IRF Course Catalogue
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a leading global provider of capacity building and training services aimed at readying road professionals for the transition to safer, smarter, and more sustainable road networks and equipping them with the skills required to deploy emerging practices in road design, asset management and digitalisation.
All IRF courses are available in person, online or through hybrid delivery, and may be customised or combined into tailored programmes that address an agency’s operational needs, technical priorities or strategic reform agenda.
Testimonials
“This training gave me much more than just theoretical knowledge: it provided me with practical tools that can be directly applied in the field. I now feel confident in my ability to identify the risks to which different users are exposed, verify whether infrastructure meets international standards, analyse critical areas and propose truly effective solutions”
“The training allowed me to better appreciate the importance of the availability, accessibility, and reliability of accident and traffic data for the treatment of accident black spots and the process of reconstructing collisions on the roads”
“I completed this training with the ability to identify factors that can cause death and serious injury in accidents: identifying road safety issues”
IRF Course At a Glance
These courses form the core of IRF’s capacity development programme, providing a structured, practitioner-focused pathway that equips road agencies with the skills to plan, design, operate and manage road networks that are more inclusive, safer, greener and more efficient. Across safety, asset management, traffic engineering, digitisation and project delivery, the curriculum translates global best practice into operational competence.
It looks to strengthen decision-making, embed Safe System and sustainability principles, improve lifecycle performance and enable data-driven, resilient infrastructure delivery. Together, these courses will support agencies in moving from policy intent to measurable outcomes on the ground.
Click the item to learn more about the courses:
The Safer Roads vertical equips road authorities, engineers, planners and programme managers with the full set of competencies needed to design, operate and maintain safe road networks according to Safe System principles.
The Safer Roads vertical is built around IRF’s practitioner-focused training format, enabling participants to learn through case studies, interactive group work and hands-on technical exercises.
RS-F1: Road Safety for Managers: Operational Tools, Diagnostics and Investment Decisions
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Equipping managers with the tools, data systems, and decision frameworks required to deliver safer networks.
- Understanding how road safety performance is generated (and lost)
- Applying diagnostic tools to identify systemic and site-specific safety weaknesses
- Using crash and risk data, network safety screening, and infrastructure assessment tools
- Prioritising treatments and investments using CBA, risk scoring and cost–effectiveness
- Setting up monitoring dashboards, KPIs, and agency performance loops
- Aligning designs, maintenance decisions and budgets with measurable safety outcomes
This course provides road agency managers with a practical, system-wide understanding of how to diagnose, manage, and improve road safety performance using the full suite of tools available to modern agencies. The programme emphasises operational decision-making, how to interpret crash and risk data, screen networks for high-risk segments, deploy infrastructure diagnostic tools, and integrate safety into investment planning and maintenance programming.
RS-F2: Road Safety for Designers & Engineers
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Integrating safety into every stage of road design
- Applying geometric design standards
- Assessing safety impacts of design choices
- Conducting design reviews for risk
- Ensuring alignment with global good practices
This course introduces the fundamentals of integrating safety into road planning and design. Participants learn how to review design packages from a safety perspective, assess geometric and operational risks and apply international good practices for alignment, cross-sections, intersection layouts, signs and markings.
Practical exercises reinforce how early design decisions influence long-term safety performance.
RS-F3: Road Safety Analysis and Collision Investigation
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Evidence-based tools for diagnosing and treating high-risk locations
- Crash data analysis and contributory factor diagnosis
- Black-spot management and network screening
- Selecting the correct countermeasures through CBA
- Monitoring intervention effectiveness
This course develops analytical skills to identify and treat high-risk locations through black-spot management, network screening and evidence-based interventions.
Participants learn the essentials of crash data analysis, contributory-factor identification and diagnosis of collision patterns. The course includes cost–benefit evaluation of countermeasures and guidance on establishing monitoring frameworks to ensure policies deliver measurable safety outcomes.
RS-F4: Road Safety Audits (Observer-Level Certification)
Level: Foundation
Format: 60 hours
Certification: IRF Audit Observer Badge
Comprehensive auditor preparation combining theory and field exercises
- Understand the purpose and scope of RSAs across the full road life-cycle
- Embed Safe System principles within the audit process
- Assess how road design influences user behaviour and conflict
- Develop the ability to systematically identify safety risks for all road user groups
- Formulate clear, evidence-based audit findings and practical recommendations
This intensive 60-hour programme prepares participants to operate as observer-level Road Safety Auditors. It covers the technical, operational, and legal foundations of auditing, integrating Safe System principles, iRAP methodology, human-factor considerations, and standards for urban, rural, and high-speed roads. Through structured exercises and field-based tasks, participants learn how to conduct audits and inspections, review work zones, assess tunnels and bridges, and formulate actionable safety recommendations.
