As the UK races towards net zero, one thing is clear: we can’t get there without tackling the carbon footprints of our homes. That’s where Domestic Energy Assessors – or DEAs – step into the spotlight. These behind-the-scenes energy experts help landlords, homeowners, and housing providers document how efficiently a property uses energy and understand what can be done to improve it.
But what exactly does a DEA do? And how do you become one?
Let’s break it down – and show you how our brand-new, upcoming Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment is your fast-track into a future-proof career in the retrofit sector.
What is a DEA (Domestic Energy Assessor)?
A Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) is trained to evaluate how energy-efficient a property is. Their main job? Carrying out Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessments on existing domestic buildings.
They’re the ones measuring how heat escapes, where it’s wasted, and what upgrades could make a home warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run. Based on their assessments, they produce EPCs – the official document that gives a home its energy rating from A (super-efficient) to G (needs serious work).
DEAs are essential for:
- Home sales and rentals (EPCs are a legal requirement)
- Social housing and local authority housing stock
- Retrofit projects across the UK
- Landlords looking to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
- Supporting grant applications and compliance
DEAs are some of the first boots on the ground in helping us decarbonise now over 29 million homes in the UK – one assessment at a time.
What Does Being a Domestic Energy Assessment Involve?
No two homes are exactly alike, but a DEA will know what to look for. On a typical day, you might:
- Visit a home and measure its floor area, wall thickness, window types, and insulation levels
- Assess heating systems, thermostats, hot water tanks, and ventilation
- Use specialist software (like RdSAP) to input data
- Generate an EPC and give tailored advice on energy-saving upgrades
You’ll need a good eye for detail, strong people skills, and the confidence to work independently – often moving between different homes.
Think of it as a mix of home design awareness, data analysis, and science-backed problem-solving – all with the satisfaction of knowing your work genuinely makes a difference.
How Do You Become a Domestic Energy Assessor?
That’s where we come in. Our upcoming Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment is a nationally recognised certification designed for new entrants to the sector. Whether you’re changing careers or just starting out, this course will give you everything you need to hit the ground running.
With this course, you’ll:
- Learn the theory of domestic energy efficiency and building physics
- Get hands-on with EPC software and reporting tools
- Complete practical assessments under expert guidance
- Gain the qualification required to register with an accreditation body and start working
Where Can a DEA Career Take You?
Once qualified and working, many DEAs go on to upskill into other retrofit roles. The most natural progression is into becoming a Retrofit Assessor – a role that builds on DEA skills but goes deeper into whole-house retrofit evaluations under the PAS 2035 standards.
From there, with further training and experience, you could even step into the role of Retrofit Coordinator – overseeing entire retrofit projects, managing risk, compliance, and quality assurance, from cradle to grave.
It’s a career ladder with clear steps, all grounded in making the UK’s homes healthier, warmer, and cheaper to run. So whether you’re happy delivering EPCs or aiming for strategic project oversight, becoming a DEA is the smart place to start.
What Jobs Can You Get as a DEA?
The best part about qualifying as a Domestic Energy Assessor? Flexibility to choose and mobility within your career.
You can go freelance, join an energy consultancy, work for a local authority or housing association, or partner with retrofit coordinators to deliver end-to-end home improvements.
Typical employers include:
- Retrofit Coordination and Design Firms looking to build an assessment team
- Estate and Lettings Agents
- Local Councils and Social Landlords
- Surveying and EPC firms
Plus, with green careers growing rapidly, demand for DEAs is only going in one direction – up.
Expected Salary: £25K – £40K+, depending on experience, location, and whether or not you go self-employed.
Why Train with The Retrofit Academy?
At The Retrofit Academy, we’re on a mission to train the competent professionals required to transform the UK’s outdated housing stock. We’re the go-to name in retrofit training, trusted by government, industry, and thousands of learners.
When you train with us, you get:
- A nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- Expert trainers with real-world experience
- Flexible learning to suit your schedule
- Access to our online Membership community and hub
- Career support and employer connections
This isn’t just a course – it’s the first step in a longer journey. We’re here to support you not only through qualification, but as you build your skills, grow your confidence, and progress through the sector.
Hear from Michelle about her experience training with us!
Could You Be a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)?
If you’re detail-driven, eco-conscious, and want a meaningful career with serious impact, becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor could be your calling.
With our upcoming Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and support to step into this vital role – and help lead the UK’s green transition from the inside out.
And if you want to go even further? DEA is the beginning – from Retrofit Assessor to Retrofit Coordinator.
Ready to make homes greener – one EPC at a time?
