Joint Training and Certification Program

Al OchoaProject Manager

Caltrans/Industry Joint Training Development and Implementation Program

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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)

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).

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

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

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

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.

Questions ?