Retrofit Assessor Course (PAS 2035) | ABBE Level 3 Certificate Browse our range of courses available to become a Retrofit Assessor
Gain the ABBE Level 3 Certificate for Retrofit Assessors with Energy Trust and qualify to complete retrofit assessments on domestic dwellings. Our online retrofit assessor course offers flexible study, tutor support and up to 12 months to qualify, from £690 + VAT.
What is a Retrofit Assessor?
A Retrofit Assessor surveys existing homes to gather the information needed before energy efficiency improvements are planned.
The information they gather gives Retrofit Coordinators and Designers a foundation for planning suitable improvements. A thorough assessment helps identify issues that could affect the work, such as damp, inadequate ventilation or defects in the building fabric.
Our course leads to the ABBE Level 3 Certificate for Retrofit Assessors, a nationally recognised qualification covering the knowledge and skills needed for the PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor role.
What does a retrofit assessor do?
Retrofit Assessors visit homes to evaluate their energy performance, overall condition and ventilation. They examine features such as heating and lighting, and record who lives in the property and how they use it.
Using this information and approved software, they produce three reports: an energy assessment, a condition assessment and an occupancy assessment. Together, these reports give other retrofit professionals (such as the retrofit coordinator and designer) a clear understanding of the home and its occupants’ needs, helping them plan suitable improvements.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for Domestic Energy Assessors who want to expand their services and work on domestic retrofit projects. It also suits professionals working in housing, construction or property surveying who are completing their DEA qualification and want to develop their retrofit assessment skills.
If you’re starting a new career in energy assessment, our combined DEA and Retrofit Assessor course bundle provides a route through both qualifications and the traditional buildings course is included for free.
What are the entry requirements?
You must already hold a Domestic Energy Assessor qualification or be working towards one. Evidence of your qualification or current study will be required.
You must also be aged 18 or over and have strong IT skills in order to undertake the retrofit assessor course.
What will I learn?
Our Level 3 retrofit assessor course helps you understand how to assess a home as a whole, considering its construction, condition and use before improvements are designed.
You’ll develop your knowledge across eight core areas:
- PAS 2035, TrustMark and the Data Warehouse: understand the retrofit framework and how assessment information supports a project.
- Retrofit energy efficiency advice: communicate clearly about energy use and improvements.
- Retrofit standards: understand the standards relevant to your role.
- Retrofit risks: recognise issues that need to be recorded and considered by the wider team.
- How buildings work: understand how construction, heat and moisture affect a property.
- Occupancy assessment: establish how residents use their home.
- Property appraisal: gather and organise information about the dwelling.
- Condition reporting: record defects and present your findings clearly.
These areas reflect the qualification’s mandatory units specified by ABBE, the awarding body.
How does the course work?
Energy Trust’s Retrofit Assessor Course is a self-study on demand course. The material is broken up into interactive modules which you will work through at your own pace with no required live training component. You can work through these modules one by one, at a time, place and pace that suits you.
Your training includes a virtual property environment which you can explore just as if you were there in person. Investigate interactive pop ups to learn more about the building and reinforce your learning with example documentation to help you apply what you learn.
Our team will be on hand throughout the whole process, providing support and guidance to ensure you reach your goals. So, help is never more than an email or a call away.
How is it assessed?
As you progress through the online units, you’ll complete multiple-choice assessments and written assignments that help you demonstrate your knowledge and apply it to retrofit assessment.
Your assessor will review each submission and provide feedback and guidance where needed. With unlimited submissions, you can take the time to build your understanding, knowing we’ll support you until you can complete each task with confidence.
To achieve the qualification, you must meet the assessment requirements across all eight mandatory units specified by ABBE, the awarding body.
How long does it take?
The course is self-paced, so you decide the pace. Each student has a maximum of 12 months to complete the course.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs £690 + VAT, including learning resources, assessor support, final assessment and certification.
What do I do once qualified?
