Certification: Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon

Purpose:

The purpose of these technician certification programs is to develop and maintain a pool of well-trained technicians to perform field-testing of highway materials for both Quality Control and Quality Assurance.

Who Must be Certified?

All personnel responsible for performing and reporting tests required on Oregon Department of Transportation projects and many local agencies must be certified. This requirement applies to project personnel working as technicians for the Agencies, Contractors, or Consultants on such projects.

How do I become Certified?

Certification requires passing a written and/or practical examination demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of how to perform the specific tests. To apply for certification, the applicant may either register for one of the approved training classes, where the exam will be administered as part of the class, or submit an application to challenge the exam.

How do I Renew My Certification ?

Certifications are good for three years from the date you took the exam. To re-certify you may either retake the training class or simply retake the exam by submitting an application to re-certify.

How do I Register for Training Classes?

Training: Class Schedules and Registration Forms.

Certification Classes are open to anyone interested in becoming a Technician. Simply click the link to the Registration form. Print the Registration form: fill in out completely, including your e-mail and cell phone. Be sure to indicate your first, second, and third choices for EACH class. Attach payment and mail to the APAO office at 5240 Gaffin Rd SE, Salem, OR 97317. Once your registration form and payment is received at the APAO office, a Confirmation letter will be sent. Be sure to read this letter, if a class is full you will be registered in your second or third choice class. For those requesting study manual shipment, manuals will be shipped approximately two weeks prior to the class to the address on your registration form. There is an $8.00 shipping/handling fee for shipping materials. (See Registration Form for all details).

Just the Registration Form (Print and fill the form out. When complete, mail with payment)

How do I Register to Challenge or Re-certify by Exam Only?

Attendance of a Certification Class is not required for those who feel competent to Challenge the exam process. Applicants should be aware that ODOT allows only one attempt at passing the Certification Exam for those that have never attended an ODOT recognized Certification Class. Failure of an exam by challenging requires attendance of the appropriate class prior to additional exam attempts.

Those active Certified Technicians whose competency levels are high may Re-Certify by completing the exam process. Two exam attempts are allowed for Certified Technicians before re-attendance of the class is required.

Challenge/Re cert: Exam Schedules and Registration Forms.

What if I need Radiation Safety Training?

Radiation Safety Training and Radiation Safety Officer Training is offered at our office in Salem by Troxler Electronic Laboratories on a regularly scheduled basis. Click Here for Details.

APAO will be offering training and certification in the following areas:

These classes give newer students a greater opportunity to succeed through additional time and smaller class sizes.

Also, combined classes for experienced technicians will be offered in the following areas:

These combined classes are intended for “seasoned” technicians with strong laboratory skills and a good grasp on ODOT contract administration procedures.

These review classes are for experienced technicians seeking to renew their certifications.

For a direct link to the Oregon Department of Transportation Technician Certification Database which lists all current Technicians and what certifications they hold . . Click Here

Each individual must complete the attached registration form. Class sizes are limited and registration will be on a first come first serve basis. If multiple class dates are listed be sure to indicate your first, second and third choices of dates. Students will receive written confirmation and class materials prior to the class. If you have questions please contact the APAO at (503) 363-3858.

Registration fees may be transferred to alternate individuals within the same firm, or to the next scheduled class. APAO must be notified prior to making changes. There is a $50 transfer fee each time a registration is transferred from one individual or class to another scheduled class. Please submit a Transfer Form prior to the beginning of the scheduled class. 

Students may cancel by submitting the "Notification of Cancellation Form" at least 5 business days prior to the beginning of class AND by returning the class materials. Students wishing to cancel a class will receive a "CREDIT" (minus a $ 50 cancellation fee for each class). The "CREDIT" can be used until the end of the training season (approximate. July 1, 2008). The "CREDIT can be used by anyone in the same company. Any remaining "CREDITS" will then be issued a refund check.

These classes have been well received and give newer students a greater opportunity to succeed. We strongly recommend taking advantage of the additional time and smaller class sizes.

Also combined classes for experienced technicians will be offered in the following areas:

These combined classes are intended for "seasoned" technicians with strong laboratory skills and a good grasp on ODOT contract administration procedures.

