The 2025 Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme

Bridge Inspectors

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Overview and benefits of BICS

The Lantra Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme is a nationally recognised qualification that supports consistent, high-quality inspection of highway structures across the UK. It helps ensure inspectors meet industry standards for safety, competence, and technical knowledge, making it a trusted benchmark for employers, contractors, and public authorities involved in infrastructure maintenance and management.

Getting certified demonstrates:

Proof of Competence
Formalisation of knowledge and experience required by inspectors
Recognition
Transferrable skills
A structured approach to promoting continued learning of Bridge Inspectors

Getting Certified: Bridge Inspection

1. Complete Your Application

To begin the process, candidates must submit an application. This application form is required for both new and existing applicants and includes sections for preferred test dates and billing information.

2. Receive your test date from us

Once you've submitted your application, we'll be in touch via email to acknowledge receipt of your application, provide some initial supportive documentation, and then give you your test date.

3. Receive Support Materials

In good time before your test, we'll be in touch with some supportive materials to assist you in your Knowledge-Based Test. These materials include Inspection Manual for Highway Structures (Volumes 1 & 2), CS 450 Inspection of Highway Structures in addition to Lantra revision notes and flashcards.

4. Take the Knowledge-Based Test

An email will be sent to you 24 hours before your scheduled test date as a reminder of your upcoming test. This email will contain registration and access details.

5. Certification: Unlock your E-Card

If you pass the Knowledge-Based Test, you'll need to finalise your Bridge Inspector certification by purchasing an e-Card. This costs £50 plus VAT.

Further Information: Progression Routes

Trainee Inspector

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1, 2, 3
Supervised

e-Card £50

Associate Bridge Inspector

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1 and Cat 2, 3
Unsupervised and Supervised
Recommended experience: 1 to 2 years

Knowledge Test £100
e-Card £50

Bridge Inspector (progressing from ABI)

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1, 2 and Cat 3
Supervised and Unsupervised
Recommended experience: 2 to 5 years

e-Portfolio review £250
Interview £250
e-Card £50

Bridge Inspector
(direct entry)

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1, 2 and Cat 3
Supervised and Unsupervised
Recommended experience: 2 to 5 years

Knowledge Test £100
e-Portfolio review £250
Interview £250
e-Card £50

Senior Bridge Inspector (Progressing from ABI)

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1, 2, 3
Unsupervised
Recommended experience: 5+ years

e-Portfolio review £250
Interview £250
e-Card £50

Senior Bridge Inspector (direct entry)

Structure Category: Cat 0, 1, 2, 3
Unsupervised
Recommended experience: 5+ years

Knowledge Test £100
e-Portfolio review £250
Interview £250
e-Card £50

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the old and new scheme?

Whilst the old scheme continues to be available for those already registered, the expectation is that all future inspectors coming onboard will be directed to the new BICS 2025 scheme.

If I am a certified Bridge Inspector from the original system, how do I become Senior Bridge Inspector in the new system?

No Knowledge Based Test (KBT) will be required. You will be issued the new style e-Portfolio covering the experience and proficiency levels appropriate to Senior Bridge Inspector (SBI). It is worth noting that there are less units in the new style e-Portfolio.

If a candidate is already well progressed with the e-portfolio but wants to change to the new Scheme, will they still be able to access/download what they have already entered into the previous e-portfolio?

Yes, this information can be downloaded to an excel spreadsheet and then used to help populate the new e-Portfolio.

Have any questions?

Get in touch

bridges@lantra.co.uk

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