The Construction Fixings Association (CFA) has released its 2026 training calendar, outlining a series of courses focused on anchor installation, testing, and competence development across the UK construction sector. Book your training here.
The programme includes both physical training courses and e-learning options, designed to support contractors, installers, and testing professionals in maintaining compliance with industry standards and best practice.
Courses will be delivered at multiple locations across the UK, including Solihull, Ashford, Manchester, Winnersh, and Glasgow, with sessions hosted by major industry manufacturers such as Rite-Fix, VJ Technology, Hilti, and Rawlplug.
Focus on Anchor Testing and Competence
The 2026 programme places particular emphasis on the “Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors” course, which is scheduled to run at several locations throughout the year.
This course is intended to provide a structured understanding of pull testing requirements, test procedures, and reporting standards, supporting compliance with recognised industry guidance.
An “Advanced Tester Training” course is also scheduled, aimed at experienced operatives requiring a higher level of technical understanding and practical competence.
The programme includes both physical training courses and e-learning options, designed to support contractors, installers, and testing professionals in maintaining compliance with industry standards and best practice.
Courses will be delivered at multiple locations across the UK, including Solihull, Ashford, Manchester, Winnersh, and Glasgow, with sessions hosted by major industry manufacturers such as Rite-Fix, VJ Technology, Hilti, and Rawlplug.
Focus on Anchor Testing and Competence
The 2026 programme places particular emphasis on the “Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors” course, which is scheduled to run at several locations throughout the year.
This course is intended to provide a structured understanding of pull testing requirements, test procedures, and reporting standards, supporting compliance with recognised industry guidance.
An “Advanced Tester Training” course is also scheduled, aimed at experienced operatives requiring a higher level of technical understanding and practical competence.
| Course Date | Course Title | Location |
|---|---|---|
| SOLD OUT | Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors | Rite-Fix, Solihull |
| 15 April 2026 | Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors | VJ Technology, Ashford, Kent |
| 21 April 2026 | Advanced Tester Training | Hilti, Manchester |
| 13 May 2026 | Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors | Rawlplug, Winnersh |
| 25 June 2026 | Proof Testing of General Purpose Anchors | Rawlplug, Glasgow |
Note: All courses are delivered by the Construction Fixings Association (CFA) with certification valid for three years. Physical courses include competency assessment and issuance of a CFA Training ID Card.
Certification and Validity
All CFA training courses provide formal certification, with successful candidates receiving a certificate valid for three years.
Physical training courses also include a competence assessment, with successful candidates issued a CFA Training ID Card in addition to their certification.
This approach aligns training with both knowledge and practical competence, reflecting increasing expectations around demonstrable capability in construction testing roles.
E-Learning Expansion
Alongside physical courses, the CFA has expanded its e-learning platform, offering on-demand training for installers, supervisors, and proof testers.
The e-learning option is intended to support experienced personnel requiring re-certification or knowledge refresh, while physical courses remain focused on hands-on training and competency assessment.
What This Means for the Industry
The release of the CFA training calendar reflects continued focus on competence in the installation and testing of fixings, particularly as regulatory scrutiny increases across the construction sector.
Testing activities such as anchor pull testing are increasingly required to demonstrate compliance within project documentation, particularly where evidence forms part of the Golden Thread.
As a result, formal training and certification are becoming more important in supporting both individual competence and organisational assurance.
Contractor Implications
Contractors and specialist testing providers should ensure that personnel undertaking anchor installation and testing are appropriately trained and certified.
Where proof load testing is carried out, competence is critical not only in executing the test but also in understanding the limitations of the results and their relevance to design verification.
The availability of both physical and online training provides flexibility in maintaining compliance across project teams.
Evidence-Based Summary
The expansion of CFA training provision is not driven by a single requirement but by a combination of increased regulatory scrutiny, competence expectations, and the need for verifiable testing practices. While certification provides a structured benchmark of knowledge, evidence from site operations shows that practical competence remains critical in ensuring that testing activities are correctly executed and interpreted.
In practical terms, this means that both training and experience are required to demonstrate compliance and reduce risk in anchor installation and testing.
Image © London Construction Magazine Limited
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
