College of Contract Management United Kingdom
College of Contract Management
United Kingdom

Expert Witness Diploma to become an Expert Witness | CCM UK

Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

expert witness course uk

Leverage your years of technical experience to become a trusted and reliable expert witness in legal matters, providing credible expert evidence to deal with disputes.

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Subscription: £534.00 per 6 months – £534.00 single sign-up fee

Full Price: £3,305.00

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Course Overview of the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

The Professional Diploma in Expert Witness prepares construction professionals to be effective witnesses in construction disputes, litigation, arbitration, adjudication and tribunal proceedings by equipping them with the legal, analytical and communication skills needed. By the end of this course, you will be able to develop independent expert evidence and prepare expert witness reports that will be a valuable input to the court.

You will not just learn the roles and responsibilities of an expert witness. This course also covers Construction Law and Arbitration, Civil Procedure Rules (CPR 35), Contract Management, Expert Report Writing, Court Procedures, and many other practical aspects of dispute resolution. Those areas enable you to act confidently and accurately in legal proceedings when providing expert testimony.

Construction projects have become increasingly complex, and the demand is rising for experienced professionals to present independent expert evidence in construction and engineering disputes and construction claims. This course gives students fundamental knowledge required to support best decision-making when disputes happen throughout a construction project.

Why Choose The Professional Diploma in Expert Witness?

This Professional Diploma in Witness Express course is designed for construction professionals working in Construction Project Management, Contract Management, or other construction areas who are prepared to translate years of technical experience into a credible independent voice in legal and dispute resolution processes. This will allow them to gain practical knowledge on how to deal with delay claims, contract disputes, or defect investigations with a legal basis and precise reporting skills. Here are some of the main reasons you need to take this course at the College of Contract Management:

  • You will fulfil the demand of a credible independent expert witness in construction.
  • Build confidence when handling disputes and claims, and present evidence effectively.
  • Understand the legal procedures to become a reliable expert witness.
  • You will be able to create practical problem-solving based on real-life case studies.
  • This course is a perfect step in learning about Construction Law, the Judicial System, and Legal Procedure.
  • The module covers theoretical and practical lessons, such as Construction Law, Judicial System, Legal Procedure, Expert Report Writing, and finalised Courtroom and Cross-Examination.

Not sure if this course fits your career goals? Chat with an advisor today to see how this course can support your career journey.

Course Snapshot of the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

This is a snapshot of this course: Duration, Study Format, Certification, Access Timeline. It gives you a quick overview before exploring the complete course content.

Duration 6 Months
Format Online / Self-paced
Certification Professional Diploma in Expert Witness
Level Postgraduate (Level 7)
Start Date Immediate access
Full Price £3,305.00
Subscription £534.00 per 6 months – £534.00 single sign-up fee

Pay Full Price →   Choose Subscription →

Practical Applications of the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

The course at the College of Contract Management guides you to understand real-site examples through practical lessons to help learners support successful construction projects. Below are real-site examples of being an expert witness in the construction industry:

  • Handling defect claims in construction projects
  • Dealing with delays in construction projects and employer schedule disputes.
  • Assessing the parties when cost overrun and forensic quantum analysis are required in construction disputes.
  • Providing opinions when contractors and clients disagree over construction contract disputes.

Learning Outcomes of the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

By taking the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the responsibilities of an expert witness and how to manage different types of construction disputes avoidance.
  2. Evaluate technical and factual evidence, delay analysis findings, and expert testimony.
  3. Construction expert dealing with questioning and cross-examination.
  4. Able to provide crucial evidence to resolve court matters.
  5. Apply best practises through case studies and mock exercises.

 Real-World Challenges Addressed in the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

The course also helps students understand how to respond to construction disputes as an expert witness in real life. Hence, this course prepares students to be aware of what happens ahead in construction. Read below examples of construction challenges this course prepares you for:

Course Content of the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

The course consists of three modules, each covering a key area of expert witness practise.

