CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Student Profile

Potential users of this qualification include NatHERS assessors, enterprises, government agencies, industry regulatory bodies, community organisations, building designers, architects and other building professionals associated with residential building thermal performance and home sustainability.

The qualification is also used by national assessor accrediting organisations under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations.

If you are not currently in a building design role, a NatHERS thermal performance assessment role or a general home sustainability role, we encourage you to seek work experience with an experienced NatHERS or sustainability assessor or to seek industry membership (at a student level) with ABSA or Design Matters National.

To complete this qualification successfully, you must also have:

• Good literacy and numeracy
• Access to a computer and the internet

Becoming an Assessor

Becoming an accredited NatHERS thermal performance assessor

The CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability is designed to tick the boxes of assessors operating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which promotes residential building design that helps to reduce manual heating and cooling. This is generally achieved
through effective passive building design and the use of residential building materials that help to reduce heating and cooling requirements.

Once you have completed the course, you’ll be able to apply for registration (accreditation) as an energy rater or assessor with Design Matters National and the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors
(ABSA).

This course satisfies the competence requirements to conduct thermal performance ratings in all jurisdictions and to complete BASIX assessments for Development Applications for multi-storey unit developments in NSW.

Becoming a home sustainability assessor

The CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability is also designed to meet the needs of residential sustainability assessors, who provide advice to building owners on how to improve the sustainability of their homes. Home sustainability assessors not only investigate the thermal
performance of a residential building, but also look at the overall energy and water efficiency of the household and may make recommendations about other areas such as waste generation and disposal.

What You’ll Learn

By completing this course, you will:

• Conduct home energy efficiency assessments using NatHERS software
• Recommend practical sustainability upgrades for residential buildings
• Analyse energy performance data and generate compliance reports
• Apply building codes and sustainability standards in assessments
• Communicate findings clearly to clients and stakeholders
• Operate effectively as an independent or employed assessor

Learning Outcomes

After completing this program, you should be able to demonstrate competence in all the required performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and essential elements for assessment to achieve any of the three streams in the Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.

PLEASE NOTE: A participant is allowed 3 attempts in total (first submission and two resubmissions to demonstrate competency in assessment tasks.  If competency cannot be demonstrated after the three attempts Transformed will engage with the participant and discuss alternatives.  This may include further training and mentoring (in some cases by an external provider) in the case of the software use.  An additional fee may be payable directly by the student or a withdrawal from the qualification and the issue of a Statement of Attainment for units achieved.

The units are designed to be completed at your own pace however a study plan is provided as a guide to help work out your study sequence and timing amongst your own commitments. The software training is held regularly throughout a 12 month period and is the only aspect that is scheduled and not self-paced.

Course Structure

All candidates must complete the following 4 core units of competence:

Core Units

• BSBRSK401A – Identify risk and apply risk management processes
• CPPCOM4001 – Manage own work, professional development and ethical behaviour
• CPPHES4001 – Research and assess impact of building elements on thermal performance of residential buildings
• CPPHES4002 – Advise clients on thermal performance of residential buildings

Elective Units

Candidates must successfully complete 11 elective units under this qualification.

Transformed offers the Home Sustainability Assessment and Thermal Performance Assessment (HSA & TPA) specialisation, under which the following elective units are required:

Group A Electives

• CPPCMN4008 – Read plans, drawings and specifications for residential buildings
• CPPHES4003 – Operate and maintain computer system to support thermal performance assessments
• CPPHES4004 – Conduct thermal performance assessment of residential buildings
• CPPHES5001 – Conduct thermal performance assessment of complex residential buildings

Group B Electives

• CPPCOM4002 – Implement safe work practices in the property industry
• CPPHES4005 – Assess household energy use and efficiency improvements
• CPPHES4006 – Assess household water use and efficiency improvements
• CPPHES4007 – Assess thermal performance of existing residential buildings

Group C Electives

• CPPHES4009 – Promote the adoption of home sustainability practices
• CPCCBC4014 – Prepare simple building sketches and drawings
• CPPCMN3004 – Respond to enquiries and complaints.

Course Duration

It is expected that most candidates can complete this qualification successfully within no more than 24 months. Estimated time allocations spread over the duration of the training are:

• Research and learning, including software training – 385 hours
• Work based & Industry coaching – 120 hours
• Assessment collation, submission and feedback – 360 hours

PLEASE NOTE: A participant is allowed 3 attempts in total (first submission and two resubmissions) to demonstrate competency in assessment tasks. If competency cannot be demonstrated after the three attempts Transformed will engage with the participant and discuss alternatives. This may include further training and mentoring (in some cases by an external provider) in the case of the software use. An additional fee may be payable directly by the student or a withdrawal from the qualification and the issue of a Statement of Attainment for units achieved.

