The Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme (BICS) is the only national certification scheme for bridge inspectors. It is not a training scheme, rather it is a way of certifying experience you already have.

BICS is operated by Lantra on behalf of the UK Bridges Board and is supported by the Bridge Owners Forum. It is one of the most widely used National Highway Sector Schemes in the UK and has the full support of the Department for Transport (DfT).

BICS covers detailed competencies around the inspection of common structure forms and materials, focusing largely on bridge, retaining wall and culvert assets constructed from masonry, steel and concrete, as well as awareness of other less common materials and assets.

The BICS bursary aims to improve access to the scheme by contributing £400 towards accreditation. Payment will be made in two parts, £200 for booking the e-Portfolio review, followed by a further £200 upon successful completion of the interview. Bursaries are granted for a period of one year.

The funding is available to individuals completing either the Bridge Inspector or Senior Bridge Inspector certification level. Applicants are eligible to apply twice for a bursary to complete both levels.

Some of the benefits of BICS can be found here.