Draw a better connection
Follow the insulation and airtightness layers through a junction, and relate the detail to how it will be built.
PHI-accredited online training
Certified Passivhaus Designer course
Learn to work through Passivhaus details, calculations and design choices, then explain your reasoning to clients and project teams. Study in recorded lessons of around 20 minutes, followed by practical exercises, with 12 months of course access and repeatable live Q&As.
For architects, building designers, engineers and other building professionals.
6 modules48 learning units32 CPD pointsStart anytime
Certification Package: 4470 excluding GST. Includes the course, PHPP 10, exam preparation and official exam.
Your route to PHI certificationLearn the principles. Prepare for the exam. Put your knowledge to work.
2018PHI-accredited since
20,000+Professionals trained
1,000+Certified in 18 countries
5.085+ Google reviewsFrom knowledge to practice
Make design decisions
you can stand behind.
Use building science to make better decisions about comfort, moisture, energy use and cost, including on projects that do not seek Passivhaus certification.
Explain a design choice
Use calculations and worked examples to compare options and explain their implications to a client or project team.
Plan an existing building’s next step
Compare targeted improvements, staged or complete retrofit, and rebuilding where appropriate.
INSIDE THE DESIGNER COURSE
From the building
to the detail you draw.
Follow the same three-bedroom home through the Designer course, from the envelope and services to the details you draw and calculate. Explore eight common construction methods and how the solution changes with climate.
Timber frame · wall-to-roof junction
AirtightnessThermalWeathertightnessJoints and connections
Watch and understand
Each recorded unit focuses on one idea in around 20 minutes, explained through clear drawings and a consistent visual language.
Practise and apply
Then you draw it and calculate it yourself. Homework is where the teaching turns into something you can do.
Revisit and connect
At the end, the retrofit module brings the principles together again, this time on an existing building with its own constraints and challenges.
Practical tools for real projects
The Passive House Formulary
Key principles, worked examples and useful calculations in one reference, with common mistakes highlighted and unit conversions close at hand.
Build-ups and details
Wall, roof and ground-floor build-ups, with junction details showing how construction methods and climate change the solution.
Retrofit Master Plan
A practical framework for choosing between targeted upgrades, a staged or complete retrofit, and rebuilding, with the risks and constraints that can change the decision.
Your free course preview
Step inside
the Designer course.
Explore 6 dedicated module review and preview lessons. Each recaps the key ideas from a module and introduces what comes next, helping you connect the topics and reinforce your learning.
Free · 6 lessons · Approximately 2.5 hours in total
No payment required. Watch online at your own pace. Keep access for as long as the course remains available.
The complete Designer course
What you will learn.
The core course contains 48 learning units, with eight in each module. Explore the topics below.
01Building envelopeUnderstand the layers that control heat, air and moisture.
8 learning units
- Insulation theory, materials and U-values
- Airtightness details and blower-door testing
- Moisture control and the role of each building layer
- Comfort, health and quality assurance
02Build-ups, details and windowsDevelop details that connect performance with construction.
8 learning units
- Thermal bridges and ways to reduce their impact
- Roof, wall and ground build-ups, followed by junction details
- Different construction methods and climates
- Glazing, frames, installation, shading and comfort
03Heat balance and ventilationRelate heat gains and losses to fresh air and comfort.
8 learning units
- The Magic Formula for understanding heat transfer
- Ventilation with heat recovery
- System components, sizing and design exercises
- Commissioning and practical performance
04Heating, cooling and certificationUnderstand the services and documentation a project needs.
8 learning units
- Hot water, heat sources and distribution
- Cooling strategies and comfort
- The building certification process
- Documentation and working with your certifier
05Economics and standardsCompare costs, benefits and the implications of design choices.
8 learning units
- Comparing costs and benefits
- Assessing the financial implications of design choices
- Passivhaus and conventional building comparisons
- Understanding and applying the Passivhaus standard
06Retrofit Master Plan and PHPPAssess improvement options for existing buildings and learn PHPP basics.
8 learning units
- Comparing targeted upgrades, staged and complete retrofit
- Considering demolition and rebuilding where appropriate
- Envelope and service improvements
- An introduction to PHPP and energy modelling
Learn the basics of the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and how it supports building energy calculations. The Certification Package includes a PHPP 10 licence.