RS-A1: Designing for Vulnerable Road Users
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Building streets and networks that protect at-risk users
- Walkability and connectivity principles
- Safe intersection and crossing design
- Traffic calming and speed management
- Designing inclusive, multimodal environments
This course focuses on planning and design solutions that protect pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other at-risk groups.
It introduces principles of walkability, connectivity, traffic calming, speed management and safe intersection design.
Participants gain hands-on exposure to treatments that create safer, more inclusive and universally accessible street environments.
RS-A2: Designing for Human Factors
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Applying behavioural insights to reduce error and improve performance
- Principles of perception, reaction and workload
- Reducing driver error through design choices
- Improving signage, ITS and roadside features
- Embedding HF principles in design standards
This course explores how human capabilities and limitations shape the performance of road users and how design and operational decisions can mitigate error.
Participants learn about perception–reaction processes, workload, visibility, behavioural adaptation and interface design.
Practical guidance is provided on embedding human-centred principles into standards, signage, roadside features and intelligent transport systems.
RS-A3: Leveraging Big Data and AI for Safer Roads
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Modern analytics tools for proactive, predictive safety management
- Connected vehicle and probe data analysis
- AI-powered conflict detection using computer vision
- Predictive risk modelling
- Data governance and implementation case studies
This course introduces modern analytical tools that support proactive safety management.
Participants learn how to use connected-vehicle data, video analytics, computer vision, probe data, AI-enabled conflict analysis and predictive risk modelling to identify hazardous patterns before crashes occur.
The course also addresses data governance, interoperability and real-world case studies of digital safety management.
RS-A4: Safe Work Zone Design & Management
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Designing and operating high-safety work zones across all contexts
- Temporary Traffic Management Plans (TTMPs)
- Positive protection and crashworthy equipment
- Use of VMS, variable speed limits and enforcement
- Ensuring worker and road user safety
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to design, implement and manage safe work zones on high-speed and urban roads.
It covers temporary traffic management plans, use of positive protection (barriers, attenuators), dynamic message signs, variable speed limits, enforcement solutions and worker safety practices.
Case studies and practical scenarios help participants adapt designs to different operational contexts.
RS-A5: Safe Road Tunnel Design and Management
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Managing the unique risks of confined-space road environments
- Safety regulations and tunnel classification
- Fire-life safety, ventilation and evacuation
- Driver behaviour and signage requirements
- Operational inspection and safety protocols
This course presents the foundations of tunnel safety from design through operations. Participants learn about tunnel classification, safety regulations, ventilation and fire-life safety systems, signing and marking, evacuation strategies and driver behaviour in confined environments.
The course prepares agencies and designers to meet international standards and reduce the unique risks associated with tunnel travel.
RS-A6: Safe Roadside Design and Management
Level: Advanced
Format: 3 days
Effective roadside safety hardware to reduce crash severity
- Barrier types and performance criteria
- EN 1317 requirements
- Terminals, end treatments and cushions
- Avoiding common design errors
This course offers an in-depth review of Road Restraint Systems (RRS) and roadside safety principles.
Participants explore barrier performance criteria, selection and placement and mitigation strategies for high-risk zones.
The programme covers EN 1317, including terminals, end treatments, crash cushions, attenuators and common design pitfalls. Practical exercises help participants apply best practices to real-world design scenarios.
The Designing and Managing Sustainable Road Assets vertical equips agencies, engineers, and asset managers with the competencies required to plan, design, maintain, and operate road infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective over the full life cycle.
This vertical addresses modern pavement engineering practices, climate-resilient and eco-friendly materials, long-term asset preservation strategies, and the use of digital systems to enhance investment decisions and network performance.
AM-F1: Sustainable Pavement Design
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Principles and practices for eco-friendly and resilient pavement structures
- Design fundamentals for flexible, rigid and composite pavements
- Incorporating recycled, low-carbon and alternative materials
- Climate resilience considerations (temperature cycles, moisture, flooding)
- Evaluating whole-life cost and environmental footprint
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to sustainable pavement design.
Participants learn how to optimise materials, structures and construction methods to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and durability.
The course introduces green materials, resilience considerations and whole-life evaluation frameworks that align with national sustainability goals and international good practice.
