Construction
Geotechnics
Twelve months to understand the ground we build on: boreholes, laboratory tests and reports that keep structures sound.
State diploma · DQPPre-registration open
Free pre-registration, with no commitment. Fees can be paid in instalments.
- Duration
- 12 months
- Two intakes a year
- Entry level
- Probatoire or Bac
- Required on entry
- Qualification
- DQP
- Awarded by the State
- Next intake
- 12 October 2026
- Pre-registration open, classes begin in 2 days
The job, day to day
A building, a road or a bridge is only as good as the ground beneath it. The geotechnical technician studies that ground: drilling boreholes and taking samples in the field, running laboratory tests and giving engineers the results they need to design foundations. Without this work, cracks and subsidence threaten structures.
The course first helps you understand soils and rocks, how they are classified and how they behave under load. You then learn field tests such as boreholes and penetration tests, and laboratory tests such as particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, the Proctor test and the CBR test. Finally, you learn to present results in a clear, usable report.
Practical work alternates between the field and the laboratory. You leave able to work in a geotechnical laboratory, a design office or a civil engineering company.
What you will be able to do
Identify and classify soils
Type, behaviour and ability to carry a structure.
Drill and take samples
In the field, methodically and with full traceability.
Run laboratory tests
Particle size, Atterberg limits, Proctor and CBR.
Carry out in-situ tests
Penetrometer, in-place density and compaction checks.
Interpret results
Understand what the measurements say about the ground.
Write a geotechnical report
Clear, quantified and useful to engineers.
Where this course can lead
Geotechnical laboratories
Testing soils and materials for construction projects.
Design offices
Site investigations and reports for engineers.
Civil engineering contractors
Checking earthworks, embankments and road layers.
A State-recognised qualification
The DQP is a State qualification, awarded under the authority of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. It officially certifies your professional skills.
- Qualification
- DQP
- Authority
- MINEFOP
- Completed in
- 12 months
Two intakes a year
- Next intake
12 October 2026
Confirmed date
Pre-registration open, classes begin in 2 days
No closing date. You can still join up to fourteen days after classes begin.
- Following intake
January 2027
Exact day to be confirmed by the centre
Provisional date, pre-registration open
Pre-registering already reserves your place.
Free pre-registration Reserve your place for 12 October 2026
Pre-registration is free and carries no commitment. The registrar will call you back to confirm your place.
- Free
- No commitment
- Nothing to pay online
What happens next
- You start here, then complete your file in a few minutes.
- The registrar calls you back to confirm your place.
- You pay the fees at the registrar's office in Fouda, in instalments if you wish.
Construction
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