1. Demonstrate an understanding of the current European and National legislative background relevant to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
2. Describe the assessor obligations and operation of the BER administration systems
3. Explain the current Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) methodology 2
4. Describe the requirements set out in Part L of the Building Regulations and other relevant Building Regulations
5. Determine and record BER-relevant details from plans and specifications of dwellings
6. Determine and record BER-relevant details through survey of new and existing dwellings
7. Determine the fabric and ventilation parameters for heat losses and gains
8. Determine the lighting energy usage parameters
9. Identify space and domestic hot water heating systems
10. Use the current DEAP methodology and software to produce a BER certificate and advisory report for dwelling types of varying complexity
11. Critically evaluate and communicate the details of a BER certificate and advisory report 12. Explain how to optimise the energy performance of dwellings with consideration to relevant standards, codes and practices
12. Identify options to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations for dwellings

The course is made up of 5 days of virtual classes and one day on-site, each day runs from 9am – 5.30pm approximately. Total number of days is 6. The course will be delivered 2 days a week over a 3-week period. The on-site day will take place in Dublin in either week 2 or 3.

Learner will be required to completed approximately 100 hours of independent study in their own time. This will include 3 self-paced modules to be completed online.

SEAI have 2 routes to qualify as a domestic BER assessor

Route 1:

Applicants will need to hold a QQI level 6 advanced certificate in construction 120 ects credits.

Route 2:

Applicants will need to have 60 ects credits from a non-construction qualification, in addition to that you will need to demonstrate 2 years significant work experience within a construction-related environment, demonstrating a basic understanding of domestic building systems (e.g. domestic building services, building fabric, heating systems, hot water, ventilation, lighting, building surveys, etc.).

In order to see if you meet the SEAI entry requirements, please click the below link and submit your details as requested.

https://ecv.microsoft.com/tfh1mXnQQr

You must first verify your address using the link and then you will be sent an email with instructions on how to proceed.

QQI Building Energy Rating Assessment (Dwellings) level 6 Award (Component)-  6N0732

An assessment methodology comprising of four assignments, a practical exam and a theory exam must be successfully completed to achieve the QQI Level 6 component award in Building Energy Rating Assessment (Dwellings).  The individual assessments are weighted as follows:

• Assignment 1 (5%)
• Assignment 2 (15%)
• Assignment 3 (15%)
• Assignment 4 (15%)
• Theory Exam (10%)
• Practical Exam (40%)

Paddy Loughman is our lead lecturer on the QQI Building Energy Rating programme. A Mechanical Engineering graduate by profession, Paddy has been a BER Assessor for Dwellings and Non-Domestic properties since 2008, having carried out thousands of BERs.

Paddy has delivered BER training since 2008, also developing and designing course materials to keep up to date with BER methodology and changes to Building Regulations over the years. Most recently, he has developed and delivered Chevron’s completely new BER course covering NZEB requirements and the new DEAP 4.2 web-based software.

As well as the standard QQI BER courses, Paddy has provided custom courses to suit the needs of architects’ and engineers’ practices.

Paddy is a Registered Technical Advisor for SEAI’s Heat Pump Grant scheme and is also Chevron’s representative at SEAI’s BER Trainer workshops.

SEAI recommend that course material should cover the learning outcomes stated in the ‘Specification for BER Assessor Training Programmes for BER of New Dwellings’ in sufficient detail to ensure you thoroughly understand the theory behind each element of the DEAP calculation.

Chevron College employ highly qualified industry Academics to develop our course notes, reference materials and case study examples. We then have them reviewed by an independent body, include all recommendations and sign off on the final documentation. We work through each learning outcome in the module descriptor, one by one, designing comprehensive explanations in all required areas. Our course materials have been designed to be as much benefit to you both during the course and after the course when carrying out real life BER assessments.

You are required to have access to a laptop/notebook. Laptops/notebooks must meet the following specifications:

• Pentium (or equivalent) 133 Megahertz (MHz); Pentium III (or equivalent) or higher recommended.
• 256 MB RAM, 50 GB of hard disk space
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colours
• Running Microsoft XL spreadsheet software
• Running Adobe Acrobat Reader software
• Advisable to have access to 2 screens

Prior to attending the course, it is recommended that you read the following documents:

• European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2012
• Technical Guidance Document L (TGD L) 2019
• Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) Manual

For new entrants looking to register as a domestic BER assessor for the first time, candidates will be required to fulfill the pre-qualification registration requirements currently outlined on SEAI’s website, complete the Domestic BER Training Course, supply the relevant registration documentation to SEAI and complete a mandatory online Registration Module. Once successfully registered as a BER assessor, new entrants will be required to complete a prepublication mentoring audit and will be subject to current standard QA auditing processes.

The SEAI registration fees are:

• Initial registration €750  (VAT will not be applied to this fee)
• Initial registration of second employee €375 (VAT will not be applied to this fee)
• Annual registration renewal €75 (VAT will not be applied to this fee)
• Publication levy on each cert €22.50 (VAT will not be applied to this fee)

• Extra income stream for current business model
• Mandatory requirement to have BER if house if being offered for sale or rent
• Mandatory requirement under Better Energy Grants Scheme (National Retrofitting Scheme) -Insulation/Solar/Heath grants etc
• All grants will need a BER before & after works
• Over 500 assessments every day
• Average BER assessment existing houses €250-€700 depending on size of house, New buildings €400 upwards
• New houses-complete BER assessments from commencement notices-available from County Councils (private homeowners looking to start building )
• Create strategic alliances with Better Energy Home Scheme Contractors, Auctioneers, Letting agencies & One Stop Shop providers to refer BER assessments.  It’s a conflict of interest for these groups to carry out assessments on their own
• BER’s will need to be completed every 10 years
• Every year BER has seen significant growth;
  • 2020: 3,144
  • 2021: 3,838
  • 2022: 4,236
  • 2023 up to Sept:3,528

SEAI recommend you familiarise yourself with what level of support, if any, will be provided to learners by the BER Assessor training company, after you have completed the course.

Chevron College student support is Unmatched. We are committed to the ongoing needs of our students and boast the following support structures to assist students for 1 year following course completion:

• Free telephone support from our full time student support officer Mr David Collins to answer any technical or DEAP software queries you may have
• 24 hour guaranteed turnaround email response to technical support queries
• DEAP Software Support team to assist with any query you have in relation to software operation and configuration
• Free Revision Course offered to all students, where you can revisit a classroom course in any location across the country
• Discounts on other energy training courses as you progress your energy career
• As a dedicated Energy Training provider we are fully immersed and up-to-speed with Energy Industry related information and legislation

In compliance with Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 Part 6, where Chevron College offers training programmes of 3 months duration or more, Learner Protection cover is in place via relevant financial product, should Chevron College cease to provide QQI programmes before learners have completed awards.