Duration
One day
08:00 – ~15:00
Group size
Max 8
Per trainer, per day
Delivery
On-site UK-wide
or our Wigan centre
Assessment
80% pass
Written + practical
Accredited & approved by
Certification
Accredited to EUSR Cat 1
This course is accredited to one certificate. There is no alternative badge for it.
These are certificate fees, not the course price. They are charged per person, on top of the course fee. The course itself is quoted separately, based on your numbers and whether we deliver on-site or you take open-course seats.
EUSR registration
EUSR Cat 1
+£34per person
Nationally recognised EUSR registration card.
21 Years
One Specialism
Underground utility location training is all we do.
70-80%
Increase in Genny Usage
Measured through locator data downloads after Sygma training.
Proven
Strike Reduction Record
Clients report measurable reductions in service strikes.
Dates & availability
Next available course dates
Open course places on our scheduled dates, or we deliver on your site on a date that suits you.
Open course places
From £121per delegate
Certificate fees are charged separately.
Most popular
On-site, at your premises
We come to you, anywhere in the UK, on a date that suits you — using your own equipment, your plans and your site. One fixed price for your group of up to 8, travel included. Contact us for a quote. You are not limited to the dates below.
Tell us your dates →Open public courses
Book individual places
Scheduled open courses for one or two delegates, or when you do not have a suitable site of your own. Priced per delegate. The next available dates are listed below.
See the dates ↓| Date | Course | Duration | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 19 October 2026 | EUSR Cat 1 / CAT and GennySygma Solutions, Wigan | 1 day | 7 places | Book this date → |
| Mon, 9 November 2026 | EUSR Cat 1 / CAT and GennySygma Solutions, Wigan | 1 day | Places available | Book this date → |
| Mon, 7 December 2026 | EUSR Cat 1 / CAT and GennySygma Solutions, Wigan | 1 day | Places available | Book this date → |
Need a date that is not listed, or the whole course on your own site? We deliver UK-wide, travel included — tell us your dates.
EUSR CAT 1 training,formally known as the EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification, is a one-day cable avoidance course covering the safe location of underground utilities before excavation. Delegates learn to interpret utility drawings, detect buried services using a Cat and Genny, and follow safe digging practices aligned to HSE guidance and HSG47. On successful completion course attendees receive an EUSR-registered card valid for three years, recognised across UK gas, water, electricity, and telecoms contractors.
Who Is This Course For
Who this course is for
Site Operatives
Operatives who break ground or work near underground utilities and buried services.
Groundworkers and Labourers
Civil engineers, groundworkers, and labourers carrying out safe digging and excavation near utilities.
Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors responsible for course attendees and teams carrying out utility detection and excavation work.
New Entrants to Utilities
Civil engineers and operatives starting a career in utility avoidance, streetworks, or buried services detection.
Duration
1 Day
Max Delegates
8
Certificate
EUSR CAT 1 (EUSR-Registered)
Pass Mark
80%
Assessment
Practical + Written
EUSR CAT 1 Training: The EUSR-Registered Standard for Utility Avoidance
EUSR CAT 1 training, also written as EUSR Category 1 or the formal EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification, is issued against EUSR-registered standards and is the utility sector's most widely recognised certificate of competence for locating buried services with Cat and Genny equipment. It is required or preferred on the frameworks of many of the UK's largest utility contractors handling gas, water, electricity, and telecoms infrastructure, and every Sygma course meets HSG47, the HSE's guidance for safe excavation near underground services.
Sygma's Category 1 course delivers the same depth of electromagnetic theory and Genny-First methodology that runs through every programme; the EUSR registration adds the sector recognition procurement frameworks require. Sygma also assesses clamp, capacitance, and blind induction even where the EUSR minimum does not, so delegates leave able to locate in real site conditions, not just pass a paper. Many progress to EUSR CAT 2 Safe Dig or take both in a combined CAT 1 and CAT 2 day.
Not sure whether you need EUSR CAT 1 or the Sygma in-house certificate?
Browse the full course index to identify the right route for your workforce.
Compare all cable avoidance qualification routes ›EUSR Category 1: Locate Utility Services Curriculum
The EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification is built on the National Occupational Standards for utility detection. The curriculum covers the underpinning knowledge and practical skills required to locate buried services safely before excavation. Sygma's course delivers the full standard, not the minimum.
- ›Utility drawings and service plans,reading and interpreting STATS records, reconciling drawings with on-site reality, identifying limitations of recorded utilities data.
- ›Cable avoidance equipment,correct selection, pre-use checks, and operation of the Cat and Genny across power, radio, signal, and avoidance modes for accurate utility detection.
