Become a Qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and Launch Your Career in Retrofit
Looking for a new career in the UK’s growing retrofit industry? Gain the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment to qualify as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) and take your first step on your career as a retrofit professional.
A DEA is a certified professional responsible for evaluating the energy efficiency of residential properties. They are trained to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are legally required for homes being sold or rented in the UK.
Domestic Energy Assessors can then upskill further to gain the Level 4 Award in Retrofit Assessment. This course provides the specialist knowledge required to conduct a retrofit assessment in line with British Standard PAS 2035 and in line with the upcoming British Standard on Retrofit Assessment BS 40104.
At The Retrofit Academy, we offer industry-leading training to help you become a fully qualified DEA – fast. Our flexible, online course is taught by retrofit experts and backed by real-world insight, so you gain the practical knowledge you need to hit the ground running.
Included with your course:
- Become a certified Domestic Energy Assessor
- Level 3 Certificate from ABBE
- 4 online modules
- Expert support from experienced Skills Coaches
- Access to jobs and employers via the Retrofit Academy Hub
- Funding available
Eligibility
There are no prerequisites for this course, meaning it is suitable for anybody aged over 18 and has access to an internet-connected computer. This course is perfect for anyone looking to start a career as a Domestic Energy Assessor or progress to Retrofit Assessor. Whether you’re seeking a career change or adding a valuable service to your skillset, this course equips you with the knowledge to assess homes and issue Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
Duration and Content
This course requires 120 guided learning hours, with access to weekly Online Drop In Sessions where you will receive tuition and can ask questions. Learners will be required to build and complete their portfolio of evidence and have 12 months to complete the course.
What You'll Gain
By completing this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and certification to become a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. You’ll learn how to assess domestic properties, use specialist software to produce accurate Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and play a vital role in improving energy efficiency. This expertise will open doors to new career opportunities, flexible work options, and a chance to contribute to a more sustainable future.
You can find out all about our Domestic Energy Assessor course from David Pierpoint, the founder and Chief Executive of The Retrofit Academy.
Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) Course Details
This course provides the essential training and certification to become a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA), enabling you to assess residential properties and produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
Designed for aspiring assessors, property professionals, and sustainability enthusiasts, it equips you with the skills and knowledge to support energy efficiency and meet industry standards.
Eligibility
You will be eligible to apply if:
- You are aged 18 and over.
- Have a stable internet connection.
- Have access to a desktop or laptop computer.
Modules
The ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to produce quality Property Assessments on domestic properties, including collecting the property level data of the building, floor plan and in order to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
There are a total of four modules:
- Conducting Energy Assessments
- Preparing for Energy Assessments
- Undertaking Energy Inspections
- How to Produce and Explain Energy Performance Certificates
Method of Study
The Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment is delivered through The Retrofit Academy’s state-of-the-art Learner Management System. You will be invited to attend weekly Online Drop In Sessions where you will receive tuition and can ask questions. You will also be added to The Retrofit Academy Hub, where you will be able to take part in discussions with your co-learners and tutor. As you start to submit your work, one of our Skills Coaches will provide further feedback and guidance.
Learning Experience
- Supported online learning through our State-of-the-art online learning platform: Access your coursework anytime, anywhere.
- 24/7 Access: Study at your own pace with unrestricted access to course materials.
- Interactive and Engaging Learning: Participate in a dynamic and interactive educational environment.
- Mentor Support: Receive personalised guidance from industry experts.
- Drop-In Support Sessions: Gain access to weekly sessions designed to help learners stay engaged, build confidence, and deepen their understanding through direct interaction with our expert team.
- Customer Support: Get help whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth learning experience.
- Bitesize Learning: Develop your skills with short guides developed by experts.
- Retrofit Academy Professional Membership throughout your studies: access to the Retrofit Professionals best practice community, invites to regular online practical-led sessions with guest speakers and case-study led sessions, access to jobs and more!
- Work Placement Scheme: High-quality graduates from this course seeking employment will be offered opportunities to gain work experience and job interviews with leading employers.
Assessment
All learners are assigned to one of The Retrofit Academy’s expert Retrofit Skills Coaches, hand-picked for their experience and expertise, who provide guidance and feedback on your assessments.
You will be assessed throughout your course with a short written assignment per module, building a Portfolio of Evidence for the Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment.
Certification
All learners successfully passing the assessments will be recommended for the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment, an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Funding
Some learners may be eligible for Skills Bootcamp funding. Skills Bootcamps are highly localised, available only to certain types of learners in a particular county.
DOWNLOAD A PROSPECTUS
Meet our course tutors

Clive Rowland - Lead Tutor
Clive has over 15 years’ experience in the retrofit industry, including energy assessments of existing and new build dwellings, thermal imaging, air pressure testing, building forensics, post occupancy evaluation and building performance monitoring. He co-wrote and delivered the training for one of the modules for the PAS 2035 Retrofit Co-ordinator qualification and was part of the advisory panel for the Green Deal Advisor National Occupational Standards.

Dominic Ives - Retrofit Skills Coach
Dominic joined the Retrofit Academy in February 2024 as a Retrofit Skills Coach. Dominic has previously been working as a Retrofit Coordinator working on SHDF Wave 1 projects in the Southwest.
He has worked as a natural builder working with cob as well in conventional construction and renovation. Further experience and study have focused on practical sustainability, arboriculture and horticulture. Dominic is currently also studying an MSc part time in Green Building and has keen interests in ultra-low energy buildings, natural materials and domestic energy.
In his spare time, he loves spending time with his family and in nature with hiking, gardening and vegetable growing. Dom also loves board games, live music and festivals.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
DEAs are either employed or self-employed. In employment, DEAs typically earn £25k – £50k dependent on the type of work they do. Self-employed DEAs are typically paid per job or per day.
Becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor with The Retrofit Academy is just the beginning.
Our DEA course is the gateway to becoming a certified Retrofit Assessor, which comes with a greater earning potential. With experience and once qualified, Assessors can expect to achieve higher salaries and command higher day rates.
There are also further career progression routes within the retrofit sector, such as Retrofit Coordinator, subject to further training.
Not quite what you were looking for?
Take a look at some of our other industry-leading courses below, or give us a call on: 0330 055 7629