QQI Domestic BER Course

Before the course commences, learners will be posted their course notes and emailed their log in details to start the online course on the scheduled start date. The programme is delivered over 6 days, 2 days a week over 3 weeks.  5 days are delivered online and 1 practical day will need to be attended in Dublin. Each day will be 9-5:30pm. Learners will be required to complete approximately 100 hours of independent study in their own time. This will include 3 self-paced modules to be completed online.

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

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%)

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

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.

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

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 querie
• 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
• 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
• Weekley zoom sessions every Friday 9-10am with Q&A session

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.

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

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. **

Amount of BER assessments carried out per year

• 2021: 83574
• 2022: 122,678
• 2023 up to Sept: 109,260

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.