Training - Courses Offered to Practicing Engineers

The Concrete Construction Special Inspector and Associate Concrete Construction Special Inspector certifications are aimed at individuals who are qualified to inspect and record the results of concrete construction inspections based on codes and job specifications.

The Concrete Construction Special Inspector certification is granted to individuals who have proven their ability and qualifications through specific criteria set by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). This includes:

• Written Examination: Passing grade on the written examination that covers various aspects of concrete construction inspection.
• Plans-Reading Examination: Obtaining a passing grade on the plans-reading examination, which assesses the ability to interpret and understand construction plans related to concrete.
• Field Testing Technician—Grade I Requirement: Being currently certified or having been previously certified as an ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I and passing the current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I written exam within one year of passing the Inspector exam.
• Qualification Requirements: Meeting specific qualifications, which can be fulfilled by having:
• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, or Construction Engineering Technology, including courses in concrete materials, design, or construction, along with corresponding work experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering program or equivalent, coupled with adequate work experience.
• College or technical school education, earning a minimum of 60 credit hours, combined with satisfactory work experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent, along with substantial work experience.
• Extensive work experience over a defined period.

The Associate Concrete Construction Special Inspector is knowledgeable about inspection procedures for concrete construction but lacks the requisite experience to qualify as a full ACI Concrete Construction Special Inspector.

Both certifications require candidates to demonstrate knowledge aligned with the Job Task Analysis (JTA) prepared by ACI, which encompasses specific points of knowledge necessary for the certification exams.

The Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector and Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector-in-Training certifications are intended for individuals proficient in concrete inspection methods for transportation projects, but with varying levels of experience.

The Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector certification is granted to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in concrete inspection methods specific to transportation projects. To qualify for this certification, candidates must meet certain criteria set by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). This includes:

• Written Inspection Examination: Obtaining a passing grade on the written inspection examination that covers concrete inspection methods relevant to transportation projects.
• Written Plans Reading Examination: Obtaining a passing grade on the written plans reading examination, which assesses the ability to interpret and understand construction plans specific to transportation-related concrete projects.
• Field Testing Technician—Grade I Requirement: Being currently certified or having been previously certified as an ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I and passing the current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I written exam within one year of passing the Inspector exam.
• Qualification Requirements: Meeting specific qualifications, which can be fulfilled by having:
• A minimum of two years of college or technical school education, earning at least 60 credit hours, coupled with two years of satisfactory work experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent, accompanied by a minimum of three years of satisfactory work experience.
• Extensive work experience over a defined period.
• The Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector-in-Training possesses knowledge in concrete inspection methods for transportation projects but lacks the necessary experience to qualify as a full ACI Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector.

Both certifications require candidates to demonstrate knowledge aligned with the Job Task Analysis (JTA) prepared by ACI, which includes specific points of knowledge essential for the certification exams.

The Nondestructive Testing Specialist—Concrete Strength certification is granted to individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and ability to conduct specified tests on hardened concrete, passing the ACI certification examinations.

To achieve this certification, candidates must showcase proficiency in performing designated tests on hardened concrete, as outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) designed for the ACI Certification of Nondestructive Testing Specialist—Concrete Strength. The JTA is a detailed guideline highlighting the specific knowledge and skills required for the certification exams. ACI strongly encourages candidates to use the JTA for comprehensive exam preparation.

This certification program demands a comprehensive understanding and practical application of specific ASTM test methods and practices related to nondestructive testing of concrete strength. These methods and practices include:

• ASTM C597 – Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete
• ASTM C803/C803M – Standard Test Method for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete
• ASTM C805/C805M – Standard Test Method for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete
• ASTM C873/C873M – Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinders Cast in Place in Cylindrical Molds
• ASTM C900 – Standard Test Method for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete
• ASTM C1074 – Standard Practice for Estimating Concrete Strength by the Maturity Method

Candidates pursuing this certification are expected to demonstrate proficiency in conducting these specified nondestructive tests on hardened concrete. This certification validates their ability to effectively apply nondestructive testing methods to assess the strength and quality of hardened concrete in various construction applications. It confirms their competence in performing essential tests that evaluate concrete strength without damaging the structure.

