PHPP Expert online course
Become a PHPP Expert. Learn to use PHPP for the energy modeling of non-residential and retrofit projects, to use designPH to optimize your workflow, and to calculate thermal bridges.
15% Discount ending in:
Course access and schedule
Access begins the moment you enroll!
For one year, you’ll have full access to the course, our support platform, and four live Q&A sessions. You’ll have the option to choose between two* exam dates during this year to earn your Expert certification.
*If you enroll close to an exam date, your access period can be extended to ensure you have enough time to prepare and attend the exam.
Exam dates
Upcoming exam and Q&A dates:
November exam
- 14. September 2026 – Q&A (09:00-10:30 CEST)
- 12. October 2026 – Q&A (09:00-10:30 CEST)
- 5. November 2026 – Exam (Time: 15:00-17:30 CET)
Credit Points:
This course grants 61 Continuing Education Points in total, which can be applied towards renewing your Passive House Designer/Consultant and Tradesperson certification.
Prerequisites
- Certified Passive House Designer or Consultant qualification (active or expired certificate)
- PHPP Basics course completion. You can find more about the PHPP Basic course here.
Note: This is Module 3 of the CPHD/C course at the Passive House School.
Software used:
- PHPP software license is required
- designPH software (recommended). You can use a demo version during the course. Please note the demo version is a simplified version of the software version covered in the course
- You will get a free trial for flixo – the software we use for thermal bridge calculations
The 3 modules that will fully prepare you to become a PHPP Expert
Our 3 modules will take you step by step from getting in-depth PHPP knowledge, teaching you how to make energy models for non-residential buildings, step-by-step retrofits, calculating design variants and assessing the investment costs, to streamlining your workflow with designPH and calculating and optimizing thermal bridges for your projects.
- Enter complex residential and non-residential buildings, (step-by-step) retrofits and use the variant calculation to optimize a project’s energy efficiency
- Learn to use the SketchUP plug-in, designPH, to create 3D models of a building envelope, how to assign component properties, update a building model, and export data into PHPP totally or partially.
- Understand the calculation of thermal bridges, and how to set up a thermal bridge calculation in a 2-dimensional heat flow calculation software package.
Proven professional process
A step-by-step process that will enable you to master using PHPP for any types of projects, optimize your workflow with designPH and calculate thermal bridges.
Real world examples and actionable advice
All design and construction principles are taught based on real-world case studies – from cold to hot climates.
In-depth feedback from industry experts
Hone your Passive House skills with feedback from the PHS experts, access to professional community, and Q&A sessions.
MODULE 1: PHPP Advanced Masterclass
In this module, you will learn advanced PHPP concepts for more complex office and school buildings. You will learn about entering information for non-residential buildings in PHPP, curtain wall facades, shading factors, additional ventilation, but also how to calculate design variants, make economic calculations and how to use PHPP for step-by-step EnerPHits. All this will be taught based on a case study project.
What you'll learn in Module 1?
- Learn how to enter projects with a mixed use into PHPP
- Learn how to select or calculate the correct internal heat gains for non-residential buildings
- Learn how to enter non-residential user patterns into PHPP
- Learn how to enter multiple ventilation units and various types of ventilation units into PHPP
- Learn how to enter specific electricity uses for non-residential buildings, such as lighting, lifts, office equipment or user-specific appliances
- Learn how to enter components typical for non-residential or large buildings into PHPP, such as curtain wall facades or structural glazing
- Advanced understanding of how to enter more complex shading situations (reveal shading on only one side, deciduous trees, stand-alone buildings) and how to enter separately calculated shading factors
- Apply the variants calculation by means of the multiple operations / data table operations
- Learn how to enter variant parameters into PHPP
- Learn how to set up user defined variant parameters or calculation results
- Learn the concept of economic comparison in PHPP
- Identify specific data entry and results in PHPP and EnerPHit Retrofit Plan (ERP), which are relevant for the data input or certification of retrofit projects
- Learn the concept and features of the ERP
MODULE 2: designPH Masterclass
In the designPH Masterclass, you will learn how to use designPH for the design and certification of Passive House buildings. During the online course, you will be guided step-by-step through the building design process, from creating the 3D building model and analyzing it with designPH to exporting the model to PHPP. You will learn how to use all functionalities of deisgnPH based on a case study project which you will build and analyze with designPH.
What you'll learn in Module 2?
