Duration
One day
08:30 – ~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, 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, formally the EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services qualification, is a one-day cable avoidance course for locating underground utility services before excavation. Delegates learn to read utility drawings, find buried services with the Genny and CAT, and dig safely in line with HSG47. Those who pass receive an EUSR registration valid for 3 years, recognised by gas, water, electricity and telecoms contractors across the UK.
Who It Is For
Who the EUSR Cat 1 course is for
Site Operatives
Anyone who breaks ground or works near underground services.
Groundworkers and Labourers
Crews digging and excavating near buried utilities.
Supervisors and Managers
People responsible for teams that locate and dig.
New Entrants to Utilities
Operatives starting out 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 taught to the full standard, not the minimum
EUSR Category 1 is the utility sector's most widely recognised registration for locating underground services, and many of the UK's largest utility contractors ask for it. EUSR sets a minimum. Ours goes further: the same electromagnetic theory and Genny-first method as every Sygma course (see CAT and Genny training), and we assess clamp, capacitance and blind induction on site even though EUSR does not require it. Delegates leave able to locate in real conditions, not just pass a paper.
Many go on to EUSR Cat 2 Safe Dig, or take both together on the combined two-day course set out below. EUSR Cat 1 and 2 training is run as one visit, covering locating on day one and safe digging on day two. Not sure which route you need? Compare every cable avoidance course.
What You Get
What you leave with
EUSR Cat 1 card
Valid for 3 years, recognised by utility companies and principal contractors.
Personal training record
Every theory and practical criterion you were assessed on.
Practical assessment evidence
Documented, hands-on competence with the Genny and CAT.
Ongoing support
Our trainers are there for questions after the course.
The EUSR Cat 1 day
08:30 to about 15:00: classroom in the morning, practical assessment on site in the afternoon.
| Session | Content |
|---|---|
| Why We Use Locators | HSG47, the law and company policy, and what a utility strike costs. |
| Buried Service Plans | Reading STATS plans and utility drawings, checking them against the site, and what they leave out. |
| Electromagnetic Theory | How a locator detects a signal, what Power, Radio, Genny and Avoidance modes can and cannot find, and depth accuracy. |
| Equipment Controls and Operation | Signal interpretation, joints and changes of direction, Strike Alert, and the Genny: dual frequency, earthing, capacitance, blind induction and nulling. |
| Data Logging (Optional) | Downloading and reading locator data, for clients who need an audit trail. |
| Site Practical: Plan Reconciliation | Using the plans to find service routes, a visual site check and pre-use equipment checks. |
| Site Practical: Genny & CAT Survey | Every mode assessed individually, Genny connected first, depths taken and tested, problem services located. |
| Written Assessment | Multiple choice paper, 80% pass mark. Oral assessment available on request. |
The full agenda, and what we need from your site: EUS Category 1 course agenda.
EUSR CAT 1 vs ProQual CAT1: Which Does Your Operative Need?
They are not equivalent. ProQual CAT1 assesses more: a written theory paper rather than multiple choice, and clamp, capacitance and blind induction each assessed separately. A multiple choice question cannot show that someone can apply the knowledge on site.
| EUSR CAT 1 | ProQual CAT1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day | 1 day |
| 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 |
FAQs
EUSR Cat 1: common questions
What is EUSR CAT 1 training?
A one-day course leading to the EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services registration. It covers how locators work, using the Genny and CAT in all four modes, reading utility drawings, safe digging under HSG47, and an individual practical assessment in real ground conditions.
Is EUSR CAT 1 the same as EUS CAT 1?
Yes. EUS and EUSR both refer to the Energy and Utility Skills Register, so EUS Cat 1, EUSR Cat 1 and EUSR Category 1 are the same qualification.
What pass mark is required for EUSR CAT 1?
80% on the multiple choice written paper. An oral assessment is available for delegates with dyslexia or reading difficulties. The practical is assessed individually on the day.
Is EUSR CAT 1 the same as ProQual CAT1?
No. They cover similar core skills but are issued by different bodies against different criteria. ProQual CAT1 assesses more individually, including clamp, capacitance and blind induction. See the comparison on this page.
Can Sygma deliver EUSR CAT 1 on our site?
Yes, anywhere in the UK, with travel included and up to 8 delegates. We bring Radiodetection CAT4 and CAT4+ as standard, and the course works with any manufacturer's locator and signal generator (at least one locator per three delegates).
How long is an EUSR card valid for?
3 years from the date of issue. Most frameworks and principal contractors need an in-date card for site access, so book your renewal in the 3 months before it expires.
How do I renew my EUSR card?
By taking the full one-day course again and passing both the written and practical assessments. There is no shortened renewal route. A new 3-year card is issued when you pass.
What happens if my EUSR CAT 1 card has expired?
An expired card cannot show current competence, and most utility operators will not let you locate on site with one. There is no grace period, so you retake the full course. Contact us and we can usually fit you onto the next available date.
Is EUSR CAT 1 a legal requirement under HSG47?
HSG47 requires anyone using locating equipment to be trained and competent. It does not name a qualification, but an EUSR registration such as Category 1 is the utility industry's standard way of showing that competence.
