River Condition Assessment Training

Our River Condition Assessment (RCA) accredited training covers the field and desk study methods required to generate the River Condition inputs for calculating Net Gain using The Statutory Biodiversity Metric.

The 6-week accredited RCA training course is delivered online as a structured learning programme that combines short videos, self-led field survey and desk study practical sessions, online assessments and trainer-led interactive group conferences and one to one sessions. The online programme (including the final RCA accreditation test) is equivalent to 3-day in-person training, with increased flexibility that allows learning activities and practical assignments to be fitted around other commitments.

Training includes access to a private workspace with RCA online tools and secure data storage via Cartographer. Each course is limited to a maximum of 10 places and are run subject to demand (Terms & Conditions are linked below).

Fees for individuals to attend one of our regular online courses for up to 10 delegates are £500 + VAT *

We also offer bespoke group bookings for up to 10 delegates for a reduced rate of £4,000 + VAT *

* Please be advised that RCA training fees include:

  • full RGS-IBG CPD accredited RCA training,
  • one year of full access to Cartographer tools for calculations and a private workspace for secure data storage.

RCA Course Bookings

We run regular monthly online training courses aimed at individuals and small teams. You can enquire about forthcoming training course dates and availability on individuals’ courses by clicking on the link below.

Please be aware, we are currently experience a high demand for River Condition Assessment training – we thank you for your patience while we process outstanding requests.

We also offer private courses on demand for up to 10 attendees at a time. Get in touch if you’d like us to run a bespoke course for your team. or for any other questions:

Alternatively, join our Newsletter to hear about updates to MoRPh and new courses as soon as they’re announced:

Please note – RCA training does not cover the whole Rivers and Streams Metric for Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Please visit CIEEM events for information about their Introduction to Biodiversity Metric Watercourse Module for calculating Biodiversity Net Gain.

Schedule for the 6-week Online River Condition Assessment Course

The time commitment for the self-led and interactive learning elements of the online course is equivalent to a 2-day ‘in person’ course, plus up to one day for your final RCA accreditation test at one of our ‘calibration test survey’ sites. Please note that additional time to cover the essential field survey practical elements may need to be factored into the online training schedule, depending upon individual locations and other factors.

RCA Course components and structure:

Weeks 1 & 2

  • Biodiversity Net Gain & River Condition Assessment Overview
  • Introduction to the River Condition Assessment
  • Component 1 – The MoRPh field survey

Weeks 3 & 4

  • Field trial and test of the MoRPh Survey
  • Uploading and downloading field survey data
  • Component 2 – The River Type desk study

Weeks 5 & 6

  • Component 3 – Final Condition Scores
  • Baseline and post-intervention application
  • 2 x 2 hr online group conference sessions
  • 2 x 20 min individual 121 sessions

Weeks 6 to 12

  • Component 4 – Calibration Test Survey and Assessment

For more information about the online course timings please get in touch.

Terms and Conditions

Modular River Survey training courses, including the River Condition Assessment course, are run by Cartographer Studios under their Training Terms.