- ›Detection and depth estimation,locating utilities, signal interpretation, depth readings, and identifying problem services such as small communications cables and street-lighting circuits.
- ›Safe digging and excavating practices,following HSE guidelines and HSG47 best practice, applying safe systems of work, and integrating locate-detect-dig procedures into excavation.
- ›Practical assessment,on-site assessment in real ground conditions, individually assessed across all four locator modes, including blind induction and capacitance testing on buried services.
Course at a Glance
| Course Name | EUSR CAT 1: Utility Avoidance Training |
| Awarding Body | EUSR (Energy and Utility Skills Register) |
| Duration | One day (typically 8:30am to 4:00pm) |
| Format | Classroom theory (morning) followed by on-site practical assessment (afternoon) |
| Assessment | Multiple choice written paper: 80% minimum pass mark. Oral assessment available for delegates with dyslexia or reading difficulties. On-site practical assessment in all Genny & CAT modes. |
| Certificate | EUSR CAT 1 certificate (EUSR-registered). Issued on successful completion. |
| Suitable For | Groundworkers, plant operators, and operatives in the utility sector requiring EUSR-registered certification |
| Equipment | Sygma provides Radiodetection CAT4 and CAT4+ as standard. This course can be delivered on any of the following equipment: Radiodetection CAT4, CAT4+, RD8200, RD8100, Vivax-Metrotech vLoc, or Leica DSX. For on-site delivery, delegates should bring the equipment they use on site. Minimum ratio of one locator per 3 delegates. |
| CITB | CITB Approved Training Organisation. Employers may be eligible for CITB Employer Network funding support. Contact your CITB adviser. |
| Delivery | Wigan HQ | The Survey School, Worcester | On-site nationwide (travel included) |
| Pricing | Contact us for a tailored quote. Site-based delivery available nationwide. |
What You Get
At the End of This Course
EUSR CAT 1 Competency Card
Valid for 3 years, nationally recognised by utility companies and principal contractors
Personalised Training Record
Detailed breakdown of all theory and practical criteria assessed
Practical Assessment Evidence
Documented evidence of hands-on competency with Genny & CAT equipment
Ongoing Support
Access to Sygma trainers for post-course questions and refresher guidance
Full Day Agenda
| Session | Content |
|---|---|
| Why We Use Locators | HSG47 guidance and legal obligations. National legislation and company policy. The financial and safety consequences of utility strikes. Real-world examples. |
| Buried Service Plans | Reading and interpreting STATS plans. Reconciling plan information with site conditions. Limitations of service plans. |
| Electromagnetic Theory | How a locator detects signals. Theory and limitations of Power, Radio, Genny, and Avoidance modes. Myth-busting: what the equipment cannot find. Signal distortion and depth accuracy. |
| Equipment Controls and Operation | Locator controls and signal interpretation. Locating joints and changes of direction. Strike Alert. Signal generator dual frequency, earthing, capacitance, blind induction, and nulling. Depth estimation techniques. |
| Data Logging (Optional) | Data logging software overview. Download and analysis of locator site data. Relevant for clients requiring an audit trail. |
| Site Practical: Plan Reconciliation | Delegates use STATS plans to identify service routes. Site visual inspection. Equipment pre-use checks. |
| Site Practical: Genny & CAT Survey | All modes assessed individually. Genny connected first. Depth readings taken and tested. Problem services located. Individual assessment. |
| Written Assessment | Multiple choice paper. 80% minimum pass mark. Oral assessment available on request. |
| Certificate | EUSR CAT 1 EUSR-registered certificate issued on successful completion. |
EUSR CAT 1 vs ProQual CAT1: Which Does Your Operative Need?
EUSR CAT 1 and ProQual CAT1 are not equivalent qualifications. ProQual CAT1 is significantly more thorough. It covers topics that EUSR does not assess at all, uses written theory papers rather than multiple choice questions, and requires both theory and practical assessment where EUSR relies on MCQ alone. Where EUSR covers a topic through MCQ only, that topic is not meaningfully assessed because a multiple choice question does not demonstrate that a candidate can apply the knowledge on site.
| EUSR CAT 1 | ProQual CAT1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day | 2 days |
| Theory assessment | Multiple choice paper (80% pass) | Written theory paper with extended responses |
| Practical assessment | On-site practical in all modes | Individually assessed practical for each technique |
| Clamp method | Covered in course | Assessed separately |
| Capacitance | Covered in course | Assessed separately |
| Blind induction | Covered in course | Assessed separately |
| Certificate validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Awarding body | EUSR | ProQual Accreditations |
| CITB funding | Eligible | Eligible |
Related Resources
EUSR CAT 1 vs ProQual CAT1
Not sure which route is right? Compare the two main cable avoidance qualification pathways.
