Retrofit Coordinator Course | Level 5 Diploma ABBE Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment
Become a Retrofit Coordinator with Energy Trust’s ABBE Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment. Study online at your own pace, with assessor support. The course has 170 hours’ total qualification time and costs £1,800 excluding VAT.
What is a Retrofit Coordinator and what do they do?
A Retrofit Coordinator oversees retrofit projects on existing homes in line with PAS 2035. They manage the whole process, working alongside qualified specialists responsible for each stage of the project. The Retrofit Coordinator is a mandatory role for all retrofit projects as outlined in PAS2035.
Coordinators guide the project from the initial assessment through to evaluation and beyond, protecting the interests of the client, the occupants and the public. They work with the client to agree what the project should achieve, then review the assessment findings and coordinate a suitable design.
A key part of the role is taking a whole-house approach by understanding how proposed improvements will work together and managing the technical and process risks associated with domestic retrofit projects.
The Retrofit Coordinator plays a pivotal and overarching role in the retrofit process.
Who is the Retrofit Coordinator course for?
This retrofit coordinator course is aimed at those already familiar with retrofit and project management. It’s perfect for anyone with relevant construction or built environment experience who wants to develop their career and take responsibility for domestic retrofit projects. It can suit professionals with experience in:
- surveying
- architecture
- engineering
- construction management, and
- other retrofit roles
Learners will need to demonstrate that they are:
- familiar with domestic construction techniques
- able to read and understand construction drawings and specifications
- familiar with the Building Regulations and with construction health and safety regulations and practice, and
- have experience/ understanding of project management of retrofit (e.g. management of finances, contracts and the work of contractors etc).
What are the entry requirements?
To qualify for this training course, students must meet both the experience requirement and hold one of the listed qualifications/experience options:
1. Experience Requirement
- Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience working in the construction or the built environment within the last 3 years.
- Proof of this experience is required, which can be demonstrated through a CV or a letter from an employer.
2. Qualification Requirement
Applicants must also 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 CarbonLiteâ„¢ Retrofit Coordination (CLRrc) course and currently be working in the building design or construction industry.
3. Additional Requirements
- Minimum Age: 18 years or older.
- Strong IT Skills: Applicants must possess strong IT skills to succeed in the course.
What will I learn on the Level 5 retrofit coordination course?
Your retrofit coordinator training follows the project from understanding a home to reviewing completed work. The 12-unit programme covers:
- Introduction to domestic retrofit and the principles of coordination and quality assurance.
- Assessing homes, comparing improvement options and preparing medium-term retrofit plans.
- Retrofit design, heat gain and heat loss, and moisture behaviour.
- Improving building fabric and services, airtightness and ventilation.
- Testing, monitoring and evaluation after retrofit.
- Practical software use and case-study assessment.
The aim is to connect technical knowledge with real life scenarios, preparing you to conduct real-life retrofit coordination projects.
Learners who already hold the Level 3 Award in Introduction to Domestic Retrofit are exempt from Unit 1.
How does the course work?
Energy Trust’s Retrofit Coordinator course is delivered entirely online through on-demand, self-study learning. You can study remotely and fit the course around your work and other commitments.
The course is divided into manageable modules on our online learning platform. As you progress, you’ll apply what you learn through practical software case studies and complete assessments for each module.
How is it assessed?
Assessment includes multiple-choice tests, written assignments, a video or audio presentation, and practical retrofit software tasks based on a case study.
Assessments are spread throughout the course to check your understanding as you progress. Your assessor will provide feedback on your submissions, explain any areas you need to revisit and offer guidance on improving your answers.
When can I start?
You can register at any time through the course booking page. Our team will then check that you meet the eligibility requirements. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can get started!
Is classroom attendance required?
No. The course is entirely remote and self-paced, with no classroom attendance or live training required.
How much does the Retrofit Coordinator course cost?
The course costs £1,800 (excl VAT). This fee includes awarding-body registration, learning materials, assessment, portfolio submissions within the permitted timeframe and the final diploma.
How long does it take to qualify as a Retrofit Coordinator?
The retrofit coordination course is a comprehensive study programme with a total qualification time of 170 hours. Each student is different and so the actual duration varies person to person. Students have a maximum of 12 months to complete the course.
What do I need to do once qualified?
After achieving your retrofit coordinator qualification, you will need to apply to a TrustMark-approved accreditation scheme for the work you intend to undertake. Qualification and scheme membership are separate stages. We provide further information on accreditation during the course and via email post-course.
You will also need a DBS check in order to become accredited as a retrofit coordinator; It costs £21.50 and you can apply online here.
For work involving older or traditional buildings, additional competence and qualification requirements may apply. Properties like this may require an additional older and traditional buildings qualification.
What career opportunities does the qualification lead to?