- Create a 3D model of a building in Sketchup
- Learn to use SketchUp, optimize your workflow, and use shortcuts
- Determine key building characteristics, including building envelope areas, TFA, unheated volumes, and shading elements
- Learn how to use the designPH interface and work with all functionalities of the plugin
- Assign properties and components to the 3D model
- Calculate a simplified annual energy balance for the building
- Learn how to compare design options and iteratively refine the model to achieve the Passive House criteria
- Understand the proper organization of the designPH models to streamline the workflow and minimize the potential errors
- Export the 3D model from designPH and import it into PHPP
- Learn how to refine and finalize the imported model in PHPP and use it for certification
- Gain practical experience in completing a designPH model for a single-family house
MODULE 3: Thermal Bridging Calculations Masterclass
Thermal bridges need to be assessed and calculated separately with thermal bridge simulation software, before their values are entered in the PHPP.
In this module we will cover everything you have to know about thermal bridge calculations – from the theory to practice. You will acquire in-depth knowledge on the subject of thermal bridges, learn what boundary conditions should be used, how to calculate different types of thermal bridges, for example external wall to floor connections and window installations.
This module also includes a thermal bridges workshop where you will learn the basics of the free THERM software.
What you'll learn in Module 3?
- Deep understanding of the thermal bridge concept
- Analyze and interpret outputs from heat flow calculation software
- Define the correct boundary conditions for thermal bridge assessments
- Understand the thermal bridge calculation methods used by the PHI for window connection details
- Understand the thermal bridge calculation methods used by the PHI for ground connection details
- Apply techniques to minimize linear and punctual thermal bridge effects
- Have an understanding of the ranges of psi- and chi-values of typical thermal bridges
- Understand when values from literature can be applied or if a calculation is necessary for a given detail
- Learn the basic functionalities of using the THERM software for thermal bridge calculations
BONUS: flixo Training
Discover the intricacies of flixo in our Masterclass. Dive deep into flixo’s features, and establish a strong foundation for expert usage. Master the techniques unique to flixo and, by the end of the training, be adept at conducting thermal analyses.
Delve into the specifics of modeling thermal bridges with flixo, gaining insight into how design nuances influence the energy efficiency of High-Performance buildings and Passive House buildings. We’ll explore the key principles and protocols of thermal bridge modeling. Under expert guidance, you’ll get hands-on experience modeling several prevalent thermal bridges using flixo.
Become a worldwide accredited
PHPP Expert
Meet your course instructors
Learn from industry experts
Anton Dobrevski
Co-Founder, Certified Passive House Consultant & Trainer, Leed Green Associate
Anton became one of the youngest Certified Passive House Consultants in the world at the age of 16. He is also an accredited Passive House Trainer by the PHI and a LEED Green Associate. Anton graduated with a Master’s degree in architecture at the Delft University of Technology. Currently, he is designing and consulting multiple Passive House projects all over the globe. Anton is a passionate advocate of the Passive House Standard and his aim is to make the Passive House Standard accessible to people all over the world. In his spare time, Anton enjoys music, karate, yoga, and traveling.
Svetlin Dobrevski
Co-Founder, Passive House Certifier, Certified Passive House Consultant
Svetlin is Passive House Trainer, Consultant, and Certifier globally accredited by the Passive House Institute. He designed, built, and now lives in the first Passive House Classic in Bulgaria. Svetlin has been delivering Passive House Designer courses for over 10 years and he trained 250+ people from over 20 countries. He has 25+ years of experience in the building sector and worked on numerous Passive House projects all over the world. He was also a keynote speaker at the International Passive House Conferences in 2017 and 2018. In his spare time, Svetlin enjoys hiking in nature, fencing, and archery.
Get additional CP for the renewal of your CPHD/C certificate
Further Education Training
The PHPP Expert all-in course package grants 61 Continuing Education Points in total, which can be applied towards renewing your Passive House Designer/Consultant and Tradesperson certification.
What our course participants say about the course:
PHPP Expert course
Become a PHPP Expert. Learn to use PHPP for the energy modeling of non-residential and retrofit projects, use designPH to optimize your workflow, and calculate thermal bridges.
All-in package
Included in the package:
- PHPP Advanced Masterclass
- designPH Masterclass
- Thermal Bridging Masterclass
- BONUS: flixo training
- Access to Passive House Expert community
- Live Q&A sessions
- PHPP Expert exam and accreditation fees
- 12-month access
€1697 excl. tax
€1442 excl. tax
€1697 excl. tax
Or 3 instalments of €597 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
Or 3 instalments of €597 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
All-in package
Included in the package:
- PHPP Advanced Masterclass
- designPH Masterclass
- Thermal Bridging Masterclass
- BONUS: flixo training
- Access to Passive House Expert community
- Live Q&A sessions
- PHPP Expert exam and accreditation fees
- 12-month access
£1470 excl. tax
£1250 excl. tax
£1470 excl. tax
Or 3 instalments of £517 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
Or 3 instalments of £517 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
All-in package
Included in the package:
- PHPP Advanced Masterclass
- designPH Masterclass
- Thermal Bridging Masterclass
- BONUS: flixo training
- Access to Passive House Expert community
- Live Q&A sessions
- PHPP Expert exam and accreditation fees
- 12-month access
$2997 excl. tax
$2547 excl. tax
$2997 excl. tax
Or 3 instalments of $1060 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
Or 3 instalments of $1060 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
All-in package
Included in the package:
- PHPP Advanced Masterclass
- designPH Masterclass
- Thermal Bridging Masterclass
- BONUS: flixo training
- Access to Passive House Expert community
- Live Q&A sessions
- PHPP Expert exam and accreditation fees
- 12-month access
$1980 excl. tax
$1683 excl. tax
$1980 excl. tax
Or 3 installments of $697 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
Or 3 installments of $697 excl. tax
Click here to set up your payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your questions aren’t covered below, you can send us a message.
This course is for ALL Passive House Professionals, Sustainability Consultants, Energy Modelers, Architect and Engineers who want to become experts in the design process of Passive House and Low Energy buildings and want to streamline their Passive House energy modeling.
This course is a good fir for you if you want to:
- Become a PHPP Expert
- Develop advanced knowledge of PHPP and master using the software for any type of building
- Learn designPH and streamline your workflow
- Learn to calculate and optimize thermal bridges
NOTE: Please check the prerequisites for this course which you can find here.
For this course, you will need:
- PHPP v9.6 (or later)
- designPH v2.0 (or later). Alternatively, you can get a free designPH demo version
- SketchUp desktop version; free trial version is available, and
- PHPP v9.6 (or later).
- flixo software (free trial avaialble)
NOTE: You don’t need any prior knowledge with any of the softwares apart from PHPP.
No! We have a whole dedicated module in the course in which we teach you how to use SketchUp even if you have 0 experience with the software.
Yes, the course is officially accredited by the Passive House Institute (PHI).
Also, the PHPP Expert title that you will acquire after passing the exam, is accredited and valid worldwide.
The course consists of self-paced online modules, and two times per year we organise an online exam. Before each online exam, there are 2 live Q&A sessions.
Around 80 hours are needed to complete all modules and prepare for the exam.
Each module consists of prerecorded videos and self-paced guided exercises. Before each of the two exam we organise every year, there are 2 live Q&A sessions. All live sessions will be recorded, so that you can rewatch them later while preparing for the exam or in case you were unable to join the live session.
In each module are included self-paced pre-recorded exercises, allowing you to watch them whenever is best for you.
You’ll get many of the benefits of learning in-person but from the comfort of your own home with the flexibility of your own hours.
No. However, you will get the option to purchase a software license at a discount after enrolling in the course.
If you’ve taken part in any of the Masterclass modules, you are eligible for a discount. To get your discount, please send an email to team@passivehouseschool.com from the email with which you are enrolled in the Masterclass.
Note: These discounts cannot be combined with other offers and discounts.
Students and iPHA members get a 10% discount.
If you are an iPHA Member, please send an email to team@passivehouseschool.com with a link to your iPHA membership to provide you with a discount code.
If you are a student, please send your proof of enrollment to team@passivehouseschool.com from your student email address.
Note: These discounts cannot be combined with other offers and discounts.
You will receive a receipt for your purchase which is tax compliant and can be used for claiming business expenses. For this, you have to enter your business details and VAT number (if applicable) on the checkout and you will receive your receipt via email after enrolling in the course.
If you live in a country where an invoice is required by law, the platform we use for our courses (teachable) will issue an invoice in PDF format for your purchase. If an invoice is not required by law, you will receive a receipt for your purchase.
IMPORTANT: To get a company receipt/invoice, you have to add your company name and tax number and click the apply button.
If you provide a valid VAT number, tax will be automatically deducted at checkout.