This paper presents an introduction to the Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) and its application to corrosion research. Up to now it has been impossible to find a single work that could provide a simple and comprehensive introduction to this technique, giving a clear idea of what SVET is, how it works, the possibilities and limitations. This paper intends to fill this gap. It starts with a brief historical account, followed by the operating principle and selected examples of application to corrosion. Information about instrumentation and technical details are then highlighted, together with possible calculations and limitations. The paper ends with examples of the combination of SVET with other electrochemical techniques. (c) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS.