Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement
Course Description
This course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics. This recognition, coupled with over 25 years’ experience of delivering short courses in acoustics, means we have the knowledge and expertise to support you in this course. This five-day course seeks to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement, including the use and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and analysers and to enable them to be aware of the significance of measurement data against the framework of standards and legislation for environmental noise.
Because we know that many of you will be working and will be taking this course as part of your professional development, we may be able to hold the course at your place of work for your convenience.
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.
Structure, Certificates and Assessment
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
Learning Outcomes
- Gain practical skills associated with environmental noise measurement
- Gain an understanding of the key acoustical principles in the context of environmental noise.
Benefits
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.
Fees and Funding
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.
Course Details
Next course date
Expected course date: April and September
Duration
35 hours of contact time
Location
Markeaton Street, Derby Campus
Lecture/workshop days - dates/times
5 day course, 9:00am - 4.30pm
Exam dates/times
16th May 2025 and 10th October 2025
Who will teach you
Mark Dring
Programme leader
Mark is a lecturer on the Sound, Light and Live Event Technology Degree and also on the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control.
Course author
Paul Shields
Program Outline
Outline:
This course is divided into five key areas:
- Basic Concepts of Environmental Noise: This module provides 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: This module covers the basic features and properties of an integrating sound level meter. It also considers the importance of both field and laboratory calibration requirements.
- Noise Indices and Measurement Methodologies for Environmental Noise Measurement: This module reviews noise assessment methods and standards, including the new 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: This module encourages students to focus on the principles and good practice of noise measurement in the field, including those stipulated in BS7445. Students 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 skills outdoors.
Assessment:
- Practical exam on the Friday of the course.
- Written exam held on a Friday about two weeks after the course.
Teaching:
- The course will start on a Monday and will take five full-time days to complete.
- This is a hands-on course that will develop skills in undertaking noise measurements and interpreting the results.
- The course is taught by Mark Dring, a lecturer on the Sound, Light and Live Event Technology Degree and also on the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control.
Careers:
- The next step could be the IOA diploma in Acoustics.
- Gaining this qualification could enhance career prospects as it will set you apart from peers.
Other:
- This course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics.
- Successful completion of the course can lead to technical membership of the Institute of Acoustics.
