Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

This course is divided into five key areas:

Basic Concepts of Environmental Noise

You’ll receive an overview of the basic definitions and principles of sound, noise indices, and units, and the basic calculations involving decibels and noise indices.

Instrumentation for Environmental Noise Measurement

You will go through the key features and properties of an integrating sound level meter. We will also consider the importance of both field and laboratory calibration requirements.

Noise Indices and Measurement Methodologies for Environmental Noise Measurement

You will review noise assessment methods and standards, including the current guidance documents on noise in relation to planning applications, BS4142, CRTN, and BS5228. The focus here is very much on measurement methodology and less so on the legislative requirements.

Environmental Noise Measurement in Practice

We will encourage you to focus on the principles and good practice of noise measurement in the field, including those stipulated in BS7445.  You will also consider the limitations of noise measurement through the application of practical case studies and uncertainty. There will be plenty of opportunities to practise your skills outdoors.

Overview of Sound Propagation

This part of the course focuses on the propagation of sound from point and line sources and the effects of the environment on sound propagation.

Who is this course for

If you are employed in a technical or scientific role by local authorities, environmental consultancies or other organisations where environmental noise measurement features, this course is ideal for you.

No formal qualifications are required. Successful completion of the course can lead to technical membership of the Institute of Acoustics.

Learn from an expert teaching team

• Our teaching team are members of the IOA and actively involved in its committees, ensuring they bring expert knowledge and industry insight to the course.
• In collaboration with the ANV Measurement Systems, the organisation supports this course by offering expertise and providing equipment.

The course will start on a Monday and will take five days to complete.

This is a hands-on course that will develop your skills in undertaking noise measurements and interpreting the results, so it will be very relevant to the job you do.

You'll take a practical exam on the following Friday. There's also a written exam that is normally held on a Friday, about two weeks after the course.

Certificate/award on completion: Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

• Gain practical skills associated with environmental noise measurement
• Gain an understanding of the key acoustical principles in the context of environmental noise. 

The next step could be the IOA Diploma in Acoustics.

You may already be employed, 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 cost of the course is £1,800 (including IOA registration fee) for the academic year 2025/26.

Please note this is subject to change.

Thank you for expressing interest in this course. To register your interest in studying this course and find out when the next enrolment is, please refer to our Unishop: IOA Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement | The University of Derby Online Store

If you require further information regarding your application, please contact: sande@derby.ac.uk.

Course author

Paul Shields

Contact us

If you want to find out more about studying a short course, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.