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

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.

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.