To produce and lodge EPCs, Energy Assessors must sign up with an Accredited Scheme. These schemes are responsible for ensuring that candidates fulfill all the requirements of the National Occupational Standards that apply to Energy Assessors including relevant knowledge of building constructions and services.

In addition Energy Assessors are required to provide evidence to their Accredited Schemes that they have undertaken approved training in the software tool they intend to use to produce EPCs and have passed an examination to show they are competent. DesignBuilder Software provides a comprehensive training package and examination to enable candidates to become competent to use DesignBuilder SBEM to produce EPCs and BRUKL reports. Candidates will produce one EPC during the examination which can be submitted as evidence of their competence. DBS will also issue a Certificate of Competence to candidates who pass the examination. The DesignBuilder SBEM software can be used to lodge EPCs with any accreditation scheme or in Scotland with any Protocol organisation.

1. Free download of DesignBuilder SBEM software

Potential candidates can download a free demonstration version of DesignBuilder SBEM to allow them to assess the software. The free version of the software will not produce EPCs or BRUKL reports for Building Control.

Find out more on the DesignBuilder SBEM software.

2. Training package

The package includes:

• Two day training course approved by the BRE, CIBSE Certification and Stroma Accreditation schemes.
• A manual providing guidance on data entry and program use.
• Post training support access to an expert prior to taking the exam (limited to 2 hours contact time over a maximum period of one month).
• Free 60-day licence that can be used to produce EPCs - DesignBuilder does not charge lodgement fees

The course and post training support will equip Energy Assessors to use DesignBuilder SBEM software to produce EPCs and BRUKL reports.

Cost £600 + VAT per candidate

View current course venues, dates and availability.

Course participants need to purchase the DesignBuilder Energy Assessor Package or SBEM module. The software needs to be loaded and activated  on the trainee's laptop and  brought to the course. Participants should ideally have admin rights to allow loading of any updated software during the course.

A check should also be carried to ensure that the installed software runs correctly.
 

3. Certificate of Competence

Examination to test the competence of candidates in the use of DesignBuilder software to produce EPCs and BRUKL reports.

• Three hour examination to take place around two weeks after the training course to allow candidates time to practice with the software.
• Bookings accepted for alternate examinations where there are vacancies or to accommodate candidates re-sitting the examination (up to two re-sits allowed).
• Candidates who pass the examination will be issued with a Certificate of Competence.

Cost of the examination is £300 + VAT per candidate.

Cost of re-sitting the examination £100 + VAT (maximum of 2 re-sits allowed).

View current examination venues, dates and availability.

Candidates are required to bring their laptops to the examination loaded with the DesignBuilder SBEM software that has been activated using a licence key.

Candidates may also sit the examination in DesignBuilder SBEM with any Accredited Scheme with which we have an agreement.  

Total cost of Training package (excluding software licence) + Examination is £900