AM-F2: Introduction to Road Asset Management
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Building the foundations of structured, data-driven asset stewardship
- RAM concepts, standards and maturity frameworks
- Inventory, condition assessments and data requirements
- Overview of Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS)
- Risk-based planning and prioritisation
- Maintenance strategies and performance indicators
This course equips participants with the fundamental principles behind modern road asset management. It covers RAM standards and systems, inventory procedures, condition surveys and basic data models for assessing network performance.
Participants learn how to structure a risk-based maintenance programme and prepare the foundation for more advanced digital processes.
AM-A1: Climate-Resilient Pavement Design and Maintenance
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Engineering pavement systems capable of withstanding climate stressors
- Stressors: moisture, heat, freeze–thaw, flooding, subgrade instability
- Resilient design and material selection
- Maintenance and rehabilitation strategies under climate constraints
- Case studies from high-risk regions
This course provides engineers with advanced design and maintenance strategies that increase pavement resilience to climate change.
Through global case studies, participants explore practical approaches to preserving assets under challenging conditions while maintaining serviceability.
AM-A2: Pavement Evaluation, Diagnostics and Treatment Selection
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Using modern diagnostic tools to improve maintenance decisions
- Structural and functional pavement evaluation
- Applying predictive pavement maintenance needs
- NDT tools: FWD, GPR, deflection testing, visual condition indices
- Treatment selection and life-cycle optimisation
Participants learn how to diagnose pavement condition using modern tools and how to translate diagnostic results into effective maintenance programmes.
The course integrates engineering, economic and operational considerations to optimise asset treatment choices and extend pavement life.
AM-A3: Road Asset Management Systems and Decision-Support Tools
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Leveraging digital platforms to plan, prioritise and invest for impact
- RAMS architecture and database models
- Decision-support tools and optimisation algorithms
- Integration with GIS, sensors, and IoT
- Data governance, quality and reporting
This course introduces participants to digital RAMS platforms and decision-support systems.
It explores data structures, forecasting models, optimisation routines and how these tools guide agencies toward cost-effective investment planning. Practical demonstrations highlight how digitalisation enhances asset stewardship.
AM-A4: Sustainable Materials, Recycling and Circular Economy Approaches
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Reducing environmental impact through modern materials and circularity
- Recycled asphalt, reclaimed materials, warm-mix technologies
- Low-carbon binders and aggregates
- Design implications of green materials
- Circular economy applications in road infrastructure
This course examines how sustainable materials and circular-economy principles can be integrated into pavement construction and rehabilitation.
It provides practical guidance on specifying, designing and monitoring materials that reduce emissions while maintaining safety and performance.
The Traffic Engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems vertical equips professionals with the analytical, operational and technological skills required to improve road network performance, reduce congestion and support smarter mobility.
Courses in this vertical introduce core traffic engineering principles, traffic flow analysis, modelling and simulation and the design and operation of ITS systems, including detection, surveillance, traffic control, dynamic management strategies and digital platforms.
Designed for practitioners across planning, operations and engineering functions, this vertical focuses on data-driven decision-making, real-time operations and the deployment of intelligent systems that enhance safety, reliability and efficiency on urban and highway networks.
TE-F1: Introduction to Traffic Engineering and Operations
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Understanding how traffic behaves and how to improve network operations.
- Traffic flow theory and capacity fundamentals
- Bottleneck identification
- Intersection control
- Introduction to traffic Micro- and Macro-modelling
- Data needs for operational decision-making
This course provides a strong grounding in the principles governing traffic demand, flow patterns, congestion formation and operational performance.
Participants learn how to interpret traffic conditions, diagnose bottlenecks and apply engineering tools to improve mobility.
TE-F2: ITS Architectures, Standards and System Integration
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Mastering the building blocks of ITS systems
- National ITS frameworks
- ITS architectures and standards
- Detection, surveillance, communication system basics
- C-ITS message structures and interoperability
- Systems integration and procurement considerations
This course introduces participants to the components, standards and architecture of modern ITS deployments.
It explains how agencies plan, procure, and integrate ITS systems that are scalable, interoperable and aligned with operational objectives.
TE-A1: Traffic Modelling, Forecasting and Simulation
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Using models to understand today — and plan for tomorrow.
- Model types (macro, meso, micro)
- Data requirements and calibration
- Scenario analysis and demand forecasting
- Understanding and Communicating modelling outputs
This course provides hands-on experience building and interpreting traffic models used for planning, operational analysis and investment decisions.
It emphasises model selection, calibration, validation and practical use.
TE-A2: Real-Time Traffic Management and Control Strategies
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Operating networks intelligently through data-driven management.
