APEL and Qualifications

Different levels of qualifications

Due to the nature and complexity of commercial buildings, the Government has introduced different levels of competence for Commercial Energy Assessors. The following is a quick synopsis of current Government thinking:

There are 3 levels of competence for Commercial Energy Assessors (CEA)

Level 5 – uses dynamic simulation modelling (DSM) software to produce EPCs for very complex buildings, including those with large amounts of glass and those which are curved.

Level 4 – uses SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software to produce EPCs for complex buildings without those special features listed above.

Level 3 – uses SBEM software to produce EPCs for simple buildings (existing buildings only).

All the above levels apply to the assessment of existing buildings, however all newly built non dwellings, will require an EPC produced at either levels 4 or 5.

APEL v Qualifications

There are two routes to accreditation. One involves undertaking a new qualification and the other (only available to experienced persons), which is called the Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) route.

If you are currently an experienced professional working in commercial buildings your existing experience may allow you to upgrade to the Elmhurst EPC Accreditation Scheme via a fast track route. This is what Government refers to as APEL.

Applicants for APEL must be able to demonstrate that they have met all the knowledge, understanding, requirements and performance criteria set out in the National Occupational Standards (NOS) –click for link- for the production of EPCs for Commercial Buildings (non-dwellings).

Elmhurst is not currently running new entrant qualifications but is able to accept applications for accreditation from persons who have successfully gained one of the approved qualifications.

If you wish to undertake a new entrant’s qualification please contact one of the following third party providers:

CADE

ADAPT

Alternatively Elmhurst is currently developing a number of APEL accreditation options to service the various EPBD strands, which will be suitable for experienced practitioners, these will include:

APEL, level 3 Commercial Energy Assessor existing buildings (Available now see below)

APEL, level 4 Commercial Energy Assessor existing buildings

APEL, level 4 Commercial Energy Assessor on construction (new build)

APEL, Display Energy Certificates for use in Public Buildings

Elmhurst launch new APEL Commercial Energy Assessors Level 3 course

We are pleased to launch our new accreditation stream for Level 3 Commercial Energy Assessors - click here for further information and the Application Form -

This new training course will enable experienced persons to produce EPCs for small scale commercial buildings. The application form details the proposed programme, highlighting entry requirements, as well as all aspects of training and accreditation for Commercial Energy Assessors.

The APEL training route has been designed to suit people who have at least two years technical experience working on commercial buildings. If you do not meet this requirement you will not be accepted on this APEL course at this time.

This course will be suitable for:

• commercial property agents

• commercial building surveyors

• building and building services engineers

• architectural technicians

• facilities managers

• other property professionals

• energy managers

(This is not an exhaustive list, please see application form and submit CV as further evidence)

In the future we expect to be able to offer this course to experienced qualified Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors but it will be necessary for applicants to demonstrate a high level of approved learning and experience before gaining admission to the course. Elmhurst is currently awaiting confirmation from the CLG on the level of experience and training required for this type of candidate. We will launch this as soon as it is confirmed – please contact the training department by email training@elmhurstenergy.co.uk or 01455 883 252 to register your interest.

For those wishing to progress further, experience at Level 3, will be excellent preparation for the potential next step in your career - the upgrade to a Level 4 accreditation. To support you in this process Elmhurst will be offering further training courses in the future to assist candidates to achieve Level 4 standard through the APEL route. This will allow you to deal with more complex buildings and building services for existing buildings and/or new-build projects.