Keep the layers connected
Follow the insulation, airtightness and weather protection through walls, roofs, floors and window openings.
PHI-accredited online training
Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson course
Build better details.
Understand why they work.
Learn how insulation, airtightness, windows and ventilation work together on site. Short recorded lessons, practical homework and live Q&As help you turn building science into work you can stand behind.
For builders, carpenters, installers and site supervisors.
4 modules32 learning units12 months of access
Certification Package: 2770 excluding GST. Includes the course, exam preparation and official exam.
Your route to PHI certificationLearn the details. 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 reviewsBetter building starts with the detail
Know what to check.
Before the wall is closed up.
A good detail only works when the layers connect and the trades know what comes next. Learn to spot the weak points, understand the reason behind a drawing and ask better questions on site.
Think through the build sequence
Check which connections need to happen first, while you can still reach them. Understand how one trade’s work affects the next.
Build with the whole home in mind
Connect each detail with comfort, moisture control and energy use. Apply the thinking to Passivhaus projects and everyday builds.
INSIDE THE TRADESPERSON COURSE
From the drawing
to the work on site.
Follow the same three-bedroom home through the course. See how the building layers and services fit together, then practise with drawings, calculations and examples for different construction methods and climates.
Timber frame · wall-to-roof junction
AirtightnessThermalWeathertightnessJoints and connections
Watch and understand
Recorded lessons of around 20 minutes focus on one idea at a time. Clear drawings show what the layers do and why the detail matters.
Work through it yourself
Practise with drawings, simple calculations and homework. Check your thinking against worked examples, then ask questions when something is unclear.
Bring the ideas together
Revisit the principles in the retrofit module. Work through what changes when you improve an existing building instead of starting from scratch.
Practical tools for real projects
The Passive House Formulary
Key principles, worked examples and useful calculations in one reference. Keep common mistakes and unit conversions close at hand.
Build-ups and details
See how roof, wall and floor layers connect. Compare details for different building methods and climates.
Retrofit Master Plan
Compare targeted repairs, staged upgrades and a full retrofit. Understand the constraints before deciding what should happen next.
Try the teaching first
Take a look inside.
See if it clicks.
Explore 4 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 · 4 lessons · Around 90–120 minutes in total
Pause, replay and return when it suits you. No payment required. Keep access for as long as the course remains available.
What you will learn
4 modules.
A connected view of the build.
Work through 32 learning units, with eight in each module. Learn the reasons behind a detail, then practise applying them.
The building envelopeUnderstand the layers that keep heat, air and moisture under control.
8 learning units
- Insulation and U-values: how heat moves through the building.
- Airtightness, blower-door testing and moisture control.
- Thermal bridges: where heat finds an easier path.
- How the layers connect at common junctions.
Windows and ventilationConnect window performance with fresh air and comfort.
8 learning units
- Glazing, frames, window position and installation details.
- Shading and the effect of windows on comfort.
- How heat-recovery ventilation works and the parts a system needs.
- Worked examples and ventilation exercises.
Build-ups, details and building servicesFollow the detail through the build and understand the services it supports.
8 learning units
- Roof, wall and ground-floor layers for different construction methods and climates.
- Connections between building elements and the order of installation.
- Hot water, heating and cooling systems.
- Basic economics: weigh performance, cost and practical choices.
Retrofit Master Plan and certificationBring the lessons together on an existing building.
8 learning units
- Assess improvements to insulation, windows, ventilation and heating or cooling.
- Compare targeted work, staged upgrades and a complete retrofit.
- Consider when retaining, upgrading or rebuilding makes sense.
- Understand the Passivhaus standard and building certification process.
Fit the learning around your work
Start anytime.
Keep asking questions.
Begin the recorded lessons as soon as you enrol. Pause, replay and practise during your 12 months of course access. Bring your questions to the teacher chat or a live Q&A.
24 hoursApproximate core study time
+6 hoursPackage exam preparation
Study estimates include lessons and exercises. Live Q&As, the exam and extra revision are additional.
See upcoming Tradesperson dates ↓Return to the live Q&As
4 sessions cover the Tradesperson modules. You are welcome at all 6 shared Designer and Tradesperson sessions, and can repeat them across cohorts during your 12 months of access.
Get help between sessions
Ask teachers questions in the learning-hub chat. Revisit discussions, worked examples and recordings when you need another explanation.
Prepare for the exam
Exam preparation is included in the Certification Package, with preparation materials, mock exams and solutions.
Your route to PHI certification
Receive your certificate from the Passivhaus Institute after passing the official exam and meeting its requirements.
- Learn. Complete the 4 modules and practical exercises.
- Prepare. Work through the preparation materials and mock exams.
- Sit the exam. Meet PHI’s requirements and pass the official Tradesperson exam.
The Certification Package includes all three steps. Completing the course alone does not award PHI certification.
View sample certificateYour trainers
Learn with people who know the detail.
