Level 2 Certification
The Level 2 Certificate provides a qualification for engineers and technicians who install strain gauges, supervise installations and make measurements. It shows that the holder has demonstrated a high level of skill in making strain gauge installations, is able to prepare detailed instructions for installing gauges and can use gauges to obtain accurate and reliable measurements of the strain in loaded components.
Corresponding details of the Level 1 and Level 3 examinations can be found on the Training and Certification main page, and full details of the scheme are given in the Certification document.
A list of upcoming examinations and courses are listed on the Training & Certification Events page.
All courses can be taken independently and taking an exam is optional.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have received appropriate training and obtained relevant experience prior to attending. This varies depending on whether the candidate has a formal educational qualification (HND, degree or equivalent/higher) in Engineering or Science and whether they have previously passed the Level 1 certification or are applying for direct entry into the Level 2 scheme.
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For candidates who have previously passed the Level 1 certification, the required level of training and experience is: 4 days TRAINING and 6 months EXPERIENCE (for candidates with a HND or Degree) Direct entry to Level 2 certification is only possible for candidates with a relevant HND or Degree. In this case the required level of training and experience is: 5 days TRAINING and 12 months EXPERIENCE |
It is not necessary to obtain equal experience of installation, supervision and measurement
Registration
All new candidates for the pre-exam seminar and the Level 2 examination must register using the online form, and provide details of training and experience. Supporting evidence such as a copy of a certificate should be uploaded. All forms must be received by the BSSM office at least 5 weeks before the date of the examination.
Registrations will be confirmed after a review by the Chairman of the Certification Committee. Each registered candidate is then provided with a copy of the Code of Practice, BSSM Strain Measurement Reference Book, Installation Record Sheets, a sample practical examination paper, a sample written paper, and the bank of questions for the written examination.
The Strain Analysis course is a stand alone event and can be booked separately, but most candidates prefer to attend the course, pre-exam seminar and examination as a complete package.
Strain Analysis Course (4 day)
The Strain Analysis course provides an introduction to electrical resistance strain gauges and the associated circuits for strain measurement and transducer applications. It covers the installation of foil gauges using cyanoacrylate and epoxy adhesives, inspection of installations, the measurement of strain and load, and the use of rosettes to determine principal values.The course uses lectures, demonstrations and practical tasks to provide participants with a good understanding of electrical resistance strain gauges, the selection and use of gauges and circuits for strain measurement and transducer applications, the positioning of gauges, and the methods used to install and test gauges and circuits. Some previous strain gauge experience is desirable.
Pre-exam Seminar
Examination
The objective of the examination is to enable candidates to demonstrate that they use procedures consistent with the Code of Practice, and are able to direct the installation of gauges, choose appropriate gauges, materials and methods, and make measurements using gauges.
The examination is divided into two parts:
- A practical test
- A written test
The practical test forms the main part of the examination and contains three tasks:
- A gauge bonding and full-bridge wiring installation
- Preparation of instructions for bonding gauges
- A measurement exercise using pre-installed gauges
The written test has two sections:
- A general section, containing questions based on general knowledge of strain measurement, solid mechanics and materials
- A section dealing with points which can arise when gauges are being installed and used
Renewal of Certification
The award is valid for 5 years.At the end of each 5 year period, a practical test must be taken and a review of recent strain measurement experience must be submitted. The practical test will involve design of gauge installations, installation of the gauges and wiring, and measurement using the gauges. It will not include the writing of instructions.
Candidates will normally do the tasks at their workplace, under the supervision of a senior colleague, who will be required to confirm the candidate’s experience and that the renewal tasks were done by the candidate. There is not a limit on the time taken to do the tasks. An examiner will assess the test samples and documentation, and note the type of work normally undertaken.
Documents and Forms
Code of Practice for the Installation of Electrical Resistance Strain GaugesCertification of Strain Measurement PersonnelLevel 2 - Details of Certification Scheme |
The Society also publishes a Code of Practice for the installation of electrical resistance strain gauges, a copy of which is issued to everyone registered for the examination. Candidates are expected to observe this code and use it in conjunction with the instruction sheets provided by gauge manufacturers and suppliers. The Society also publishes Installation Record Sheets; copies are provided for use during the examination.
Richard John Greene
Richard has experience of full field strain measurement, strain gauges, digital image correlation, thermoelastic stress analysis and photoelastic stress analysis
He currently delivers strain gauge installation courses and seminars on behalf of the Society, mostly at levels 2 and 3 of the Certification scheme.
Anton Chittey
Presenting training workshops has been a key part of Anton's career including those on behalf of the BSSM.
He has been a member of BSSM’s CERCO committee for several years which includes the role of examiner for the strain gauge installation Certification scheme.
2025 Prices
Level 1
Pre-exam seminar £385
Exam £625
Exam (2 installation types) £750
Renewal £385
Level 2
Pre-exam seminar £385
Exam £880
Renewal £385
Level 3
Pre-exam seminar £470
Exam £1025
Renewal £385
Courses
Strain Analysis using Resistance Strain Gauges course £1770
Stress Analysis & Load Measurement course £1440
All prices ex VAT
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Training & Certification
Our courses include Stress Analysis and Load Measurement, Strain Analysis, Certification Seminars and Exams.
In addition we offer tailor made courses to suit your specific needs and run these at your company premises