Please note that the fees displayed are for 2025 and may change for 2026 commencements
Overview
To access government funding for this course students must be a Victorian resident.
This is a great course to complement your building or assessor experience, or even to jump into a new field. This qualification is designed to meet the needs of assessors operating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). 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. You’ll learn how to read plans, drawings and specifications for buildings, conduct NatHERS assessments, adhere to regulations, assess and advise clients on improving thermal performance, and how to collect the NatHERS information for assessment.
NatHERS Accredited software is required to complete the course. There are two FREE download software programs, FirstRate 5 and HERO. We introduce and teach FirstRate 5. Students can choose to use HERO, however they will have to undertake their own training in this. There are detailed video tutorials for both software programs available online, provided by the software developers.
FirstRate 5® is a free download, easy-to-use interactive tool with a graphic user interface that enables designers and thermal performance assessors to generate energy ratings for a home by tracing over floor plans. https://www.fr5.com.au/
FirstRate5 has a comprehensive User Manual and a large range of video support to assist TPAs.
HERO is another free download NatHERS Accredited software package incorporating the latest Chenath engine and NatHERS Certificate design.
Hero | NatHERS Energy Rating Software (hero-software.com.au)
HERO provide training and support in the package.
Delivery Methods
- Online – All teaching and assessment will be completed online
Locations
When You Can Enrol
Apply online now!
Note: If the course is not available for online application, register your details via the ‘Enquire Now’ form to be notified when future dates are scheduled, or to chat to our friendly Customer Experience team.
Duration
Online: 1 year
Schedule
2026 Dates:
Online: 3 February (Tuesday evenings) | Time: 6pm - 9pm |
Online: 5 August (Wednesday evenings) | Time: 6pm - 9pm |
Delivered in a blended format, the course combines online classes with self-directed learning. There are four learning modules of differing lengths, each focusing on key areas of study. Sessions are held one evening per week and students will be provided with a Delivery Calendar outlining class dates and assessment deadlines to help them plan and stay on track. The first module provides a foundational understanding of residential building design and construction. This is followed by a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, before progressing to the technical aspects of Thermal Performance and Whole-of-Home Assessments, combining theory with practical application. The course concludes with professional practice covering business, workplace health and safety, and professional skills - no work placement is required. Each module is followed by a short period of self-direct study, during which teachers remain available for support.
Support is provided via forums, emails, phone calls and if required, video conferencing.
Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this course.
Students should expect to spend 10-12 hours per week on self-directed study in addition to class time.
Assessments have due dates, that need to be met, and the course must be completed within the 12 months.
The iteams below are essential for completing assessments and for use in a professional setting:
- Staedtler Scale Ruler AS1212-2, or similar
- Drafting Pens (fine liners 0.2mm, 0.4mm)
- 30/60 Degree Set Square
- Graphite Drawing Pencils (2b, HB, 2H)
- Hi Vis Vest (or equivalent)
- Closed toe footwear suitable for site visits
Assessment
The assessments will enable students to demonstrate the underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes required to meet the course outcomes. A range of assessment strategies to meet different student’s needs will be selected. As this course is online, 100% of the assessments are done online, whether written assessments or tests.
Other Information
Wodonga TAFE recognises students’ prior learning, skills, and experience with appropriate documentation. Transcripts from previous qualifications, documentation of workplace skills and verifiable evidenced experience from the field form a part of the assessment of the elements for recognition.