Pre-qualification criteria

Step 1: Satisfy the pre-qualification requirements

Please ensure that you have met the pre-qualification requirements before completing your registration as a BER assessor. If you do not meet the pre-qualification criteria your application to become a BER Assessor will not be processed. 

Domestic BER assessors can use the online registration form to confirm with SEAI that they have met the pre-qualification criteria before proceeding with their full application to registration as a BER assessor. More information is available below.

Domestic BER Assessors

To register as a Domestic BER Assessor and before advancing to complete the Domestic BER Training Course, you must ensure that you fulfil the pre-qualification criteria.  

• Domestic BER Assessors require an NFQ Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate in construction studies (or similar) or a recognized equivalent.  
• Equivalence may be defined as a combination of appropriate construction-related qualifications and significant relevant experience.  

Registration Pre-Qualification Checklist: 

The below Pre-Qualification Registration Checklist can be used by prospective BER Assessors to assist in determining whether they meet the pre-qualification requirements, prior to completing the Domestic BER Training Course and to submitting their registration documentation.

The pre-qualification criteria are determined using the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) applicable ECTS credits for a two-year (or equivalent part-time duration) qualification.  

The above guidance details the two routes a candidate can take to satisfy the pre-qualification requirements. Candidates only need to fully demonstrate compliance with one of these two routes.   

• Route 1: Domestic BER Assessors registering using an NFQ Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate (120 ECTS credits).   
• Route 2: Domestic BER Assessors registering under 'equivalence'.   

Within each, there are subsections to support you in demonstrating suitability with that particular route.  

Confirming Pre-Qualification Criteria with SEAI

Applicants looking to register as a domestic BER assessor can use the online registration from to confirm with SEAI that they meet the relevant pre-qualification criteria required for becoming an assessor. After verifying your email address, please select the option to complete a pre-qualification check.

Please ensure that you have all your supporting documentation to hand before proceeding with your application as you will be unable to return to it at a later date. A useful checklist outlining the supporting documentation required to complete your application is available below. 

Domestic BER Assessor Online Registration Form User Guide

Please note:  pre-qualification checks will only remain valid for a period of 12-months, after which you will need to resubmit an updated pre-qualification check to SEAI for review. 

Non Domestic BER Assessors

To register as a Non-domestic BER assessor and before advancing to complete the Non-domestic BER Training Course, you must ensure that you fulfil the pre-qualification criteria.

Non-Domestic Assessors are required to satisfy two criteria for pre-qualification.

1. An NFQ level 7 degree/qualification in a building or construction related discipline, where at least two of the subjects listed in the Non-domestic pre-qualification registration criteria document are covered for a minimum of two semesters each.

2. Proof of membership with one of the listed professional bodies at the specified grades.

Registration Pre-Qualification Criteria:

The below Non-Domestic Pre-Qualification Registration Checklist can be used to prospective non-domestic BER assessors to assist in determining whether they meet the pre-qualification requirements, prior to completing the non-domestic BER Training Course and to submitting their registration documentation.

If you are unsure that your qualifications and/or experience meet the requirements, please contact the BER Helpdesk for further clarification. Email: [email protected]

DEC Assessors

To register as a DEC assessor, candidates must first: 

1. Be registered with SEAI as a non-domestic BER assessor 
2. Have successfully completed a DEC assessor workshop delivered by SEAI 

To register your interest for any future DEC workshop, please contact the BER Helpdesk on [email protected]