Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) Level 3 (ABBE, UK)

Which of the following is the primary piece of health and safety legislation governing the conduct of a Domestic Energy Assessor on site in the UK?

• AThe Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• BThe Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• CThe Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• DThe Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

During a domestic property inspection, an assessor notices what they suspect to be damaged asbestos insulating board (AIB) around a boiler flue. What is the most appropriate course of action?

• AScrape a small sample of the material for independent laboratory testing.
• BContinue the inspection but avoid touching or disturbing the suspected material, and note…
• CImmediately terminate the inspection, evacuate the property, and contact the local counci…
• DSpray the material with water to prevent fibers from spreading and proceed with the surve…

A DEA is preparing to inspect a loft space that has no fixed ladder, no boarding, and no electric lighting. Under standard health and safety guidance, how should the assessor inspect the loft?

• ARefuse to inspect the loft space entirely and mark it as 'no access' in the software.
• BEnter the loft by stepping carefully on the ceiling joists, using a portable torch for li…
• CPerform a head-and-shoulders inspection from a secured ladder without fully entering the…
• DAsk the homeowner to enter the loft on their behalf to take photos of the insulation.

An assessor is carrying out a survey as a lone worker in an empty property. Which of the following is the most effective safety control measure?

• ACarrying a personal attack alarm in their pocket.
• BInforming a designated contact of their location, estimated duration, and checking in bef…
• CLeaving the front door wide open so that passers-by can hear if there is an emergency.
• DConducting the survey only during peak daylight hours between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Under GDPR and UK data protection law, what must a DEA do when handling a client's personal details and property data?

• AKeep client contact details indefinitely in case of future marketing opportunities.
• BStore all client records securely and only retain personal data for as long as necessary…
• CShare the property data with local estate agents to help promote the property.
• DAvoid collecting any client names or addresses during the booking process.

Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for a DEA to legally produce and lodge an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the UK?

• AMembership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• BRegistration with an approved government-approved Accreditation Scheme.
• CA minimum of five years' experience in the construction sector.
• DRegistration as a chartered architect with the ARB.

If a tenant refuses to allow a DEA access to a bedroom during an inspection, how should the assessor handle this situation?

• AUse force to enter the room, as they have a legal right of entry to complete the EPC.
• BRespect the tenant's decision, complete the inspection of the accessible areas, and recor…
• CAsk the landlord to lock the tenant out of the property so the inspection can be complete…
• DCancel the inspection entirely and report the tenant to the local police.

What is the standard procedure for a DEA if a client objects to the energy rating on a lodged EPC and threatens to file a complaint?

• AImmediately change the inputs in the software to give a better rating and appease the cli…
• BDelete the lodged EPC from the national register so that it is no longer visible.
• CExplain the calculation methodology clearly, offer to review any documentary evidence the…
• DIgnore the client's communications, as lodged EPCs are final and cannot be disputed.

A DEA is preparing to inspect a property and needs to determine its construction age band. The property was built in 1978. According to the RdSAP age band tables for England and Wales, which age band does this fall into?

• AAge Band E
• BAge Band F
• CAge Band G
• DAge Band H

Under RdSAP conventions, if a property has a date stone indicating 'Built 1895', but the assessor has no other records, which age band should be entered?

• AAge Band A
• BAge Band B
• CAge Band C
• DAge Band D

An assessor is inspecting a house that was originally built in 1920 (Band B), but had a large extension built in 2005 (Band J). How should the assessor handle this in the RdSAP software?

• AInput the entire property under the average age band (Band E).
• BRecord the main house and the extension as separate parts with their respective age bands…
• CInput the entire property under the age band of the original main house (Band B).
• DInput the entire property under the age band of the newest part (Band J).

A DEA is inspecting a property that has been converted from an old barn (originally built in 1850) into a dwelling in 2015. No documentation regarding the conversion's thermal properties is available. Which age band must the assessor assign to the dwelling?

• AAge Band A (based on the original 1850 barn construction date)
• BAge Band L (based on the 2015 conversion date)
• CAge Band G (as a standard default for conversions of unknown date)
• DThe assessor must refuse to complete the EPC until building control certificates are prov…

When is a DEA permitted to overwrite a default RdSAP U-value for a building element (such as a wall or roof)?

