Course Description:
NOTE: This course was updated in 2022 and is based on the FHWA Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM - 2022 Version), National Bridge Inspection Standards (2022 NBIS), and the FHWA Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI). 

This course also contains new MANDATORY requirements for participants and host in preparation for in-the-field exercises. 

This course, based on the BIRM - 2022 Version, 2022 NBIS, and the SNBI, provides training on safety inspection of in-service highway bridges. The completion of this course fulfills the training requirements of the NBIS (23 CFR 650.309) for an FHWA-approved comprehensive training course. The course has undergone significant improvements in format and content including required bridge inspection in-the-field exercises, curriculum on the application of the SNBI and AASHTO element level condition ratings, and updated activities that maximize participant engagement throughout the course. The topics covered include fundamentals of bridge inspection; bridge materials; documenting bridge inspection data; inspection and evaluation of decks, superstructures, bearings, substructures, culverts, and waterways; and bridge inspection reporting. For instances where in-the-field time is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather (snow, hurricane, flooding, heavy rain, tornadoes), a back-up option for the in-the field exercise will be permitted using the NHI computer-based Virtual Bridge Inspection Computer Based Training (VBI CBT) program. 

Participants are required to attend 100% of the sessions of the course and successfully complete mid-term and end-of-course assessments with a cumulative score of 70% or better to receive a certificate of completion. The sponsoring agency/State may monitor the examinations and retain the scores to qualify or certify bridge inspectors. Note: Many States have additional requirements to become a bridge inspection team leader. 

Participant Prerequisite Requirement: ALL participants must have met one of the two prerequisite requirements for participation in this course, and must provide the course completion certificate bearing their name prior to the first day of class. The passing score for all prerequisites is 70% or better.  

Individuals must complete one of the following two prerequisite requirements:  

1. FHWA-NHI-130101 Introduction to Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, a 14-hour Self-Directed Training (SDT) and assessment;
or 
2. FHWA-NHI-130101A Prerequisite Assessment for Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, a Self-Directed Training (SDT) assessment only (test out). 

Outcomes: 
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to: 

• Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a bridge inspector and define inspection concepts including personal and public safety issues associated with bridge inspections 
• List the inspection equipment needs for various types of bridges and site conditions 
• Describe, identify, evaluate, and document the various components and deficiencies that can exist on bridge components and elements 
• List design characteristics and describe inspection methods and locations for common concrete, steel, and timber structures 
• Identify and evaluate the various culvert and waterway deficiencies 
• Discuss the need to inspect underwater portions of bridges 
• Describe nondestructive evaluation methods for basic bridge materials 
• Demonstrate how to field inspect and evaluate common concrete, steel, and timber bridges 

Target Audience: 
Federal, State, and local highway agency employees; and consultants involved in inspecting bridges or in bridge inspection management and leadership positions. A background in bridge engineering is strongly recommended. 

If you have questions about this NHI training, please contact NHI at nhicustomerservice@dot.gov or 877.558.6873. 

Credit Hours