The certifications for Shotcrete Inspector and Associate Shotcrete Inspector are designed to recognize individuals with varying levels of knowledge and experience in inspecting shotcrete placement.

Shotcrete Inspector Certification: This certification is granted to individuals who demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and experience in inspecting the placement of shotcrete. Shotcrete Inspectors must have a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and qualification requirements of the Nozzleman, as well as the inspection requirements outlined in the documents governing the construction project.

Associate Shotcrete Inspector Certification: Individuals holding this certification possess knowledge about inspecting shotcrete placement, including understanding the responsibilities and qualification requirements of the Nozzleman, as well as the inspection requirements detailed in the project's construction documents. However, they lack the experience required to qualify as a full ACI Shotcrete Inspector.

Both certifications require candidates to demonstrate knowledge aligned with the Job Task Analysis (JTA) established by ACI, which provides a comprehensive list of specific points of knowledge essential for the certification exams. ACI strongly encourages candidates to use the JTA as a guideline for exam preparation.

This certification program requires a working knowledge of several documents related to shotcrete, including ACI and ASTM standards and guides:

• ACI 305R-10: Guide to Hot Weather Concreting
• ACI 305.1-14: Specification for Hot Weather Concreting
• ACI 306R-16: Guide to Cold Weather Concreting
• ACI 306.1-90(02): Standard Specification for Cold Weather Concreting
• ACI 506R-16: Guide to Shotcrete
• ACI 506.1R-08: Guide to Fiber-Reinforced Shotcrete
• ACI 506.2-13: Specification for Shotcrete
• ACI 506.4R-94(04): Guide for the Evaluation of Shotcrete
• ACI 506.6T-17: Visual Shotcrete Core Quality Evaluation
• ACI CCS-4(08): Shotcrete for the Craftsman
• ASTM C1140/C1140M-11: Standard Practice for Preparing and Testing Specimens from Shotcrete Test Panels
• ASTM C1604/C1604M-05(12): Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores of Shotcrete
• ASA Safety Guidelines for Shotcrete

These certifications validate individuals' abilities to inspect shotcrete placement and ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications, promoting quality and safety in shotcrete applications.

Concrete Quality Technical Manager Certification: This certification is granted to individuals who demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience necessary to supervise an effective concrete quality control/quality assurance program and perform technical duties on behalf of the Architect/Engineer in concrete-related matters.

Associate Concrete Quality Technical Manager Certification: Individuals holding this certification possess knowledge about concrete quality control/quality assurance but lack the requisite experience to qualify as a full Concrete Quality Technical Manager.

Both certifications require candidates to demonstrate knowledge aligned with the Job Task Analysis (JTA) established by ACI, outlining specific points of knowledge essential for the certification exams. ACI strongly encourages candidates to use the JTA for comprehensive exam preparation.

The training covers the following resources for exam preparation and for attaining the required knowledge:

• ACI 117 – Specification for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials
• ACI 121R – Guide for Concrete Construction Quality Assurance Systems in Conformance with ISO 9001
• ACI 201.2R – Guide to Durable Concrete
• ACI 211 series (1, 3R, 4R, 5R) – Guides and Standards for Concrete Proportions
• ACI 212.3R – Report on Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• ACI 213R – Guide for Structural Lightweight-Aggregate Concrete
• ACI 214 series (214, 214.4R) – Guides for Strength Test Results of Concrete and Core Interpretation
• ACI 221R – Guide for Use of Normal Weight and Heavyweight Aggregates in Concrete
• ACI 225R – Guide to the Selection and Use of Hydraulic Cements
• ACI 229R – Report on Controlled Low-Strength Materials
• ACI 232.2R – Use of Fly Ash in Concrete
• ACI 233R – Slag Cement in Concrete and Mortar
• ACI 234R – Guide for the Use of Silica Fume in Concrete
• ACI 237R – Self-Consolidating Concrete
• ACI 301 – Specifications for Structural Concrete
• ACI 318 – Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
• ACI 522R – Report on Pervious Concrete

These resources encompass various ACI guides, standards, reports, and specifications crucial for understanding concrete quality control/quality assurance principles and practices, aiding candidates in their exam preparation and overall knowledge acquisition.