If you are an accredited Assessor under the NatHERS scheme, then you will have signed a Code of Conduct with your Assessor Accreditation Organisation (AAO). The Code of Conduct is derived from the Assessor Accreditation Organisation Protocol that sets the standard for professional activity and conduct of accredited Thermal Performance Assessors. In addition to having the prescribed Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment qualification, accredited Assessors agree to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and submit to a Quality Assurance Program. Assessors have a continuing duty to maintain their professional knowledge and skill at a level required to ensure clients receive the advantage of competent professional services based on current developments in practice, legislation, design and technology.

Assessors must currently complete a minimum of twelve (12) CPD points during an accreditation year in order to retain accreditation, with a minimum of six (6) CPD points completed in technical training in relation to the use of the NatHERS software. This is known as ‘Category 1’ for the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) and ‘Technical’ for the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV). Typically, CPD points are allocated on the basis of one hour of training equates to one CPD point. However, not all CPD are created equal, especially in the technical category. You may be surprised to learn that anyone can issue a ‘Certificate of Attendance’. Yes, you could issue a ‘mate’ a certificate for any number of CPD points in any category you choose for whatever reason you like!

The only problem could be if you submit your ‘Certificate of Attendance’ and your AAO then questions the validity or worthiness of your so-called ‘training’. For this reason, we highly recommend you participate in CPD offered through an AAO or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The AAOs and RTOs ensure the CPD offered are valuable but more importantly, the information is consistent with the AAO Quality Assurance Program. Why risk falling foul of an audit because you followed potentially unverified information and advice? Rate smart and choose proper CPD offered through an AAO or RTO.

Full disclosure: Graham Energy is engaged to provide training and CPD for ABSA and the BDAV.