10 Best Online Structural Engineering Certification Courses in India (2024)

Structural engineering is a subset of civil engineering that deals with the design, analysis, and construction of built structures. Professionals in this niche field ensure the safety, stability, and functionality of construction and infrastructure projects. Their expertise lies in determining how different materials, structural systems, and methodologies can be effectively used to withstand loads. Additionally, structural engineers ensure that the design of structures adhere to building safety codes and environmental considerations.

Why Must Structural Engineers Upskill?

The field of structural engineering demands professionals to stay abreast with the latest trends and innovations in the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Continuous learning allows structural engineers to navigate complex professional challenges with ease. Furthermore, upskilling not only enhances a professional’s expertise but also broadens their career opportunities. This ensures that they remain at the forefront of their game and bag the most lucrative opportunities for their growth.

How Can Structural Engineers Advance Their Careers?

Advancing a career in structural engineering involves a blend of offline and online learning, both of which offer unique benefits. 

Traditional offline learning, such as attending seminars, and workshops, or pursuing advanced degrees like a Master's in Structural Engineering, provides in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and valuable networking opportunities. However, it often demands a significant time commitment, sometimes spanning several years, and can be costly, with tuition fees and associated expenses. 

On the other hand, online courses and certifications, like those offered by Novatr, Coursera, and edX provide flexibility for working professionals. These courses are generally more affordable than traditional degrees, with costs varying widely based on the course provider and content. 

Read: Masters Vs Certificate Courses: Which is Better for Architects and Engineers?

Top Online Structural Engineering Certification Courses in India

When selecting the right online structural engineering certification course learners should look for programs that align with their career goals, time commitment, financial investment demands and industry trends. Online courses, in particular, often allow professionals to learn at their own pace, making it a practical choice for career advancement. 

So, let’s have a look at the ten most promising structural engineering certification courses that you can check out for upskilling yourself:

1. BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr

Duration: 7 months
Cost: INR 2,45,000
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: Yes

Offered by Novatr, the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers is one of the most industry-relevant courses for structural engineers. The course comprehensively focuses on various aspects of civil engineering, including material quantification and structural engineering in the context of BIM. Participants can learn about parametric modelling, structural families, precast, rebar, material takeoff, annotation, detailing, and schedules. Taught by industry experts, learners get to explore real-time applications of BIM through case studies and capstone projects. It is one of the most future-relevant structural engineering certification courses that can offer you long-term benefits for your career.

Also Read: BIM for Structural Engineers: Top Benefits, Significance, and Work Opportunities

2. Fundamentals of Structural Analysis: For Complete Beginners by Udemy

Duration: 9.5 hours
Cost: INR 1,499
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

For someone who wants to learn the basics of structural design, this is one of the most precise structural engineering certification courses. Participants get to learn about topics such as force, moment, shear force, bending moment diagrams, and techniques like the method of joints and the method of sections. The course curriculum also covers the subject of truss analysis, beam analysis, and frame analysis. Additionally, the course is supported with quizzes and assignments to help participants understand the industry applications of theoretical concepts. 

3. Structural Engineering Abaqus Tutorials by Udemy

Duration: 13.5 hours
Cost: INR 1,999
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

Touted as one of the most comprehensive structural engineering certification courses, this program delivers insights into real life structural examples and load calculations. The curriculum explores topics such as three-point bending, comprehensive loading, sequential load analysis, cyclic loading, tensile loading, high and low-velocity impact, XFEM, and materiality. The course is packed with 74 downloadable resources that participants can benefit from over the course of their learning tenure as well as their careers. The self-paced nature of the program allows structural engineering professionals to learn from industry experts at their convenience.

4. The Engineering of Structures Around Us Specialisation by Coursera

Duration: 2 months
Cost: INR 12,000
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

This is one of the most unique five-part structural engineering certification courses that is open to enrollment as individual units. This allows participants to purchase courses based on specific subjects while learning at the convenience of their time and the availability of money. As mentioned previously, this master course is split into 5 modules, each covering a wider spectrum of topics namely; tension, compression, the relationship of tension and compression, shear and bending, and response of structures. Through the course, participants learn about various kinds of structural loads and forces, designing and building prototypical structures, and identifying and comparing structural systems.