Qualifying as a Retrofit Coordinator can open up employed and self-employed opportunities in domestic retrofit.
Once qualified and appropriately accredited, you could work as a Retrofit Coordinator for a housing association, local authority, contractor or consultancy. The role combines reviewing technical information, visiting properties and coordinating assessors, designers and installers to keep projects coordinated and check that the work follows PAS 2035 requirements.
As a self-employed Retrofit Coordinator, you could provide coordination services to different clients or contractors. Alongside delivering projects, you’ll need to find clients, agree fees, manage your workload and maintain the insurance and accreditation required for your work.
With further experience, you could progress into:
- senior coordination
- project or programme management
- technical consultancy
- quality assurance
- auditing, or
- training
Some roles may require additional qualifications or specialist experience.
Retrofit Coordinator Course FAQs
A Retrofit Coordinator oversees domestic retrofit projects from the initial stages through assessment, design, installation, handover and evaluation. They coordinate the people involved, manage technical and process risks, and oversee evidence of PAS 2035 compliance. The role protects the interests of the client and residents throughout the project.
Energy Trust allows up to 12 months to complete the qualification. The ABBE Level 5 Diploma has a 170-hour Total Qualification Time which covers learning and assessment. Your actual completion time depends on the hours you can study, your existing knowledge and your assessment progress. Finishing the diploma is followed by a separate accreditation application.
Energy Trust’s Retrofit Coordinator course costs £1,800 (excl VAT).
Earnings depend on your experience, location, employer and the scale of projects you manage.
Newly qualified Retrofit Coordinators can typically earn £28,000 – £35,000 a year. With experience, salaries generally rise to £37,000 – £45,000. These figures are a rough guide, not a guarantee.
It is a responsible role that combines technical judgement with organisation and clear communication. You need to interpret project information, coordinate different specialists and respond when evidence or proposed work does not meet requirements. Relevant construction experience, structured working practices and continuing professional development help you build confidence.
A Retrofit Assessor gathers and reports information about a home, including its condition, occupancy and energy performance. A Retrofit Coordinator oversees the wider retrofit process, drawing on that assessment and working with the design and installation team. Learn more about the Retrofit Assessor course.
A DEA qualification is not a specific prerequisite for the retrofit coordinator course. However, students must meet both the experience requirement and hold one of the listed qualifications/experience options. Check the course prerequisites to find out more.
The self-paced online format allows you to plan your studies around work. Set aside regular time for learning, written tasks and practical software assessments, and allow time to act on feedback.
No. The diploma is your qualification. Accreditation is the separate process of joining an approved professional scheme, providing the required evidence and meeting its ongoing conditions. Confirm the scheme’s requirements for your exact certificate, insurance and intended work before you apply.
Yes. TrustMark-approved Retrofit Coordinator accreditation schemes require appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance. Check that your cover explicitly includes retrofit coordination activities and meets your scheme’s and clients’ requirements. Do not assume that insurance held for energy assessment also covers coordination work.
Funding offers change and may depend on your location, employment status, eligibility and available places. Ask Energy Trust about current support before booking.
Yes, provided you meet the relevant qualification and competence requirements. Under PAS 2035:2023, Retrofit Coordinators working on traditionally constructed buildings must hold an additional recognised qualification, such as the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings.
Yes, to become accredited as a Retrofit Coordinator, you will need to provide a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to get a copy of your criminal record. This is called ‘basic disclosure’. It costs £21.50 and you can apply online here.
Meet Our Assessors
Your assigned assessor will be on hand throughout the whole process to provide guidance, feedback and support.
- Charlotte Lancaster | DEA, RA, RC, OCDEA, NDEA, EEOTB
Working in the industry since 2020, teaching in the industry since 2024 - Victoria Goodwill | RC
Contact the team before booking if you would like to discuss the support available or your learning requirements.
What do Energy Trust learners think?
Why choose Energy Trust for your Retrofit Coordinator course?
Energy Trust has provided training since 2008, with a focus on energy assessment and retrofit skills. Our trainers and assessors bring practical industry experience to the learning process.
With Energy Trust’s Level 5 retrofit coordination course, you benefit from a combination of remote learning, assessor guidance and practical project work. You will work towards a named ABBE diploma and receive advice on the next steps towards accreditation.
If you have any questions, we can help you check your entry route and understand what the course involves. Call 0333 012 0002 or email info@energy-trust.co.uk to discuss whether this is the right next step for you.
How does PAS 2035 relate to retrofit coordination?
Compliance with PAS2035 is a mandatory requirement for schemes operating under TrustMark, the quality mark for the retrofit sector. The Retrofit Coordinator ensures and claims compliance with PAS2035. The Level 5 Diploma In Retrofit Coordination And Risk Assessment confirms occupational competence.