Download full syllabus for the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness →

01

Construction law, Judicial system, and Legal procedure

  • Roles and responsibilities of an expert witness, solicitor, and the court.
  • Understanding the contract details including commonly used forms such as FIDIC contracts and tort law with real construction case studies.
  • Application of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), including the requirements and protocols of CPR Part 35 in a business environment
  • Recent legislative, practical and procedural changes.
  • Students will also study the role of expert witnesses in litigation, arbitration and adjudication in compliance with CPR Part 35.

The first module begins by introducing students to the role of the expert witness in legal construction. Students will also learn contract and tort law and how expert witnesses work in dealing with litigation, arbitration, and adjudication.

02

Expert Report Writing

  • Creating a clear and concise expert report with relevant supporting information.
  • Protecting your report against cross-examination.
  • Planning the structure and contents of an expert witness report, including the Statement of Truth and best practise requirements for independent expert evidence.
  • Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence presented in the report.

After completing the first module, in this module students focus on developing skills in writing expert reports in a clear, neat structure, and supported by reliable evidence. This skill will be useful when they are practising the cross-examination in the courtroom.

03

Courtroom and Cross-Examination

  • How to correctly present different types of evidence, including photographs, plans and supporting documents.
  • Understanding the court’s procedures and practises.
  • Building relationships and trust in the court.
  • Handling lawyers’ questioning techniques during cross-examination.
  • Mock cross-examination on a full expert witness report.

The final module prepares students to do practical courtroom and cross-examination in legal construction practise by learning the courtroom procedures, how to present evidence, and mock cross-examination processes.

Who Should Study the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness?

Professionals who are looking to increase their value with practical legal skills as an expert witness should take this course. Hence, it is suitable for:

  1. Quantity surveyors and commercial managers handling construction claims, forensic schedule analysis,  Extension of time (EoT) claims, or contract disputes.
  2. Project managers and consultants involved in dispute resolution processes.
  3. Senior construction professionals looking to develop practical legal skills as an expert witness.
  4. Construction business owners seeking a stronger understanding of the expert witness function within the legal area.

Wondering if this is the right course for you? Tell us about your work experience so far and we can help you decide which course best fits your plans.

Career Pathways after Completing the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

Career Pathways

Completing this Professional Diploma in Expert Witness course can help learners who want to progress the role from a technical function into the legal one. This qualification will importantly help learners to achieve relevant roles for those who aim to be a contract manager, claims consultant, and even an independent expert witness. Professionals working with major construction contracts may also benefit from understanding NEC Contract management. 

Position Job Description Average Annual Salary (UK)
Contract Manager Overseeing the compliance of contracts and supporting dispute management. £39,000 — £59,000
Claims Consultant Managing claims within construction projects and contract disputes. £19,000 — £32,000
Independent Expert Witness Consultant Providing construction expertise and independent evidence for courts and tribunals. £23,000 — £43,000

Note: The salary ranges above are subjective, and they may vary depending on location, employer, or project size, and the level of responsibilities.

Entry Requirements for the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

To join our course, you need to fulfil these requirements:

  1. Have at least 3 years’ experience in the construction field.
  2. Have a suitable device, internet connection, and a big desire to learn.

Unsure if you meet the requirements for this course? Message us today and we can let you know if this course is suitable for you.

Delivery, Duration, and Assessment for the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

Delivery

The course is the best source of online learning. You will use the Moodle learning platform to access all the materials, the schedule of the live sessions, and recorded courses. You will also submit the results and drop questions in through Moodle. Make sure you have a good device and an internet connection to accompany your learning.

Duration

The Professional Diploma in Expert Witness course is expected to take 6 months to complete all the modules and tasks. However, this is a self-paced programme, allowing you to learn at your convenience. So you can complete the course on your own schedule.

Assessment

You will have to complete written assignments in each module. Aside from that, you need to complete a mock cross-examination with the lecturer arranged by the course administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Professional Diploma in Expert Witness

Q1. What is an expert witness in construction?

An expert witness in construction is a person who will deal with legal matters, such as litigation, disputes, arbitration, and adjudication in court or tribunal proceedings.

Q2. Who can be an expert witness in construction?

People who have at least 3 years’ experience in technical construction can progress their career to an expert witness in construction.