Course Descriptions

Certified Asphalt Technician I (CAT-I)

QC/QA specifications require a CAT-I at each plant during asphalt mix production. This is not a class for inexperienced technicians. Candidates should be familiar with basic quality control practices.

"A CAT-I performs sampling and testing for HMAC and EAC mixtures including AC content, maximum specific gravity, sieve analysis, void measurements using a currently approved compaction device, and other tests and duties as required by current specifications for HMAC."

Prerequisite: None (CAgT skills in sampling, reducing, and washed gradation analysis of aggregates are recommended)

Certified Asphalt Technician II (CAT II)

QC/QA specifications require a CAT-II be available to each plant to evaluate mix design verification test results and to recommend necessary field adjustments to bring asphalt mixtures in compliance with specified volumetric requirements.

"A CAT-II is responsible for managing the volumetric properties of asphalt mixes by controlling plant operations, for troubleshooting HMAC sampling and testing processes, and for making appropriate adjustments to HMAC production and laydown procedures."

Prerequisite: CAT-I

Certified Mix Design Technician (CMDT)

Current specifications require the Contractor to produce the asphalt mix design for some categories of mix. These mix designs must be prepared and signed by a CMDT. This is not a class for inexperienced technicians. Candidates should be familiar with basic asphalt laboratory procedures including processing aggregates, compacting and measuring volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures, and testing asphalt mixes for moisture damage.

"A CMDT is responsible for preparing HMAC Mix Designs, including all material testing and data analysis necessary to properly complete a design. A CMDT prepares designs for both dense and open graded HMAC mixtures."

Prerequisite: None (CAgT & CAT-I strongly recommended)

Certified Aggregate Technician (CAgT)

QC/QA specifications require a CAgT to conduct quality control testing during the production of aggregate materials used in HMAC, EAC, PCC, base and shoulder aggregate, chip seals, oil mats and other highway applications.

"A CAgT performs a variety of tests on soils and aggregates including sieve analysis, fracture, sand equivalency and other tests and performs other duties as required by current specifications for soils and aggregate materials."

Prerequisite: None (Basic math skills and prior lab experience recommended)

Certified Embankment Technician (CEBT)

QC/QA specifications require a CEBT to conduct tests to determine the maximum density of different types of soils, soil/aggregate mixtures, and base aggregates for establishing construction density targets.

"The CEBT performs testing of soils and aggregates for establishing maximum density and optimum moisture for compaction of subgrade soil and aggregate bases."

Prerequisite: None (Basic math skills and prior lab experience recommended)

Certified Density Technician (CDT)

QC/QA specifications require a CDT to conduct density testing on soils, aggregates and HMAC layers using a nuclear moisture/density gauge.

"A CDT performs in-place density testing of soils, aggregates, and asphalt mixtures using the nuclear density gauge. In addition to certification, a CDT must possess a current Radiation Safety Card issued by an approved source."

Prerequisites: Radiation Safety Card and Film Badge are required

These classes are offered to experienced technicians seeking a brief review of WAQTC and ODOT written materials prior to retaking these certification exams. The review class will include a one-day classroom review followed by the full Certification Exam on the second day. Training manuals are included. Review is classroom only with no laboratory practice included. Provide Technician Card Number on registration form .

Prerequisites: Current certification in the class being attended.
*CDT : Radiation Safety Card and Film Badge are required

Greenhorn Classes (CAgT, CEBT & CDT* , CAT II **)

Greenhorn classes are longer than the regular classes to allow newer students additional time to practice and prepare for certification examinations. Students with little or no lab experience, with little or no exposure to ODOT contract documents, and/or those students who need to brush up on their math skills should strongly consider taking the greenhorn classes.

Prerequisites: None (Basic math skills are recommended)
*CDT requires Radiation Safety Card and Film Badge
**CAT II requires CAT I certification. Provide Technician Card Number on registration.

Combined CEBT & CDT* Class

Because of the redundancy in these two certifications, this class is offered as a way to obtain both certifications in the same week with one less day of total training time. This class is fast paced, has limited lab time and is intended for experienced technicians.

Prerequisites:Prior certification in one or both areas is required. Provide Technician Card Number on registration.
Requires Radiation Safety Card and Film Badge

Technician Certification Class Schedule

APAO will be offering training and certification in the following areas:

Course Descriptions

Technician Certification
Class Schedule