Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment Level 4

PAW4RT2AP–03

What can this course lead to

On successful completion of the  Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment, learners may progress directly into employment as a Retrofit Assessor or progress onto higher learning in the Retrofit field, such as the Open College Network West Midlands Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management.

Course Length

There are 29 guided learning hours plus assessments to complete.

Who is it for

This qualification has been designed to provide the underpinning theory and practical skills to allow learners to move into the role of a Retrofit Assessor. The qualification enables learners to meet the requirements of the Retrofit industry standard PAS 2035 and includes practical property assessments to ensure competency. This qualification is suitable for those currently holding a Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment, who may wish to work in the related field of Retrofit Assessment.

What will I need

As a regulated qualification, the Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment has some specific eligibility criteria. The minimum requirement for all methods of study is a Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessor qualification.

What is covered

The modules are as follows:

Module 1 PAS 2035 and retrofit assessments
Gives an overview of PAS 2035 and how this impacts on the Retrofit Assessor's role. It also covers
the roles and responsibilities of others in the PAS 2035 retrofit process.

Module 2 Context of dwellings
’Context of Dwellings', is, in essence, looking at the areas that need to be addressed in preparation
for carrying out a retrofit assessment. So, knowing what you need to have in order to do the
assessments, as well as the information that will underpin them.

Module 3 Assessing the condition of a dwelling and recording any defects
This is the assessment of the condition of the dwelling and includes the recording of defects. It
is critical that defects, including leaks and cracks, are addressed prior to the installation of new
measures.

Module 4 The requirements of occupancy assessments
The occupancy of a dwelling; the number of people who live there, ages, lifestyle patterns, etc. is
a key part in the successful planning of a retrofit. The occupants are often incorrectly left out of the process, so it is important this information is recorded.

Module 5 Ventilation requirements of a dwelling
Ventilation is an essential requirement for any home. It is needed to ensure there is fresh air for
breathing, as well as for removing and reducing pollutants in the home. Adequate ventilation will
also help to control the amount of moisture in the air and thus reduce the risk of condensation and
problems such as mould growth. So, the key to a healthy home is a functional ventilation strategy,
and for a design to facilitate this, a comprehensive understanding of a dwelling's existing ventilation system should be recorded by the Assessor.

Module 6 Energy performance of a dwelling
This module covers estimating energy usage and cost, and carbon dioxide emissions using industry models, such as the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) or the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). A Retrofit Assessor should be familiar with the use of SAP or PHPP software to support their work.

Module 7 Significance of a dwelling
This module covers the classification of a building, i.e. ’traditional' or ’protected' and reporting on
its age, built form, setting and so on.

Module 8 Retrofit assessment reports
This module includes a virtual retrofit assessment of a domestic dwelling, including being able to
inspect for defects. Followed by the completion of the assessment report.

Module 9 Retrofit advice to customers
PAS 2035 spells out what retrofit advice needs to be provided on a project, and by whom, so this module sets out what the Retrofit Assessor's responsibilities are in this respect.

How is the course assessed

Portfolio of evidence including Multiple Choice Questions, Practical Assessment via Case Study and Professional Discussions.

Other details

Course fee: £1300

Course Schedule:
– May 15th – 18th
– July 17th – 21st

Please contact us for more information.

You will have 3 days of face to face in college and 2 day remote immersive room, including online exams. The course will also include:
– Guest speakers
– Industry professionals