VRQ Level 3 Diploma for Domestic Energy Assessor

Module 1 - Soft Skills

NOS 1 – Working in an effective and professional manner
NOS 2 – Contributing to the safety and security of people and property

Module 2 – Technical Skills

Assessing building age
Construction of houses
Social housing & sampling
Heating systems
SAP and RDSAP software
Measuring Techniques
Surveying safely

Module 3 – Energy Performance Certificates

Desktop search
Site visits
Collection and collation of information for the assessment of energy efficiency
Maintaining complete, comprehensive and accessible records
Production of EPC’s
Issue EPC’s and explain their content

Exam & Assignments -

To qualify as a Domestic Energy Assessor, candidates are required to complete the following:

• 75 minute on-line multiple choice question exam
• 5 assignments, each consisting of an Energy Performance Certificates and supporting documentation and covering a range of property types/ages/features.

Online exam

This is taken on the fifth day of the course. There are 50 questions, you must get 70% correct to pass. The questions will reflect the recommended outcome of the course and their weighting is as follows:

•   8%  Improve individual performance
•   6%  Develop and maintain effective working relationships and professional practice
• 14%  Interpret the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and Associated Regulations and Requirements and business standards
• 12%  Maintain safe and secure practice and procedures
• 40%  Assess building age, structure, construction and materials
• 20%  RDSAP methodology

All these sections are covered on the course in detail.

Assignments

As part of the assessment you are required to produce Portfolio of Evidence consisting of various documents and research relating to 5 properties representing different age bands and features. Most students submit this portfolio within a few days of completing the course (by physically sending it by post to our office). However, should you require more time, you may take up to 1 month to submit your portfolio to us.

Candidates must cover each of the following age bands at least once:

• pre 1949
• 1950-1981
• 1982-1995
• 1996-2002
• post 2002

Candidates must cover all of the following housing types at least once when completing the assignments:

• Terraced or semi-detached
• Detached
• Flat or Maisonette

They must cover at least five of the following six issues. NB: more than one issue can arise in one assignment:

• Extensions
• Room in roof
• Conservatory
• Alternative wall type
• Solid wall type
• Solid wall construction
• Converted former non-domestic

As part of the assignments candidates will be required to:

• Outline, agree and confirm terms, conditions and arrangements for carrying out an Energy Assessment and providing an Energy Performance Certificate
• Investigate relevant matters relating to a property
• Identify sample properties for inspection
• Collate information for the assessment of energy efficiency
• Produce and maintain complete, comprehensive and accessible records of findings and Domestic Energy Assessments, issue Energy Performance Certificates and explain their contents

The qualification achieved on successful completion is a Level 3 Diploma (VRQ) – Domestic Energy Assessor.

This can be used as a credit (30%) to become a qualified Home Inspector (VRQ Level 4). The Home Inspector Diploma can also be used to train as a residential valuer and become a member of the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).