• AWhen the assessor believes the default values are too conservative for that type of prope…
• BOnly when they have written, verified documentary evidence (e.g., a Building Control cert…
• CWhenever the homeowner verbally assures them that the walls are well insulated.
• DWhen the property has been decorated recently, indicating it is well maintained.

A DEA is preparing their equipment before visiting a site. Which of the following tools is legally required to verify the thickness of walls and joists?

• AA moisture meter
• BA calibrated measuring tape or laser measure
• CA thermal imaging camera
• DA borescope

Under what circumstance can a DEA use secondary or proxy evidence to determine a property's construction date?

• AOnly when primary sources (like Land Registry or Building Control records) are unavailabl…
• BWhenever they want to save time searching official records.
• COnly when the client requests that a specific date be used.
• DProxy evidence is never allowed under any circumstances in RdSAP.

Which of the following documents is considered acceptable primary evidence to confirm the presence of retrofitted cavity wall insulation in a property?

• AA receipt for insulation material purchased from a local hardware store by a previous own…
• BA CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) certificate or a Building Control completion…
• CA handwritten note from the builder who performed the work.
• DAn energy bill showing a drop in gas consumption after the suspected install date.

An assessor is inspecting a property built in 2024. According to the latest RdSAP 10 regulations, which age band should be assigned?

• AAge Band K
• BAge Band L
• CAge Band M
• DAge Band N

A DEA is inspecting a property and suspects it has retrofitted external wall insulation (EWI). However, there is no documentary evidence available, and the walls are finished with render. How should the insulation be recorded in RdSAP?

• ARecord the insulation as 'As Built' (assuming no retrofitted insulation).
• BMeasure the total wall thickness, compare it with standard uninsulated wall thickness for…
• CDrill a test hole to physically inspect the insulation layer.
• DRecord the insulation as 'retro-fitted external insulation' based on visual inspection al…

A property has a pitched roof with a loft space. The assessor observes that the loft is fully boarded over, preventing any visual inspection of the joists or the insulation below the boards. What insulation thickness should the assessor enter?

• A100mm (as a standard estimate for boarded lofts)
• BEnter 'unknown' in the software.
• CEstimate the insulation thickness by looking at the edges near the eaves, if visible, and…
• DAsk the owner to lift a floorboard, and if they refuse, enter 0mm.

Under RdSAP conventions, if a property's construction date is known to be 1968, which building regulations age band does it belong to?

• AAge Band C
• BAge Band D
• CAge Band E
• DAge Band F

What is the correct procedure for a DEA when they encounter a locked cellar that the homeowner cannot open during the inspection?

• AAssume the cellar has the same insulation properties as the ground floor and proceed.
• BRecord the cellar as 'no access' and assume the floor above it is uninsulated (applying t…
• CPostpone the inspection until the homeowner can locate the key.
• DBreak the lock to inspect the cellar, as it is a required part of the EPC.

A DEA is verifying the type of heating fuel for a property. The tenant shows them a portable LPG cylinder connected to a cabinet heater in the living room, but the property has no fixed gas line. How should the main space heating fuel be recorded?

• AMains gas
• BBottled LPG
• CElectricity (assuming portable heaters are secondary to electric panel heaters)
• DPortable heaters are not recorded as the main heating system if they are not fixed.

Which of the following is the most reliable document to confirm that a boiler was installed in 2018 and meets specific efficiency standards?

• AA Gas Safe installation certificate or a building regulations compliance certificate.
• BAn invoice from the plumber showing the cost of the boiler.
• CA user manual for the boiler found in the kitchen drawer.
• DA screenshot of the manufacturer's website showing that the boiler model is efficient.

Under RdSAP conventions, what is the maximum number of extensions that can be inputted separately for a single dwelling?

• ATwo
• BThree
• CFour
• DThere is no limit, all extensions must be recorded separately.

A DEA is preparing to inspect a property and notices it has a thatched roof. What is a key safety and risk consideration the assessor should make?

