The ESC Damp and Mould Assessor pathway is a set of three courses for housing staff, property professionals, surveyors and specialist investigators.
Start with Level 1 awareness, choose one Level 2 course in either residential housing or traditional and historic buildings, then progress to the Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award. Together, the three levels form one complete training pathway.
The pathway combines Level 1 awareness, one Level 2 route matched to the buildings you work with, and the Level 3 Award. Each stage develops the knowledge needed for the next.
For people whose work brings them into contact with occupants and buildings, but who are not expected to diagnose technical problems.
Level 1 provides an accessible grounding in damp, mould and condensation, the responsibilities surrounding them, and the importance of taking concerns seriously and passing them to the right person.
For people who investigate buildings and need strong subject knowledge without the full technical depth of Level 3.
Both options introduce building pathology, moisture behaviour, structured investigation and evidence-based decision-making. The examples, risks and responsibilities are then tailored to a specific building context.
An Ofqual-regulated qualification for professionals responsible for investigating, analysing and managing damp, mould and condensation problems.
The Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award in Damp, Mould and Condensation in Buildings develops the knowledge and confidence needed to undertake investigations properly, understand root causes and make appropriate, sustainable recommendations.
Level 1 covers awareness and escalation. Level 2 develops investigation knowledge for one type of building. Level 3 covers advanced diagnosis, analysis, reporting and recommendations.
Essential awareness for non-technical and front-line staff who encounter occupants and buildings.
Building-specific knowledge for those who need to understand causes, risks and appropriate action.
Advanced technical learning for evidence-based investigations, conclusions and recommendations.
Complete Level 1, one of the two specialist Level 2 routes, and Level 3 to follow the full pathway.
Professor John Edwards
MA, DipBldgCons, CEnv, FCIOB, FRICS, IHBC
Professor John Edwards brings decades of professional and technical experience in building pathology, moisture investigation, retrofit and conservation to the ESC Damp and Mould Assessor pathway.
Professor Edwards is a practising independent surveyor and Director of Edwards Hart Consultants. He began defect investigation, including moisture analysis and monitoring, in 1981, and his experience in sustainable refurbishment and energy-efficiency retrofit spans thousands of buildings.
He has helped develop industry best practice through research, standards and guidance, and serves on expert panels and BSI committees that help shape professional and technical standards within the built environment.
Find out more about Professor John EdwardsBook Level 1, your chosen Level 2 route and Level 3 together. The courses build from awareness and building-specific investigation to advanced diagnosis, so each stage prepares learners for the next.
Choose either the residential housing or traditional and historic buildings route at Level 2.
Contact us to discuss group bookings or practical training for your organisation.
The right starting point depends on your role, the buildings you work with and whether you are expected to recognise, investigate or diagnose moisture problems.
| Compare | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Awareness, recognition and escalation | Building-specific investigation knowledge | Advanced diagnosis, analysis and recommendations |
| Best suited to | Housing officers, customer service, call centre, liaison and facilities teams | Surveyors, inspectors, technical officers, asset teams, contractors and property professionals | Specialist investigators, consultants and those responsible for technical conclusions |
| Building focus | General awareness across occupied buildings | Residential housing or traditional and historic buildings | Traditional and modern buildings in depth |
| Technical depth | Foundation | Intermediate | Advanced and extensive |
| Delivery | On demand | On demand | Live online or on demand |
| Outcome | Environment Study Centre certification and 2 hours of CPD | Environment Study Centre certification and 7 hours of CPD | Ofqual-regulated ABBE Level 3 qualification and 15 hours of CPD |
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all levels.
Get 12 months free access. The ESC Hub is our online knowledge centre for damp, mould, condensation and building pathology. It gives you technical guidance, standards, references, legal and regulatory updates, investigation support and practical resources beyond what can be covered within each course.
This means learning can continue after formal study, helping learners keep their knowledge current and apply it with greater confidence in real buildings.
Build from Level 1 awareness to the Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award, with the Level 2 route that matches the buildings you work with.
Every pathway includes the same Level 1 awareness course and progresses to the same Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award. The key difference is the Level 2 certificate, which should match the type of buildings you usually investigate. Choose a route below to continue to its booking page, where you can select your preferred Level 3 study option.
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