Study that fits around your work
Learn, practise
and ask again.
Begin the recorded lessons as soon as you enrol. Pause, replay and practise during your 12 months of course access. Join the 6 module Q&As across cohorts and repeat them throughout that period.
36 hoursApproximate core study time
+10 hoursPackage exam preparation
Study estimates include lessons and exercises. Live Q&As, the exam and extra revision are additional.
See current Designer datesAsk questions as you study
Ask teachers questions through the learning-hub chat, revisit existing discussions and bring the next question to a live Q&A.
Catch up when you cannot attend
Watch the Q&A recordings, then join a later cohort's session when you want to revisit a topic.
Prepare for the exam
Exam preparation is included in the Certification Package, with 2 mock exams and solutions. Core-course access and teacher support last 12 months.
Your route to PHI certification
Receive your certificate from the Passivhaus Institute after passing the official exam and meeting its requirements.
- Learn. Complete the course and practical exercises.
- Prepare. Work through the package's preparation materials and mock exams.
- Sit the exam. Meet PHI's requirements and pass the official exam.
PHI awards the Designer or Consultant title according to your professional qualifications and its eligibility requirements. Completing the course alone does not award certification.
View sample certificateYour trainers
Learn with experienced Passivhaus trainers.
Daniel Kress
Founder and Head Trainer
Daniel brings carpentry, engineering and building physics into practical teaching, helping you connect the calculations with what happens on site.
Julia Kiefer
Architect and Senior Trainer
Julia is an architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer with experience across Melbourne, Perth and Darwin. She helps you apply the principles to the design challenges you face.
From our students
Learning that carries into practice.
“I highly recommend Daniel and the team. I am well into the design of my first Passive House project with a second in the works. Well worth the investment.”
“I’m so happy I completed the designer course with Smart Plus. The trainers and support staff were excellent. Students were kept on track with regular communications and any queries were addressed promptly. I highly recommend training with Smart Plus.”
“I wish I'd done it sooner. My only advice to future students is to make sure you have the time to study without interruptions. Running a new business whilst doing the course was a challenge!”
Passivhaus HUB was formerly Smart Plus Academy.
Courses & certification
Choose your Designer training
Choose the full certification package, the course on its own, or an introduction to Passivhaus design.
Working towards certification? Choose the Certification Package for the course, PHPP licence, exam preparation and official exam.
Want the full learning without booking the exam now? Choose the Designer Course.
The package is more than the course, excluding GST.
Course + certification
Designer
Certification Package
Train for certification with the full course, PHPP 10, exam preparation and official exam.
🎓 32 CPDs⏱️ 46 Hours📚 90 Units🎚️ Level 3 · Professional
- Full PHI-accredited Designer Course
- 12 months of course access
- 6 module Q&As, repeatable for 12 months
- Teacher chat and downloadable resources
- Exam preparation + official PHI exam
- PHPP 10 licence 2
Satisfaction Guarantee7 days, before Module 1 completion 3
Certification GuaranteeIncluded, conditions apply 4
Full course
Designer Course
AU3770
Excluding GST
Develop your Passivhaus design skills with the full course and teacher support. Exam, exam preparation and PHPP licence are purchased separately.
🎓 32 CPDs⏱️ 36 Hours📚 48 Units🎚️ Level 3 · Professional
- Full PHI-accredited Designer Course
- 12 months of course access
- 6 module Q&As, repeatable for 12 months
- Teacher chat and downloadable resources
Satisfaction Guarantee7 days, before Module 1 completion 3
Foundation
Designer 101
AU297
Excluding GST
Build confidence with Passivhaus principles, terminology and maths. A separate, optional introduction.
🎓 6 CPDs⏱️ 6 Hours📚 12 Units🎚️ Level 2 · Foundation
- Principles, calculations and software introduction
- Study online at your own pace
- Access while the course is available 1
Satisfaction Guarantee14 days, before 50% completion 3
Course preview
Designer Preview
Free
No payment required
Explore 6 dedicated module review and preview lessons that recap key ideas and introduce what comes next.
