Join our
DOMESTIC
ENERGY
ASSESSOR
ACADEMY

Register for this free, flexible online training programme
to become a qualified Energy or Retrofit Assessor with the prospect of employment.

Register Now

What is the DEA academy?

The Academy is a flexible online training program that will enable you to build the knowledge and skills needed to conduct energy assessments of domestic properties in England and Wales.

Upon completion, you'll receive an industry-recognised Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment and a Retrofit Assessment certificate.

As a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) , you’ll have the skills to survey buildings to produce Energy Performance Certificates for domestic dwellings.

As an Retrofit Assessor (RA), you’ll perform energy assessments of domestic properties, generating reports that will be used to design and implement energy efficiency improvements in homes.

What you need to know about the Academy.

Domestic Energy Assessor
Salary: 
£27k - £44k per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract type: 
Permanent, fixed-term

Retrofit Assessor
Salary: 
£31k - £44k per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract type: 
Permanent, fixed-term

Have a different question?
Email us at training@greenworkx.org
What are the key details for the Academy?

Here's all the information you need:

Duration: roughly 7.5 hours of learning per week, for 9 weeks
Breakdown
- Domestic Energy Assessor course: 3-days online (6 hrs/day) + 7.5 hours per week for 6 weeks
- Retrofit Assessor certificate: ~17 hours
- Employment Readiness course: ~10-12 hours
Location: Online, live and self-directed
Qualification: Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment & Retrofit Assessor Certificate

What kind of person makes a good energy or retrofit assessor?

1. Having good customer service and strong communication skills

2. You have good attention to detail when gathering evidence and creating reports

3. You are someone with analytical thinking skills

4. You are comfortable working at pace and working in different settings and environments

What do assessors actually do?

You will be assessing the energy efficiency of buildings and producing reports, either in the form of Energy Performance Certificates, or retrofit energy assessment reports.

As part of this work, you’ll be talking with residents to better understand their energy use and challenges, and informing residents of potential energy efficiency solutions and savings.

You will not be designing or implementing energy efficiency upgrades to residents, but you may be working as part of a team that provides retrofitting services to residents.

What are the differences between energy and retrofit asessors?

It’s important to note that by completing this Academy you’ll be able to gain employment as both a Domestic Energy Assessor or a Retrofit Assessor. But there are differences between these roles, though they use a similar skillset.

Scope of Assessment: Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) primarily focus on assessing a property's energy efficiency and producing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), while Retrofit Assessors conduct more comprehensive assessments that include evaluating a property's suitability for energy efficiency improvements under retrofit programs.

Regulatory Framework:
DEAs operate under the regulations governing EPCs, while Retrofit Assessors work within the PAS 2035 framework, which is a standard for domestic retrofit projects in the UK.

Knowledge Base: Domestic Energy Assessors need a solid understanding of building construction, energy performance metrics, and relevant software tools for generating EPCs. Retrofit Assessors, on the other hand, require deeper knowledge of building physics, moisture management, ventilation, and the impacts of various retrofit measures on a building's overall performance.

Skills and Expertise:
DEAs must be proficient in conducting visual inspections and using data to assess energy efficiency. Retrofit Assessors need advanced diagnostic skills to identify potential issues related to energy retrofits, including the ability to recommend appropriate measures and ensure compliance with PAS 2035 standards.

How can I become qualified for both in one training programme?

That’s a great question. Both Domestic Energy Assessors and Retrofit Assessors need the same qualification in order to become certified - the Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment. However, as we’ve seen, the roles are different with retrofit assessors requiring some additional knowledge and skills.

What does a typical day in the life of an energy or retrofit assessor look like?

- Conduct pre-assessments and on-site evaluations of properties, including recording construction details, insulation, heating systems, and building measurements.

- As a retrofit assessor, gather additional data by speaking with occupants, conducting ventilation surveys, and assessing key property features.

- Take measurements, create floor plans, and document with photos; engage with residents about energy efficiency and potential upgrades.

- Log data on online platforms to generate EPCs or prepare detailed energy reports for retrofit professionals

Will I get a job if I do the course?

The Greenworkx Careers Team will aim to match everyone who completes the course with either Domestic Energy Assessor or Retrofit Assessor roles alongside providing CV and interview tips. We cannot guarantee you'll be hired in this process.

Who provides the training for the programme?

The initial Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor training is delivered by the Energy Trust, an external training provider. Greenworkx have also developed some of the course content you will cover at the end of the Academy, as well as providing support throughout the programme.

Who is the awarding body for the qualification?

The qualification is accredited by the Awarding Body of the Build Environment (ABBE). They quality assure and certify the qualifications.

The Academy's
3-step structure

1
Complete an initial
6 week online course
This is focused on becoming a qualified DEA. This also includes a 3-day live online course, followed by a portfolio submission.
2
Start* a self-directed
online course
This is a 7 module course that is focused on teaching you how to conduct Retrofit Assessments
Duration: Approx 17 hours
*This is completed within the initial 6 week course
3
Take our 3 week
Employment Readiness course
This short course enables you to recap knowledge and practice skills related to retrofit assessment, that prepares you for employment.

Start your assessor journey.

Register Now