EPCs
From 6 April 2008 all new-build dwellings will require Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), produced by independent qualified and/or accredited assessors, using approved software. We can now offer a choice of accreditation routes for assessors for on-construction EPCs.

ECMK

ECMK accreditation scheme for on-construction domestic energy assessors has been accepted by government. The scheme, which will be administered by ECMK, will use the JPA Designer software for the calculation and production of EPCs. Training for assessors will be provided jointly by JPA TL and ECMK.

There will be two routes to joining the scheme:

1. Applicants experienced in performing SAP 2005 calculations will be able to join by accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Applicants will have to submit evidence of a relevant qualification, a record of relevant life-long learning and a portfolio of SAP 2005 calculations.

2. Applicants who do not fit the APEL route will have to gain the Diploma for On-construction Domestic Energy Assessors. The amount of training necessary to gain the diploma will depend upon an applicant’s experience and qualifications: we will assess each applicant’s requirements and deliver the necessary training. We anticipate it will take about twelve to sixteen weeks to complete the Diploma.

Once the requirements for experienced practitioners have been agreed with government we will be able to provide firm guidance on the appropriate route to accreditation for individual applicants, and the evidence of prior experiential learning which will be required.

Stroma

We have reached an agreement with Stroma, a well-known testing and accreditation company, which will enable would-be assessors to join Stroma's accreditation scheme and continue to use the familiar JPA Designer software to undertake SAP calculations and also to produce EPCs. Stroma's accreditation scheme for On-Construction domestic energy assessors has been approved by government.

There are two routes to joining the accreditation scheme:

1. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). This route is for experienced practitioners, who have been doing SAP analyses for two years or more. Candidates will need to produce 5 EPCs from a SAP analysis, or 5 SAP analyses and proof of competence in the EPC function of the software, as well as supplying evidence that they meet the rest of the National Occupational Standards.

2. National Occupational Standards (NOS) qualification. This route is for anyone who cannot produce all the evidence required for APEL. You can find details of Stroma's training and accreditation on their web site. For further information call Stroma on 0845 621 11 11 or email s.berry@stroma.com.

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