How to Become an Energy Assessor in the UK
Energy assessors visit buildings to collect the information needed for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In a typical home you measure rooms, record the walls, roof, windows, insulation, heating system and hot water, take photos, then enter the data into approved software that produces the rating and recommendations. EPCs are needed when a property is sold or let, and the data is increasingly used for retrofit and grant schemes.
You don't need a degree. Most people take a Level 3 domestic energy assessor (DEA) course, join an accreditation scheme and start working within a few months.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £25,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Work environment
- On the road, visiting properties
- Time to entry
- 2 - 6 months (DEA training)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Career change.
What a Energy Assessor does
Produce EPCs and assess buildings' energy performance for sale, let or grant applications.
How to become an energy assessor in the UK
To produce domestic EPCs you need a Level 3 qualification in domestic energy assessment, then membership of a government-approved accreditation scheme, which lets you lodge certificates on the national register and usually requires professional indemnity insurance. Training mixes classroom or online theory with practice assessments, and you then complete a portfolio of assessments. Non-domestic energy assessors take Level 3, 4 or 5 qualifications depending on how complex the buildings are. Many DEAs add a retrofit assessor qualification so they can carry out PAS 2035 assessments for funded insulation and heating upgrades, and some go on to train as a retrofit coordinator.
- Book a Level 3 domestic energy assessor course with a training provider linked to an approved qualification, and check whether it includes practice assessments on real homes.
- Learn the RdSAP methodology used for existing homes, including how to identify wall types, insulation levels, heating systems and controls during a survey.
- Complete your portfolio of assessed EPCs and pass the qualification, then join a government-approved accreditation scheme so you can lodge certificates.
- Arrange professional indemnity insurance if your scheme or employer does not provide it, and get a laser measure, camera and access to approved EPC software.
- Find work with an estate agent, letting agent, housing association, EPC panel firm or retrofit contractor, or set up as a self-employed assessor.
- Add a retrofit assessor or non-domestic energy assessor qualification to widen the jobs you can take on and increase your earnings per assessment.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 DEA course and accreditation scheme | About 2-6 months | Varies by provider | Career changers wanting to start quickly |
| DEA plus retrofit assessor qualification | About 3-9 months | Varies by provider | Assessors targeting grant-funded retrofit work |
| Trainee assessor with an employer | 2-6 months | Often paid by the employer | People who want a salary and support while learning |
How long it takes
Most people qualify as a domestic energy assessor and start lodging EPCs within 2 to 6 months. Building steady self-employed income can take longer, so many start with an employer or panel firm.
Energy Assessor salary in the UK
Employed energy assessors usually start on around £25,000 to £32,000. Experienced assessors earn £35,000 to £42,000, and those with non-domestic or retrofit qualifications, or who manage other assessors, can reach £45,000 to £55,000. Many assessors are self-employed and paid per assessment, so income depends on how many jobs you do each day, travel time and whether you work for agents directly or through a panel. Retrofit and non-domestic work usually pays more per job.
Key skills
- EPC software
- Measurement
- Customer service
- Time management
Energy Assessor FAQs
How do I become an energy assessor?
Take a Level 3 domestic energy assessor qualification, complete your portfolio of practice assessments and join a government-approved accreditation scheme. Once accredited and insured, you can lodge EPCs and work for agents, housing providers or panel firms, or for yourself.
Do you need qualifications to do EPCs?
Yes. To lodge an EPC you must hold the relevant energy assessor qualification for that type of building and be a member of an approved accreditation scheme. Domestic EPCs need a Level 3 DEA qualification, and non-domestic buildings need Level 3, 4 or 5.
How much does an energy assessor earn?
Employed assessors usually start on around £25,000 to £32,000, rising to £35,000 to £42,000 with experience. With retrofit or non-domestic qualifications, or a management role, you can earn £45,000 to £55,000. Self-employed income depends on how many assessments you complete.
Is energy assessing a good career for the future?
Demand for EPCs comes from every property sale and new let, and retrofit and grant schemes need assessments before work starts. Rules and funding schemes change, so assessors with several qualifications, such as retrofit assessment, are usually best placed to find steady work.
Is Energy Assessor right for you?
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