IHE Professional Certificates and Diplomas are ideal for individuals who have been working in the industry and would like to obtain an academically endorsed qualification.
What is the difference between a Professional Certificate and Diploma?
| Professional Certificate | Professional Diploma |
| Candidates will be able to demonstrate an awareness and knowledge of various core aspects. | In addition to the Professional Certificate level, candidates will need to be able to demonstrate their ability to solve problems and lead. |
IHE Professional Certificates and Diplomas
- are awarded by IHE appointed independent steering panels, which include representatives from various governing bodies, organisations and companies.
- accredit skill and competency as a specialist highways practitioner and can provide evidence of competence to employers. The IHE competency statements are industry-tested and exemplify what practitioners are expected to know and deliver in the work place.
- provide a foundation for national qualifications and, subject to demonstrating the appropriate academic qualifications and competency, can also contribute to an application for Engineering Council registration.
They are offered in a wide range of specialist highway areas and all highway practitioners can apply.
IHE membership is not required (excluding TTME) and there is no specific need for academic qualifications or professional grade.
Applicants are required to complete assignments and/or a portfolio of evidence, which are compiled into a submission; they may also be required to attend an interview with appointed senior professionals.
There are two routes to achieving a Professional Certificate or Diploma through the IHE –
the Course Route or the Knowledge Based Route.
Please note: You cannot use the Knowledge-based route for the Professional Certificate/Diploma in Temporary Traffic Management Engineering. Please see the guidance notes below as the process is slightly different.
| Course Route | Knowledge Based Route |
| A structured training programme will deliver the skills and information required for achievement of an IHE Professional Certificate or Diploma and this can also lay the foundation for Professional Registration. Firstly, you should decide which level you wish to attain and then attend the dedicated training course. The IHE offers qualifications at two levels through the course route:
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance with CPD just for attending the course. Once you successfully complete the course you can then submit a portfolio of evidence to gain the Professional Certificate or Diploma. NB: the Professional Certificate and Diploma are not awarded automatically just for attending the course Courses can be run as an in-house option. Full details of each certificate and diploma competencies and assessment can be found in the guidance documents below. Course details can be found here: Click here for course dates. | Professional Certificates or Professional Diplomas can also be achieved by candidates who feel they already have sufficient skills, training and experience and can demonstrate this by submitting an Individual Portfolio of Evidence, which documents how they have achieved the competencies required. If you wish to follow the Knowledge Based Route, full details of how to apply for a Professional Certificate or Diploma can be found in the guidance documents below. |
Resources
Courses
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Temporary Traffic Management (Diploma)
- Tue 06 Oct 2026
The Professional Diploma at Intermediate level (QCF 4/5) is offered as part of the Institute of Highway Engineers Highway Academy programme and is aimed to develop the highway engineering knowledge of the individual so they can exercise engineering judgement on behalf of their employer at temporary traffic situations.
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Traffic Signing and Road Markings
- Wed 07 Oct 2026
This 4-day course provides both a theoretical foundation and practical experience in the design and implementation of traffic signing and road marking schemes. It contains an introduction to the subject, but takes the concepts through to experienced practitioner level.
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Traffic Signal Control - From Design to Implementation
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
This course is for managers, engineers and technicians involved in the management, design or implementation of traffic control systems. The course is organised by IHE in conjunction with major UK industry players and complements the JCT Consultancy training programme.
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Transport Development Management
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE. IHE’s Transport Development Management course is the only one in the UK designed specifically for transport practitioners working in Development Management roles and leads to the IHE Professional Certificate/Diploma in DM.
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Road Safety Engineering
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
This 2 day course from the IHE offers the opportunity for the Road Safety Engineer to expand their knowledge and demonstrate their competency in all aspects of road safety engineering.
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Winter Services Decision Making
- Tue 27 Oct 2026
OTHER DATES AND LOCATIONS AVAILABLE The only accredited UK course for Winter Services Decision Makers and Managers. This course delivers learning across a wide range of subjects necessary for Winter Service Professionals and enables individuals to demonstrate competence.
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Temporary Traffic Management (Certificate)
- Tue 17 Nov 2026
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE The only UK course specifically for temporary traffic management designers, engineers and practitioners working in the planning and design of temporary traffic management situations on highways. This course provides an industry benchmark and the Certificate has received endorsement from National Highways.
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Online: Active Travel - Planning & Design
- Tue 26 Jan 2027
This course provides delegates with the background knowledge to develop a firm understanding of active travel policy, planning and delivery. This will improve their relevant skills, enabling them to produce outline designs for walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure meeting UK regulatory and best practice requirements.