Training and skills for domestic assessors
There are three routes to show you have the skills and knowledge to register as a domestic assessor.
Working as a domestic BER assessor
Domestic assessors carry out assessments and provide a BER certificate to homeowners. You'll need good skills in communication, attention to detail, record keeping and data protection. The work can be quite technical and complex. A key part of the work is to survey dwellings.
Surveying includes:
- Taking accurate measurements
- Sketching the building
- Identifying dwelling characteristics – including types of building fabric, lighting, ventilation, heating system appliances / controls and renewables
Following the survey, BER assessors then:
- Use the information collected to carry out detailed calculations
- Use the BER calculation software in accordance with the BER calculation methodology
- Verify and validate supporting documentation and certificates
- Inform homeowners of upgrades they can make and the SEAI grants available\
BER assessors do not work for SEAI. You can work as a sole trader, employee or employer providing BER services. Assessors must work independently, as set out in the Code of Practice. You'll need to have insurance in place and confirm tax compliance.
Skills
To join the assessor register, you must have a certain level of knowledge of domestic construction. This is referred to here as the fundamental skills for domestic BER assessment. You'll also need the skills obtained from completing a BER training course.
Fundamental skills
Domestic assessors need IT literacy and mathematics skills, particularly in geometry and trigonometry. The fundamental construction skills you need are:
- An ability to:
- Undertake a measured survey of a building
- Record building characteristics
- Organise the information collected
- Use the information to perform non-complex calculations
- An ability to read and interpret building drawings and specifications
- An awareness of the building regulation requirements for domestic construction
- A basic knowledge of construction methods and technologies used in domestic buildings
- An awareness of the professional roles and responsibilities when constructing and refurbishing domestic buildings
| Awareness | is knowing that something exists and may have an impact. |
| Knowledge | is being able to apply what you know without bringing in someone with more expertise. |
| Ability | is applying knowledge and skills to deliver that element of a professional service |
BER assessment knowledge and skills
Along with fundamental skills, you'll need to complete the BER training course. It will give you knowledge of:
- The DEAP methodology, calculations and software
- The skills to survey dwellings
- Collecting data, building characteristics and documentation for the BER calculation
Routes to registration
Effective 1st July 2025, the pre-requisite criteria to register as a domestic BER assessor will change. The three routes listed below will become the new paths to register.
We will still accept the previous registration criteria if you have enrolled or completed your domestic BER training course before the 1st July 2025. All other candidates must use the new criteria to show they have the fundamental skills to register.
There are three different routes to registration. This accounts for the different ways you can obtain and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to become a domestic BER assessor.
| Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 |
|---|---|---|
Fundamental skills NFQ Level 6 higher or advanced certificate in a relevant construction-related discipline | Fundamental skills Approved NFQ Major Award in a relevant construction-related discipline | Fundamental skills a) Member of a listed professional organisation at a specific grade, gained through an experiential learning route OR b) 2 years full time relevant work experience in a construction-related environment AND QQI Level 5/6 training modules or equivalent |
BER knowledge and skills QQI Level 6 BER assessment (Dwellings) with one of SEAI’s listed Training Course Providers | BER knowledge and skills BER Assessment Module nested within approved major award | BER knowledge and skills QQI Level 6 BER assessment (Dwellings) with one of SEAI’s listed Training Course Providers |
Route 1 - NFQ Level 6 higher or advanced certificate
You hold at least an NFQ Level 6 Higher or Advanced Certificate in a construction related discipline. It needs to have covered the listed fundamental skillsets and competencies.
Or
You hold an international qualification in a construction related discipline. It needs to have covered the listed fundamental skillsets or competences. You must be able to show its equivalence to at least an NFQ Level 6 Higher/Advanced Certificate. The QQI website details more on the recognising international qualifications.
To register under route 1, you must complete the QQI Accredited Domestic BER Training Course. You'll need to achieve a minimum grade of 70% on completion of the course.
The Domestic BER Training Course Specification details the learning outcomes and expectations. For more information, please contact your selected training provider.
Providers who deliver training leading to registration:
Route 2 - Approved NFQ Major Award
You hold at least an SEAI approved NFQ Major Award in a construction related discipline. It must have included a module equivalent to the QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Building Energy Rating Assessment (Dwellings). It needs to have covered the listed fundamental skillsets and competencies.
This course meets the requirements for registration route 2:
- TU831 BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at School of Architecture, Building and Environment, Technical University Dublin
You'll need to have covered TECH 3202 Building Energy Rating Assessment.
Route 3 - Member of a professional organisation or 2 years work experience
You can demonstrate competence to join a relevant professional body. This will be deemed sufficient to demonstrate competence in the fundamental skills.
OR
You have evidence of 2-years full time and professional relevant experience during the last 10 years, in a construction-related environment. The evidence should include a signed reference on letterhead paper. It should show your experience and understanding of the fundamental skillsets or competencies. Include contact details for the referee as references may be checked.
For the work experience route, you need to show that you've accumulated SEAI approved or accredited awards, courses, modules or components in construction-related disciplines. You must have covered the listed fundamental skillsets and competencies.
To register under route 3, you must complete the QQI Accredited Domestic BER Training Course. You'll need to achieve a minimum grade of 70% on completion of the course.
The Domestic BER Training Course Specification details the learning outcomes and expectations. For more information, please contact your selected training provider.
Providers who deliver training leading to registration:
Domestic BER refresher training
This course is aimed at those who previously completed the QQI Accredited Domestic BER Training Course but need to update their knowledge. It covers the DEAP methodology, manual and survey guide, along with the DEAP 4 software and any changes to the BER programme.
Refresher training leading to registration is currently offered through:
Please contact the training provider for more information.
First-time entrants to the BER Register
If you completed an QQI Accredited BER Training Course more than 24 months ago, you must complete a Domestic BER Refresher Course with an SEAI listed training provider.
Previously registered BER Assessors
If you haven't been registered for the previous 24 months (or more), you'll need to:
- Meet the pre-qualification criteria for registration
- Resubmit the Domestic BER Assessor Application Form
- Successfully complete the Domestic BER Assessor Refresher Course
Contact us
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, ask us by emailing [email protected].