Become An Examiner

Thank you for your interest in becoming a new BSS Examiner.

Have you read our 'day in a life' Examiner blog? It may give you further insight. Examiner Phil says, "you must be passionate about examining boats to the highest safety standards", have a read of the rest of his blog.

Of prime importance is your existing level of knowledge and understanding about boat systems such as fuel, electrical and gas systems, because the BSS New Examiner Training Programme to become a BSS Examiner presumes you have a good level of prior knowledge. 

Although being a BSS Examiner always will be a technical role of applying both a deep and practical knowledge of boat construction and systems, it is equally important to bring excellent administrative, organisational and customer service qualities to the role. It hardly needs saying that you will be a 'people person' with a passion to see people enjoying boats safely.

Web pages 1-4 in the menu cover what a BSS Examiner is and the factors you must consider before deciding to express an interest in joining the pathway that may lead to a formal offer of a place in the BSS Examiner Training Programme and then potentially applying to be an Examiner.

The programme is modular with a mix of online, classroom and field-based elements, including guided learning, screen-based knowledge, quizzes, coaching and at each stage an assessment of your understanding and progress. 

Trainees will undertake around 16 online learning modules and attend two separate weeks of training at our Examiner Field Craft Training Centre in Norwich and a half-day End of Programme Field Assessment near Northampton. The fee for the full 2027 programme is estimated at £7,990 (plus VAT). This is an indicative figure; the final confirmed cost will be communicated once the selection process is complete and candidates have been formally invited to join the programme. The programme fee covers the full cost of delivery, as the BSS operates on a non-profit basis.

The fee structure is split into two stage payments, and it includes the End of Programme Field Assessment (one attempt), plus 6-months equivalence of onward support and coaching with an appointed experienced personal champion. 

We select up to 24 Trainees for each Programme. We have a robust process based on a number of criteria including qualifications, transferable skills such as diagnostics, risk mitigation, personal attributes and location. Location is important as we need to address any shortages of Examiners in some geographical areas.

2027 BSS New Examiner Training Programme Schedule

The BSS New Examiner Training Programme is comprehensive. From receiving your first module to carrying out BSS Examinations takes around 8 months.

The programme comprises three integrated City & Guilds Assured courses:

1. BSS New Examiner Training Programme
   
   Aims to develop new BSS Examiners who carry out robust, consistent Examinations and demonstrate strong fieldcraft.

2. BSS Examiner Core Electrical Course
   
   Aims to provide Examiners and Trainee Examiners with the core knowledge and practical skills to carry out BSS Checks related to electricity, and to be safe from the dangers of electricity while performing BSS Examinations.

3. BSS Examiner Core LPG Course
   
   Aims to provide Examiners and Trainee Examiners with the core knowledge and practical skills to carry out BSS LPG Checks safely and confidently.

Here is a breakdown of the key dates and what is required of you: