Radiation protection practitioner : Training

Most employers provide extensive on-the-job training to supplement formal education/qualifications and may also send staff on short courses, such as those run by the Health Protection Agency: Radiation Protection Division  on specific aspects of radiation protection.

As a radiation protection practitioner, it is essential to keep up to date with professional developments and update your expertise by attending training courses and taking appropriate qualifications. The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP)  operates a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for radiation protection practitioners, which you may wish to access.

To receive radiation protection adviser (RPA) accreditation, you will need to gain a certificate of competence from an organisation recognised by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an assessing body for the certification of individual RPAs. Or you must hold a National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) level 4 in Radiation Protection Practice issued within the last five years. You will normally also need to submit a portfolio evidencing your competence and expertise.

In addition to the competence assessment, RPAs usually have:

• a science degree, or equivalent qualifications;
• several years' relevant experience;
• demonstrable managerial competencies.