5. The Comprehensive ETABS Professional Course (RCC and Steel) by Udemy

Duration: 20.5 hours
Cost: INR 499
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

Elaborately covering the spectrum of Extended Three-dimensional Analysis of Building Systems (ETABS), this structural engineering certification course can be one of the best investments for construction professionals. ETABS is a software that caters to multi-story building analysis and design. It helps structural engineers evaluate the feasibility of a design. The course shares insights on using ETABS for designing RCC and steel structures following standards such as AISC360, IS800, IS1893, and IS13920. Additionally, it delves into various methodologies, including response spectrum analysis, linear static analysis, linear dynamic analysis, tall building response analysis, modal analysis, and structural dynamics analysis. 

6. Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit for Structural Design by Coursera

Duration: 23 hours
Cost: INR 2,400
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

Revit is a must-learn software for structural engineers as it supports BIM tools and processes that are gaining rapid acceptance in the AEC industry. This program is one of the most useful structural engineering certification courses for software upskilling. Participants will learn to work with structural components, selection sets, and element materials. Additionally, it also covers the topic of creating and managing views, and annotations, working with revisions, and setting up and managing sheets. Further, learners get to explore the intricacies of Revit through hands-on practice with quizzes.

7. Revit for Structural Engineers by edX

Duration: 5 weeks
Cost: INR 16,567
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

This structural engineering certification course is devised to fill the technological gap in the AEC industry. It aims to upskill structural engineers in new-age processes, software, and tools. Providing Revit training for structural engineers, participants will learn about Revit modelling tools, designing in-situ concrete structures, steel construction, various foundation systems, and structural details. It is an introductory self-paced program hosted by edX and taught in collaboration with the University of Maryland. Participants will have lifetime access to course materials and will get personal assistance from edX executives for any program-related issue.

8. Civil Engg - Structural Design of Pre-Engineered Building by Udemy

Duration: 10.5 hours
Cost: INR 499
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

In this structural engineering certification course, students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of civil engineering as they relate to the structural design of pre-engineered buildings. This course covers the core concepts of steel structures and structural systems, including topics such as structural optimisation and design parameters. Learners will gain proficiency in strategies for handling loading, modelling, designing, and analysing pre-engineered buildings. Additionally, students will become familiar with various IS codes used to calculate live loads, dead loads, wind loads, and seismic loads.

9. Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures by Coursera

Duration: 16 hours
Cost: INR 2,400
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

Identified as one of the most unique structural engineering certification courses, this program provides insights into various types of structural loads. The course vividly covers the topics of structural responses, design of large structures, designing for earthquake resistance, and the impact of mass and stiffness on buildings. Additionally, the course allows participants to work on a project that gives them exposure to real world applications of the theory concepts learnt during the program. The course is also backed with quizzes and exercises for participants to brush up their knowledge. 

10. Truss Analysis in 7 Easy Steps by Udemy

Duration: 3 hours
Cost: INR 499
Certification: Yes
Placement Assistance: No

As one of the most niche structural engineering certification courses, this self-paced learning program is accompanied by 5 downloadable materials. This course is tailored for participants seeking to acquire the essential skills for designing and constructing truss structures, including applications like roof structures for supporting external loads. Throughout the course, students will delve into topics such as zero force members, member forces, truss analysis, tension, and compression. Additionally, the course covers a simple step-by-step approach for various methods of truss joints and sections.

In Conclusion

Continuous learning is essential in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of structural engineering. So, whether you are a recent engineering graduate or a seasoned professional, the courses mentioned above can help you shine in the profession and stand out from the competition.

If you are looking for courses to help you upskill as a structural engineer and lay the foundation for a solid career, do check out the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr.