Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - March/April 2008 - (Page Expo-11)

Training and Certification Partnership continued dents learn the very latest in practices, speciﬁcations, and contract administration, and are well equipped to maintain tight quality control parameters on the jobsite. “We strive to develop technicians, not just materials testers,” said Sean Parker, construction training coordinator with ODOT. The distinction is that a materials tester has the skills to follow a written procedure, collect input, and produce a result, while an “Oregon technician” possesses all of those skills along with the ability to review test results for compliance, recommend operational adjustments, and understand contract requirements. “The process is extremely involved,” Sean said, “and the exam has many checks and balances to ensure highly qualiﬁed individuals are working on the Oregon highway system.” APAO conducts all training onsite at its headquarters in Salem. The main building, comprised of 6,800 square feet, houses the organization’s ofﬁce space, classrooms, and a warehouse where four of eight self-contained mobile laboratories are stationed. A second building, comprised of 2,000 square feet, contains a complete Superpave asphalt mix design lab, an asphalt pavement analyzer, and additional classroom space. A third building, also 2,000 square feet, provides storage and contains test pits. Four additional self-contained mobile laboratories are stationed outside. These laboratory trailers were originally designed and built by ODOT, and served the agency’s need to conduct onsite testing at contractors’ asphalt plants. Since ODOT is no longer conducting this testing, the trailers are leased to APAO, where they provide a laboratory setting very similar to that found in most ﬁeld ofﬁces. jority of the course material, while ODOT personnel join the training session to cover the requirements of ODOT contract administration. ODOT also proctors the certiﬁcation exams, which typically last an entire day – one half-day is spent on written examination, and the other on practical (lab) application. “Our training and examination processes model real-world situations, which is somewhat unique in this business,” said Gary Thompson, APAO’s training director. That includes carrying out tests in the order they would be done for a real project, and under the same time constraints, he explained. Students must perform all tests properly, follow standard procedures, and get the right results. “We don’t certify for just one part of the process – we certify for the ability to run all tests, complete all forms, and properly administer the often complex contract and speciﬁcation requirements of agency-style projects,” Gary added. Training is available for the following certiﬁcations: • Certiﬁed Aggregate Technician (CAgT): Practices for testing aggregate materials as they are produced. • Certiﬁed Asphalt Technician I (CAT-I): Practices for testing asphalt during mix production. • Certiﬁed Asphalt Technician II (CAT-II): How to troubleshoot mix problems and recommend adjustments to bring the mix into compliance with speciﬁcations. • Certiﬁed Mix Design Technician (CMDT): How to design asphalt mixes, including how to test materials and analyze data. • Certiﬁed Embankment and Base Technician (CEBT): Students learn how to test soils and base aggregate materials for establishing construction density targets. • Certiﬁed Density Technician (CDT): Students learn how to use nuclear gauges for density testing of soils, aggregate, and asphalt. For students with little or no lab experience, those who have had little or no exposure to ODOT contract documents, and/or those who need to brush up on their math skills, APAO has designed “greenhorn” courses for four of the certiﬁcation classes. These courses are one day longer than the regular version of the classes, providing students more time for practice and exam preparation. Maintaining certification Certiﬁcations issued by ODOT are good for three years. To renew certiﬁcation, technicians must be retested. Retraining is not required, though most technicians reenroll because the curriculum is continuously modiﬁed to reﬂect changes in practice and speciﬁcations. The training and certiﬁcation program administered by ODOT and APAO educates more than 300 technicians each year. Approximately 95 percent eventually receive certiﬁcation, with 60-75 percent passing examinations on their ﬁrst attempt. APAO executive director Jim Huddleston emphasizes the importance of a strong partnership in developing a successful training and certiﬁcation program. ODOT and APAO work together closely to ensure that information is up-to-date and that training adequately prepares technicians for the high standards they will be expected to meet on the job. “Every aspect, from training curriculum development through exam preparation and administration, is carried out in a collaborative environment where ODOT and APAO are both at the table,” Jim said. “I couldn’t imagine it succeeding any other way.” For more information Complete course descriptions, training calendars, and registration fees are available on the APAO Website: www.apao.org. Tiffany Estes is a freelance writer living in Astoria, Ore. NAPA Roadmap to CONEXPO-CON/AGG • 11 Curriculum and testing APAO conducts training in six of ODOT’s nine certiﬁcations. APAO is responsible for delivering the ma- http://www.apao.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - March/April 2008

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - March/April 2008 Contents Chairman’s Commentary Industry News Top-notch Teams Overcome Obstacles to Build the Nation’s Finest Roads Ecological Award Winners: Environmentally Sound, Neighbor Friendly Safety Award Winners: Rewards, Reminders and Technology Roadway Safety Program Trains Workers Preventing Back-overs Is Serious Business Driving Through Work Zones: Be Careful! San Diego Uses Porous Asphalt Lots for Stormwater Management Legislative Messages Tools for the Trade Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers Advertiser.com NAPA Roadmap to CONEXPO-CON/AGG

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - March/April 2008

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