Up to 100% funding, terms and conditions apply
New BER Virtual Programme
Course Duration: 6 days, (5 online and 1 practical day in Dublin. Each course day is 9am-5pm)
Live Online Course dates:
February 2025 – 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th
Practical Day: February 18th 2025
The practical training day comprises of 2 onsite property visits in Dublin. The first property will be for training purposes the second property will be part of the student assessment.
Course format:
6 days, 5 online and 1 practical day in Dublin 9-5pm each day
Assessment:
An assessment methodology comprising of four assignments, a practical exam and a theory exam
Cost:
Up to 100% funding, (terms and conditions apply)
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to carry out Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments on dwellings in compliance with the current Occupational Standards for Building Energy Rating (BER) Assessor for Dwellings and Corresponding Requirements for Training Programmes leading to Building Energy Rating (BER) Assessment published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
CPD Recognition: Engineers Ireland CPD approved (40hrs of CPD credits)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the current European and National legislative background relevant to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
- Describe the assessor obligations and operation of the BER administration systems
- Explain the current Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) methodology 2
- Describe the requirements set out in Part L of the Building Regulations and other relevant Building Regulations
- Determine and record BER-relevant details from plans and specifications of dwellings
- Determine and record BER-relevant details through survey of new and existing dwellings
- Determine the fabric and ventilation parameters for heat losses and gains
- Determine the lighting energy usage parameters
- Identify space and domestic hot water heating systems
- Use the current DEAP methodology and software to produce a BER certificate and advisory report for dwelling types of varying complexity
- 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
- 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
When you successfully pass the BER programme, you will be awarded with the QQI level 6 BER certificate, from here you will need to apply directly to SEAI and complete their online SEAI induction registration module. (not assessed) In addition to that the following will also need to be completed.
Complete the BER registration form
- Complete application form
- Submit insurance details
- Agree to code of practise
- Submit tax clearance cert
- Fill in direct debit mandate (for registration, annual and certificate fees)
Mentoring
- New assessors will be assigned a mentoring audit by SEAI
You will be issued with a username and password which allows you to log-in to your course anywhere you have an Internet Connection and at any time. This allows you to complete the course at a time and pace that suits your individual needs. You will have access to the course materials plus support documents and useful links and video clips. All course materials can be printed if you prefer a paper copy. In addition, you will have access to Tutor support via an online forum.
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.
Non conflict of business interest guarantee: We are fully committed to student learning. By focusing 100% on training you to become a BER Assessor, and by not directly competing with you by running our own BER Assessment service, you can be guaranteed your individual success is of paramount importance to us. We pride ourselves on providing you with as much transparent information as possible about the BER industry and vital market opportunities. We provide ‘you’ with ideas on how to develop an energy assessment rating business, while we focus on our business of training.
Chevron College is extremely proud to offer and support the most comprehensive QQI Domestic BER Course in the market today.
Self-Assessment Test
For your own benefit, please complete a self-assessment test below ahead of your course.
It will take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete, answers are available immediately after submission.
** The correct answer within the assessment is word perfect and may include further information required by you if you get the question incorrect, the score shown may not be an accurate reflection of your answers. **
QQI Domestic BER Course
Chevron College is the leading provider of accredited BER training in Ireland.
The company’s commitment to the provision of the highest quality of BER training is demonstrated by its delivery of its practical, skills focused, QQI Level 6 accredited training programme.
Chevron’s BER training programme is designed and delivered in accordance with our robust quality assurance procedures, which ensures that learners are benefiting from best practice training methodologies and are provided with the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to pursue work opportunities as a BER assessor.
Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), the Regulatory body for energy sector has published guidelines for persons considering undertaking a BER Assessor Training Course and what to take into consideration when making your choice.
The following is a summary of the SEAI recommendations and information on how Chevron College deliver the best option for all students considering undertaking a QQI Domestic BER Course.