EUSR Card Renewal
How to renew your EUSR card, when to start the process, and what documentation you need.
GS6 Overhead Power Lines
Half-day awareness course covering safe working near overhead power lines. Often booked alongside EUSR CAT 1.
Manufacturer-Specific Locator Training
One-day training on your specific locating equipment. Covers vScan, CScope, and other pipe and cable locators.
FAQs
EUSR CAT 1 Training: Frequently Asked Questions
What is EUSR CAT 1 training?
EUSR CAT 1 is a one-day utility detection training course that leads to an EUSR-registered Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification. It covers electromagnetic theory, correct use of Cat and Genny equipment in all four locator modes, utility service plan and drawings reading, safe digging practices aligned to HSG47, and a practical on-site assessment in real ground conditions. It is one of the most widely recognised utility detection qualifications in the UK gas, water, electricity, and telecoms sectors.
Is EUSR CAT 1 the same as EUS CAT 1?
They are the same qualification. EUS and EUSR both refer to the Energy and Utility Skills Register. The qualification is sometimes written as EUS CAT 1 and sometimes as EUSR CAT 1 or EUSR Category 1. All Sygma EUSR CAT 1 certificates are issued against EUSR-registered standards.
What pass mark is required for EUSR CAT 1?
The written multiple choice assessment requires a minimum pass mark of 80%. An oral assessment is available for delegates with dyslexia or reading difficulties. The practical on-site assessment is conducted on the day and assessed individually by the Sygma trainer.
Is EUSR CAT 1 the same as ProQual CAT1?
No. Both cover similar core skills but they are issued by different bodies against different criteria. EUSR CAT 1 is EUSR-registered. ProQual CAT1 is issued by ProQual Accreditations and includes additional individually assessed criteria, including clamp, capacitance, and blind induction assessed separately. See the comparison table on this page or the full ProQual CAT1 course page for details.
Can Sygma deliver EUSR CAT 1 on our site?
Yes. Sygma delivers EUSR CAT 1 at client sites across the UK. Travel is included. Sygma provides Radiodetection CAT4 and CAT4+ as standard, but the course works with any manufacturer's locator and signal generator. For alternative equipment, a minimum ratio of one locator per three delegates applies. Maximum 8 delegates per session.
How long is an EUSR card valid for?
An EUSR CAT 1 card is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. The expiry date is printed on the card. Most utility frameworks and principal contractors require a valid, in-date card as a condition of site access. Sygma recommends booking renewal training in the 3 months before expiry to avoid any lapse in certification.
How do I renew my EUSR card?
To renew your EUSR CAT 1 card you need to retake the full EUSR CAT 1 course and pass both the written and practical assessments. There is no shortened renewal route. The complete one-day EUSR Category 1 training programme must be completed again, including the multiple choice paper and the on-site practical. A new 3-year card is issued on successful completion.
What happens if my EUSR CAT 1 card has expired?
If your EUSR CAT 1 card has expired you cannot use it to demonstrate current competency and most utility operators will not allow you to locate on site. There is no grace period under EUSR rules. You will need to complete the full EUSR CAT 1 course again. If your card has recently lapsed, contact Sygma and we can usually get you onto the next available date.
Is EUSR CAT 1 training a legal requirement under HSG47?
HSG47, the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on avoiding danger from underground services, requires operatives who use cable locating equipment to be trained and competent. EUSR CAT 1 is one of the most widely accepted ways of demonstrating that competency. While HSG47 does not mandate a specific qualification by name, holding an EUSR-registered qualification such as EUSR CAT 1 is the utility industry's standard way of meeting that legal duty.
Can we do EUSR CAT 1 and CAT 2 training on the same day?
Yes, in most cases. Sygma regularly delivers combined EUSR CAT 1 and CAT 2 days for clients who want to complete both levels in a single site visit. The combined day runs longer, typically from 8:00am to 5:30pm. The maximum of 8 delegates applies to the combined format as well. Both certificates are issued on the day. Contact Sygma to confirm availability for your team size and location.
Upgrade Your Qualification
Next Step
ProQual CAT1 Plus
Upgrade your EUSR CAT 1 to include additional locating techniques and extended practical assessment criteria under ProQual accreditation.
View ProQual CAT1 Plus ›On-Site Competency
OSCA Assessment
The OSCA on-site competency assessment verifies your operatives are competent in live conditions on your own infrastructure.
View OSCA Assessment ›Bespoke Programme
Bespoke Training
If your organisation has a specific incident history, permit system, or workforce that needs more than a standard EUSR course, we design the programme from the ground up. On-site, nationwide.
