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NOVA Acoustics

How to become an Acoustic Consultant?

Becoming an acoustic consultant can seem like a daunting process to many of those outside of the industry; this is largely due to the strong link between the career with science and maths skills.

To many, the role of acoustic consultant seems like an endless stream of measurements with high-tech instruments and incomprehensible formulas.

Whilst there is an undeniable association between maths and acoustics, there is also a good many other qualities that are required in order to become a successful acoustic consultant. So it is unfortunate when individuals who posses such qualities are put off by the slightly more technical side of the industry.

Amongst the less technical-orientated qualities that are required are strong written verbal and communication skills.

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These are needed in order for an acoustic consultant to be able to explain their ideas for the management of sound and vibration to their client – it is useless having the best idea in the world but being unable to express it so it can be put into practise. It is also very important to have a wide knowledge of legislation and standards that apply to the areas in which your consultancy work falls under. For NOVA Acoustics, this is entails a solid understanding of legislation which is pertinent to our clients, such as British Standards and World Health Organization guidelines. This allows noise impact assessments and noise surveys to be carried to a level that will ensure a satisfied client.

Academically, there are a number of ways to gain the necessary qualifications required in order to become a practising acoustic consultant. A strong scientific interest in the behaviour of sound is required; therefore those who go on to study acoustics will typically have undergraduate degrees in mathematics or physics. However, this is not the only route into the industry as many acoustic consultants have qualifications in other subjects, such as environmental science, mechanical engineering or construction. Another increasingly popular route towards becoming an acoustic consultant is through a work-based apprenticeship.

Whichever route has been selected, many employers will ultimately want their staff to hold a diploma from the acoustic consultant society, the Institute of Acoustics (IoA). The IoA offer a number of other ways to achieve professional development training and should be the first port of call for those interested in pursuing a career as an acoustic consultant.

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