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FirstRate5

Complete this course 100% online, at your own pace, and on your schedule. With no live classes or face to face sessions, you can upskill without interrupting work or personal commitments.

FirstRate5® Training

FirstRate5® is a powerful, industry‑recognised software tool used by designers and Thermal Performance Assessors to deliver accurate, compliant NatHERS energy ratings with confidence. Featuring an intuitive graphic user interface, FirstRate5 allows you to create energy models quickly and efficiently by tracing directly over residential floor plans—making it ideal for both new and experienced practitioners.

Powered by the Chenath calculation engine, FirstRate5 accurately estimates a home’s annual heating and cooling loads, providing reliable performance data to support compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). Beyond compliance, the software is also widely used as a design optimisation tool, enabling you to test design variations, improve thermal performance outcomes, and deliver higher‑quality, energy‑efficient homes for clients.

By completing the FirstRate5 Software Training with Education in Building you’ll gain practical, job‑ready skills through hands‑on modelling exercises based on real‑world residential scenarios. Our training is delivered entirely online by NatHERS‑endorsed industry experts, ensuring you learn best‑practice modelling techniques that meet current regulatory standards.

On successful completion, you’ll achieve the following nationally recognised units of competency, equipping you to confidently assess both standard and complex residential buildings:

  • CPPHES4004 – Conduct thermal performance assessments of residential buildings
  • CPPHES5001 – Conduct thermal performance assessments of complex residential buildings

This qualification pathway strengthens your professional credibility, expands your service offering, and positions you to work confidently as a Thermal Performance Assessor anywhere in Australia.

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The Course

Complete this course 100% online, at your own pace, and on your schedule. With no live classes or face to face sessions, you can upskill without interrupting work or personal commitments.

Learn through short, practical pre recorded tutorials delivered via the EIB Learning Management System, created by experienced, NatHERS endorsed trainers. Revisit lessons anytime to build confidence and mastery.

You’ll complete assessments progressively, receiving expert feedback along the way so you always know you’re on track. Plus, with ongoing student support from NatHERS endorsed trainers, help is available whenever you need it.

Flexible. Supported. Industry focused.

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Advanced Modelling Skills

The FirstRate5 Complex Modelling course takes your skills further, delivering advanced training in the latest FirstRate5 software for complex residential modelling. You’ll gain practical expertise in advanced split zones, modelling elements, and high level assessment techniques.

Built for experienced assessors, this course deepens your understanding beyond introductory and intermediate training—boosting confidence, accuracy, and efficiency. The result is stronger capability and immediately transferable skills you can apply directly in your professional energy rating work.

Prerequisites

To undertake the FirstRate5 software training, you are expected to:

  • Effectively read and extract information from residential building plans, drawings, and specifications
  • Manage your own work, professional development, and ethical behaviour to a satisfactory standard
  • Use a personal computer confidently, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and internet search tools
  • Demonstrate an appropriate level of literacy and numeracy
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills

What is Included?

This training takes you through the entire FirstRate5 assessment process from start to finish, with practical, step‑by‑step demonstrations covering:

  • Introduction to FirstRate5 software
  • FirstRate5 manual and supporting reference materials
  • Modelling of a single‑storey residential dwelling
  • Modelling of a double‑storey residential dwelling
  • Modelling of a split‑level residential dwelling
  • Modelling of an apartment or residential townhouse
  • Modelling of a dual‑occupancy residential dwelling
  • Producing NatHERS certificates

All software, reference materials and manuals are provided as part of the course.

FirstRate5 Software Course with EIB

Standard Online training course, including software:

$1685

*Conditions apply

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Testimonials

Hear directly from students who have completed our training and gone on to work within the energy rating industry. Their experiences reflect the quality of our delivery, the relevance of our course content, and the practical skills gained throughout the program.

Hi Paul, It has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you and Mike – I can highly recommend the training I just completed, it was an excellent and very professional experience.

– Natascha. NSW.

Thanks Paul!

Fantastic!

Thank so much to you & your team for your assistance, I have really enjoyed your course & would definitely recommend it to colleagues should the opportunity arise.

– David. NSW.

Thank you so much for your guide and everything did during the course.

I will recommend your EIB institute everyone who willing to do this course or any other related courses.

– Chandana. VIC.

Thank you for this and may I say that I’m glad I decided to the training with you.

Your procedure and videos are outstanding.

Thank you

– Walter. QLD.

Very excited to receive this Certificate! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed working through the Course and its Challenges. Mike and Yourself have always been Professional, Approachable and Helpful. It’s a ‘Credit’ to you and your Team.

I look forward to continuing to work with EIB and HERA in my future endeavours as an Accredited Assessor.

– Casey. NSW.

Thanks for everything. Really excited and happy to complete the course. Appreciate your help and advice along the way. Cheers!

– Yang. WA.

Thank you for assisting me, I learn a lot to your online course and I really glad now I received my certificate. Have a great night. Thanks.

– Belco. VIC.

G’day Mike,

Thanks for that, and yes I can appreciate the work involved. 🙂

Must say you guys are doing a great job!

– Richard.

Thank you very much for all the help and assistance.

I appreciate the time you put in and willingness to look at my work.

Thankyou very much.

– Adam. TAS.

Thank you very much Paul and Mike.

I really learnt a lot during the 12 months online study.

I will recommend Education in Building to anyone who wants to learn building.

– Peng. NSW.

Hi Paul

Thank you very much- well-presented course material

Mike I appreciate your help – thank you

– Bret. QLD.

The EIB team were always helpful whenever I requested any support or guidance. Their responses were prompt, professional and the right advice at the right time.

– David. VIC.

Thank you very much for all the help and assistance.

I appreciate the time you put in and willingness to look at my work.

Thankyou very much.

– Abbas. NSW.

Hi Paul,

Thanks and have to mention that I have come a long way all because of your guidance.

– Tharaki. VIC.
– Walid. NSW.

Start Your Career in Energy Assessment

Gain the skills and accreditation needed to assess the energy performance of Australian homes.

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