Enhanced Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme Introduced at Lantra
Lantra is excited to unveil comprehensive enhancements to our Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme. These improvements reflect Lantra’s unwavering commitment to safety, excellence, and continuous professional development within the construction industry.
Recognising the importance of enhancing the candidate experience, we have integrated feedback received to date, including from our existing candidates, to make these further improvements to the scheme. Our primary goals are to streamline the process of recording experience and improve overall accessibility to the scheme while maintaining the highest standards.
A New Online Safety Assessment
Lantra is introducing a new, easily accessible, knowledge-based online test to assess inspectors' knowledge in key critical areas such as structural behaviour, material science, safety protocols, and broader inspection issues. This independently regulated test addresses the Awareness and Knowledge requirements of the current scheme. This improvement significantly simplifies the e-portfolio requirements, which will now focus solely on Experience and Proficiency.
A new entry-level ‘Associate Inspector’ certification will also be introduced. This certification will be assessed through the brand-new knowledge-based online test and will include questions about the candidates’ experience.
Using the Skills+ platform, Lantra will be streamlining the e-portfolio to focus only on competencies requiring Experience and Proficiency. The new process will also allow evidence for multiple competencies to be uploaded in a single document. Lantra will provide detailed guidance on the evidence that is required to be uploaded to Skills+.
Achieving National Highway Sector Scheme status for BICS benefits the industry by establishing a recognised quality standard and benchmark for both employers and employees, supported by a robust and transparent system.
What Industry Experts Think
Commenting on the enhancements announced to the Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme, Stephanie Craig, Head of Industry for Highways at Lantra, said: “We are really pleased to be able to announce these major improvements to the Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme, further demonstrating Lantra’s commitment to safety and excellence in the highways industry.
“We have taken on a collaborative approach in making these improvements, from listening to feedback from learners, and instructors, as well as engaging with key stakeholders and partners from across the industry.”
Lantra are actively exploring partnerships with institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT). These collaborations will foster knowledge exchange, best practices, and reciprocal opportunities for our inspectors.
Also commenting on the announcement, Niall McKay CEng FICE, Professional Head of Civils and Structures Operations and Maintenance, AtkinsRéalis, and Chair of the BICS Steering Group, said: “Our commitment extends beyond compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning following certification. The online test and simplified experience recording are pivotal steps toward achieving this.”
Further, Dr. Hazel McDonald, Chair of the UK Bridges Board, added: “The BICS scheme, owned by the UK Bridges Board, undergoes regular reviews as necessary good practice. Listening to candidate feedback, asset owner collaboration, and the excellent work of the Steering Committee have garnered the full support of the Board.”
Peter Hill, Head of Structures and Vehicle Restraints, National Highways: “As a founding BICS Steering Group member, National Highways continues to recognise the importance of membership as a mark of the experience and competence of Inspectors, providing recognition for the vital role they play in keeping our highway structures safe.”
The major enhancements announced by Lantra today are a major milestone in their continued commitment to supporting the high standards of safety and professional development within the highways sector.
For more information please contact the BICS Project team at bridges@lantra.co.uk