A joint program between industry, agency & academia to test and certify material testers in California to ensure they meet minimum qualifications. Presentation delivered during the CalAPA Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference Oct. 26-27, 2016 in Sacramento, Calif.

1. Joint Training and
Certification Program
Al Ochoa
Project Manager
Caltrans/Industry Joint Training
Development and Implementation Program

2. Background
 Why do we test materials?
 Required under CFR Title 23, Section 637.205(a)
requires each State DOT develop and maintain a
Quality Assurance program.
 Insures materials meet specification requirements.
 Insures materials placement meets specification
requirements.

3. Background
 Why do certify testers?
 Required under CFR Title 23, Section 637.209(b)
requires all sampling and testing data to be used in the
acceptance decision of the IA program must be
executed by qualified sampling and testing personnel.
 Insures uniformity of testing.
 Insures each tester meets minimum qualifications.
including:
 Training
 Written testing
 Witness testing

4. Background
 Why do we need Joint Training:
 Training for materials testers varies from District to
District and contractor tor contractor.
 Some provide formal training
 Some provide OJT
 Some provide combination of both
 Some provide nothing
 Joint Training will provide each material tester with
uniform training.

5. Program Purpose
 Provide highly skilled, knowledgeable, sampling
and testing technicians.
 Promote uniformity and consistency in testing.
 Provide quality improvement.
 Create a harmonious working atmosphere
between public and private employees, based
upon trust, open communication, and equality of
certification.

6. Program Scope
 Provide formal classroom and laboratory training
to technicians in sampling and testing of materials.
 Provide the opportunity for technicians
successfully completing formal training to become
certified in applicable:
 California Test Methods
 AASHTO Test Methods
 ASTM Test Methods
 Training would be mandatory for all materials
testers performing work on Caltrans projects.

7. Program Structure
 Training Program will be developed, delivered and
administered by a Independent Third Party.
 Oversight of the program will be conducted by an
“Advisory Committee” consisting of:
 Caltrans
 FHWA
 Industry
 Local Agencies
 Private testing laboratories

8. Program Structure
 The Joint Training program will be a self
sustaining program.
 Training will be on a fee basis.
 Caltrans will execute an MOU with the
Independent Third Party. $ amount will be based
number of expected students that will attend.
Districts will receive an allocation of allocated slots
based on workload.
 Industry will pay on a per student basis.

9. Training and Certification
 Certifications will be valid for 3 years.
 Caltrans attendance will be approximately 375
students per year, based on current workload.
 Some students will do multiple modules.
 There will be 4 modules:
 Soil and Aggregate
 Hot Mix Asphalt I
 Hot Mix Asphalt II
 Portland Cement Concrete (Roadway and Structures)

10. Training and Certification
 Modules will consist of Quality Control and Quality
Assurance material field tests required by Caltrans
specifications.
 Initial training for each module will be 5 days
maximum which will include travel (if required).

11. Training and Certification
 The testers will be going through a pre-requisite
self pace material prior to registration for training
 Safety Training is also provided
 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA) release form
 A tracking system that include contacts, progress
of the students, feedback, certificate, and
verification of completion
 Upon successful passing of the prerequisite
testers will be able to register for classes in
Southern California and Northern California

12. Training and Certification
 The tester will go through Seminar and Lab
sessions
 Upon completion of the training
 Written Exam
 Practical Exam – Witnessed by IA
 The tester will be certified after successfully
passing the written, verbal exams AND
 Verification of employment with Certified Lab

13. Training and Certification
 The Agreement with Caltrans included Two
phases
 Phase I: Curriculum development
 Prerequisite
 Student Handbook
 Instructor Handbook
 Laboratory Instructor Handbook
 Assistant Instructor Laboratory Handbook
 Presentations
 Practical exam check list

14. Training and Certification
 Phase II
 Implementation and training and certification
offering
 Anticipated to start by January 2017, first class by
offered by June 2017 with exception to ACI class.

25. Questions ?