Elmhurst’s qualification course provides a fantastic opportunity for those either completely new to or familiar with the world of energy assessment, to become a fully qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).
✅ Play a critical role in the drive towards net zero.
✅ Work for yourself – control your work/life balance.
✅ Supplement your existing income, or build a completely new business.
✅ Seek employment opportunities with existing energy assessment firms and other organisations.
Book a DEA Course
Book a place on Elmhurst’s upcoming DEA qualification courses. Available for new entrants and delivered online or in the classroom
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What do Domestic Energy Assessors do?
Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) will assess the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings (houses, bungalows and flats) in the UK. Their work is completed on site and is considered to be non-invasive (no drilling into walls required).
A domestic energy assessment can take anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the property size and complexity, and will involve the collection of property information (such as property age, type of windows, type of heating systems, insulation etc), alongside photographic evidence and a floor plan.
This information will be collected and calculated within specialist software (RdSAP), which will provide an energy efficiency rating and produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
DEAs may also be expected to explain their findings to property owners, and advise them on ways to improve their energy efficiency using the measures recommended on the EPC.
No specific qualifications or previous experience is required in order to become a DEA.
An interest in building/construction, and good math skills can certainly help anyone to succeed as a DEA- however it is by no means essential.
Trades already working within houses/buildings, may also find it easier to adapt to this particular profession.
DEAs can earn anywhere between £18,000 and £35,000 depending on their experience. There is even evidence of organisations offering more than £35,000 for an in house DEA.
For those who choose to work self-employed, What they earn will depend on a number of different factors, such as the level of local competition, the frequency of assessments, as well as the size and complexity of the properties they are assessing.
DEAs do not require too much equipment when it comes to undertaking their assessments. The basic equipment which an individual will need includes:
- Large Tape Measure or Laser measure for measuring room dimensions
- Step Ladder, required to access a loft
- Pen, pencil, paper/notepad and ruler which you can use to draw floor plans and note down assessment info
- Access to a computer for inputting information into RdSAP calculation software
- Camera or smart phone/tablet to take pictures for evidence
We would strongly recommend using a smart phone or tablet for your assessments, as Elmhurst’s RdSAP Go software will allow you to capture the relevant information and photos on site which will save you valuable time.
DEAs will need to visit properties in person, in order to adequately assess them.
Having access to a vehicle can certainly help a DEA deliver services to a broader region, and will also help to transport their equipment.
Anyone selling or renting out their properties are required to have an EPC. These will typically be landlords and estate agents.
Local Authorities and Housing Association will also own housing (social homes) which will often need assessment.
Government policies may also require the need for an EPC.
Training will take place over a number of days, in order to give you a solid understanding of the role.
Once concluded you will likely need to undertake on site assessments and test questions in order to complete your professional portfolio (required for qualification).
On average the process to become fully qualified can take up to 4-6 weeks.
The demand for qualified Domestic Energy Assessors continues to increase, as the government aims to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes (stimulated by new regulation and standards)
This has resulted in more job opportunities within the industry, from estate agents, surveying firms, solicitors and even local authorities. Some of these opportunities can be viewed on Elmhurst’s opportunities page as well as on online job boards.
Alternatively, qualified DEAs also have the option to set up their own energy assessment practice, as a self employed energy professional.
In order for a DEA to produce a legally valid EPC, they must be accredited with a government approved energy assessment scheme- such as Elmhurst.
Accreditation schemes are there to support members in their practice, by providing them with ongoing technical guidance, training and software. They are also required to monitor the work of DEAs through regular auditing- this ensures quality within the industry.
Why choose Elmhurst for DEA Training?
Quality lies at the heart of what we do, and it all starts with the training that we offer. We strive to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to deliver quality energy assessment services. Since 1993 we have trained thousands of individuals and have evolved our courses to reflect the changing landscape of training delivery and energy assessment.
✔️ Leave feeling confident– leave feeling confident that you can put theory into practice
✔️ Learn at your own pace– our courses cater for those completely new and familiar with energy assessment
✔️ An engaging learning experience– Our trainers have the practical experience and know how to deliver a truly engaging learning experience
✔️ Support beyond the training– As the UK’s largest government approved energy assessor scheme, we can provide technical support to you, not only during your training, but also long after you’ve completed it
Become a Member with Elmhurst
Once qualified as a DEA, you will be eligible to join Elmhurst’s industry leading accreditation scheme, free of charge.
If you are looking for a scheme which offers competitive lodgement fees, market leading software, professional technical support, opportunities to enhance your skills, as well as the tools to build a competitive business, then Elmhurst Energy is the accreditation scheme for you.
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