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 (SCS) |
Chartered Quantity Surveyor |
DEC Assessors
To register as a DEC assessor, candidates must first:
- Be registered with SEAI as Non-Domestic BER Assessor
- Have successfully completed a DEC Assessor Workshop delivered by SEAI
To register your interest to register as a DEC Assessor and for the DEC Assessor workshop, please contact the BER Helpdesk. Email: info@ber.seai.ie