Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

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.

Delivery

Delivered in an online 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.

Where and When

Select a location to view course offerings and apply.

If the Apply Now button is not visible, submit an enquiry and we'll let you know when course applications open.

Please note: We reserve the right to close course intakes early. Many courses have limited places and high demand. Early applications are recommended. We reserve the right to cancel intakes and courses if there are insufficient student numbers.

Duration

Online: 15 Months

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

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.

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.

Skills Developed

• Identify risk and apply risk management processes
• Follow site occupational health and safety requirements
• Read and extract information from plans, drawings and specifications for residential buildings
• Collection information for, and conduct NatHERS assessment of planned and existing residential buildings
• Meet regulatory requirements when completing NatHERS assessments
• Assess impact of building elements on thermal performance of residential buildings
• Advise on options for enhancing thermal performance of residential buildings
• Cost measures to improve thermal performance of residential buildings
• Manage own work, professional development and ethical behaviour

Certification

By successfully completing this course you will receive an AQF Qualification.

Compulsory Units

Fees

Fees Additional Information

The student tuition fees published are indicative only and can be subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

If you hold a valid concession card, you maybe eligible to receive the concession fee as indicated in the Fees tab.

Funding made available to eligible individuals by State and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect future opportunities to access additional funding in the future. To access government funding for this course students will need to be a Victorian resident. For more information see 'Fee information and eligibility' under the 'How to Apply' tab on the Wodonga TAFE website.

Careers

• NatHERS assessor
• Building energy rating/scheme assessor

How To Apply

Applying for a course at Wodonga TAFE is a simple 4-5 step process. You can learn more here: Understanding the application process

Select a location to view course offerings and apply.

If the Apply Now button is not visible, submit an enquiry and we'll let you know when course applications open.

Please note: We reserve the right to close course intakes early. Many courses have limited places and high demand. Early applications are recommended. We reserve the right to cancel intakes and courses if there are insufficient student numbers.