Certificated surveyor of timber and dampness in buildings (CSTDB) examination preparation

Standard details

CITB has developed this standard in discussion with industry

Duration

Minimum 2 days of 6 learning hours

Purpose/scope

The purpose of training delivered against this standard is to prepare candidates for the examination to achieve the certificate: Certificated surveyor of timber & dampness in buildings (CSTDB)

The scope of this standard covers:

• practice examination questions
• question and answer sessions
• past exam papers
• the course content of: Certificated surveyor of timber & dampness in buildings (CSTDB), including:
  • legal, health & safety aspects for the investigation and control of timber & dampness in buildings
  • the identification and control of dampness
  • the identification and in-situ treatment of infested and decayed timber.

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational groups:

• operative and craft
• supervision.

Candidate pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of: surveyor in remedial treatment (timber and dampness in buildings).

Instruction/supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• A train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate
• Successfully completed training to this standard 
• At least 2 years relevant industrial experience
• A verifiable CV.

Delivery

The following method may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• classroom.

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.

The class size and candidate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes.

This standard is considered to contain 51 per cent or more theoretical learning.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard. 

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the Training Standard. 

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal/refresher

There are no mandatory renewal or recommended refreshment requirements for this standard.

Approval date

November 2018

Review cycle

Either on request or in 3 years from approval date.

Learning outcomes

Additional information about this standard

British standards

Find out more about British Standards

• BS EN 1997-1 2004+A1:2013 Eurocode 7. Geotechnical design. General rules
• BS 5250 2011 Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings
• BS 5930 2015 Code of practice for ground investigations
• BS 6576 2005+A1:2012 Code of practice for diagnosis of rising damp in walls of buildings and installation of chemical damp-proof courses
• BS 8102 2009 Code of practice for protection of below-ground structures against water from the ground
• PAS 64 2013 Mitigation and recovery of water damaged buildings – Code of practice

Health & Safety Executive

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR)

Legislation

See government legislation in detail

• Building and Buildings, England and Wales: The Building Regulations 2010.
• The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
• Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland
• Conservation (Natural Habits etc) Regulations 1994
• Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM)
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.