View Bespoke Training ›Course Comparison
Cable Avoidance Course Comparison
Not sure whether EUSR CAT 1, ProQual CAT1, or another route is right for your team? Compare all cable avoidance courses side by side.
View Comparison ›Why Sygma
Why Sygma for EUSR CAT 1
Not all CAT1 courses are equal. Sygma goes beyond the minimum spec to deliver operatives who are competent in real conditions.
Minimum Spec Plus
Not All CAT1 Courses Are Created Equal
EUSR sets a minimum spec for utility detection. Some providers deliver to minimum. Sygma includes clamp, capacitance, and blind induction in assessed practicals even though EUSR does not require it for the EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification.
Proven Methodology
Genny-First Methodology
Sygma-trained operatives show a 70-80% increase in Genny usage on real utility detection work. This is not theory, it is measured through locator data downloads after the EUSR CAT 1 course.
Expertise
Specialist Trainers
Every trainer is directly employed by Sygma. All are ex-utility surveyors or ex-equipment manufacturer specialists, fully TAQA qualified to deliver the EUSR Category 1 standard.
Real-World Assessment
Real Practical Assessment
Structured on-site practical using real equipment in real ground conditions. Not a tick-box exercise. The goal is a competent operative on safe digging and utility detection, not just a certificate.
No Bias
Independent
Sygma has no surveys to sell, no equipment to push, no commercial relationship with any manufacturer. When we tell course attendees a technique is wrong, we have no financial reason to soften that verdict.
Convenience
We Come to You
Delivered at your site using your own plant, procedures, and environment. Travel included in the course rate. No hidden extras. Choose a date that suits your team.
Legal Requirement
HSG47 Compliance
EUSR CAT 1 directly meets the training and competency requirements of HSG47 training on safe digging near buried services. HSG47 requires everyone working near underground services to be trained and competent, and the EUSR-registered Category 1 qualification is the utility sector's standard way of evidencing that.
The course covers safe systems of work, interpreting utility drawings and STATS records before breaking ground, correct use of Cat and Genny equipment across all four modes, and visual identification of surface indicators, with the EUSR-registered certificate providing auditable proof of competency for procurement frameworks.
Schedule, Pricing & Booking
EUSR CAT 1 Course Schedule and Pricing
The EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services course runs year-round at our Wigan HQ, at The Survey School in Worcester, and on client sites anywhere in the UK. Choose any available date that suits your team, typical lead time is 1-3 weeks.
Open Course
Per-delegate booking at Wigan HQ or The Survey School. Best for teams of 1-2. Course attendees from multiple companies share the day.
On-Site (Closed)
Site delivery, your team only. Up to 8 course attendees per session. Travel included. Suitable for groundworkers, civil engineers, supervisors, and operatives.
Combined Day
EUSR CAT 1 + CAT 2 in one site visit. Two qualifications, two certificates issued on the day. Best value for teams needing both Locate Utility Services and Safe Excavating Practices.
Pricing is tailored to course size, location, and equipment requirements. CITB Employer Network funding may cover part of the course fee for eligible employers, ask your CITB adviser. Request a quote with your preferred date and delegate count.
Combined route
EUSR CAT 1 & CAT 2 Combined: Both Qualifications in One Visit
Many delegates take CAT 1 (Locate Utility Services) and CAT 2 (Implement Safe Digging Practices) together in a single two-day block. Two qualifications, two certificates, one site visit. Everything below covers that combined route.
If you need CAT 2 on its own, see EUSR CAT 2 Safe Dig training. For the person coordinating safe working around buried services, see Service Coordinator (USC).
Day One
Day One: EUSR Category 1 (Locate Utility Services) Theory Foundation
The classroom element covers the complete theoretical foundation required for both qualifications, focusing on safe digging practices and the skills needed to locate underground services and underground utility services, providing essential learning for safe utility detection and excavation. Delegates work through the underpinning knowledge before the practical site element on day two.
