A Short Introductory Guide To The NAPIT Energy Assessors
Accreditation Scheme FAQ's
- Scheme Background
- What Schemes do NAPIT run?
- How to apply
- What will it Cost?
- What software will be used?
- Application Documents
- Contact Details
The energy assessment of buildings represents one of the measures the UK has introduced to measure how efficient the nation's homes and workplaces are, and to recommend improvements to combat the threat of climate change. The end results of these assessments are either Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) or Display Energy Certificates (DECs), depending upon the type of building certificated.
To be able perform energy assessments it is necessary to become accredited as an Energy Assessor. NAPIT provide accreditation schemes to enable you to become an Energy Assessor.
NAPIT are formally approved by the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) to operate an Energy Assessor Accreditation Scheme under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007.
We currently run an Accreditation Scheme which will enable the assessment and certification of:
On Construction Dwellings
NAPIT are also currently evaluating the development of other accreditation schemes for:
Non Domestic Buildings
Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings
Air Conditioning Inspection
(Please note that NAPIT do not run an Accreditation Scheme which covers the certification of existing dwellings for the Home Information Pack).
There are two routes into our Accreditation Scheme, either by having an acceptable qualification or completing the APEL process.
(1) Applying via the APEL Process
The APEL (Application of Prior Experiential Learning) process relies upon the applicant having direct experience and qualification relating to design and construction within the built environment.
Its current entry requirements are:
The applicant must be a member of a relevant Professional Body (e.g. RIBA, RIAS, RICS, CIAT, CIOB, CIBSE), or undergo the NAPIT Professional Skills Assessment.
Have professional indemnity insurance, with a minimum level of cover of £250,000
Have relevant qualifications e.g. BSc Building Engineering, BSc Mechanical Engineering
Details of work experience that shows you are, or have recently been, active in the area of property design, construction or energy assessment for at least 2 out of the last 5 years.
Attach an up to date CPD log which shows CPD undertaken over a minimum of 2 years, although older, relevant learning details will be considered.
A Personal Statement which references the National Occupational Standards (NOS- see below)
While this may seem like a lot of work, it should be relatively simple for an applicant who is experienced in the field already.
Once accepted the final steps needed to gain accreditation are:
The applicant will be provided with access to an online software distance learning activity and once this is complete will sit an on-line multi-choice test paper.
The final step is the submission of five SAP/EPC case studies, one provided by the applicant, four provided by NAPIT.
Different schemes may involve different specifics, but this will be discussed with the applicant upon application.
(2) Applying via a Qualification
The qualifications are designed to develop the skills necessary to perform the role from scratch. They usually take the form of a diploma qualification, and are provided by a number of different providers, such as ABBE, NFOPP and City and Guilds. They are aimed towards people from trades not directly related to the design, construction, and energy assessment of buildings, such as Electricians and Plumbers, who are unlikely to have experience in architectural design and surveying.
Once accepted, the applicant will have to complete:
The applicant will be provided with access to an online software distance learning activity.
The final step is the submission of one SAP/EPC case study, provided by NAPIT.
Fees for On Construction Dwellings only:
Annual Membership (including software licenses and updates) | £295 + VAT |
APEL Fee (existing Complete Picture software users) | £195 + VAT |
APEL Fee (new users) | £295 + VAT |
| Professional Skills Assessment (if not a member of a Professional Body) | £50 + VAT |
Certification Fee (per certificate issued) | £10 + VAT |
National Lodgement Fee (per certificate issued) | This is a charge levied on NAPIT by Landmark Solutions and will be passed on at cost (expected to be £1.15+VAT) |
Please note the inclusion of software fees within the scheme membership, other schemes often present this as two separate charges.
NAPIT are operating the EA Scheme in partnership with Complete Picture, whose SAP software is already approved under Part L of the Building Regulations and is being adjusted to meet the new requirements. The Complete Picture SAP 2005 software is intuitive and self-checking and runs on both PC and MAC platforms and has proved highly popular. See www.completepicture.co.uk for more information.
Download the following from www.napit.org.uk/energyAssessors.asp
NAPIT On Construction Application
NAPIT Energy Assessor Code of Conduct
On Construction NOS Document Form
Contact NAPIT on 0870 444 1392 or via eascheme@napit.org.uk