Bridge Inspection Training Course
Event organisers: Centre for Infrastructure Management
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Led by a highly experienced academic and industrial team, our Bridge Inspection Training Course offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject matter.
There are a vast number of bridges in the UK's highway and railway transport networks which require regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure a safe and long service life. The Bridge Inspector is required to understand how various materials, such as reinforced concrete, steel, cast iron and masonry perform under different conditions and also have a high level of competence to keep their structures safely in-service.
Our 6-day training course is intended to equip bridge inspectors with the required knowledge to become certified under the Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme of the UK Bridges Board. It is based on Highways England 'Inspection Manual for Highway Structures' and aligns with the ' Code of Practice for the Management of Highway Structures'.
Testimonies
The transition to on-line has worked very well and I really enjoyed it
Online, Days 5-6
I liked all of it. I wish the course had been available 15 years ago.
Sheffield, Days 1-2As I am new to this subject, all aspects of this course were very useful to me.
Dundee, Days 1-2Very informative course, well organised. Presentations and Lecturers communicate the subject matter extremely well.
Glasgow, Days 1-3Delivered by an enthusiastic, experienced and very knowledgeable team.
Dundee, Days 3-4Easy to fit into work schedule. Subject matter made easy to understand.
Durham, Days 5-6Excellent delivery throughout, well-paced and easy to follow.
Sheffield, Days 5-6Informative and relevant to my job role. Increased my awareness and knowledge.
Newcastle, Days 5-6The topics are delivered in a clear and effective way. Having different speakers helps with the flow of the day.
Newcastle, Days 5-6
We are currently offering online training only, which has received good feedback. The training will be delivered in two separate blocks of three days each – please see ‘Course Dates and Locations’ below. We will look at delivering face-to-face training again in the future, pending demand.
To book a place please email meri-cpd@shu.ac.uk
Who should attend and why?
Bridge Inspectors and employers of Bridge Inspectors since they are required to meet the standards of the National Highway Sector Scheme (NHSS31) for the Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme.
The training course provides the theoretical knowledge required to become a certified bridge inspector. Certificates of attendance are provided which can be used as evidence of attending a training course, no formal qualification is given. Each candidate who applied for registration under the BICS need to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical experience of bridge inspection. However, for anyone not wishing to pursue the BICS, they can also attend the course to enhance their knowledge of bridge inspection.
Overview of the programme
The whole course programme will cover the seven core units of the DfT Bridge Inspection Certification scheme, namely
- Unit C1 Introduction to Inspections
- Unit C2 Structures Types and Elements / Behaviour of Structures
- Unit C3 Inspection Process
- Unit C4 Defects Descriptions and Causes
- Unit C5 Investigation and Testing
- Unit C6 Repair Techniques
- Unit C7 General Aptitude
The course will be delivered in online in two blocks, each of three days.
For a detailed overview of the course please visit the information page.
Course dates
2025
Autumn Course Delivery
- Days 1-3: Tuesday 23 - Thursday 25 September 2025
- Days 4-6: Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 October 2025
2026
Winter Course Delivery
- Days 1-3: Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 February 2026
- Days 4-6: Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 March 2026
To book a place or to request any additional information, please email: meri-cpd@shu.ac.uk
Complementary training
A hands-on training event using bridge inspection test
equipment is also available. Attendees get the opportunity to experience using
state-of-the-art test equipment for inspecting materials such as concrete,
steel, masonry and timber. Further details can be found here (https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialisms/materials-and-engineering-research-institute/what-we-do/commercial-services/courses/hands-on-bridge-inspection-course).
To register your interest, please email: meri-cpd@shu.ac.uk
Key information
View our training course delivery team page for more information about the key staff involved.
Other practising professionals will also contribute on suitable topics.
All events start at 0845 hrs.
Cost
Online: £300 per person per day.
Places are limited and early booking is advisable. We are unable to accept provisional bookings.
For cancellations received within 14 days of the course start date, an administration fee of £100 will be charged. We regret that no refunds can be given after this date but substitute delegates are welcome. Non-attendance will be considered as a late cancellation and the full fee will be payable.
Contact Us
For further information, please email us at meri-cpd@shu.ac.uk or call us on 0114 225 3500
Associated Services
We offer a wide range of analytical and research services across construction and materials. Examples of our services include concrete testing, drilling resistance measurement system (DRMS) and accelerated weathering testing. To find out if we can meet your needs, please email us at meri@shu.ac.uk or call us on 0114 225 3500
Connect with us
Join in with our discussions on our LinkedIn group - Bridge Inspectors Group U.K.