On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor

An On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) assesses new build properties from plans. They also assess homes undergoing major refurbishment, extensions or other new building work that requires Building Control approval.

OCDEAs are qualified to:

Calculate SAP ratings
Produce Building Regulations submissions
Produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

UK law requires an EPC to be produced every time a home is constructed, sold or rented. This is a law that stems from the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It says that EPCs can only be produced by “suitably qualified and/or accredited experts”.

Building Control must also confirm that an EPC has been produced before issuing the completion certificate.

Why choose the NHER OCDEA Training and Assessment Package?

NES offers the most comprehensive training and assessment package for those wishing to become practicing OCDEAs.  As well as training you to produce newbuild EPCs and building regulations submissions, our package will give you knowledge and awareness of the principles of low energy / carbon design. 

Our course materials and our training and assessment methods have been developed by leaders in the field of domestic energy efficiency; NHER was the first ever energy rating scheme and has been training Assessors since the early 1990s. Our courses are very practical and include exercises to reinforce the learning as well as assessment of a range of house types and technologies.

What is the format of the training and assessment?

The package includes 5 days of face to face training, supplementary on line CPD material for home study and one to one support from expert Assessors via our on line assessment centre.
Ahead of the course delegates receive a comprehensive training manual, and a copy of our NHER Plan Assessor software and a CD full of key supplementary documents. 
After the first two days of the course, there is a two week gap to allow time for home study and practice, followed by 3 further days of training and initial assessment.

During the course delegates carry out 4 practice assessments, carry out one EPC under exam conditions and complete an internal examination.  Following the 5 days of training and initial assessment, delegates complete 4 EPCs / Building Submissions that are assessed by highly experienced assessors and sit an external multiple choice exam set by ABBE, the OCDEA awarding body


 

Domestic energy ratings

Understanding the background to and basis of domestic energy rating in the UK, including the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM), the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy rating, the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) and the quality assurance requirements for being an OCDEA.

The EPBD and Building Regs

Understanding the requirements of the EPBD and its implementation in the new build dwellings sector in the UK, including the arrangements for training of "qualified and/or accredited experts"; and with the associated requirements of Part L1A of the Building Regulations (2010).  Awareness of the Building Regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland is also covered.

How buildings are constructed; reading architects plans; energy units.  During the course you will draw up a home study plan to address any weaknesses you have in these areas.

SAP and NHER conventions

Using the SAP energy rating conventions (and supplementary conventions for the NHER) for the collation of energy rating data about dwellings from drawings and specifications.

NHER Plan Assessor software

Using NHER Plan Assessor software to deliver quality-assured SAP and NHER energy ratings and energy performance certificates under the EPBD; and reports that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Part L1A of the Building Regulations (2009), using data collated from drawings and specifications.

Improving energy efficiency

Understanding the factors that affect the way in which energy is used in dwellings; how those factors interact; how the energy efficiency of dwellings may be improved; and how the NHER/SAP energy rating software may be used as a tool for identifying specification options and improving the energy efficiency of designs to meet specified standards, including the standards set by the Approved Document to Part L1A of the Building Regulations.

Examination

The examination is an assessment of competence, and the primary focus is on accurate completion of SAP assessments from plans and knowledge of the Building Regulations requirements. The examination process is overseen by an examination board.

If you think you already have the competence and knowledge required to be an On Construction DEA and you feel you know SAP 2009 and Part L1A of the Building Regs well enough, you will still need to hold the ABBE level 3 Certificate in Domestice On Construction Energy Assessor qualification if you want to issue EPC and produce Building Control Approval documents. We offer an ‘assessment only’ route for you to achieve this. It means that you may not need to undertake any of our training, and will only need to complete and pass the practical assessment, coursework and ABBE external exam. If you think this route is for you please contact our training and assessment team to discuss.

Our Training and Assessment team

The team assist OCDEA candidates through the entire training and assessment process.

We can answer any questions you may have about training or assessment - call us on 01908 442240.

Read our terms and conditions for training and assessment.