Handheld Shotcrete Operator Course Structure

To earn the EFNARC Handheld Shotcrete Certificate, candidates must successfully pass five mandatory modules. While the modules can be completed in any flexible sequence, all 5 are required for certification.

Module 1 - Theoretical Instruction

Conducted in a classroom setting by a certified EFNARC Examiner using standardized EFNARC presentation material.

Minimum Duration: ~8 Hours

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction & General Standards
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
Concrete Technology (120 mins)
Equipment Operation (90 mins)
Execution & Application Procedures (120 mins)
Quality Control & Testing
Concrete Repair & Refractory Applications
Local & National Sprayed Concrete Regulations

Module 2 - Virtual Reality (VR) Simulator Assessment

Objective assessment performed on an EFNARC-certified VR simulator.

Duration: Up to 8 hours provided per attendee (maximum 2 attendees per VR unit).
Requirement: Candidates must pass at least 10 specified VR scenarios, consuming a minimum of 10 m³ of virtual sprayed concrete over effective simulation time.
Supervision: Monitored by an Examiner or Instructor to ensure complete assessment integrity. Data is stored online for EFNARC verification.

Module 3 - Online Theory Examination

An independent, digital examination administered through the EFNARC online portal.

Format: 30 randomly selected multiple-choice questions from the official EFNARC database.
Passing Grade: Minimum 26 out of 30 correct answers (87%).
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Italian, and German (additional languages available upon request with an 8-week lead time).
Accessibility: Supervised online test; candidates with learning difficulties may have questions read aloud by the supervisor.

Module 4 - Practical Assessment

A hands-on practical session using real handheld spraying equipment (wet or dry method) supervised by an independent EFNARC Examiner.

Max Group Size: 8 attendees per practical session.
Key Evaluation Areas:

Pre-application checking & setup
Startup & shutdown procedures
Application & test panel spraying (according to EN 14488-1 or local equivalent, or minimum 1.0 m² surface with 30mm thickness)
Troubleshooting and problem-solving
Health & safety compliance

Assessment Objectivity: To ensure absolute impartiality, Examiners are not permitted to conduct Module 4 assessments for colleagues working within their own company or corporate group.

Module 5 - Work Experience Verification

Requirement: Verification of at least 40 days of active handheld spraying work experience.

Submission: Documented via the official EFNARC Experience Form and signed by a supervisor.
Flexibility: Experience can be completed prior to or after attending Modules 1–4.

Certificate Issuance & Renewal

Issuing the Certificate

Upon successful completion of Modules 1–5, the Examiner or Course Provider submits digital records to EFNARC. Once verified, EFNARC issues an official, stamped digital certificate (PDF) valid for 5 years.

Certificate Renewal Process

Before the 5-year expiry date (or within a maximum 2-year grace period post-expiry):

Pass Module 3: Complete the online theory examination.
Submit Module 5: Provide proof of at least 40 days of handheld spraying activity logged during the preceding 5-year certification period.

Note: If a certificate is not renewed within 2 years after its expiration date, the holder must retake the entire 5-module course.

EFNARC courses are held at locations around the world