Cost of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
across the UK

# Energy Performance Certificate Trade Body Accreditation

An Energy Performance Certificate must be produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Commercial Energy Assessor registered with an approved scheme. The main approved schemes in the UK include Quidos, Elmhurst Energy, NES, and Caladrius, which are overseen by Ofgem. These schemes ensure that assessors meet strict competency standards and follow established procedures. You may also encounter references to NHER (National Home Energy Rating) or CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), which provide additional credibility and specialisation. Understanding which scheme an assessor belongs to matters because these regulatory bodies maintain registers, enforce professional standards, and handle complaints if something goes wrong.

Verifying a provider's credentials is straightforward and essential. You can check whether an assessor is registered by visiting the Ofgem-maintained register of approved energy assessor schemes, or checking directly with the scheme they claim to belong to such as Quidos or Elmhurst Energy. Most legitimate providers will display their registration number and scheme affiliation clearly on their website and quote. This verification protects you because an unregistered assessor cannot legally produce a valid EPC, which means you could face issues when selling or renting a property. It also ensures they have undergone background checks, hold appropriate insurance, and commit to continuing professional development.

Accredited providers typically charge between 10 and 30 percent more than unaccredited or informal assessors, though prices vary regionally and by property type. This premium reflects genuine costs: formal insurance, ongoing training, scheme membership fees, and strict compliance with regulations. Paying for an accredited assessor is usually worth it because their EPC will be legally valid and accepted by all mortgage lenders, lettings agents, and government bodies, whereas an unregistered assessor