Can we do EUSR CAT 1 and CAT 2 together?
Yes. The combined course is two days in one site visit: day one is Category 1 Locate Utility Services, day two is Category 2 Implement Safe Digging Practices. Up to 8 delegates. One EUSR registration covers both categories. The combined route is set out further down this page.
Why Sygma
Why Sygma for EUSR Cat 1
Genny-First Methodology
Operatives trained by Sygma use the Genny 70 to 80% more, measured through locator data downloads.
Specialist Trainers
Directly employed, ex-utility surveyors or ex-equipment manufacturer specialists, all TAQA qualified.
Real Practical Assessment
Real equipment in real ground conditions. The goal is a competent operative, not just a certificate.
Independent, and We Come to You
No surveys to sell and no equipment to push. Delivered on your site, travel included, on a date that suits you.
Legal Requirement
EUSR Cat 1 and HSG47
HSG47 requires everyone working near underground services to be trained and competent, and an EUSR registration is the utility sector's standard way of showing it. The course covers safe systems of work, reading utility drawings before breaking ground, the Genny and CAT in all four modes, and spotting surface indicators. For the detail, see HSG47 training.
Schedule, Pricing & Booking
EUSR Cat 1 course dates and booking
The EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services course runs year-round at our Wigan centre and on client sites anywhere in the UK. Lead time is typically 1 to 3 weeks.
Open Course
Book individual places at our Wigan centre. Best for one or two delegates.
On Site
Your team only, up to 8 delegates, travel included.
Combined Cat 1 & 2
Two days, one site visit, one EUSR registration covering both.
CITB Employer Network funding may cover part of the fee for eligible employers. 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 one two-day block: two qualifications, one EUSR registration covering both, one site visit.
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 gives the theory for both qualifications: how to locate underground services, and how to dig safely once you have.
Legislation and HSG47
Legislation and guidance on underground services, including HSG47 and company policyRisk Assessments and Permits
Site-specific risk assessments, company procedures and permits to digExcavation Hazards
Leptospirosis, asbestos, silica dust, noise, vibration, loose ground and groundwaterUtility Plan Interpretation
STATS plans, the limits of drawings, and the visual surveyElectromagnetic Theory
How the Genny and CAT work, signal distortion and equipment limitsLocator Controls and Operation
All four modes (Power, Radio, Genny, Avoidance), Strike Alert and signal interpretationSignal Generator Application
Dual frequency, capacitance for non-earthed cables, earth positioning, blind induction and nullingDepth Estimation
Taking locator depth readings, and testing themCAT Manager Data Logging
Optional: recording, exporting CSV and KML, and reading the dataHand Tools and Power Tools
Exposing services, hand tools, handheld power tools and horizontal excavationTrench Support and Safety
Trench support, keeping the excavation safe, and never using services as a handholdDay Two
Day Two: EUSR Category 2, Implement Safe Digging Practices (Practical Assessment)
Day two puts it into practice on your site, or an agreed site with suitable underground utilities: locating, then excavating and maintaining holes and trenches safely.
STATS Plan Review
Using STATS plans and site information to identify underground services and routes before work beginsVisual Site Inspection
Visual site inspection before any locatingEquipment Function Checks
Confirming the locator and signal generator are working correctlyLocating and Depth Testing
Locating in all modes, confirming routes, taking and testing depthsSignal Generator for Problem Services
The Genny on problem services such as street lighting and small comms cablesRisk Assessment and Permit to Dig
Completing a risk assessment and permit to dig before excavationSurface Removal
Removing the surface in the right position relative to identified servicesHorizontal Excavation
Excavating horizontally to expose the indicated serviceSupporting Exposed Services
Supporting exposed services where requiredSoil Type Awareness
Ground stability, support and choosing the excavation method for the soilReinstatement
Completing the reinstatementMCQ Assessment
Multiple choice questions at the end of the programmePricing & Booking
EUSR Cat 1 & 2 Combined Course Cost
Open courses at our Wigan centre are priced per delegate; on site it is one price for your group of up to 8, with trainer travel and overnight accommodation within mainland UK included. Prices are exclusive of VAT. When the two days run back to back, a single EUSR registration of £34 + VAT per person covers both categories and is charged alongside the course fee; registration is valid for 3 years. Lead time is typically 3 to 4 weeks, and CITB funding may be available for registered employers. Send us your delegate count, location and dates and we usually quote within one working day.
Training in Action
EUSR Cat 1 Locate Utility Services, Site Photos
Next Steps
Where to go from EUSR Cat 1
- ProQual CAT1 Plus: extended practical assessment
- OSCA on-site competency assessment
- Bespoke training for your sites
- Cable avoidance course comparison
- GS6 Overhead Power Lines (often booked alongside)
- Manufacturer-specific locator training
- EUSR CAT1 or ProQual CAT1? Side by side
- Renewing an EUSR card, step by step
- The Genny-First Methodology
Book Your EUSR CAT 1 Course
At our Wigan centre or on your site anywhere in the UK, travel included, up to 8 delegates. Contact us for a quote.