- Adaptive signal control and coordinated corridors
- Ramp metering, speed harmonisation, lane control
- Managed lanes and dynamic routing
- Traffic Management Centres (TMC) operations
- Incident detection and response
Participants learn how modern road networks are managed in real time through operational strategies and TMC processes.
The course includes practical scenarios requiring participants to design real-time response strategies.
TE-A3: Dynamic Road Pricing and Demand Management
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Planning and delivering next-generation road user charging
- Congestion pricing design
- Managed lanes & tolling strategies
- Evaluation of pricing impacts
- Governance and communication challenges
This course explores the principles, implementation and monitoring of dynamic pricing schemes.
Participants learn how to apply pricing as a tool for congestion management, revenue optimisation and environmental performance.
TE-A4: Data Analytics for Traffic and Mobility Decisions
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Reducing environmental impact through modern materials and circularity
- Data sources (loops, cameras, FCD, probe data, CV data)
- Data fusion methods and anomaly detection
- KPI dashboards & performance monitoring
- Evaluating the impact of operational interventions
This course builds the analytical skills needed to convert raw traffic data into actionable insights. Practical exercises teach participants to design dashboards, detect trends and improve decision-making across operations.
Digital transformation is reshaping how road networks are planned, operated and maintained. Agencies today require new capabilities to integrate data, sensors, automation and predictive technologies into their everyday decision-making and long-term strategies.
The Digitisation and Automation vertical equips professionals with the skills to adopt modern digital tools, develop organisational readiness for automation, deploy digital twins, use AI-enabled analytics, integrate connected and cooperative ITS (C-ITS) and design workflows that support future mobility innovations.
Courses in this vertical focus on practical applications of digital tools, data governance, automation-readiness and decision-support systems, ensuring agencies can transition from traditional, manual processes to more efficient, intelligent and predictive operations.
DA-F1: Foundations of Digital Transformation for Road Agencies
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Understanding the technologies and organisational changes that enable digital capability
- What “digitisation” and “automation” mean for transport infrastructure
- Digital maturity models for road agencies
- Core building blocks: data platforms, sensors, cloud systems, APIs, interoperability
- Roles, governance and organisational change
- Identifying digital transformation opportunities
This course provides a strategic and technical introduction to digital transformation, helping agencies understand the technologies, processes, and governance mechanisms needed to upgrade workflows and optimise decision-making.
It is suitable for managers and technical staff seeking a structured overview before embarking on digital initiatives.
DA-F2: Data Governance, Integration and Digital Workflows
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Building the data foundations that make automation and AI possible
- Data governance and quality frameworks
- Integrating multi-source data (traffic, asset, safety, IoT)
- Metadata, standards and interoperability
- Designing digital workflows and dashboards
- Building a culture of data-driven decision-making
Participants learn how to structure, manage, and standardise data to support analytical tools, automation and advanced ITS functions.
Exercises include designing a basic data architecture and defining quality protocols.
DA-A1: Digital Twins for Road Infrastructure and Operations
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Using virtual replicas to monitor, simulate and optimise infrastructure systems
- Types of digital twins (asset, operational, corridor-level)
- Data inputs (sensors, GIS, BIM, IoT)
- Use cases: maintenance forecasting, operations, investment planning
- Integration with RAMS and TMCs
- Practical workflows and demonstration
This course helps agencies understand what automation means for their networks and responsibilities.
It clarifies infrastructure needs, organisational impacts and policy considerations and provides a structured readiness framework.
DA-A2: AI and Predictive Analytics for Road Operations
Level: Applied
Format: 2 days
Using AI to anticipate conditions and make better decisions
- Machine learning basics for transport
- Predictive maintenance models (pavement, bridges, signage)
- AI-enabled traffic prediction (short-term forecasting)
- Automated incident detection and anomaly detection
- Practical challenges: bias, validation, data quality
Participants explore how AI can be used to support real-time operations, maintenance planning and incident management.
Case studies highlight successful deployments and pitfalls to avoid.
DA-A3: Preparing Road Agencies for CCAM (Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility)
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Building the institutional, technical and regulatory readiness for automation.
- CCAM concepts and global developments
- Requirements for PDI support (C-ITS, digital mapping, data exchange)
- Operational and regulatory implications
- Organisational readiness and new competency needs
- Early deployment pathways and pilot design
This course helps agencies understand what automation means for their networks and responsibilities.
It clarifies infrastructure needs, organisational impacts and policy considerations, and provides a structured readiness framework.
Road infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly complex, with rising expectations for resilience, sustainability, digital integration, safety outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Delivering such projects requires a solid command of project management methods, procurement strategies, contract administration, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement and performance oversight.
