ProQual CAT1 Training: The Most Rigorous Utility Locating Qualification

Duration

1 Day

Max Delegates

8

Qualification

ProQual CAT1

Pass Standard

Criteria-based competency

Assessment

Theory paper + hands-on practical

Developed by the Industry's Leading Experts

Built by Sygma Solutions and CSTA in Partnership with ProQual

Sygma Solutions, along with CSTA (both recognised as the leading experts in utility location in the UK), specifically developed this qualification in partnership with ProQual. It was not adapted from an existing framework or reverse-engineered from a spec sheet. It was built from the ground up by people who have spent decades locating, training, assessing and investigating service strikes.

That is why the ProQual CAT1 is the only qualification Sygma does not have to add content to. Every other qualification on the market requires additional material to bring it up to the standard the industry actually needs. The ProQual CAT1 was written to that standard from day one.

No other training provider can make this claim. No other qualification has this development pedigree. When you book a ProQual CAT1 with Sygma, you are getting the qualification delivered by the people who built it.

The ProQual CAT1 is built around a single principle: verify, do not assume. Every theory criterion and every practical criterion exists to test whether the delegate can prove what is in the ground before work begins, rather than relying on plans, habit, or guesswork.

This is what separates ProQual from a pass/fail percentage test. A percentage-based assessment allows a delegate to get several answers wrong and still pass. The ProQual model does not. If a delegate cannot demonstrate a criterion, they do not receive a certificate for that criterion. There is no margin for error on the things that matter most.

In practice, this means every delegate who holds a ProQual CAT1 has been individually verified against every area of the qualification. The assessor has observed their theory knowledge and their practical performance, criterion by criterion. That is a level of confidence that a percentage score cannot provide.

Key Differences in Delivery Method

Per course, not per person

One fixed fee covers your whole group of up to 8 delegates.

Travel included

At Sygma HQ (Wigan), The Survey School (Worcester), or on-site at your premises.

No hidden extras

ProQual registration, assessment materials, and post-course feedback included.

CITB Funding

Is CITB Funding Available?

CITB-registered employers can access funding through the CITB Employer Network. Contact your Employer Network lead to confirm availability before booking.

Need Funding Advice?

We help clients navigate CITB funding enquiries as part of every booking.

What is the difference between ProQual CAT1 and EUS CAT1?

They are not equivalent qualifications. ProQual CAT1 is significantly more thorough. It covers topics that EUS does not assess at all, including CDM Regulations, risk assessment monitoring and reporting, and Safe Systems of Work aligned with HASAWA, HSG47, and GS6. Where EUS relies on multiple choice questions, ProQual uses written theory papers that require candidates to demonstrate understanding in their own words. ProQual also requires both theory and practical assessment across most criteria, whereas EUS covers many areas through MCQ alone with no practical demonstration. In 21 years, Sygma has had to add content to every qualification on the market to make it fit for industry. The ProQual CAT1 is the only one we do not have to add anything to, because it covers everything needed. If your procurement framework gives you a choice, ProQual CAT1 delivers a measurably higher standard.

Why does the ProQual have no percentage pass mark?

The ProQual framework uses a competency-based assessment model. Rather than scoring a percentage on a multiple-choice paper, the assessor observes the delegate and judges whether each individual criterion has been met. Every criterion must be met before a certificate is issued. This is considered a more robust demonstration of real-world competence.

Do I need to bring my own CAT and Genny?

For classroom-based sessions at Wigan or Worcester, Sygma provides all equipment (Radiodetection CAT4 and Genny4 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, the client must supply a locator and signal generator for the practical assessment elements. The equipment must be calibrated and in working order.

What happens if a delegate fails one of the practical criteria?

If a delegate does not meet a criterion during the assessment, the trainer will note the gap and, where time allows, provide additional coaching before a reassessment. If competence cannot be demonstrated on the day, the delegate will not receive a certificate and will need to attend a further session.

Is ProQual CAT1 training recognised on utility and construction sites?

Yes. The ProQual CAT1 is widely accepted across utility, water, gas, electricity, and construction sectors. Some organisations specify ProQual; others specify EUSR. If you are unsure what your framework requires, contact us and we will check for you.

What are the progression routes from ProQual CAT1?

Delegates who hold the ProQual CAT1 can progress to the ProQual CAT1 Plus (additional theory and extended practical criteria), the ProQual CAT2 Safe Dig qualification, or the OSCA scheme. Sygma can advise on the right progression route for your team.