Guideline for Metrology / Calibration Technician Training

Course Guidelines

Introduction

For more than 20 years the Metrology / Calibration community have come to rely on the NLA for the training of laboratory staff in the various fields and disciplines associated with calibration activities.

Historically this training evolved from suppliers who were prepared to provide courses regarding the use of their instruments in calibration laboratories, and was later supplemented by more formal courses, all of which have had a very practical and hands on approach.

What are the requirements for technical staff who conduct calibrations in a SANAS Accredited Calibration Laboratory.

The following guidelines and courses have been proven over an extended period of time. As a result of this experience, we are now able to offer those who wish to enter this exciting and demanding field a recommended guide to satisfying the requirements and which have been benchmarked across the globe.

These guidelines provide a logical grouping of the courses and will enable those wishing to pursue a career in a calibration laboratory a well defined and progressive path in order to achieve its intended outcome. Those considering following this recommended approach should be aware that the objective is to only provide the correct theoretical skills required but also to enable sufficient time to be spent in the laboratory in a mentored environment before being considered as a SANAS Technical Signature.

Of course we are well aware that those considering these courses may have attended them in the recent past. Should you have any queries as to there validity or whether they are adequate please contact the NLA Office in order for us to verify them and then recommend what should be considered in the next phase.

What are the requirements if you don’t, or don’t plan to, work in a SANAS Calibration Laboratory.

If you are currently employed either in a Non-SANAS Accredited Calibration Laboratory, or for that matter perform calibrations in an industrial laboratory, it is our recommendation that a similar approach be considered.

Whilst in some cases it might not be necessary for you to be entirely familiar with all the material that is presented, the recommended approach provides a suitable and well thought out structure. This will enable you to conduct calibrations that are fit for purpose and could ultimately enable the laboratory to be accredited at some stage in the future if the need arises.

Recommended order of study

One of the difficulties that face all prospective metrologists is that a suitable balance needs to be established between, theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The recommended order of study attempts to provide a suitable structure for this to take place. Attendance of the courses has what is considered sufficient time between them to enable attendees to gain some practical skills before moving to the next stage.

It should be remembered that since we are all individuals and our ability to absorb this information is different, you may find that a slightly different order could be followed.

Whilst it is not our intention to strictly apply this order, we are firmly of the opinion that especially the first three courses (Level One) should be complete, before either Level 2 or 3 is attempted.

It should also be noted that where there are two parts to a field/discipline it is necessary that Part 1 be completed before Part 2. The Level 2 courses are designed to accommodate the need for those only operating in one field to not have to complete non-relevant material. However, we would like to encourage metrologists to consider doing more than the bare minimum if they wish to pursue careers in Metrology.

The following diagram is self explanatory and provides the overview.

Level One: Modules One, Two and Three (Compulsory)
Level Two: Modules One and Two (If applicable)
Level Three: All modules compulsory (SANAS presents these courses and it is suggested that you contact SANAS 012 394 3760, in this regard)  

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