Residential Building Thermal Performance Assessment Training

A National Qualification course which provides you with the skills required to assess new homes in Australia.

This course has been developed with support from the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) now the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) in consultation with national industry and government organisations. The course is accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework and provides a Statement of Attainment on successful completion of all 3 modules.

The course has been designed to develop the skills and knowledge that enable:

Development of practical, cost-effective construction and design solutions that provide more comfortable, economic homes that cost less to run and minimise  environmental impact
Sophisticated analysis of residential building thermal performance using 2nd generation assessment software;
Delivery of professional assessment services that provide valuable, specialist advice and certification of regulatory compliance.

This qualification is required to be able to practice as an ABSA Accredited Assessor, using 2nd generation assessment software, and meet the requirements of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme National Register of Accredited Assessors.

Pre-Requisites: Before undertaking this course, participants must: 1. have knowledge of residential building design and construction; 2. be able to interpret plans and specifications; 3. be competent in the operation of computers.

This can be demonstrated through either:

1. having a qualification relating to the construction, design or certification of residential buildings;
2. evidence of experience in the residential building industry;
3. successful completion a competency test that examines pre-requisite knowledge;
4. evidence of competence in these units of competency:
1. Read and interpret plans and specifications (BCGCM2001B);
2. Use computer technology (ICTCC129A).

You are required to confirm that you meet these course pre-requirements before you can register on a course.

RBTPA Course Content

This 32 hour (4 day) training program is delivered in three modules:

Module 1: Design and Construction Theory -12 hours (1 1/2 days)

Module 2: 2nd Generation Software Operation 16 hours (2 days)

Module 3: Professional Practice 4 hours (1/2 day)

The Design and Construction Theory module provides current and future ABSA assessors along with construction and design professionals the ability to increase their knowledge of thermal physics theory and further understand building thermal performace theory and how to incorporate this knowledge into the design and construction process.

The 2nd Generation Software Operation module assists with the development of essential skills required to analyse, rate building thermal performance using 2nd generation software assessment tools ie. AccuRate, FirstRate 5 and BERS Pro which can be incorporated into the design and construction process.

Exam candidates are required to purchase the software separately from the relevant software supplier in order to sit the ABSA Accreditation exam and practice as an Assessor. ABSA does not supply these softwares.

The Professional Practice module provides up to date information on regulatory requirements and State variations, ABSA assessor rating procedures and recommended professional practice issues. This module is mandatory if you wish to sit ABSA's accredited assessors examination.

To achieve the National Qualification and recieve a Statement of Attainment you will need to complete all modules.

To become an ABSA Accredited Assessor you will need to achieve the Statement of Attainment as well as complete an ABSA Accreditation Examination. For more information on becoming an ABSA accredited assessor please refer to www.absa.net.au

Assessors that are currently Accredited with ABSA are required to complete this course before being able to use 2nd generation assessment software.

ABSA Website: www.absa.net.au/training

RBTPA Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)