Legislation and HSG47
Legislation and guidance relating to buried services, including HSG47 and company-specific policyRisk Assessments and Permits
Site-specific risk assessments, company procedures, and permits to digExcavation Hazards
Excavation hazards: Leptospirosis, asbestos, silica dust, noise, vibration, loose ground, groundwaterUtility Plan Interpretation
Utility plan interpretation: STATS plans, limitations of drawings, visual survey processElectromagnetic Theory
Electromagnetic theory: how a CAT and Genny work, signal distortion, equipment limitationsLocator Controls and Operation
Locator controls and operation: all four modes (Power, Radio, Genny, Avoidance), Strike Alert, signal interpretationSignal Generator Application
Signal generator application: dual frequency, capacitance mode for non-earthed cables, earth positioning, blind induction search, effective nullingDepth Estimation
Depth estimation: how to take locator depth readings and how to test themCAT Manager Data Logging
CAT Manager data logging (optional): recording, exporting CSV and KML, analysing data patternsHand Tools and Power Tools
Excavation techniques: exposing services, hand tools, handheld power tools, horizontal excavationTrench Support and Safety
Trench support, maintaining excavation safety, and dangers of using services as a handholdLocate Utility Services Alignment
Course content aligns with Locate Utility Services (HSG47) training requirementsDay Two
Day Two: EUSR Category 2 -- Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices Practical Assessment
The site element moves delegates from knowledge into application, ensuring they learn to perform excavation and utility locating tasks safely. All site work takes place at the client's premises or a pre-agreed location with suitable underground utilities. Delegates learn to safely excavate and maintain holes and trenches as part of their excavation work, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
STATS Plan Review
Using STATS plans and existing site information to identify underground services and indicated utility routes before work beginsVisual Site Inspection
Visual site inspection prior to any location activityEquipment Function Checks
Equipment function checks: confirming the locator and signal generator are in satisfactory operating conditionLocating and Depth Testing
Locating in all modes, confirming service routes, taking and testing depth readingsSignal Generator for Problem Services
Signal generator application for problem services including street lighting and small comms cablesRisk Assessment and Permit to Dig
Completing a risk assessment and permit to dig before excavation commencesSurface Removal
Surface removal with correct positioning relative to identified servicesHorizontal Excavation
Horizontal excavation to expose the indicated service below the remaining surfaceSupporting Exposed Services
Supporting exposed services where requiredSoil Type Awareness
Understanding and managing different soil types as a critical aspect of safe excavation practice: ground stability, support requirements, and excavation method selection appropriate to the conditions encounteredReinstatement
Reinstatement completionMCQ Assessment
Multiple choice questions (MCQs) at the end of the programmePricing & Booking
EUSR Cat 1 & 2 Combined Course Cost
Pricing Basis
All Sygma EUSR Category 1 and Category 2 combined training delegate fees are quoted exclusive of VAT (UK standard rate). Final cost depends on delegate numbers (max 8), delivery format (open course at Sygma Wigan or in-house at your site), site location, and equipment requirements.
Delivery Format Options
In-house pricing is fully inclusive of trainer travel and overnight accommodation within mainland UK, ex VAT, all-inclusive. Open courses run at Sygma Wigan.
What Is Included
Cost includes EUSR registration, written and practical assessment, certificate, and EUSR card for both Category 1 and Category 2, ex VAT. Card validity: 5 years.
Lead Time
Lead time: typically 3-4 weeks from confirmed booking. Contact Sygma with delegate count, location, and target dates for a bespoke quote, typically returned within one working day.
CITB Funding
CITB funding may be available for registered employers.
Why Sygma
Not All CAT 1 & 2 Courses Are Created Equal
Our approach to utility avoidance training sets us apart from standard compliance courses, as it is specifically designed for safety professionals and site operatives responsible for utility detection and excavation safety. Here's what makes the difference.
Specialist Trainers
Directly employed by Sygma. Ex-surveyors with real-world field experience. All TAQA qualified and current with industry standards.
Real Practical Assessment
On-site EUSR Category 2 practical safe dig assessment under real conditions. Not artificial scenarios in a training centre.
Independent
No survey partnerships, no equipment sales, no commercial influence. We train your team to locate utility services and implement safe excavating practices safely.
We Come to You
In-house delivery nationwide UK with travel fully included, ex VAT. Minimal disruption to your operations.
HSG47 Compliance
Competence Requirements Your Course Delivers
HSG47 training defines what competent utility avoidance looks like. This course covers all six essential elements.
Trained and Competent
Full theoretical foundation and practical assessment to confirmed EUSR Category 1 and Category 2 standards.
Safe System of Work
Permits to dig, risk assessments, site inspection protocols, and documented procedures.
Correct Use of Equipment
Locator and signal generator operation, STATS plan interpretation, depth estimation, and troubleshooting.
Safe Excavation & Records
Practical safe dig assessment with exposure of live services, correct tool use, reinstatement, written assessment, and CAT Manager data logging.
Training in Action
EUSR CAT 1 Locate Utility Services, Site Photos
Book Your EUSR CAT 1 Course
Book your EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services training course at our Wigan HQ, The Survey School in Worcester, or on your site anywhere in the UK. Choose your preferred date, travel is included, maximum 8 course attendees per session. Contact us for a tailored quote.