ICTQual Qualified Source Test Individual (QSTI)

The ICTQual Qualified Source Test Individual (QSTI) course develops competent professionals able to plan, lead and validate industrial source‑testing campaigns to international standards. Tailored for senior field technicians, test team leaders, laboratory supervisors and environmental compliance specialists, the programme integrates core metrology, sampling methods, QA/QC and professional leadership so candidates deliver technically robust, audit‑ready test outcomes. Practical emphasis on flow measurement, isokinetic traverses, extractive and dilution gas methods, and CEMS fundamentals ensures participants can make informed method choices and supervise correct field implementation.

Learners practice field calculations, sample handling and chain‑of‑custody procedures while adopting systematic approaches to calibration, uncertainty assessment and data integrity. Safety, permit coordination and on‑site leadership are embedded throughout so candidates can manage multi‑disciplinary teams, liaise with observers and regulators, and resolve operational non‑conformances with documented corrective actions. The course culminates in structured test‑plan development and authoritative report authoring that meet regulator and client expectations.

ICTQual Qualified Source Test Individual (QSTI) is suitable for international audiences and is deliverable as classroom, blended or bespoke in‑house training with supervised field assessment options. Graduates receive recognised competency documentation suitable for organisational competence registers, tender qualifications and career progression into QA, accreditation and consultancy roles. The course supplies ready‑to‑use templates, checklists and evidence packs to ensure immediate application on real projects and stronger defensibility of sampling programmes.

Course overview

To enrol in ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment .Learners under 18 are not accepted due to site safety and permit requirements.
Educational Background: Minimum: secondary school completion with passes in mathematics and a science subject.Preferred: vocational or technical qualification in engineering, environmental science, instrumentation, or a related discipline.
Professional Experience:
Typical: 12 to 24 months relevant experience in field sampling, emissions monitoring, laboratory work, plant operations, or instrumentation.
Alternate: candidates with less experience may be accepted with employer sponsorship or verified supervised exposure.
English Proficiency: Working proficiency in English for technical instruction, assessments and report writing.Suggested benchmark: CEFR B2 or equivalent, or employer confirmation of competence.
Additional Requirements: RPL and employer-backed exemptions are accepted on submission of verifiable evidence. Candidates may be asked to complete a pre-course task or interview to confirm competence.

This qualification, the ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI), consists of 5 mandatory units.

Source Testing Principles, Methods and Regulatory Frameworks
Flow Measurement, Traverses and Isokinetic Sampling Techniques
Gas Sampling, Extractive and Dilution Methods and CEMS Fundamentals
Quality Assurance, Data Integrity, Calculations and Uncertainty
Field Leadership, Safety, Test Planning and Report Authoring

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI):

Source Testing Principles Methods and Regulatory Frameworks

Explain the purpose and scope of major source testing methods and when each is applicable.
Interpret relevant regulatory requirements permit conditions and method hierarchies that govern test selection.
Identify key emission metrics reference conditions and standard reporting units used in compliance submissions.
Distinguish roles responsibilities and ethical obligations of testers observers clients and regulators during test campaigns.
Evaluate method limitations allowed deviations and the impact of deviations on test validity and reportability.
Select appropriate acceptance criteria and success thresholds for typical source tests.

Flow Measurement Traverses and Isokinetic Sampling Techniques

Demonstrate correct principles of flow measurement and the rationale for traverse designs.
Calculate cross-sectional flow area velocity profiles and perform plausibility checks on traverse data.
Specify and verify probe geometry nozzle selection and isokinetic sampling conditions for particulate sampling.
Identify common flow measurement errors and apply corrective or qualification actions.
Apply area weighting and basic flow-related calculations to produce defensible volumetric flow results.
Assess the representativeness of traverse plans and recommend adjustments where required.

Gas Sampling Extractive and Dilution Methods and CEMS Fundamentals

Describe extractive dilution and direct CEMS measurement principles and comparative advantages.
Specify correct sampling train configuration for gas sampling including sample conditioning requirements.
Verify zero span and calibration procedures for gas analysers and dilution systems.
Detect common sampling artefacts contamination and sample loss and recommend remedial actions.
Interpret basic CEMS outputs and ancillary data for oversight and quality checks.
Choose appropriate method variants for specific pollutants and site conditions.

Quality Assurance Data Integrity Calculations and Uncertainty

Apply QA QC procedures including calibration gas checks blanks duplicates and field spikes to judge data validity.
Perform basic calculation checks for sample mass volume moisture and molecular corrections.
Identify signs of instrument drift tampering or data integrity failures and document findings.
Apply simple uncertainty concepts to interpret results and support qualification statements.
Prepare annotated calculation checks and clear data-review notes for inclusion in technical reports.
Recommend data acceptance re-sampling or qualification based on documented evidence.

