Energy Awareness 6281-01 is designed for frontline workers who provide energy advice to households, either face‑to‑face, over the phone or online.
This well‑established course covers the key principles of domestic energy use, fuel poverty, and energy efficiency, equipping learners with the practical knowledge and skills needed to deliver clear, accurate, and impactful advice.
Drawing on over 35 years of expertise and trusted by more than 28,000 learners, it provides an industry‑standard qualification for those supporting vulnerable clients, with a strong focus on reducing energy costs, improving home comfort, and promoting safe and efficient energy use.
This course is aimed at frontline workers who deliver energy advice to households, either face-to-face, over the phone or online.
The course aims to provide learners with an understanding of energy advice and the knowledge required to effectively support householders.
- Explain fuel poverty and the associated health issues
- Identify a range of heating and hot water systems and appliances found in homes
- Outline the efficient and safe use of heating and hot water systems and appliances
- Identify the type and function of controls on heating and hot water systems
- Calculate electricity running costs
- Interpret energy labels
- Identify a range of gas and electricity meters and understand the importance of taking accurate readings
- Explain how to calculate electricity and gas costs
- Analyse domestic fuel cost data using reference materials
- Examine ways of paying for fuel and sources of fuel debt advice
- Identify the basic principles of how domestic renewable technologies work
- Identify two methods of measuring the energy efficiency of a dwelling
- Investigate heat loss in a range of dwellings and identify insulation measures that can be used to tackle it.
- Outline the grant aid and assistance available for domestic energy efficiency measures
- Explore the causes of condensation and identify possible solutions
E-LEARNING – For those new to the subject, we recommend a minimum of 20 hours to complete the course and a further 9 hours to prepare for the assessment (experienced advisors may work through quicker). Each learner is different and E-Learning offers the flexibility to study at your own pace.
TUTOR LED/ IN-PERSON COURSE – 3 days
The course is available online via e-learning or can be delivered in-person by one of our expert tutors upon request.
The information on this page relates to e-learning.
If you are interested in an in-person course, please contact trainingadmin@nea.org.uk for further details.
Find out more
As this is a level 3 qualification, learners will require basic literacy and numeracy skills. The course and exam will include some written activities as well as calculating fuel bills; calculating running costs of electrical appliances and converting temperatures using simple formulas which will be provided.
For e-learning / online assessment, learners will need basic computer skills to navigate the e-learning (you can view a short sample of the course via the link further down this page).
Our e-learning courses are self‑led, allowing learners to study at a time and place that suits them.
Once registered, learners will have eight weeks’ access to the course content, enabling them to progress through the course material and assessment at their own pace and fit learning around other commitments.
The course features audio throughout and incorporates a range of engaging learning tools, including videos and interactive activities, to support effective learning.
Tutor support is also available on request throughout the learning period.
There are no fixed dates for the e-learning element. Learners can choose their preferred start date on the booking form, and course login details will be issued accordingly.
This qualification includes two assessments: a simulation and a written assessment. Learners are required to attend on a fixed date for the simulation (a 30 minute assessment). A programme of open-access assessment dates is available to provide flexibility. The written assessment will is non-controlled open book format and will be released to learners upon completion of the simulation.
Further information on the assessment format and process is outlined below.
You can book up to 10 places using the standard booking form. If you are looking to train more than 10 people, please contact us to discuss options.
This course can be delivered in-person by one of our expert tutors, subject to request. In‑person delivery takes place over three consecutive days, followed by completion of the online assessment.
The face‑to‑face course includes a varied programme of PowerPoint presentations, interactive activities, and group discussions, designed to keep learners engaged and support effective learning.
Courses are available on an in‑house basis for organisations wishing to train groups of staff. One of our expert tutors will travel to your office or chosen venue to deliver the course. All assessments are undertaken online.
Please note that we do not currently offer open‑access dates for this course.
For further information, including availability and fees, please contact us.
At present, this course is not available via webinar.
The assessment is delivered online and is split into two parts as follows:
PART 1: SIMULATION BASED ASSESSMENT
- Demonstrate problem-solving abilities using an electricity bill
- Explain how to correctly read a dial meter
- Demonstrate how to set a mechanical programmer and explaining to the assessor the various functions of the programmer.
- Demonstrate how to set a digital programmable room thermostat.
The simulation is a 30-minute controlled assessment that must be observed by an assessor on a set date. A programme of open access dates will be offered to learners once booked onto the course. This will be delivered online via Zoom.
The assessor will use role play to create a realistic scenario that allows the candidate to demonstrate their skills.
PART 2: OPEN BOOK WRITTEN ASSESSMENT
- Home Heating
- Bills, Meters and Paying for Fuel
- Cutting Down Heat Loss
- Condensation and Dampness
This is a non-controlled assessment, meaning it does not require observation by an assessor.
The assessment will be released to learners upon successful completion of stage 1 (the simulation-based assessment) and they will have 14 days to complete.
The assessment consists of a number of short-answer questions. Open book format meaning that learners are encouraged to refer to course materials and will also be provided with candidate assessment reference documents.
Funded places are available to non-commercial/ not for profit organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty.
This applies to to online delivery only.
All courses and processes are assessed in line with BSI ISO 9001 quality management standards.
To maintain their effectiveness, courses are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. If you identify any gaps, inaccuracies, or areas for improvement, we encourage you to share your feedback with us.
Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to download a certificate of completion for their CPD records.
If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.
Fees and funded places
| Eligibility criteria for a funded place |
|---|
| FUNDED PLACES are available to non-commercial organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty. Online delivery only. For those not eligible for a funded place, please select the relevant fee rate above for further details. |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| E-LEARNING – per person | £454 plus VAT | £511 plus VAT |
| TUTOR-LED/ IN-PERSON COURSE – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| E-LEARNING – per person | £490 plus VAT | £547 plus VAT |
| TUTOR-LED/ IN-PERSON COURSE – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
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