Existing Elmhurst Design User
I am an existing Elmhurst Design SAP user:
As a current Elmhurst Design SAP Assessor your existing experience will allow you to upgrade to the Elmhurst EPC Accreditation Scheme via a fast track route. This is what Government refer to as Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) which recognises the experience of existing SAP energy assessors already operating in the market place.
Applicants for APEL must be able to demonstrate that they have met all the knowledge and understanding and requirements and performance criteria set out in the National Occupational Standards (NOS) –click for link- for the production of EPCs for dwellings on construction.
In order to qualify for the APEL route, assessors must:
- Demonstrate Elmhurst Design Training on the SAP2005 standards by:
- Providing proof of attendance at a previous Elmhurst Design SAP2005 Training course or /
- Attend the new Elmhurst Design SAP2005 assessor training course (note additional charges apply)
- Demonstrate your experience of Design SAP2005 to current industry standards by:
- Already have been monitored and had at least 5 SAP calculations verified by Elmhurst in past 12 months or /
- Provide 5 SAP2005 calculations for assessment (these can include the completion of calculations from plans assigned to you by Elmhurst, if you are not currently producing SAPs)
- Demonstrate you have the wider skills to function as a competent professional in the construction industry i.e. an understanding of health & safety, conflicts of interest etc. This can be demonstrated by either showing membership of a relevant professional body* or undertaking the
* The following memberships/qualifications will be accepted; MCIOB, Tech/M/F/RICS, MBEng, RIBA, CIAT or Level 4 qualification in Building Control/Building Surveying / Home Inspection, or level 3 qualifications in Domestic Energy Assessment.
Accreditation and EPC Production Fees (Current Elmhurst Design users)
The cost of accreditation has two elements; an Annual Membership fee and a separate fee per EPC issued, as detailed below. Please note that you are also required to have a current Elmhurst Design Software licence.
Membership Fees as follows:
Membership/Application Fee Year 1: £350.00 + VAT
(1 Day Design SAP2005 training course - if applicable: £250.00 + VAT)
Notes: If your application is unsuccessful £200.00 + VAT will be returned
Subsequent Years Membership Renewal is expected to be £200.00 + VAT
Energy Performance Certificate costs:
The EPC charges for New Build Dwellings are £7.50 each for the first 1000 EPCs issued and £6.50 thereafter, in any year, both charges exclude VAT and the Landmark lodgement fee (government central database). The year starts from the date you are accredited. The total number of EPCs issued is based on those produced by a company, not individual assessors working for that company. This has been structured to be simple to understand and administer. The cost of the lodgement fee is payable per EPC, which will be collected by Elmhurst Energy and passed to the appropriate lodgement company without any margin or mark-up. The approved lodgement company manages the register of all EPCs lodged and the fee is mandatory. This fee is currently £1.15 + VAT, if this changes you will be notified and the cost will be passed on to you by Elmhurst without any margin or mark-up. You or your employer will be billed monthly for all EPCs that are chargeable.
The process for applying is:
Step 1: Complete the Application Form (Link or see below) for Approved Prior Experiential and Learning (APEL) for Newly Constructed Dwellings, ensuring you provide:
Your existing Elmhurst Surveyor ID Number
Evidence of Elmhurst previous SAP2005 training or attend course
Evidence of adequate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance
Evidence of membership of a relevant professional body (if applicable)
Payment of appropriate application fee
Sign and date declaration
Step 2: Following receipt of your application you will be contacted by our team to confirm the level of the above assessment(s) that you will be required to complete or to confirm the dates of your Elmhurst Design SAP2005 Training Course. Candidates that are deemed insufficiently experienced to apply via the APEL route, will be informed and advised as to more appropriate options.
Step 3: Complete your assigned assessment(s), and return to Elmhurst for marking.
Step 4: Upon successfully completing the steps above you will be informed of your new Elmhurst EPC Accreditation membership number, and your details will be lodged with the relevant Government register. You will then be licensed to produce EPCs.
To download and print an Application form – click here
FAQs
I have been a user of the Elmhurst Design Software for some time, but I didn’t attend any SAP2005 Update course; I would like to produce EPCs, how do I go about it?
This is OK; you need to attend the new Design SAP2005 Course, provide 5 EPCs for assessment, and then join the Elmhurst Accreditation Scheme. You must also remember you need an up to date copy of the Design SAP Software. If you have completed these steps, you will then be able to produce EPCs.
I am not a member of a professional body and realise that I need to show a level of knowledge and understanding against the new National Occupational Standards (NOS) for soft skills – why do I need to do this?
Although you are very likely to have all the skills necessary on soft skills such as health and safety, client relationships etc. in your present or previous positions; all persons who obtain a licence through the APEL route must prove and demonstrate that they do meet the required standards. We at Elmhurst have produced a comprehensive distance learning module which is easy to understand and covers all the required knowledge and understanding, by undertaking the assessment questions in this module, you will clearly show to Government that you are of the correct standard required.
What is this relevance of the National Occupational Standards (NOS)?
The Government use independent bodies called Sector Skills Councils, and in the case of the construction industry, one called Asset Skills, to write the NOS for energy rating buildings. The NOS define the level of skills, knowledge and understanding required to be able to competently undertake a particular job. This then forms the standard by which individuals will be judged in regards to competence by the Accreditation Scheme or when completing a formal qualification.
Elmhurst have been granted the ability to use the Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) to ensure existing skilled persons can become licensed to produce EPCs without having to undertake a formal qualification. Basically Elmhurst will map your existing skills against the framework (NOS) and allow you to fill in the missing blanks to complete a full set of necessary skills.
The Government want to have a qualification for New Build On-Construction Energy Assessment. It is understood this qualifications will become available for new entrants in the near future; which will be the appropriate route for persons new to this industry. We will endeavour to keep our customers informed when such an option is available.