Acoustics Education
The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) offers a range of professionally recognised courses for those interested working in any aspect of acoustics. These cover general principles and specific applications including building acoustics and the management, regulation and control of noise and vibration in the workplace and environment.
Courses
Certificate of Proficiency in Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 - Noise Measurements
The ASBA course is approved by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) and the Institute of Acoustics and relates to the implementation of the noise provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act in Scotland. It is designed to enable successful candidates to make and report the required noise measurements in a competent manner. For those without a prior qualification in acoustics and noise measurement recognised by REHIS and the IOA it is a three day course. For those with such a qualification it is available as a one day refresher course (this is generally facilitated by attending the final day of the longer course).
The three day version of the course seeks to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of the principles, terminology and methodology of neighbourhood noise measurements, including the use, calibration and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and to make them aware of the significance of resulting data within the context of enforcing the legislation.
There is a written examination (Parts 1 and 2; only Part 2 is taken by candidates on the one-day course). All candidates must sit the practical test.
Students take the certificate exams after attending a course run by the accredited training centre, Bel Noise Courses (see contact details below). Course locations and dates will vary depending on demand.Exam dates are typically on a Friday and about 2 weeks after the course end.
Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment
This Certificate course aims to provide a recognised course of education and training to enable persons to carry out workplace noise assessments in a competent manner, as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Since the course was first run in 1989, more than 2000 people have gained the Certificate. With the introduction of the new Regulations in 2005, demand for competent noise exposure assessments is increasing and this course provides those registering with the latest information and training to meet the demands of this new legislation. It is designed to provide a background of basic acoustics combined with `hands on’ practical experience of industrial noise measurements and associated assessment of workplace noise exposure.
Students take the Certificate at an Accredited Centre. Attendance at the Centre is usually for four days, plus the examination day, which includes a practical test. Examinations are currently held at the Centres twice per year, in Spring and Autumn. Most Centres run the course for the four days preceding the examination date.
Information on accredited centres and the syllabus is available through the links below.
For further information on courses at specific centres, please approach the required centre directly.
Certificate Course in the Management of Occupational Exposure to Hand Arm Vibration
This five-day course seeks to enable course delegates to appreciate the nature of Hand-Arm Vibration hazards in the workplace and the need to protect employees from hand-arm vibration syndrome and to advise and assist employers to meet their legal duties under relevant health and safety law, in accordance with current guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. After completing the course delegates should be able to explain the requirements of current legislation, identify situations where hazards exist and assess the risk, discuss basic techniques for control of vibration exposure and identify areas where vibration reduction is required, assess the effectiveness of vibration control measures, evaluate the daily vibration exposures of employees from information about measured vibration magnitudes and work patterns and explain the uses and limitations of personal protective equipment.
Students take the Certificate course at an Accredited Centre. Attendance at the Centre is usually for four days, plus the examination day. Examination is currently held at the Centres once a year, in the Spring. Most Centres run the course for the four days preceding the examination date.
Certificate of Competence in Building Acoustics Measurement
This five-day course provides a basic knowledge of the methodology for measuring and reporting sound insulation and aspects of room acoustics, together with relevant provisions of key standards and guidance. There is an examination on the final day of the course.
Students take the certificate at an accredited centre. Usually attendance at the centre is required for the four days preceding the examination and on the examination day which includes a practical test.
Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement
This five-day course seeks to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement, including the use and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and analysers and to enable them be aware of the significance of measurement data against the framework of standards and legislation for environmental noise.
Students take the Certificate at an Accredited Centre. Attendance at the Centre is usually for four days, plus the examination day, which includes a practical test. Examinations are currently held at the Centres twice per year, in Spring and in Autumn. Most Centres run the course for the four days preceding the examination date.