The Road Project Management vertical equips professionals with the competencies needed to manage the full lifecycle of road projects, from early planning and feasibility through design management, procurement, construction supervision, contract administration and project closeout.
Courses emphasise practical tools, international good practice and the structured management of scope, cost, schedule, risk, safety and quality as well as the growing importance of sustainability, climate resilience, digital tools and operational readiness.
PM-F1: Fundamentals of Road Project Management
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Managing scope, cost, schedule, risk and quality across the project lifecycle.
- Introduction to project lifecycles
- Project management fundamentals (scope, cost, schedule, quality)
- Roles and responsibilities in road sector delivery
- Project governance, documentation and communication
- Introduction to risk management and mitigation
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and tools of project management in the road sector.
Participants learn how to manage project objectives, anticipate risks, coordinate technical teams and maintain control of schedule and budget.
Suitable for early-career professionals and managers transitioning into project oversight roles.
PM-F2: Planning, Feasibility and Project Preparation
Level: Foundation
Format: 3 days
Laying the groundwork for successful road project delivery.
- Feasibility studies and project justification
- Traffic forecasts, cost estimation, economic appraisal
- Environmental and social considerations (ESIA, safeguards)
- Early stakeholder engagement and risk identification
- Preparing project concept notes and investment cases
A practical course on the critical upstream decisions that determine whether a project succeeds.
Participants learn how to prepare robust feasibility analyses, manage data requirements and coordinate multidisciplinary inputs to support investment approval.
PM-A1: Procuring and Managing Road Works Contracts
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Selecting the right procurement approach and managing contracts effectively.
- Procurement strategies (traditional, design–build, performance-based contracts)
- FIDIC principles and contract structures
- Tendering, evaluation and award processes
- Contractor oversight, payments and claims management
- Managing variations, disputes and contractual risks
This course equips participants with the knowledge to procure and manage road works contracts efficiently.
Real-world examples help participants understand how to mitigate disputes, handle variations and ensure compliance with specifications.
PM-A2: Construction Supervision and Quality Management
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Ensuring safe, high-quality delivery during construction.
- Supervising contractors and ensuring contractual compliance
- Quality control and assurance systems
- Site inspections and progress monitoring
- Health & safety management
- Testing, acceptance and documentation
A hands-on course for engineers and supervisors responsible for monitoring construction works.
Participants learn to apply structured quality and safety frameworks and to document progress effectively.
PM-A3: Delivering Successful PPP Road Projects
Level: Applied
Format: 3 days
Structuring, procuring and managing PPPs for sustainable road infrastructure.
- Understanding PPP models (DBFOM, BOT, BOOT, availability-payment vs toll-based)
- Assessing project suitability for PPP delivery
- Designing bankable project structures and risk allocation matrices
- Traffic and revenue risk: forecasting, mitigation, guarantees
- Preparing feasibility studies and PPP business cases
- Procurement process: prequalification, bid design, evaluation, negotiations
- Managing the contract during construction and operations
- Monitoring performance, KPIs, payment mechanisms and enforcement
- Ensuring transparency and stakeholder alignment throughout the lifecycle
- Lessons learned from successful and failed PPPs internationally
This course equips participants with the knowledge and tools required to plan, structure, procure and manage road infrastructure projects delivered through Public–Private Partnerships.
It provides a practical, evidence-based perspective on how to design PPPs that are financially viable, operationally sound and aligned with public-sector objectives.
Participants learn how to evaluate whether a project is suitable for PPP delivery, prepare robust feasibility and value-for-money assessments, allocate risks efficiently and structure payment and performance regimes.
The course walks through the full PPP procurement process, including bid design, evaluation methodologies, negotiation strategies and contract finalisation.
It also covers contract management during implementation, monitoring mechanisms and the institutional capabilities needed to ensure long-term success.
This is an essential course for agencies exploring private-sector participation, donor-financed programmes or long-term concession models.
Capacity Building Mechanisms
Beyond structured training modules, IRF also offers a range of complementary capacity-building mechanisms, including:
- Institutional audits, maturity diagnoses and training needs assessments
- Local capacity building: national training and certification programs
- Benchmarks of agency performance and practices against international good practice
- Technical advisory missions and on-site coaching
- International study tours and peer-exchange visits
These pathways allow road authorities to strengthen their safety performance through a mix of knowledge transfer, organisational learning and practical implementation support.
Tier 1 – Learning Formats (Foundational / Applied)
Tier 2 – Extended Capacity Building Mechanisms