Q3. What is a cross-examination?

Cross-examination is a process where a lawyer asks questions to the opposite party in order to check the credibility of the evidence. As an expert witness, you need to be able to explain and defend your reports.

Q4. Will I get the opportunity to have a cross-examination practise?

Yes. At the end of the module, you will have a cross-examination practise with the lecturer to test your ability to provide credible evidence. This practise will measure the knowledge and practical lessons you have learned throughout the course at the CCM.

Q5. Will contractors and business owners benefit from this course?

Yes, this Professional Diploma in Expert Witness at the College of Contract Management benefits contractors and business owners because it gives them a better understanding of legal procedures, analysis of evidence, and writing expert reports. By having those skills, you are highly recognised as an expert witness who supports construction projects.

Q6. How to be a good expert witness?

A good expert witness should be technically competent, have good communication skills, and an ability to think analytically.

Q7. Can I still access the learning videos after completing the course?

Yes. After successfully finishing the course, the learning videos remain accessible for you to learn. This feature helps you to refresh your knowledge, expand your understanding of the course lessons, and become a reference to gain more experience for your professional career.

Q8. Do I need any legal experience?

No, you don’t need to have any prior experience to join the course. Therefore, you must have at least 3 years of experience in the technical construction industry, as this course guides you to practical knowledge to be applied as an expert witness in handling construction disputes and legal proceedings.

Q9. What studies can I take to continue?

There are various options for studies to continue after you complete the course to improve and enhance your skills. Programmes like construction law, a claim preparation course, contract management qualifications, or leadership training classes are your options if you seek to develop further studies.

Q10. What sort of job can I get with these qualifications?

These qualifications enable you to apply for various jobs in the related fields. Specifically in construction, you can apply to be a contract manager, claims consultant, or an independent expert witness to support construction projects when handling disputes.

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Head of Admissions

Rebecca Reid
Tel: +44 (0) 1420 481681 Ext 206
Email: rebecca@theccm.co.uk

Ohnmar Thaung Tin
Founder and Managing Director / SQS- Engineering Vocational Training School

Excellent lecturers and perfect teaching methods

CCM is an online College that is very helpful to achieve professional growth and success through effective techniques. Thanks to excellent lecturers and perfect teaching methods, I have gained valuable knowledge in my career and all courses have contributed to my professionalism better than ever. As for me, I am the Managing Director at QS Company, able to share my academic knowledge and technology in my field of work. Especially after the Covid 19 pandemic and the global crisis, there are too many disputes and problems for Claims in the parties involved in the Construction Industry. Thanks to the academic knowledge in the CCM course I can make perfect solutions with good results. Although CCM Lectures are online courses; we can learn as an in person class with live stream section. The CCM department is knowledgeable in very effectively using the online nature and techniques of the program and every team member always provides a promotional response. I have achieved Dip in PPM, Pro Dip in FIDIC and Certificate in Claims Preparation and Dispute Management  from CCM. Thanks much to all of the CCM team and lectures, I Wish the CCM great success.

Daniel Woolley

Recommend this Route

I have been delighted with the level of service and professionalism received from the CCM and I would recommend this route to Chartership to others who are considering gaining membership through CIOB. This route cuts out the need to rely on colleagues and peers for support and if you are willing to put in the work, you can really gain membership in as little as 2-4 months.

Imran Shaikh Iqbal

In a forensic delay analysis course, participants learn how to analyze delays in construction projects and determine the cause and effect of those delays. Testimony in such a course may involve presenting a case study where a delay occurred in a construction project and explaining how the delay was analyzed and resolved. In addition, cover the legal aspects of delay analysis, including the role of delay analysis in resolving disputes between parties involved in a construction project. Participants may also learn about best practices for conducting a forensic delay analysis and how to present their findings in a clear and concise manner. Overall, the goal for a forensic delay analysis course is to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the process of analyzing delays in construction projects and to provide practical skills for conducting such analysis in real-world scenarios.

