Welcome to our general questions and answers section, we hope you find it helpful and informative. Click on any of the questions below to view its answer. Should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Practical Information

Is there an alternative to booking online?

Booking online is the quickest and most effective way to book. However you can also post your application form to us (see "resources") and we will process your booking manually. This will take a little longer so please call us if you have an urgent enquiry.

What happens once I have booked a place?

We will write to confirm that we have received your booking. About two weeks before the course starts we will send joining instructions out, along with details of local hotels. This information is also available in the resources section of this website.

Do I need to bring anything to a course?

If you are attending one of our RPS or Manager's courses, you will find it useful to bring details of your radiation source(s) and any monitoring equipment you use; everything else is provided.

Do you recommend any hotels close to the training venues?

Although we don't make any recommendations, lists of hotels convenient for the training venues are available. To see the hotel lists, click here.

What happens if I cancel my booking?

If you cancel your booking more than 2 weeks before the course start date, we will refund your fee, minus a £50 administration charge. If you cancel your booking with less than 2 weeks' notice, your fee is not refundable. You may change a booking (i.e. change the delegate) at any time with no charge.

Radiation Protection

What is the legal requirement for radiation safety training?

There are various legal requirements for radiation safety training, the most significant is in the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999. The principal legal and practical requirements for both RPS and awareness training are described in detail elsewhere on the Workplace Training site:

- RPS (Workplace Training website)

- Awareness (Workplace Training website)

How often do I need refresher training?

You should consider refresher training about every 3 - 5 years, or if your radiation work changes substantially.

When significant new legislation is published, HPA will run one-off seminars to explain the changes. Details will be published on-line and/or via mailshot.

How do I arrange a private course?

To arrange a private course, contact your nearest RPD office, and speak to a member of staff about your requirements. A proposal will be created for you and once the programme is agreed, a date for the event can be arranged.

Radiation Protection Training Scheme

How do I become a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)?

In order to be an RPA you will need to be certificated by an organisation called RPA2000, in accordance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99). Certification is essentially a vocational qualification gained by submission of a portfolio of evidence to RPA2000. This portfolio has to demonstrate that you both possesses the necessary knowledge, and that you can put this knowledge into practice. For further guidance see www.srp-uk.org/rpa2000/index.html

Can I become an RPA just by attending your courses?

No. Because certification is a vocational qualification and therefore requires a demonstration that you can put your knowledge into practice.

Do I have to attend training courses to become an RPA?

No, there is no pre-requisite of course attendance, but the possession of knowledge needs to be demonstrated in the portfolio of evidence. Many find course attendance to be a pragmatic approach to demonstrating possession of this knowledge.

So how do I know what knowledge I need?

The necessary knowledge is specified by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in its 'Statement on RPAs' www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/rpnews/statementrpa.htm

What courses does HPA provide that will help me become an RPA?

HPA provides four courses in its Core of Knowledge Module of the Radiological Protection Training Scheme (RPTS). This module has been expressly designed to prepare individuals to become RPAs. All these courses are assessed by an open-book written examination at the end of each course.

Do I have to attend all four courses of the Core of Knowledge Module?

No, you would only need to attend those courses that augment your existing knowledge or where you would find it useful for completion of your portfolio. You are free to choose courses as you think fit, and HPA does not stipulate that you attend all four.

In which order should I attend the Core of Knowledge courses?

It is desirable that the Foundation course be undertaken first, followed by the UK Legislation and International Recommendations course. The order of the Protection Against… courses is not important. A few individuals have undertaken the courses in a different order and have found it less than ideal.

Are your courses accredited?

Neither SRP nor RPA2000 require courses to be accredited in any way. Our courses are, however, recognised by the RPA assessors of RPA2000.

I don't need to be an RPA but I am a radiation protection professional giving radiation protection advice. Are your courses suitable?

Yes, for people such as yourself, particularly if you work in the nuclear industry, these courses are perfectly suitable. However, you should be able to solve problems and undertake basic scientific calculations.

I undertake scientific work related to radiation protection, but radiation protection is not my main function. What course do you recommend?

The HPA provides a professional level course "Introduction to Radiological Protection" which would be better suited to your needs. It is not examined.

I am a radiation protection specialist but I do not provide advice on compliance with the IRR99. Do you provide training in other specialisms?

Yes, the HPA offers courses in radiation protection instrumentation, waste management, and emergency response. All of these are assessed by open-book written examinations. These are within the Specialist Module of the RPTS.

An RPA is required to renew certification every 5 years. Do you provide any training which would help?

Yes we currently provide two courses. One is an RPA Refresher training event and the other provides an update on radiation protection science and standards. These are to be found in the Professional Development Module of the RPTS.

I've heard that there will be a requirement for those advising on waste management issues to have a formal qualification. Are you planning to provide training to support this qualification?

Yes. The Management of Radioactive Waste course was developed and first delivered in 2002 with the intention of providing the underpinning knowledge for those intent on becoming Qualified Experts for waste management. Detailed specification of the requirements for the Qualified Expert is under active development by the environment agencies, and as soon as details are known the course programme will be revised in line with their recommendations.