Professional Certificate of Competency in Building Automation System Fundamentals

Course Duration
Duration
  • 3 Months
Course Study
Study Mode
  • Online
  • Industrial Automation
  • Mechanical Engineering
Course Location
Location
  • Online
Course Code
Course Code
CBA
Course Intakes
Intakes
  • 3 November 2026
  • 13 April 2027
  • 12 October 2027
Course Type
Course Type
  • Professional Certificate
  • Industrial Automation, Instrumentation and Process Control
  • UK
  • Mechanical Engineering
Course Fees
Fees

Course Overview

As buildings become smarter and more energy-efficient, demand is growing for professionals with Building Automation Systems expertise to optimize performance, improve occupant comfort, reduce energy use, and control operational costs.

This course equips engineers and facility professionals with practical skills to design, integrate, and maintain Building Automation Systems for energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and reduced operational costs.

Course Benefits

  • You may be eligible to claim CPD points through your local engineering association.
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT.
  • Learn from industry experts from around the globe.
  • Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are working full-time.
  • Interact with industry experts during the webinars and get the latest updates/announcements on the subject.
  • Experience a global learning with students from various backgrounds and experience which is a great networking opportunity.

After completing this course, you will be able to

  • Understand the basic concepts of Building Automation System
  • Learn the vital parts and their specific functions within the building automation system.
  • Recognize and adapt the essential control strategies required for different applications.
  • Become familiar with the different sensors and control elements in building automation system architecture.
  • Gain important knowledge in troubleshooting techniques and maintenance procedures.

Course Details

This Professional Certificate delivers a practical foundation in Building Automation Systems, covering system anatomy, field devices, control strategies (On/Off, P, PI, PID), networking protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks), programming, and IT fundamentals. Learners will explore system integration, trend and alarm management, and real‑world applications across HVAC, lighting, humidification, and security systems.

Through practical examples of testing, commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance, participants will learn to apply control strategies, interpret trend data, troubleshoot faults, and implement preventive measures. Graduates will be able to specify system components, support commissioning activities, and optimize BAS operation to lower energy use, extend equipment life, and reduce downtime.

This 12‑module course equips you with practical troubleshooting and failure‑prevention skills for bulk materials handling plants.

Module 1: Introduction

  • Definition of Terms
  • Background
  • Anatomy of a Building Automation System
  • Benefits and Real-World Application

Module 2: Building Automation Concepts

  • System Configurations
  • System Functions
  • Direct Digital Controller (DDC)
  • Field Instruments (Sensors & Control Elements)

Module 3: System Integration

  • BACnet
  • LonWorks
  • Modbus
  • Auxiliary Systems

Module 4: Control Basics

  • On/Off Control
  • Proportional Control
  • Proportional + Integral Control
  • Proportional Integral Derivative Control

Module 5: Controller Theory

  • Inputs
  • Outputs
  • Variables
  • Universal Input/Output
  • PID Loops
  • Global / Local Signals
  • Controller to Controller Data Sharing
  • Calendar and EventsNetworking Controllers

Module 6: Programming

  • Logic Formulation / Algorithm
  • Coding / Block Programming

Module 7: IT Concepts

  • Networks / Connectivity
    • Host
    • Network Card
    • 10 Base T / 10 Base FL
    • Wiring Standards
    • IP Address / MAC Address
    • Communications
    • Routers / Switches
  • TCP/IP
    • Network Identification
    • Troubleshooting

Module 8: Historical Details

  • Trend Graphs
  • Alarm Management

Data Storage

  • Archiving
  • FIFO

Module 9: Control Systems Applications

  • Ventilation Controls
  •  Heating Controls
  • Preheat Controls
  • Humidification / Dehumidification Controls
  • Cooling Controls
  • Year-Round System Controls
  • Lighting Controls
  • Survellance / CCTV / Access Controls

Module 10: Installation

  • Best Practices
  • Field Devices
  • Cabling
  • Control Panel / DDC Panel
  • Shielding / Grounding

Module 11: Testing & Commissioning

  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)
  • SAT (Site Acceptance Test)
  • Insulation Test
  • Point to Point Test
  • Loop Check
  • Functional Test
  • Interlock / Interfacing Test
    • Fire Alarm Shutdown
    • Lift Interlock

Module 12: Diagnostics

  • Maintenance
    • Preventive Maintenance
    • Corrective Maintenance
    • Condition based Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting

This course is designed for engineers and technical professionals involved in the design, operation, integration, commissioning, maintenance, and optimisation of Building Automation Systems, including:

  • Building automation and controls engineers
  • Electrical, mechanical, and building services engineers
  • Facilities managers and facility engineering professionals
  • HVAC engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel
  • BAS/BMS technicians and system integrators
  • Commissioning and maintenance professionals
  • Engineers and technical professionals transitioning into building automation and smart building roles

To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at live, online fortnightly webinars. Detailed summaries/notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance. In addition, students must obtain a mark of 60% in the set assignments which could take the form of written assignments and practical assignments. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in quizzes. If a student does not achieve the required score, they will be given an opportunity to resubmit the assignment to obtain the required score.

For full current fees in your country go to the drop down filter at the top of this page or visit the Fees page.

Payment Methods

Learn more about payment methods, including payment terms & conditions and additional non-tuition fees.

Our courses are delivered by experienced engineers and technical experts from around the world. Many have tackled real-world engineering challenges and bring practical, applied knowledge directly into the classroom.

We draw from a global pool of instructors and lecturers across our organisation. Explore our full team of expert educators on the Instructors & Lecturers page here.

Please note: Not all lecturers and instructors listed on this page will teach every course. The team teaching your course will be confirmed as part of your course enrolment.

You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending fortnightly webinars that run for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This program has a 65% attendance requirement in the live webinars in order to graduate from the program. If you are unable to attend the live webinars, you have the option of watching the recording of completed webinars and sending a summary of what you have learnt from the webinar to the Learning Support officer. The summaries go towards your attendance requirement for the program.

This program is run online on a part-time basis and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.

We understand that sometimes work commitments and personal circumstances can get in the way of your studies, so if at any point you feel that you are struggling with the pace of the course or finding a particular module challenging, you are encouraged to contact your designated Learning Support Officer for assistance.

Please ensure you book your place at least one week before the course start date.

If the course is not currently scheduled, please contact us. We can let you know when it will be offered next, or explore the possibility of creating a special intake if there is a group.

Hear from our students

  The delivery methodology and the information available in the e-library can’t be beaten. The other important aspect of online education is recorded lectures. You can review the tutorial and lessons on repeat when you need to understand the concept.  
M Masemola, South Africa
  What I liked most about the course and EIT is the flexibility is offered regarding education. It gave me the opportunity to study and work full-time.  
C Groenewald, South Africa
  I enjoyed interacting with students all around the world, and seeing how the principles I have learned applies to them as well.  
S Zeelie, South Africa
  My line of work requires me travel quite often. I could not attend every class due to my remote locations, but still I could recap and stay on top of the study material thanks to the recordings. Also, all the Instructors were world class.  
P Pretorius, South Africa

Why EIT?

We are one of the only institutes in the world specializing in engineering.

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