Ahmed Mohamed Elassar
Contract Administrator / Qatar University

Highly Recommend the Course

I have benefitted from the course by correcting some significant concepts about the construction industry. Learning how to achieve successful project management for the benefit of all project parties, preserving rights and avoiding disputes where possible to consolidate good relations that help develop business internationally. I highly recommend the course for persons who work in construction projects.

Dr. Ghulam Murtuza Qureshi
Operation’s Manager & Clinical Governance and Quality Lead / Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

I have been able to apply my new skills and knowledge in my current role

I am proud to be able to provide a testimony for my successful completion of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice course. This qualification has allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding of business strategy, leadership and management techniques to a higher and more advanced level. Through this course I have been able to develop my ability to think strategically, use effective decision-making techniques, and understand the challenges that leaders and senior managers face in the modern business world. I have been able to apply my new skills and knowledge in my current role, which has enabled me to contribute significantly to the success of the organisation. I have been able to identify opportunities for improvement and develop plans to help the organisation reach its goals.

Feras Nakeshbandy
Senior Planning Engineer / Khatib & Alami

I advise people interested in studying delay analysis to attend this course

It was a nice experience; I advise people interested in studying delay analysis to attend this course for the following reasons: Competitive price, qualified trainers, distinguished lecturers with practical experience, and proactive course administrator, in addition to flexibility in attending lectures

Rosa Santos
Small Works Commercial Manager / J&J Fire Engineering

Rosa Santos

I really enjoyed this course and the overall information and support is really good. I could do it on my own time and be able to work and have a family life, which sometimes is not easy but so worth it. Specially now that I have finished it. This course gave me so much insight that I was able to put in to practice straight away.

Ankon Raj Sarkar
Infra Interface Engineer / Alstom Transport SA

My experience was truly amazing

My experience was truly amazing. I have learned professional templates and processes for applying my subject knowledge and work experience. This course is truly exciting and assisting, which gives the opportunity to know the construction industry in standard process-oriented way. Before this course I had bits and pieces construction knowledge, however upon completion of this course I have now solid knowledge which can be implemented in my future endeavours. Course administrator and assessors were knowledgeable and supportive which made the course more attractive.

Ahmad EL Hassan
Wastewater Process Engineer / Public Works Authority PWA

Just superb!

The content & the depth of the course material, the knowledge of the lecturers & the way Moodle is set up, is just superb!  For a working person like myself, I could access Moodle with the lectures any time. I could even choose from the recorded lectures of previous seasons’ modules or go with the live lectures. The material in each module is holistic. There is adequate reference and links to books, articles, design codes…etc. The lecturers were easily accessible. The assignments were prepared in a manner that served to test the understanding of concepts as well as a recap of the course material.

Zahid Ayub
Contracts Manager / Descon Engineering

The course is great for practicing professionals

The Contract Management course was suitable for me to compile my practical knowledge and structuring them to use effectively as flaws and doubts prevailing are eliminated after this study. This course covers knowledgeable material and individual can develop employable skill and having bright chances to be employed. The course is great for practicing professionals who acquired practical knowledge but lack theoretical understanding and require certification of their skills which is formally endorsed by CIArb.

Ahamed Zumail
Project Planning & Controls Lead / Granada Europe Engineering Construction LLC

Thank you so much CCM

Thank you so much CCM for providing such amazing lectures and discussions. I really enjoyed the lectures and was excited to attend every lectures. I would like to thank our lecturers for their passion and all the depth and application they go into with the topics. I greatly appreciate the assistance provide by the CCM throughout the course.

Mohammed Magdy Mohammed Lotfy
Senior Planning Engineer / Mott MacDonald

It was a wonderful and enjoyable study experience

It was a wonderful and enjoyable study experience that lasted for one year with the College of Contract Management. I hope to benefit from other courses in the near future due to the great benefit provided by the college as well as the flexibility provided by the method of study that suits most professionals.

Hady Berjaoui

Excellent course full of real life scenarios from experienced lecturers

Excellent course full of real life scenarios from experienced lecturers. The course covers the basics of planning all the way to conducting and writing delay analysis reports. Highly recommended for those wishing to continue their careers as delays analysts.