• AThatched roofs are prone to immediate collapse and should never be inspected.
• BThatched roofs carry specific fire hazards and may have restricted loft access due to thi…
• CA thatched roof requires the assessor to wear a full respirator due to mold spores.
• DNo special considerations are required; thatched roofs are treated identically to slate r…

A DEA is inspecting a property built in 1910. The external walls are 220mm thick brickwork, laid in a Flemish bond pattern (alternating stretchers and headers). What wall construction type should be recorded in RdSAP?

• ASolid brick
• BCavity wall
• CTimber frame
• DSystem built

An assessor is inspecting a property built in 1970. The external walls are brick-faced, laid in a stretcher bond pattern, and have a total thickness of 260mm. What wall construction type should be recorded in RdSAP?

• ASolid brick
• BCavity wall
• CSystem built
• DStone wall

Under RdSAP conventions, how should an assessor identify if plasterboard has been dry-lined on the inside of a solid brick wall in a property built in 1930?

• AAsk the owner for a signed declaration that dry lining was installed.
• BPerform a 'tap test' (knocking on the wall) to check for a hollow sound indicating plaste…
• CAssume all solid brick walls from 1930 are dry-lined.
• DDrill a hole through the plaster to see if plasterboard is present.

A DEA is inspecting a loft and measures the glass wool insulation laid between the joists to be 100mm deep. There is no insulation laid over the joists. What value should be entered in the software for loft insulation thickness?

• A100mm
• B150mm (accounting for thermal bridging of the joists)
• C50mm (as a conservative estimate)
• D0mm (because it does not cover the joists)

During a loft inspection, the assessor finds a mixture of insulation: 100mm of old glass wool between the joists and 150mm of new sheep's wool laid over the joists. How should the insulation depth be recorded in RdSAP?

• ARecord 100mm (the depth of the insulation between the joists).
• BRecord 150mm (the depth of the insulation over the joists).
• CRecord 250mm (the total combined depth of both layers).
• DRecord 125mm (the average of the two layers).

A mid-terrace house has solid brick party walls sharing boundaries with neighboring properties on both sides. How should these party walls be treated in RdSAP?

• AMeasured as heat loss walls with solid brick U-values.
• BRecorded as party walls, which the software treats as having zero net heat loss.
• CRecorded as external walls because the neighboring properties might be unheated.
• DExcluded from the survey dimensions entirely.

A DEA is inspecting a property with a room built into the roof space (roof room). Which of the following parameters is critical to measure for a roof room?

• AThe height of the chimney breast.
• BThe stud wall height, slope length, and flat ceiling height.
• CThe thickness of the floor joists below the roof room floor.
• DThe external angle of the roof tiles.

An assessor is inspecting a ground floor flat with a suspended timber floor. Below the flat is a heated basement flat. How should the ground floor flat's floor be recorded in RdSAP?

• ASuspended timber, uninsulated.
• BSolid concrete, insulated.
• CAs a floor next to a heated space (no heat loss).
• DSuspended timber, insulated.

Under RdSAP conventions, if a property has a vaulted ceiling (no loft space), how should the roof insulation be recorded?

• AAs 'pitched roof, insulation between joists' with a thickness of 0mm.
• BAs 'pitched roof, insulated at rafter' and the insulation depth recorded if visible or ve…
• CAs 'flat roof, insulation unknown'.
• DVaulted ceilings cannot be modeled in RdSAP; the assessor must assume a standard flat cei…

A DEA is inspecting a property built in 1955 (Band D). The external walls are made of solid granite stone, 550mm thick. What wall construction type should be recorded in RdSAP?

• ASolid brick
• BGranite or whinstone, uninsulated
• CCavity wall
• DSandstone, insulated

During an inspection, the assessor notices that a property's floor is partly solid concrete (in the kitchen) and partly suspended timber (in the living room). How should this be recorded in RdSAP?

• ASelect the floor type that covers the largest area and apply it to the whole property.
• BSelect 'unknown' for the floor type.
• CRecord the percentage or area of each floor type if the software allows, or split the pro…
• DAssume the entire floor is suspended timber, as it is the more conservative option.

