Bridge Inspectors

Overview and benefits of BICS



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

 

 

 

BICS 2025: An improved Certification Scheme  

This exciting development was officially unveiled at the Bridges 2024 Conference in Glasgow during a special presentation by Niall McKay, BICS Chairperson, on Thursday, 28th November 2024. The improved certification scheme, launched January 2025, introduces advanced training modules, updated standards, and enhanced competencies to meet the evolving challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure. It reflects BICS' unwavering commitment to fostering expertise, safety, and professionalism across the bridge inspection community.

 

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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

Pre-2025 Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme

 

If you're still a candidate or member of the pre-2025 BICS scheme, below you can find some useful documentation and guidance.

Candidate Guidance
Certified Members
Assessor information

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