Andries Pelser
Schedule Analyst

Will definitely recommend the college and its courses to my friends and peers

Positive feedback only, all materials were clear, the lecturers are all very experienced and skilled. All administrative issues were immediately dealt with and had an overall pleasant experience, thank you! I am generally very happy with the course content, the lecturers and the administration. I look forward to taking future courses with CCM and will definitely recommend the college and its courses to my friends and peers.

Firoz Ahmad Khan
Quantity Surveyor

Thank you for giving me the zest to learn new things

I got the chartered membership (MCIOB), and I would like to thank you for your support. To get the chartered membership was challenging for me, but the CCM team were always there supporting me and ready to help. Assessor feedback was excellent. I have not only gained the Chartered membership but also a confidence to appear for better job opportunities. Thank you for giving me the zest to learn new things. I look forward to taking further guidance for another professional membership.

Mark Nelson
Senior Quantity Surveyor

I will be forever appreciative

After careful consideration on whether to undertake the CIOB professional review direct with the CIOB or go through the College of Contract Management UK I choose the excellent service provided by CCM. My decision was based upon the impressive fact that the CCM has a 100% pass rate in the professional review coaching service. My result supports this fact as I passed on my first attempt. CCM helped me achieve my professional goal for 2020 and for that I will be forever appreciative.

Shahab Ahmad
Project Control & Planning Manager

The support and collaborative approach by CCM has made it possible for me

Very often, we take steps towards our desired goal but sometimes we might fail and sometimes we see the bright light of success with the guidance from the right people. The support and collaborative approach by CCM has made it possible for me. The succinct details for the professional review were clearly defined by the institute and I feel it was a value for money. My application has succeeded and finally, I am felicitated with MCIOB. Many thanks to the instructor and Rebecca for being part of my success story.

Fawad Ahmed MCIOB
Planning Manager

Very impressive, helpful and highly recommended

College of Contracts management very well organized as an institution, and the courses are well focused. I have been very happy with the service your College offers. In particular, CIOB Professional Review Coaching has been a truly invaluable learning experience for me. I want you to know that I have learnt so much from all your constructive input and guidance throughout sessions. Very impressive, helpful and highly recommended

Muneez Mahmood MCIOB
Technical Manager / AE7-Dubai

I would strongly recommend their services for CIOB PR coaching

College of contract management is a very professional college; I would strongly recommend their services for CIOB-PR coaching. I selected online services during COVID. Their techniques/ slides quality/ webinars assisted me very well to understand competency requirements of CIOB. They were very proactive in their communications and approachable that bonded and helped gain confidence to successfully achieve my MCIOB in the very first attempt. A very big thanks to college and all associated in supporting me achieve prestigious chartered membership.

Wael Samain
Construction Program Director

I thoroughly enjoyed the course

I thoroughly enjoyed the course material as it is comprehensive and covers in-depth FIDIC contracts conditions in the  Yellow, Silver and Red book latest editions 2017.  It is highly recommended that Project Managers, Quantity surveyors as well as Commercial and Contract Managers attend this course to keep abreast of FIDIC contracts development in the industry. The course is presented by an experienced Legal and Claims Consultant to the construction industry.

claims course
Daniel Polgar
Senior Quantity Surveyor / Linesight

I would strongly recommend

I would strongly recommend using the services of the College of Contract Management to gain MCIOB status. I found the online seminars very informative and the professionalism of all to be excellent throughout, always responding quickly to any questions that I may have. The review of my submission enabled me to pass at the first instance and also ensured I achieved the certification in a quick timeframe. I am pleased to have achieved the chartership and would use the colleges services again for future courses.

claims-testimonial
Asif Kader
Quantity Surveyor / MPH Technical Services WLL

Thank you CCM!!

