The essential starting point for anyone involved in groundworks or civil engineering projects. Learn how to set out and check excavations, foundations, drainage, roads, concrete blinding, reinforced concrete, and M&E works tying into civils. This course takes you from arriving on a brand-new site with no control points to setting out accurate levels with confidence.
Quick Facts
Duration: 2 days
Format: Classroom and sessions
Location: UK & Ireland-wide training centres &and on-site options
This practical 2-day course covers everything you need to know about levelling and tape measurement, from first arrival on site with no control points to setting out accurate levels.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with dumpy (optical) levels, laser levels, and tapes, while learning the correct processes and checks to avoid costly errors. All relevant maths is taught as part of the course, so no prior knowledge is assumed.
If you are working on groundworks, drainage, reinforced concrete, or any civils project, this course gives you the essential skills to set out and verify levels confidently and accurately. Anyone using a level (including laser level) on site should attend this course.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Levelling Skills
Set up and use an optical (aka dumpy) level accurately
Take readings and record data correctly
Carry out a two-peg test to check accuracy
Carry out a level survey
Set out levels
Install benchmarks on site
Set up profile boards for level and sloping excavations
Set out batter rails for cut and fill
Use a laser level correctly
Build checks into all your levelling work
Minimise the chance of errors
Tape Measure Skills
You’ll gain hands-on experience with dumpy (optical) levels, laser levels, and tapes, while learning the correct processes and checks to avoid costly errors. All relevant maths is taught as part of the course, so no prior knowledge is assumed.
Measure linear distances
Apply methods for taping over uneven ground and obstacles
Check measurements for accuracy and record results
Use taping in conjunction with levelling for basic surveying tasks
Set out a right angle
Who This Course Is For
Graduate engineers and trainees
Site supervisors and foremen
Site managers
Groundworkers and other trades
Construction professionals needing refresher training
Anyone progressing towards further surveying and setting out training
Plus 12 months’ access to our full eLearning library
This covers everything taught on the course and much more, including total station, AutoCAD, machine control, and GNSS
You’ll also join our technical support and mentoring community, giving you ongoing help as you apply your new skills on site.
Funding
CITB has made several updates in recent months to how short-duration training is organised and funded. This has led many people to be uncertain about what they can claim. Funding is still available for many employers, and our courses continue to meet the CITB Assured training standards.
We are keeping fully up to date with the latest guidance, so if you are unsure about what funding applies to you, just contact us and we’ll explain it clearly and confirm your eligibility quickly.
Next Steps
This course is also available as in-house training anywhere in the UK and Ireland, and can be tailored to reflect your company's specific requirements.
Every learner on our practical courses receives a copy of Setting Out For Construction: A Practical Guide to Site Surveying, written by our founder and director Saffron Grant.
This industry-recognised textbook is packed with real-world examples, diagrams, and proven best practice methods. Many engineers keep it close at hand on site as a trusted reference throughout their career.
The book is also available to purchase separately for anyone wanting a comprehensive, practical guide to setting out.
