BRL 9500: frequently asked questions answered

Below are the questions we receive most often about BRL 9500 and the energy labels you produce under it. Each answer is short. Where an answer needs more detail, we refer you to a subpage. The starting point is the RVO page on EP advisers , and registration runs through EP-Online . For the whole process, see the step-by-step plan.

These questions often concern a date or a time limit. Those are stated in the certification scheme itself, and the certification body can tell you what applies to your situation.

How long is a BRL 9500 certificate valid?

The period of validity is stated in the BRL 9500 scheme. Ask the certification body that issued your certificate, such as Kiwa, SKG-IKOB, VINK, EPG or ALPHA.

The company’s certificate is maintained through annual follow-up. That follow-up is part of its validity. See internal and external controls for what happens during that follow-up.

Must I retrain every year?

Yes. Every EP adviser must complete mandatory continuing training every year, according to RVO. Only then do you keep your professional competence. Training and exams are provided by training providers and exam institutes accredited by the foundation InstallQ.

Continuing training does not replace the exam. It keeps your knowledge up to date, so that your professional competence remains valid.

My certificate is based on the BRL 9500 version from 2024. What should I do?

The BRL 9500-W and -U from 2024 were declared binding by InstallQ and designated on 1 July 2024. Ask InstallQ or your certification body which version applies to your certificate and when a switch takes effect. Ask them for a timetable for the switch, so that your certificate does not lapse unnoticed.

What happens if there is an error on the energy label?

This depends on the error. A critical deviation has more consequences than a minor one. According to the BRL 9500-W and -U schemes, a critical deviation leads to an additional check. Ask your certification body what that means for your label.

Example: adviser Ruben (fictional) of Groenhuis Advies (fictional) finds that he entered the wrong orientation of the roof for a home. This error changes the label. Ruben reports it, has the label determined again, and registers the new version in EP-Online.

Sometimes a relabelling is possible without a new survey, up to 24 months after the original survey date. Ask your certification body which conditions apply. You can read more about registration on EP-Online registration.

Can a basic adviser also do detailed surveys?

No. A basic adviser may only use the basic method, according to RVO. A detailed adviser may also use the basic method, but not the other way round. Different rules apply to the company certificate. BRL 9500 has four separate subareas: W-basic, W-detailed, U-basic and U-detailed. These are treated as separate scopes. A company that only holds W-basic may therefore not have W-detailed reports registered under that certificate.

The difference between a basic survey and a detailed survey is explained on basic versus detailed survey.

Do I need a separate certificate for bespoke advice?

Yes, if you want to provide certified bespoke advice. A company then needs a BRL 9500-MWA certificate, for W and/or U. That MWA certification first requires a valid BRL 9500-W and/or -U certificate. In addition, you need the EP bespoke advice adviser competence yourself. Ask the exam bureau how to obtain it.

Where can I find the official text?

The BRL 9500-W and BRL 9500-U schemes are published through InstallQ. The NTA 8800 calculation method can be downloaded free of charge from NEN. The law itself is on wetten.overheid.nl , under the Besluit energieprestatie gebouwen (Dutch Energy Performance of Buildings Decree). For a legal decision, always read the current text yourself.