A DEA is measuring the ceiling height of a room. The room has a suspended ceiling installed below the original ceiling. Which height should the assessor measure and record?

• AThe height from the floor to the original structural ceiling.
• BThe height from the floor to the suspended ceiling.
• CThe average of the suspended ceiling and original ceiling heights.
• DCeiling height is not required for RdSAP; only floor area is measured.

Under RdSAP conventions, if a wall separates a heated room in a house from an unheated attached garage, how should this wall be recorded?

• AAs an external wall.
• BAs a party wall.
• CAs an alternative wall (semi-exposed to an unheated space).
• DIt should be ignored because the garage is part of the property structure.

A DEA is inspecting a property with a flat roof. They can see that the roof is constructed of concrete but cannot see if there is any insulation. No documentation is available. What insulation type should be recorded in RdSAP?

• AFlat roof, insulated.
• BFlat roof, insulation unknown.
• CFlat roof, uninsulated.
• DThe assessor must record a pitched roof with 0mm insulation as a default.

An assessor is inspecting a house with a heated cellar. How should the cellar walls that are below the external ground level be recorded in RdSAP?

• AAs standard external walls.
• BAs basement walls (below ground).
• CAs party walls.
• DThey should not be recorded as they do not lose heat to the air.

A DEA is inspecting a property with a pitched roof. They access the loft hatch and observe that insulation is present, but it is covered by a vapor barrier. The homeowner tells them the insulation is 200mm deep. How should the assessor verify this?

• AAccept the homeowner's statement and record 200mm.
• BGently lift or peel back a small section of the vapor barrier at a safe point to measure…
• CRecord the insulation as 'unknown' because they cannot see through the vapor barrier.
• DRecord 100mm as a safe conservative default.

A house built in 1960 has an uninsulated cavity wall. The homeowner has a certificate showing that cavity wall insulation was retrofitted in 2010. How should the wall be entered in the RdSAP software?

• AAs 'Cavity wall, uninsulated' with Age Band D.
• BAs 'Cavity wall, filled' with Age Band D, and the retrofit insulation recorded.
• CAs 'Cavity wall, filled' with Age Band K (the year of insulation).
• DAs 'Solid brick' with internal insulation.

A DEA is inspecting a property and identifies a wall constructed of timber frame with brick facing. The property was built in 1980 (Band F). What is the default assumption for insulation in this wall type under RdSAP?

• AThe wall is assumed to be uninsulated.
• BThe wall is assumed to have insulation between the timber studs as built.
• CThe wall is treated as solid brick.
• DThe software will require the assessor to perform a borescope inspection.

An assessor is measuring the heat loss perimeter of a semi-detached house. Which walls must be included in the measurement?

• AAll four external walls, including the shared party wall.
• BOnly the three external walls that are exposed to the outside air.
• COnly the front and back walls.
• DOnly the shared party wall.

A DEA is inspecting a property where the loft has been converted into a bedroom. The conversion was completed in 1998 (Band I) with building control approval. How should the roof room's age band be recorded?

• AIt must take the age band of the original house (e.g. 1930, Band C).
• BIt must take the age band of the conversion date (1998, Band I).
• CIt must be recorded as 'unknown' age.
• DIt must take the average of the original house age and the conversion age.

An assessor is inspecting a property and notices that the mortar between the bricks has crumbled significantly, leaving gaps. What should the assessor do regarding this observation?

• ARecord the wall as uninsulated, even if a cavity fill certificate is present, because the…
• BIgnore the mortar condition, as RdSAP only considers structural dimensions and insulation…
• CNote the poor condition of the pointing in their survey records and risk assessment, but…
• DRefuse to complete the EPC until the walls are repointed.

A DEA is inspecting a property with a pitched roof. They find that the loft insulation is compressed to a thickness of 50mm because items are stored on top of it. What thickness should be entered in the software?

• A270mm (the current recommended UK standard).
• B50mm (the actual compressed thickness).
• C100mm (the uncompressed thickness of the insulation if the items were removed).
• D0mm (because compressed insulation is completely ineffective).