired skills in practice.
During this 5-day course, you will learn how to conduct full domestic energy assessments using industry-standard RdSAP software. These skills will enable you to assess the energy performance of existing UK residential buildings—including houses, bungalows, and flats—and produce that all important Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
As Elmhurst’s most popular offering, this course provides 3 days of engaging classroom learning followed by 2 days of hands-on, instructor-lead site visits. During these practical site-visits, you will have the opportunity to complete real EPC surveys that contribute directly towards the completion of your professional portfolio. By the end of the course, most participants will have completed a significant portion, if not all, of their portfolio—an essential requirement for achieving the ABBE Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessment qualification.
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for new entrants with no previous energy assessment experience. However, the following prerequisites must be met before booking/attending this course:
- You must be 18 years or older
- Possess ‘Basic IT Skills’ (As outlined below)
- Have access to your own Laptop* (Apple MAC Computers are NOT compatible)
- Have access to Microsoft Word
- Have access to your own transportation (Required to visit properties on Days 4 and 5 of the course)
*Please contact the training department if you do not have access to your own laptop
As part of the property visits on Day 4 and 5 of the course, it will also be advantageous, to bring the following equipment:
- Phone or Tablet
- Laser Measurer
- Highlighter Pens
- Meter Cupboard Key
- Clipboard
Course Breakdown
Before your course start date, you will receive an online portfolio login, which lists all the tasks you will need to complete (Different tasks can be completed before, during or after the course). These tasks will not only count towards the progress of your portfolio, but will also help to introduce and familiarise you with relevant course information that will in turn help you in preparation for the course.
A full course breakdown can be found in the dropdown menus below.
We will complete approximately 3 modules, which include:
- ABBE Level 3 Qualification and requirements
- An Overview of the Pre course Modules
- The EPC Requirement and Exemptions
- The RDSAP Software and background
- Property types and building regulations
- Property ages and Construction
We will complete a further 3 modules, which include:
- Measurements
- Conservatories, Flats and Roof types (including loft conversions)
- Floors, Openings, Ventilation and lighting
- Space Heating Part 1
We will complete the remaining Modules, which include:
- Space Heating Part 2
- Secondary and Water Heating
- New Technologies, meters and Recommendations
- The EPC Certificate
- Discussion and guidance regarding the online portfolio system and completing tasks.
You will require equipment for the property visits on day 4 & 5 as outlined above.
- Conduct three test case EPCs to the required standard – home visits to local properties accompanied by an assessor
- Back to classroom for discussions, guidance and portfolio work.
- Conduct two test case EPCs to the required standard – home visits to local properties accompanied by an assessor
- Back to the classroom for discussions, guidance and portfolio work.
- Review Portfolio (if completed)
- Final Q & A
By the end of the course, most participants will have completed a significant portion, if not all, of their portfolio—an essential requirement for achieving the ABBE Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessment qualification.
Please note that as part of the course you are provided with access to software for training purposes only, the software cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Once you have completed and passed your portfolio you will be awarded with the ABBE Level 3 Certificate, and will be eligible to join Elmhurst’s leading DEA Accreditation scheme.
Please note: When you apply to become an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor you will need to provide a UK address, supply identification and a basic disclosure certificate (DBS/CRB) which must be within the past 3 years. You can find more information via the link below.
- Have access to Microsoft Word
- Open and edit Word documents
- Rename Documents
- Open and Save Files
- Save files to Folders
- Create Zip Folders
- Navigate your desktop
- Laser Measure (Disto) – for accurate opening, room and wall measurements.
- Steel Tape Measure (5–30m) – backup for manual measurements or tight spaces.
- Camera / Smartphone with Good Camera – to take photographic evidence of building features.
- Torch – essential for inspecting lofts, under-stairs cupboards, and poorly lit areas.
- Binoculars or Zoom Lens – for examining roof insulation, roof type, or window details from ground level.
- Compass – to determine the orientation of the property.
- Ladder (Loft Access Step Ladder) – to access lofts safely (compact or telescopic preferred).