Field Leadership Safety Test Planning and Report Authoring

Develop a structured test plan including objectives resource needs schedules and contingency measures.
Lead on-site coordination with testers observers site safety officers and client representatives.
Implement site permit systems and enforce PPE and permit-to-work requirements while observing tests.
Manage non-conformances incidents and escalation pathways using standardised documentation.
Author a complete test report and test plan components with executive summary deviation logs evidence index and recommendations.
Maintain an audit-ready evidence pack and CPD record demonstrating professional competence and traceability.

Completing the ICTQual Qualified Source Test Individual (QSTI) opens multiple career and credential pathways that deepen technical expertise, increase responsibility, and expand commercial or regulatory opportunities. Progression combines further training, documented field experience, and formal recognition to maximise employability and professional impact.

Technical specialisations

Complete advanced CEMS calibration and diagnostics training.
Gain specialist competence in advanced isokinetic particulate sampling and speciation techniques.
Achieve expertise in flow metrology including pitot, ultrasonic and traverse optimisation.
Learn sample‑conditioning, dilution system design and artefact mitigation.
Undertake instrumentation fault‑finding, sensor validation and preventative maintenance.
Earn micro‑credentials for emerging contaminants and novel reference methods.
Participate in field validation projects to demonstrate specialist capability.

Quality assurance and accreditation

Lead implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 principles for field–lab interfaces.
Coordinate proficiency testing, inter‑laboratory comparisons and corrective action programs.
Develop and manage SOPs, document control and versioning systems for testing organisations.
Build competence in audit planning, internal audits and accreditation dossier preparation.
Design quality‑monitoring regimes and performance indicators for test campaigns.
Advise on data‑retention, chain‑of‑custody and evidential integrity procedures.
Act as accreditation liaison during external assessments and inspector engagements.

Supervisory and programme management

Move into test‑team leadership and on‑site supervisory roles.
Plan multi‑site programmes, resource allocation and logistics for complex campaigns.
Manage contractor interfaces, client communications and permit coordination.
Implement competency frameworks, mentoring and assessor duties for junior staff.
Lead incident response, non‑conformance resolution and root‑cause investigations.
Prepare bid documents, scope definitions and technical schedules for tenders.
Acquire formal management qualifications to support career advancement.

Data analytics and forensic review

Develop automated data‑check workflows using spreadsheets, Python or R.
Apply statistical methods for anomaly detection, trend analysis and uncertainty screening.
Create regulator‑ready dashboards and visualisations to summarise test outcomes.
Perform forensic provenance checks and chain‑of‑custody audits on datasets.
Deliver reproducible data audits supporting qualification or re‑sampling decisions.
Build templated, repeatable data‑review reports to scale delivery across projects.
Support expert‑witness assignments with documented, defensible analyses.

Regulatory, compliance and advisory roles

Transition into compliance officer or permitting specialist positions.
Interpret permit conditions and advise on compliance demonstration strategies.
Prepare observer‑backed submissions and technical annexes for regulators.
Represent organisations at regulatory meetings and technical consultations.
Design compliance monitoring frameworks and corrective action plans.
Provide dispute‑resolution support through evidence‑based reporting and mediation.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of cross‑jurisdictional regulatory changes.

Commercial and consultancy pathways

Offer independent QSTI services: test planning, field leadership and reporting packages.
Package assurance products combining observation, QA review and corrective actions.
Develop paid training modules, checklists and subscription CPD services for clients.
Build partnerships with instrument vendors for validation trials and commercial work.
Tender for retained advisory contracts supporting ongoing monitoring programmes.
Scale operations through regional partnerships, subcontracting and white‑label services.
Market niche consultancy services (forensics, regulatory defence, expert testimony).

Teaching, assessment and professional recognition

Qualify as a trainer and assessor for QSTI and related short courses.
Design curriculum, assessment criteria and realistic practical scenarios for learners.
Supervise apprenticeships, on‑the‑job assessment and competency validation schemes.
Publish case studies, technical notes and contribute to best‑practice guidance.
Present at conferences, webinars and professional workshops to build profile.
Join or form working groups to influence standards and method development.
Maintain a structured CPD portfolio and pursue recognised professional memberships.

FAQs

Regulator staff responsible for emissions compliance and permit verification.
Test team leaders and senior field technicians who plan and lead source‑testing campaigns.
Laboratory supervisors and sample custodians involved in field–lab interfaces.
QA/QC officers, compliance auditors and technical reviewers who evaluate test validity.
Environmental consultants and third‑party verifiers providing oversight or advisory services.
Site operations, maintenance or safety personnel who support or host testing activities.
Early‑career technicians aiming to progress into supervisory, QA or specialist roles.

Prepares candidates for roles in QA, accreditation support, test-team leadership, consultancy and regulatory liaison.
Provides documented evidence of competence valued by employers and accreditation schemes.

The ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI) is a 10 days training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI) is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Qualified Source Test Insdivdual (QSTI), includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%