Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Assessment

Start date: You can start this course in March and October

Course length: Full time: 5 days and 1 day exam

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

If you're a health and safety manager or work within health and safety, this course is for you. It's also increasingly popular with people working in noise consultancies.

The course will start on a Monday and will take five days to complete. You'll take a practical exam on the Friday. There's also a written exam that is normally held on a Friday about two weeks after the course.

We usually run the course twice a year in March and October at our Kedleston Road site in Derby. However, it may be possible, by special
arrangement, to hold the course at your place of work.

We've divided the course into six key areas:

Basic concepts of noise

You'll receive an overview of the basic definitions and principles of sound, noise indices and units, and learn how to undertake basic calculations involving decibels.

Measurement and instrumentation for noise assessment

You'll go through the basic features and properties of an integrating sound level meter, the calibration of meters and the properties of a dosimeter.

Noise exposure assessment

You'll review measurement strategies, including the limitations of data collection and the calculation of personal noise exposure levels.

Hearing, hearing loss measurement and protection

You'll focus on the structure of the ear and the hearing mechanism, and review hearing defects and their social implications. You will also look at the types of hearing protectors, their limitations and advantages, and their performance.

Overview of legal aspects

It's vital to be up to date with legislation so you'll consider primary legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and other regulations and codes of practice. You'll also review the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Noise reduction techniques

You'll look at the basic methods of noise control in the workplace, from its source to its transmission path and, finally, to the receiver.

What you’ll study

This course is divided into six key areas:

Basic Concepts of Noise
You’ll receive an overview of the basic definitions and principles of sound, noise indices and units and you’ll learn how to undertake basic calculations involving decibels.

Measurement and Instrumentation for Noise Assessment
You’ll go through the basic features and properties of an integrating sound level meter, the calibration of meters and the properties of a dosimeter.

Noise Exposure Assessment
You’ll review measurement strategies, including the limitations of data collection and the calculation of personal noise exposure levels.

Hearing, Hearing Loss Measurement and Protection
You’ll focus on the structure of the ear and the hearing mechanism and review hearing defects and their social implications. You’ll also look at the types of hearing protectors, their limitations and advantages and their performance.

Overview of Legal Aspects
It’s vital to be up to date with legislation, so you’ll consider primary legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and other regulations and codes of practice. You’ll also review the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Noise Reduction Techniques
You’ll look at the basic methods of noise control in the workplace, from its source to its transmission path and finally to the receiver.

Details on application

How you'll learn

During this practical, week long course you’ll develop the skills you’ll need to undertake a risk assessment of noise exposures in the workplace. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and its associated guidance documents.

How you're assessed

You’ll take a practical and a written exam. You’ll need to pass both to gain the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in
Workplace Noise Assessment.

You're probably already in employment, so you'll be able to put the skills you develop into practice immediately in your role. Gaining this qualification could also enhance your career prospects as it will set you apart from your peers.

"The format of the course was excellent with the two week gap before the exam. Since the exam I have also successfully completed a competency course in audiometry. The knowledge I brought to this from the Noise Assessment course was extremely helpful."
Mike Abram

"I found the course material to be coherent and well presented. The informal classroom tutorials were most helpful in explaining and simplifying the technical issues associated with the subject. The course tutors were approachable and eager to assist with any difficulties or misconceptions I encountered."
Andrew Short, Director, Lichfield Technology