Pre-qualification criteria
To register as a BER Assessor, you must meet the pre-qualification criteria. Learn more about what is required to become a Domestic, Non-Domestic Assessor or DEC Assessor
Step 1: Satisfy the pre-qualification requirements
Please ensure that you have met the pre-qualification requirements before completing your registration as a BER assessor. If you do not meet the pre-qualification criteria your application to become a BER Assessor will not be processed.
Domestic BER assessors can use the online registration form to confirm with SEAI that they have met the pre-qualification criteria before proceeding with their full application to registration as a BER assessor. More information is available below.
Domestic BER Assessors
To register as a Domestic BER Assessor and before advancing to complete the Domestic BER Training Course, you must ensure that you fulfil the pre-qualification criteria.
- Domestic BER Assessors require an NFQ Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate in construction studies (or similar) or a recognized equivalent.
- Equivalence may be defined as a combination of appropriate construction-related qualifications and significant relevant experience.
Registration Pre-Qualification Checklist:
The below Pre-Qualification Registration Checklist can be used by prospective BER Assessors to assist in determining whether they meet the pre-qualification requirements, prior to completing the Domestic BER Training Course and to submitting their registration documentation.
BER Assessor Pre-Qualification Registration Checklist
The pre-qualification criteria are determined using the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) applicable ECTS credits for a two-year (or equivalent part-time duration) qualification.
The above guidance details the two routes a candidate can take to satisfy the pre-qualification requirements. Candidates only need to fully demonstrate compliance with one of these two routes.
- Route 1: Domestic BER Assessors registering using an NFQ Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate (120 ECTS credits).
- Route 2: Domestic BER Assessors registering under ‘equivalence’.
Within each, there are subsections to support you in demonstrating suitability with that particular route.
Confirming Pre-Qualification Criteria with SEAI
Applicants looking to register as a domestic BER assessor can use the online registration from to confirm with SEAI that they meet the relevant pre-qualification criteria required for becoming an assessor. After verifying your email address, please select the option to complete a pre-qualification check.
Please ensure that you have all your supporting documentation to hand before proceeding with your application as you will be unable to return to it at a later date. A useful checklist outlining the supporting documentation required to complete your application is available below.
Please note: pre-qualification checks will only remain valid for a period of 12-months, after which you will need to resubmit an updated pre-qualification check to SEAI for review.
Proceed to Step 2Non Domestic BER Assessors
Non-Domestic Assessors are required to satisfy two criteria for pre-qualification.
- An NFQ Level 7 degree/qualification in a building or construction related discipline, where at least two of the subjects below are covered for a minimum of two semesters each.
- Proof of membership with one of the below listed professional bodies at the specified grades.
If you are unsure that your qualifications and/or experience meet the requirements, please contact the BER Helpdesk for further clarification. Email: info@ber.seai.ie
Proof of qualifications in a building or construction-related discipline
| NFQ Level 7 Degree in one of the following | NFQ Level 7 Degree where min. two subjects below covered for min. two semesters each |
|---|---|
| - Architecture - Architectural Technology - Building Services Engineering - Building Surveying - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Quantity Surveying |
- Architecture - Architectural Technology - Building Construction / Technology - Building Design - Building Energy Performance - Building Services Engineering - Building Surveying - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Quantity Surveying |
A copy of the Degree Certificate is to be provided.
Proof of membership in a professional organisation
| Professional Body | Eligible Grades | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Fellow (FCIBSE) |
|
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| Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) |
Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIAT) |
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| Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) |
Fellow (CIOB) |
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| Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) | Corporate members | ||||
| Energy Institute |
Fellow (FEI) |
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| Engineers Ireland (EI) |
Fellow (CEng FIEI) |
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| Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI) | IAVI Member | ||||
| Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) | Full member (IPAV) | ||||
| Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) |
Fellow (FRIAI) |
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|
Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) |
Chartered Quantity Surveyor |
DEC Assessors
To register as a DEC assessor, candidates must first:
- Be registered with SEAI as a non-domestic BER assessor
- Have successfully completed a DEC assessor workshop delivered by SEAI
The next DEC workshop is due to be scheduled on the 19th March 2024.
To register your interest for the next DEC workshop, please contact the BER Helpdesk on info@ber.seai.ie
Note that if there is sufficient interest in attending the DEC workshop, the workshop may take place at an earlier date.