Maybe you’re ready to take the next step in your career, but you’re not quite sure where to begin, or what that next step might look like. This guide will highlight some possible career routes and training you can explore, depending on your current role and professional goals.
Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment
If you’re completely new to the energy efficiency sector, becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) is the perfect starting point.
Domestic Energy Assessors carry out energy assessments of homes to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which rate a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G.
Domestic energy assessment forms the foundation of everything else in the domestic energy and retrofit world. It provides a snapshot of how energy-efficient a home is, helping identify ways to improve it. This information is essential for measuring and supporting key government initiatives, such as the UK’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
On a personal level, becoming a DEA is a fantastic way to learn how UK homes are built and how they perform. Gaining familiarity with building fabric, construction methods and building physics is invaluable if you plan to progress into more advanced roles such as Retrofit Coordinator or Retrofit Designer.
Watch our video ‘What Is Domestic Energy Assessor‘ for more information.
Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment and Level 3 Certificate for Retrofit Assessors – Combined Course
A popular route is to qualify as both a Domestic Energy Assessor and a Retrofit Assessor at the same time. This gives you a strong foundation in both energy assessment and retrofit, opening up a wide range of career opportunities.
Right now, Energy Trust’s DEA + Retrofit Assessor Training Package is available at 40% off the usual cost through the Warm Homes Skills Programme. This combined course includes the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment and the ABBE Level 3 Certificate for Retrofit Assessors, qualifying you to both produce EPCs and conduct retrofit assessments on domestic homes.
Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment
If you’re already a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) and enjoy energy assessment, moving into Non-Domestic Energy Assessment could be your next step.
Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEAs) assess the energy performance of commercial buildings such as offices, schools, shops and warehouses. While the core principles are similar to domestic assessment, the work is generally more complex.
Within non-domestic energy assessment, there are three qualification levels: Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5. Each level covers increasingly complex buildings, with Level 5 assessors working on large, highly technical properties that require specialist software.
Watch our video ‘What Is A Non-Domestic Energy Assessor?‘ for more information.
If this sounds like the right path for you, Energy Trust is currently offering the Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment at 40% off through the Warm Homes Skills Programme.
Level 3 Certiciate in Domestic On Construction Energy Assessment
Another progression route is becoming a Domestic On Construction Energy Assessor (DOCEA), also known as a SAP Assessor.
SAP Assessors produce Building Regulations Compliance Reports and Energy Performance Certificates for newly built homes. They analyse architectural plans, specifications and materials to predict energy performance and carbon emissions, using specialist software to generate EPCs.
The role involves close collaboration with clients and design teams, providing advice to ensure compliance with building regulations and recommending cost-effective improvements. It’s a more technically demanding role that builds on the knowledge gained as a DEA, making it an excellent next step for assessors ready to advance their expertise.
Watch our video ‘What Is Domestic On Construction Energy Assessment?‘ for further information.
The World of Retrofit
Retrofit is a diverse and fast-growing area of the industry, offering a range of specialist roles and career pathways.
Level 3 Award in Introduction to Domestic Retrofit
For those completely new to the industry, the ABBE Level 3 Award in Introduction to Domestic Retrofit provides an overview of the PAS 2035 framework and introduces learners to the key stages of the retrofit process.
This course is ideal for those in sales, admin or business development roles within the retrofit or ECO sector. It offers a solid introduction to how retrofit projects are assessed, designed, and delivered – perfect for those looking to gain foundational knowledge and progress in the industry.
Watch our video ‘The Level 3 Introduction To Domestic Retrofit: Qualification Explained‘ for more information.
Level 3 Certificate for Retrofit Assessors
If you’re new to retrofit, qualifying as a Retrofit Assessor is a great place to start. This role deepens your understanding of building performance, materials and energy efficiency – skills that are essential for moving into more advanced retrofit positions.
Retrofit Assessors visit properties to collect and analyse property data, assess building condition and occupancy, and prepare reports that Retrofit Coordinators and Retrofit Designers use to plan effective, safe retrofit measures. They are the key foundation to every domestic retrofit project.
We have established that the role of retrofit assessor is a great place to start – but where can you go from there?
Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings
The Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings (EEOTB) teaches retrofit professionals how to improve the energy efficiency of older buildings without compromising their character and significance.
Traditional buildings – those built before 1919 – require a specialist approach, as inappropriate retrofit measures can cause damage. Under PAS 2035, the EEOTB qualification is mandatory for Retrofit Assessors, Designers, and Coordinators working on these properties.
With roughly a quarter of UK homes built before 1919, this qualification can significantly expand your professional opportunities. Despite its importance, the course is not overly complex – it simply requires a sound understanding of construction and a willingness to learn about traditional materials.
Watch our video ‘What Is The Level 3 Award In Energy Efficiency For Older And Traditional Buildings?‘ for more information.
Energy Trust’s EEOTB course is currently available at 40% off via the Warm Homes Skills Programme.
Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Assessment
For those ready to take on a more advanced role, becoming a Retrofit Coordinator is a major step forward.
Retrofit Coordinators manage retrofit projects from start to finish, ensuring quality, compliance and safety. They oversee the process from initial assessment to post-completion evaluation, identifying and managing both technical and procedural risks.
Under PAS 2035, every retrofit project must have a qualified Retrofit Coordinator, making it a highly sought-after and influential position.
To enrol in this qualification, applicants must:
- Have at least 2 years of experience working in the construction or the built environment within the last 3 years.
- Hold at least one of the following:
- A professional qualification in a building-related field such as architecture, surveying, engineering, construction management, or another subject related to managing or supervising construction and domestic projects.
- A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 3 or above, or at least 12 credits at this level, in a subject related to the management or supervision of construction and domestic construction projects. Additionally, applicants must have experience in the building design or construction industry.
- Have completed the AECB CarbonLite™ Retrofit Coordination (CLRrc) course and currently be working in the building design or construction industry.
If you meet these requirements and want to move into a senior role within the retrofit sector, this is the perfect next step.
Watch our video ‘What Is A Retrofit Coordinator?‘ for more information
Energy Trust’s Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Assessment is currently 40% off under the Warm Homes Skills Programme.
Not Sure Which Route Is Right for You?
Hopefully, this guide has given you some inspiration for your next career move. But if you’re still unsure which path to take, we’re happy to help!
Give us a call at 0333 012 0002 or get in touch via email, and our team will be happy to advise you.