Daniel Kress
Founder and Head Trainer
Daniel brings carpentry, engineering and building physics into his teaching. He helps you connect the science with the details and decisions you face 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 work through the principles and understand why a detail works.
Reviews cover Passivhaus HUB’s training programmes. Read our reviews on Google
Courses & certification
Choose your Tradesperson training.
Choose the complete certification package, the course on its own, or a first step into Passivhaus construction.
Working towards certification?
The package includes the course, exam preparation and official exam.
Want the construction knowledge?
The course includes all 4 modules and teacher support.
The package is more than the course-only option.
Course + certification
Tradesperson
Certification Package
Train for certification with the full course, exam preparation and official exam.
🎓 12 CPD points⏱️ 30 hours📚 50 units🎚️ Level 3 · Professional
- Full PHI-accredited Tradesperson Course
- 12 months of course access
- 4 module Q&As; welcome at all 6 shared sessions
- Teacher chat and downloadable resources
- Exam preparation + official PHI exam
Full course
Tradesperson Course
AU2170
Excluding GST
Develop your Passivhaus construction skills with the full course and teacher support.
🎓 12 CPD points⏱️ 24 hours📚 32 units🎚️ Level 3 · Professional
- Full PHI-accredited Tradesperson Course
- 12 months of course access
- 4 module Q&As; welcome at all 6 shared sessions
- Teacher chat and downloadable resources
Satisfaction Guarantee7 days 2
Foundation
Tradesperson 101
AU197
Excluding GST
Get the principles and maths clear before tackling Passivhaus details on site.
🎓 2 CPD points⏱️ 4 hours📚 8 units🎚️ Level 2 · Foundation
- Principles, terminology and maths
- Study online at your own pace
- Access while the course is available 1
Satisfaction Guarantee14 days 2
Course preview
Tradesperson Preview
Free
No payment required
Explore 4 dedicated module review and preview lessons that recap key ideas and introduce what comes next.
⏱️ 90–120 minutes📚 4 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 | Tradesperson Certification Package | Tradesperson Course | Tradesperson 101 | Tradesperson Preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training included | Full PHI-accredited Tradesperson Course | Full PHI-accredited Tradesperson Course | Principles, terminology and maths | Module review and preview lessons |
| Live Q&A sessions | 4 sessions; welcome at all 6 shared sessions | 4 sessions; welcome at all 6 shared sessions | – | – |
| 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 | – | – | – |
| Official PHI exam | Included | – | – | – |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 7 days 2 | 7 days 2 | 14 days 2 | – |
| Certification Guarantee | Included 3 | – | – | – |
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.
- 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.
Before you enrol
Your questions,
answered.
Not sure which option fits your experience or plans? Tell us what you are working towards.
What is the difference between the course and the package?
Both include the full Tradesperson course, 12 months of access, live Q&As and teacher chat. The package adds exam preparation, mock exams, the official PHI Tradesperson exam and the conditional Certification Guarantee.
What will the exam cost if I buy the course only?
The course-only price excludes the official exam and the separate exam-preparation programme. The Certification Package includes both. Current separate fees are:
| Official PHI Tradesperson exam | 700 |
|---|---|
| Exam preparation | 270 |
Check these alongside the package price before choosing your option. The course-only option does not include the package Certification Guarantee.
Do I need to complete Tradesperson 101 first?
No. Tradesperson 101 is an optional introduction or maths refresher. It is purchased separately and is not included in the full course or Certification Package.
How much maths is involved?
You will use units, formulas and basic calculations alongside drawings and construction examples. We explain the steps and provide worked examples. If your maths is rusty, Tradesperson 101 can help you prepare.
Can I repeat the live Q&As?
Yes. 4 sessions cover the Tradesperson modules. You can attend all 6 shared Designer and Tradesperson sessions and repeat them across cohorts throughout your 12-month access period. Recordings are 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. Tradesperson 101 and the preview remain accessible while those courses are available; 101 includes a minimum of 12 months.
What is the Tradesperson exam like?
The current PHI Tradesperson exam lasts 120 minutes and is taken online through an accredited exam provider. It includes multiple-choice questions, questions based on site photographs, small calculations and drawing exercises. Allow additional time for the required technical checks and setup.
You must pass the official exam to become certified. See PHI’s current exam information ↗.
Is this an online course or a practical workshop?
The course is online and taught in English. You learn through recorded lessons, drawings, calculations, homework and live Q&As. You can study around work and return to the explanations as needed. No in-person workshop is included.
Does the course count towards CPD?
The Tradesperson course and Certification Package each carry 12 CPD points. Tradesperson 101 carries 2. Check your professional body’s requirements for recognising and recording the learning. CPD points and study hours are different measures.
Can our team enrol together?
Yes, contact us to discuss training for your team and any available payment options. Tell us who will be studying and what you are working towards.
Register your interestYour next step
See how we explain
the details that matter.
Explore 4 dedicated module review and preview lessons that recap key ideas and introduce what comes next. Watch at your own pace, with no payment required.
4 free lessons. No payment required.
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