⏱️ Approx. 2.5 Hours📚 6 Units🎚️ Level 1 · Intro
- Module review and preview lessons
- Study online at your own pace
- Access while the course is available 1
Compare what's includedShow fewer details
| What's included | Designer Certification Package | Designer Course | Designer 101 | Designer Preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training included | Full PHI-accredited Designer Course | Full PHI-accredited Designer Course | Principles, calculations and software introduction | Module review and preview lessons |
| Live Q&A sessions | 6 module sessions; repeat across cohorts for 12 months | 6 module sessions; repeat across cohorts for 12 months | – | – |
| Teacher chat and downloadable resources | Included | Included | – | – |
| Course access | 12 months from purchase | 12 months from purchase | While available 1 | While available 1 |
| Exam preparation | Included: 10 hours; 2 mock exams with solutions | – | – | – |
| Official PHI exam | Included | – | – | – |
| PHPP 10 licence | Included, non-expiring 2 | – | – | – |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 7 days, before Module 1 completion 3 | 7 days, before Module 1 completion 3 | 14 days, before 50% completion 3 | – |
| Certification Guarantee | Included, conditions apply 4 | – | – | – |
Start anytime. Study online at your own pace. Passivhaus 101 is a separate, optional introduction and is not included in the courses or certification packages.
Start the recorded course anytime. Join the live module Q&As as you learn.
Study times are approximate. Package hours include exam preparation. Live Q&As, exams and extra revision are additional.
- 101 and Preview access: Keep access for as long as the course remains available. For 101, this includes a minimum of 12 months from purchase.
- PHPP 10 licence: The licence does not expire. Future major-version upgrades are not included. The licence is issued after full payment.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: For packages and full courses, email your refund request within 7 calendar days of purchase and before completing Module 1 to receive a full tuition refund. For Passivhaus 101, email your refund request within 14 calendar days of purchase and before completing 50% of the course, whichever comes first, to receive a full tuition refund.
- Certification Guarantee: Up to 3 exam attempts in total at no extra cost within 12 months of purchase, provided you score at least 80% on every package quiz, attend or view every session and meet the exam timing requirements. Passing the exam is required for certification. Read the guarantee conditions.
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Before you enrol
Your questions, answered.
Not sure which option fits your background or plans? Ask the team.
What is the difference between the course and the package?
Both include the full Designer course and 12 months of teacher support. The package adds a non-expiring PHPP 10 licence, dedicated exam preparation, mock exams, the official PHI exam and the conditional Certification Guarantee.
What does the exam cost if I buy the course only?
The course-only price excludes the exam, PHPP licence and exam preparation. Current separate fees are shown below, in AUD excluding GST. The Certification Package includes all three.
| Official Designer exam | 700 |
|---|---|
| PHPP software licence | 380 |
| Exam preparation · 10 hours, 2 mock exams | 200 |
| Exam + PHPP licence + preparation bundle | 1200 |
A PHPP licence is required for exam registration. If you already hold one, ask us to confirm that it meets the registration requirements. The exam bundle does not include the Designer course.
Do I need to complete Designer 101 first?
No. Designer 101 is an optional introduction or refresher, purchased separately. It is not included in the Designer course or Certification Package.
Do I need to be confident with maths?
You will work through calculations and practical exercises, with worked examples and teacher support. You do not need to be a modelling specialist. Designer 101 is an optional way to refresh the terminology and maths first.
Can I repeat the live Q&As?
Yes. The 6 sessions cover the Designer modules. You can join and repeat sessions across cohorts throughout your 12-month access period. Recordings are also available if you cannot attend live.
How long can I access the materials?
The core course and teacher support are available for 12 months from purchase. Exam-preparation materials are included in the Certification Package. Designer 101 and the preview remain accessible while those courses are available; 101 includes a minimum of 12 months. The PHPP 10 licence does not expire.
Will I qualify as a Designer or Consultant?
PHI awards the title according to your professional qualifications and its eligibility requirements. You must meet those requirements and pass the official exam. Contact us if you would like help understanding which title applies.
Does the course count towards CPD?
The Designer course and Certification Package each carry 32 CPD points. Designer 101 carries 6. Check your professional body's requirements for recognising and recording the learning. CPD points and study hours are separate measures.
Are payment plans or team options available?
Contact us to discuss the available payment-plan or team-training options. The PHPP licence included in the package is issued after full payment.
Your free Designer preview
See how we teach Passivhaus design.
Explore 6 dedicated module review and preview lessons that recap key ideas and introduce what comes next. Watch at your own pace, with no payment required.
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