Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Overview

To access government funding for this course, you must be a Victorian resident.

This qualification is ideal for building designers, Home Energy (NatHERS)assessors, architects and other professionals involved in residential building performance, as well as those looking to enter the field of home energy efficiency and sustainability. Designed to support assessors operating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), the course develops the knowledge and skills required to assess and improve the thermal performance of residential buildings.

You will develop a strong foundation in residential building design, construction and regulatory requirements, gaining an understanding of how design decisions influence the energy efficiency and thermal performance of homes. You will explore sustainability principles, assess household energy use and thermal performance, and identify practical strategies for improvement. Building on this knowledge, you will develop the technical skills required to undertake NatHERS and Whole-of-Home assessments using industry-standard software and provide informed advice to clients.

The course also builds professional practice skills, including workload management, client communication, and workplace health and safety, preparing you to work confidently in the building, sustainability and residential energy efficiency sectors. No work placement is required.

Delivery

This qualification combines self-directed learning with weekly online evening sessions from 6-9pm. Scheduled classes are delivered over an 11 month period and are complemented by independent study periods, allowing you to consolidate your learning while continuing to access support from teachers and peers via forums, email, phone and video conferencing. Assessments must be completed by the specified due dates.

The course is delivered in a structured sequence and cannot be fast-tracked and is not self-paced. Each module builds on previous learning, and students are expected to progress through the course and assessments as scheduled and within the 15-month time frame. 

A delivery calendar, provided upon commencement, outlines class schedules and assessment deadlines to help you stay on track throughout the course. You will be expected to complete learning activities in your own time and come prepared to participate in online sessions. 

To keep up to date and meet assessment deadlines, students should allow 10 to 12 hours per week for self-directed study, software practice, revision, and completion of assessment tasks.

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 15 months.

The items 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. Students can choose from two free software programs:

• FirstRate 5 https://www.fr5.com.au/ 
• HERO https://www.hero-software.com.au/

Training and demonstrations throughout the course are provided using FirstRate 5. Students who choose to use HERO, are required to undertake their own software training.

Both software packages are approved for NatHERS assessments and include user guides, video tutorials, and online support resources. Students will use the software to develop the skills required to model and assess the thermal performance of residential buildings.

Software selection, information and installation instructions will be provided during the course at the appropriate time.

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

• Home Energy Rating Assessor (NatHERS) for New Homes 
• Thermal Performance Assessor
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Consultant

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.