Becoming an Accredited Assessor

Accredited Assessors have completed relevant training and belong to one of three Assessor Accrediting Organisations (AAOs).

If you are considering becoming an accredited assessor, the benefits include:

Regular newsletters and updates on industry developments
On-going support and technical assistance, including Software Technical Notes advice
Listing your business on AAO websites to help find business
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) support and training
Feedback and quality assurance processes to assist you in achieving best practice energy ratings.

The NatHERS Administrator also offers free services to accredited assessors, including:

Training opportunities and events
Advice on changes to policies and operations and software, and
Advice on jurisdictional application of energy ratings in building regulations.

Assessor Accrediting Organisations

To practice as a NatHERS Accredited Assessor, you must maintain your accreditation with an Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAO).

There are three AAOs currently operating in Australia:


ABSA	Design Matters National	HERA

Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations

AAOs operate in accordance with the Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations. As requirements differ between states, you should also contact your relevant state or territory building regulator about any additional requirements.

Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment

All accredited assessors must hold a Certificate IV in one of the following courses:

Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (Thermal Performance Assessment) – CPP41119
Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (Home Sustainability Assessment and Thermal Performance Assessment) – CPP41119
Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment – CPP41212 (no longer available)

Course details can be found by searching either the name or code on the MySkills website search.

To achieve consistent and reliable outcomes it is important that accredited software is used correctly by assessors. In addition to the Certificate IV, accredited assessors also require a minimum level of understanding in building construction, building thermal performance and applicable building regulations.

The Certificate IV has a national focus, and is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, allowing assessors to work anywhere across Australia. Training organisations are able to deliver the course through the Vocational Education and Training system.

Whole of Home Training

Assessors can now learn how to undertake new Whole of Home assessments for regulatory purposes.

Two online modules are available. The first guides participants through an overview of the new assessments, the second technical module focuses on updates to the NatHERS Technical Note.

The technical module is mandatory for professionals who want to become Whole of Home assessors. There is a compulsory quiz at the end of the session. To be certified for Whole of Home assessments you must pass the technical module and accredited assessors must provide the certificate to their Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAO).

Training will run through until August with continuing Professional Development (CPD) points given for attendance.

Learn more about the training modules and sign up for a session here.

Additional software specific training will also be available later in 2023 as tools are accredited.

New assessors

For new assessors, Whole of Home training will be delivered through the Certificate IV training ‘Using Accredited Software’.

There are four accredited software tools, each with different user interfaces and functions. You will need to decide which software tool best meets your needs.

For information on using accredited software, see the software page.

For a demonstration of a Whole of Home assessment that was developed for the NatHERS 2021 consultation, see this video.

Additional details on the Whole of Home National Assessor Accreditation and Training Strategy can be found here.

Resources for Assessors

NatHERS Technical Note

To ensure ratings are conducted consistently, assessors using accredited software tools must follow the NatHERS Technical Note (updated September 2022) when undertaking assessments for regulatory purposes.

Ratings for regulatory purposes must also satisfy relevant state and territory legislation. This legislation overrides the Technical Note in the event of any inconsistency.

The Technical Note provides the processes for conducting a NatHERS assessment when demonstrating compliance with the deem-to-satisfy NatHERS pathway of the National Construction Code.

NatHERS Assessor Handbook

The NatHERS Assessor Handbook has been developed by the NatHERS Administrator in conjunction with industry experts. It is designed to help assessors navigate the energy assessment process. It provides additional guidance to support the Technical Note.

Assessors undertaking Whole of Home assessments can also access the NatHERS Whole of Home Guidance Note.

Using the NatHERS trade mark and logo

The Scheme name, NatHERS acronym, logo and rating image are registered trade marks.

The NatHERS Trade Mark Guidelines outline who is eligible to use these trade marks, the approval process and conditions of use. This includes guidance for NatHERS accredited assessors seeking approval to use the logo in promotional materials.

All parties intending to use the NatHERS trade marks for any purpose, are to read and adhere to the NatHERS Trade Mark Guidelines.