Once you’ve achieved your retrofit assessor qualification your next step is to apply to a suitable Retrofit Assessor accreditation scheme. Accreditation allows you to work within the scheme’s requirements and use its approved reporting systems.
What opportunities does this qualification lead to?
Retrofit assessor training can help you add a new service to an existing energy assessment business or pursue an employed role in the retrofit sector.
Potential opportunities include working with:
- Retrofit assessment and coordination businesses.
- Housing associations and local authorities.
- Energy efficiency and home improvement companies.
- Clients who need assessment support for domestic retrofit projects.
You may choose employment, self-employment or a combination of both, depending on your experience and the opportunities available.
What roles does retrofit assessment make available to me?
With further training and relevant experience, you could explore more senior retrofit roles.
One natural progression for Retrofit Assessors is to move into managing entire PAS 2035 residential retrofit projects from start to finish, requiring a qualification in retrofit coordination. Our Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment offers a route to this potential next step.
Retrofit Assessor Course FAQs
A Retrofit Assessor visits domestic buildings to assess energy performance, building condition, ventilation and occupancy. Their findings help Retrofit Coordinators and Designers plan suitable energy efficiency improvements. Explore a typical assessment.
The course is self-paced. Some learners complete it in just a few weeks, while others take several months. Students have up to 12 months from enrolment to complete the course.
Energy Trust’s Retrofit Assessor Course costs £690 + VAT.
If you are not yet qualified as a DEA, you will need to gain that qualification first. So, you’ll also need to budget for that training or choose a course bundle package.
Earnings for retrofit assessors depend on experience, location, workload and whether you’re employed or self-employed.
The role requires careful observation, accurate records and clear communication. You’ll balance property visits with reporting and work with occupants and other retrofit professionals. It can suit people who enjoy practical investigation and detailed work.
No, you won’t be able to join an accreditation scheme until you’ve got both your DEA and RA qualifications. However, you can enrol if you are currently working towards your DEA qualification, with evidence of your study.
If you’re new to both roles, our combined DEA and Retrofit Assessor course bundle provides a route which includes both qualifications.
You will need to gain an additional award in order to conduct retrofit assessments on traditional buildings under PAS2035, the national retrofit framework.
Energy Trust offers a separate Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings for professionals working with traditional and protected properties.
No, they carry out different roles. The Assessor gathers and reports property information. The Coordinator uses that information as part of overseeing the retrofit project, including the evaluation and planning of improvements. Learn more about retrofit coordination.
Yes. This ABBE qualification allows you to apply for accreditation (e.g., with ecmk) and register your Retrofit Assessments on the TrustMark Data Warehouse.
No. The course is delivered fully online and at your own pace (within the above timeframes), so you can study from anywhere with internet access.
No, all the learning materials and assignments will be completed through our learning portal. It is not a requirement to use the Retrofit Assessor app during the course; however, there will be videos to show you how to use the app and what is required when you are qualified.
Although not compulsory, it is highly recommended that students download their own free copy of PAS 2035:2023 from this link.
We offer Klarna and Clearpay at checkout.
Assessors
- Charlotte Lancaster | Tutor and Assessor | RA, DEA, RC
Charlotte specialises in domestic energy assessment, retrofit assessment and retrofit coordination, with experience in training, auditing and quality assurance. - Jessica King | Assessor | RA, DEA
Jessica has years of experience assessing both energy assessment and retrofit qualifications which she uses to help students gain a confident and clear understanding of their new roles.
What do our learners think?
Why choose Energy Trust?
Energy Trust has been training energy and retrofit professionals since 2008. Drawing on practical industry experience, we make learning accessible, relevant and easy to apply in the real world.
Our experienced trainers and assessors combine accurate, high-quality teaching with friendly, responsive support. With help available through our helpline and dedicated support site, you’ll feel supported at every stage of your learning journey.
Whether you’re adding retrofit assessment to your existing services or taking your career in a new direction, we’ll help you explore your options and build the skills and confidence to get started.