The units are designed to be completed at your own pace however a study plan is provided as a guide to help work out your study sequence and timing amongst your own commitments. A large portion of the effort is on the following units – CPPHES4004 and CPPHES5001, which involved the HERO software modelling. The HERO component is composed of two Blocks – Block 1 is online and is scheduled during business hours typically 1 x 4 hour session (9am to 1pm) every fortnight for five sessions. Block 2 is delivered face to face over three days in a CBD venue (Melb, Syd and Brisbane currently with more locations to be added based on volume). No additional cost to attend except cover your own travel and accommodation to and from venue. If you cannot take time off work/ other life commitments to attend the Hero training sessions then this is not the course for you.

Support and Delivery

Transformed’s online learning environment provides access to:

• Study guides, videos and webinars
• Assessment materials & submission links for completed assessment tasks
• Online support from your assessor.

The Transformed team will support you every step of the way through training literature, videos and assessor contact.

PLEASE NOTE: A participant is allowed 3 attempts in total (first submission and two resubmissions) to demonstrate competency in assessment tasks.  If competency cannot be demonstrated after the three attempts Transformed will engage with the participant and discuss alternatives.  This may include further training and mentoring (in some cases by an external provider) in the case of the software use.  An additional fee may be payable directly by the student or a withdrawal from the qualification and the issue of a Statement of Attainment for units achieved.

The units are designed to be completed at your own pace however a study plan is provided as a guide to help work out your study sequence and timing amongst your own commitments.  The software training is held regularly throughout  a 12 month period and is the only aspect that is scheduled and not self-paced.

Entry Requirements & Assessments

Expected level of student skills: It is expected students have a level of digital literacy to access information, communicate and complete training and assessment activities using a computer/tablet and our online learning platform. Students will be required to complete a number of tasks independently, and to have the skills to manage their own time and study. Students are expected to be able to research and analyse information, and to apply knowledge to real world situations.

Students will be required to independently read and understand a range of different documents including organisation policies, plans, guidelines & procedures, external documentation (may include codes, policies and articles), handbooks, instruction guides (and where applicable drawing and plans). Students are also required to develop written documentation, including risk assessments, action plans, logs, reports.

A key skill for this program is the ability to effectively communicate with others in English.

Technology requirements: Students should be able to access and use computer/tablet device with word processing software, internet browser, email account and webcam/microphone and speakers (or headset). An internet connection is also required.

Assessment

Assessment methods for this course include:

• Answers to written theory questions, including multiple choice, True/False, and short and long answer questions
• Workplace assessment tasks
• Oral questioning, which may be used as an adjunct to other assessment methods and, when necessary, to address a learner’s literacy problems
• Online assessments

Students will also need to complete training (or be able to demonstrate current competence) using either BERSPro, Accurate, FirstRate or Hero software.

PLEASE NOTE: A participant is allowed 3 attempts in total (first submission and two resubmissions) to demonstrate competency in assessment tasks.  If competency cannot be demonstrated after the three attempts Transformed will engage with the participant and discuss alternatives.  This may include further training and mentoring (in some cases by an external provider) in the case of the software use.  An additional fee may be payable directly by the student or a withdrawal from the qualification and the issue of a Statement of Attainment for units achieved.

The units are designed to be completed at your own pace however a study plan is provided as a guide to help work out your study sequence and timing amongst your own commitments.  The software training is held regularly throughout a 12 month period and is the only aspect that is scheduled and not self-paced.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you already have substantial workplace experience in thermal performance assessment you may be eligible for RPL. This means you can complete your assessment by portfolio and interview.

You will need to provide substantial evidence of thermal assessment experience, as well as evidence showing you understand and can apply skills and knowledge relevant to the energy efficiency/ thermal assessment / construction industry and workplace. You also need to provide a signed reference from a team leader or manager.

Talk to our team to find out if you are eligible for RPL.

Course Fees and Funding

Fee for Service Students (non funded)
$4,995.00 blended (online and work-based assessment) & RPL

Note: Fees are payable by an upfront deposit of up to $1,500 (agreed at time of enrolment), followed by equal monthly instalments covering the remaining course fee balance.
Fees are GST exempt.

Inclusions

Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, including:

Student Information

For more details on Transformed and student obligations, services provided and general information about your chosen course read our student information handbook.