Education & Training
BCAS leads the UK and Europe in specialist compressed air education and training. It offers a range of courses via a range of flexible delivery modes:
- distance learning
- e-learning
- face-to-face
- bespoke workshops
All the distance and e-learning courses are continual enrolment and can start at any time convenient to the student.
All the courses below are accredited by BCAS. For nationally accredited NVQ units, visit www.openquals.org or contact the BCAS offices on 020 7935 2464.
Four BCAS courses are currently available.
Safe Working With Compressed Air
A one hour internet based course developed by BCAS conjunction with safety practitioners in the field. It specifically addresses the need of those who use hand held air tools, including blow guns.
The course covers the following subject areas:
- Hazards arising from various air tools, including noise, vibration, fumes, hoses and connectors etc
- The use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Employer and employee responsibilities with respect to Health and Safety when using compressed air
- Specific hazards and risks associated with blow gun use
- A list of safe working practices to be followed
An online assessment confirms the candidate's understanding of the training material presented. Successful completion results in the award of a BCAS certificate and a fact sheet of safe working practices as an aide memoir when back in the workplace.
Certificate In Compressed Air Technology (CertCAT©)
This e-learning course is relevant to anyone working with compressed air for whom it would be useful to improve his/her understanding of the basic principles of compressed air production and use, as well as the components which constitute a compressed air system.
Those who undertake the course will gain a comprehensive introduction to the main principles and uses of modern compressed air systems. Successful candidates will be awarded a BCAS certificate at the equivalent of Level 2 within the national qualifications framework.
The Diploma In Compressed Air Management (DipCAM©)
The DipCAM© is a distance learning course comprising 10 modules, aimed at individuals with experience within the compressed air industry, a broad knowledge of compressed air technology and a position of responsibility within their company. The duration of the course is six months from when you receive the modules folder. Up to 50 hours of study will be required to understand and learn the course material. The qualification is awarded upon the results of supervised written examination, conducted regionally, at the conclusion of the course.
Competent Examiner
A unique 5 day course, run on demand throughout the year in Sheffield, for compressed air engineers leading to a BCAS certificate in compressed air system testing and examination. It provides both knowledge based and practical ”hands on” non-destructive testing techniques required for those who conduct examinations under the Written Scheme of Examination, required by the Pressure Systems Regulations 2000:128 – Compressed Air Systems.
Entry qualifications required:
- A good engineering background (minimum 8 years).
- A working knowledge of mathematics and science.
- At least 4 years work experience in Compressed Air Engineering.
Whilst qualification to Incorporated Engineer level is required for the Competent
Person, who draws up or endorses the Written Scheme of Examination for Minor
Systems, the H&SE has accepted the BCAS view that the person who acts as
'Examiner' can be someone who is:
"presently responsible in examination activities in the compressed air
field, with less than Incorporated Engineer qualification but with a minimum
of 8 years experience, within an engineering discipline, of which at least 4
years must have been spent working within the compressed air industry".
The term "Competent Person" may be applied to either an individual or a body corporate and is used for three distinct functions:
- Advising the owner or user of the scope of the Written Scheme of Examination
- Drawing up or certifying the scheme
- Carrying out examinations under the scheme


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