Training & Certification
BSSM currently operate the only independently recognised strain measurement certification scheme in the World, through our dedicated training courses and examinations. We are the only organisation that provide certification of strain measurement personnel.
The scheme follows ISO 9712: the International Standard for Nondestructive Testing, and has run for over 30 years. During that time we have held countless exams in the UK, where candidates from many European countries and a wide range of industries have attended and we have also held multiple exams in South Africa and Denmark. We are currently organising remote examinations in China.
Strain gauging is a skilled profession, requiring a high level of detail and attention. BSSM has worked with the strain gauge manufactures and experienced practitioners to develop an agreed Code of Practice for the Installation of Electrical Resistance Strain Gauges and has developed a Certification scheme to provide industry with a means of ensuring the capability of their staff to select and install strain gauges. From initial specification to the interpretation and analysis of data, the BSSM provides a complete skillset necessary for anyone involved in precision strain measurement through a range of training courses and examinations for the certification of strain gauge personnel.
All courses can be taken independently and taking an exam is optional.
Courses are available suitable for:
- Technicians who install strain gauges
- Designers who design instruments to measure load, Torque, Pressure, Distance etc
- Engineers who use strain gauges for Stress Analysis
The scheme follows ISO9712:2012, with three levels (strain gauge installation, strain measurement, stress analysis). The exams provide certification to assure a level of competence, from basic installation (Level 1) to full specification, installation, measurement and analysis (Levels 2 and 3). The courses (Level 2 and 3) provide comprehensive and essential information to enable successful measurements, reduced uncertainties, and numerical analysis.
The BSSM Certification scheme now includes a Pre-Wired Strain Gauge Installation Certificate
By popular demand, BSSM have extended their current world recognized certification scheme with the addition of a new Level 1 qualification. This new Level 1 Certificate provides a qualification for engineers and technicians involved in the installation of pre-wired strain gauges. It shows that the holder has demonstrated a high level of skill in making strain gauge installations and can install gauges that can be used with confidence to make accurate and reliable measurements. The certificate can be integrated into the quality systems of participating businesses and organisations allowing them to demonstrate the competence of their employees.
For further information please contact amandaboaler@bssm.org
Training Courses
The BSSM Strain Analysis and Stress Analysis courses are prerequisites for candidates progressing through the certification scheme but are also suitable for CPD, for those that do not require certification.
Certification and Exams
BSSM has developed a three tier Certification Scheme that covers specific knowledge bases for each of the three levels and provides an industry recognised formal qualification.
Experience with the certification scheme over a period of 30 years has shown that certification:
- Provides customer confidence in the quality of your measurements
- Gives your company the competitive edge
- Demonstrates staff and organisational competence to external bodies
- Increases staff confidence
- Extends skills and understanding and consequently staff interest
- Enhances staff status within the company
Strain gauges are still extensively used in all areas of technology; they can be found in many devices which can include weighing equipment (home and industrial); medical devices; automotive; robotics and many others, and are considered the “Gold Standard” when used in the verification of numerical analyses of structures.
Regardless of which industry strain gauges are used, the quality of the measurement is dependent upon two main factors; the quality of the sensor and most importantly, the quality and integrity of the installation on the structure/component.
Have you considered?
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Failure to achieve the desired standards for gauge installation can lead to expensive mistakes. Gauges can fall off, data can be compromised, and faulty analysis can lead to life-threatening problems. At the very least, expensive test programmes can result with no useable data, or perhaps your delivery customer will not accept results if you cannot prove compliance, competence, calibration or traceability. Too many tests have had to be repeated or abandoned due to poor execution.
Example 1
For example, a repeat of a successful pressure vessel test was abandoned as the customer ran out of strain gauge-certified adhesive and purchased some from a local DIY store, resulting in poor performance and gauges peeling off under strain.
Example 2
In another situation, an expensive sub-sea application failed, and had to be recovered from the sea bed. On inspection, the clear silicone coating had started to fail (it’s not suitable for long-term immersion), and residual solder flux residue had significantly attacked the strain gauges, turning them black
Both instances could have been avoided through a good understanding of the requirements, competence training and certification, and seeking the advice of professionals well-versed in strain gauge applications
"Our Installation Engineers here at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace find that the BSSM's courses and certification schemes give them suitable recognition for their gauge application skills"
Leighton Tipton (Structural Measurement Specialist, Rolls Royce)
Please also give a huge thanks to the course instructors. It was a wonderful and enjoyable course which has consolidated my existing strain gauging knowledge
Training & Certification
Our courses include Stress Analysis and Load Measurement, Strain Analysis, Certification Seminars and Exams.
In addition we offer tailor made courses to suit your specific needs and run these at your company premises
2025 Prices
Level 1
Pre-exam seminar £385
Exam £625
Exam (2 installation types) £750
Renewal £385
Level 2
Pre-exam seminar £385
Exam £880
Renewal £385
Level 3
Pre-exam seminar £470
Exam £1025
Renewal £385
Courses
Strain Analysis using Resistance Strain Gauges course £1770
Stress Analysis & Load Measurement course £1440
All prices ex VAT
Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Early Careers
The BSSM is ahead of the game when it comes to encouraging early career development. We offer membership, courses, competitions, conferences and networking opportunities in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Publications
Available to buy online, the BSSM's Code of Practice for the Installation of Electrical Strain Gauges, Strain Measurement Reference Book and Resistance Strain Gauge Load Cells
Ask the Experts
If you have a specific question about strain measurement, a particular technique or application area, or want to find out which of the BSSM Corporate Members might be able to help