I am a very honoured to get my application for MCIOB approved in a very short time and in a single submission. To prepare a Professional Review report meeting the CIOB requirements is a real challenge and with the guidance from CCM lecturers and their internal review process it was done with accuracy. I endorse the CCM's claim of 100% success rate in MCIOB submissions considering the quality of services provided to me and my friends. Thank you CCM!!

quantity-surveying
Dina Mohamed

I am now a chartered surveyor

I would like to share with you the very happy news that I successfully passed my APC and I am now a chartered surveyor. I wouldn’t have done this achievement without the great APC couching from CCM which helped me a lot and was the reason behind my success. I will definitely recommend your program to all my friends and colleagues. Thank you very much again and I wish all the success to all the other candidates.

chartered
Nancy Khalifa
Project Quantity Surveyor / Engineering Consultants Group

Thank you for the amazing support

I declare my greatest appreciation to the College of Contract Management as their staff has given me valuable guidance, good practice and advice during the preparation of my Professional report. It was my pleasure to enrol in the coaching service which has helped to achieve my goal to become a Chartered Member in CIOB. Once again thank you for the amazing support.

mciob
Patrick Murphy
Area Building Manager / Mitchells & Butlers Plc

I would have no hesitation in recommending CCM

After reviewing many course providers, I chose the College of Contract Management for the MCIOB course. Their communication, delivery of webinars and most importantly the support they provide, both for the exam and subsequent Professional Review service, was fantastic. Even during the Covid--19 lockdown, their ongoing support level never dropped. I would have no hesitation in recommending CCM to anyone wishing to further their qualifications and career’s.

ciob-pr
Omar Awata
Senior Construction Manager / Urbacon Contracting & Trading

I highly recommend the college

To become a CIOB member you will have demonstrated that you have built professional competence upon a foundation of academic expertise and will give you greater encouragement to acquire more knowledge and enable you to better prove your skills. The college of contract management provided me professional advice to complete my competition report with professional review. I highly recommend the college

Claims-Preparation-Course
Mario O. Tolentino
Quantity Surveyor / HBK Contracting

Claims Preparation and Dispute Management Training Programme

The 4-day training had been very impressive and effective that made me grow personally and professionally, with the presenter being consistent in imparting the information in a manner that all participants are learning and actively participating in all the tasks during the course of the training and I can proudly say that it had exceeded my expectation. Many thanks to our course presenter for being very approachable and kind.

Claims-Preparation-Course
Biju Jacob MCIOB
Sr. Project Control Specialist / Qatar Kentz W.L.L

It is with great pleasure

I announce my greatest appreciation to the College of Contract Management, during the preparation of  Professional  Report, CCM teacher and staff gave me the valuable guidance and advice which helped to achieve my determined goal for the year. One of my ambitions to become Chartered Member in CIOB, the milestone achieved.  Once again thank you for amazing help!

MCIOB
Michael J Cullen
Technical Manager / KEEBS / WK Plasterers Ltd

I would highly recommend the college

I was very apprehensive prior to starting the course, not knowing what to expect, but from the first online lecture I was made to feel part of the class. The structure of the lectures are easy to follow and enable full interaction. The lecturers are all very helpful, providing guidance and direction where needed along with very descriptive explanations of all aspects being studied. Discussions throughout each lecture helped me to understand and retain what was being taught. A very big thank you to the College and all involved who helped me achieve a Distinction in the Chartered Membership Programme.

MCIOB
Kingsley Okoro MCIOB

CIOB Chartered Membership

Producing a good professional review report that meets the requirements and standard for chartered membership of CIOB can be quite challenging. However, with the professional advice of College of Contract Management, I was able to write a good professional review report that earned me my MCIOB in a single submission. I strongly recommend the College to whoever that is seeking to achieve chartered membership.

MCIOB
Michael Whittington MCIOB
Building Surveyor / Peabody Trust

Support from the college was first class

Thanks for providing an excellent service, the support from the College of Contract Management was first class.  I also found the online webinars very informative and useful. I have already recommended the College of Contract Management to my fellow work colleagues, who are now looking at becoming MCIOB !!!.

MCIOB
Sajid Husain
Senior Quantity Surveyor / AKTOR

I would recommend the college and the CMP course

Before joining the lectures I had my unknown fears that how would I understand the subject and study materials because of online lectures. But really I appreciate the lecturers who made lectures so descriptive, explanatory and to easily understand. During the lecture I like one thing most that after explaining each topic they put a question for us to know our concentration and understanding towards the lecture. I would recommend the college and the Chartered Membership Programme.

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