LabCAT Certification levels include:
(click on the links below to down load the LabCAT certification presentation manual)
Level A- Laydown (Level A presentation manual)
Level B- Asphalt Plant Materials Control (Level B presentation manual)
Level C- Mixture Volumetrics and Stability (Level C presentaton manual)
Level E- Aggregates (Level E presentaton manual)
Level S- Smoothness (Level S presentation manual )
Level I - Asphalt Inspector (Level I presentation manual)
The asphalt pavement technician certification program was developed to increase the proficiency of technicians and the consistency of test results used to evaluate the quality of asphalt paving materials.
The program is a partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (CAPA). CAPA operates the Laboratory for Certification of Asphalt Technicians (LabCAT) center where all certifications are conducted as a part of the Rocky Mountain Asphalt Education Center (RMAEC).
The RMAEC has compiled the year long tracking of critiques for the LabCAT Technician Certification Program for 2009 . If you would like to see what is being said about the program Click here
The LabCAT Board of Directors and the LabCAT Technical committee have approved an update to the policy and procedures manual in regard to the De - Certification policy for a LabCAT Certified technician. The procedure for filing a complaint and the process of initiating a hearing for de certification are contained in the document. The exert here is a portion of the bigger document (The LabCAT Policy and Procedures Manual). To view the policy download the LabCAT De-Certification Policy.
Learn more
about The Benefits to Employers in Providing Supplemental Examiners
The certification program is continuing to grow with the help of all of the Proctors who graciously agree to assist within the program!!! These proctors come to the program from CDOT, Local Agencies, Contractors, and Consultants. If you would like to be included on our "Proctor" list contact Cindy or Diane at the RMAEC.
Certification - Asphalt Construction Technician
Six certifications have been established for Asphalt Construction Technicians based on the tests required on typical HMA paving projects.
The Asphalt Construction Technician Certification Levels A through C are always offered sequentially so individuals have the opportunity to become certified in any or all of the programs. Level E-Aggregate Technician Certification is a separate program. Course fees range from level A - $200 to levels A-C $800 member, and $420 to $1230 non-member. Level E fees are $280 member and $535 non-member. Each participant will be provided with a 3 ring notebook which contains copies of the slide presentations with room for taking notes during the presentations, and copies of the relevant AASHTO procedures. It is recommended each participant bring with them a calculator, copies of the current CDOT field Materials Manual (FMM), and Laboratory Manual of Test Procedures (CP-L) as all presentations and tests will be based on the CURRENT FMM and CP-L's. Copies of the FMM and CP-L can be obtained at the Publications room at CDOT headquarters 4201 East Arkansas, Denver, CO 80222, by downloading the documents from the CDOT web site, or by purchasing the needed manuals from the RMAEC.
Format:
There are three versions of the certification program,
standard, streamlined and Slipstream.
I. Standard Program
The standard program begins with a brief classroom session to describe each of the test procedures and the purpose of the tests. The participants have the opportunity to discuss reasons for certain aspects of the tests and share experiences from actual construction projects. After the classroom session, each participant enters the laboratory where each test is demonstrated by a certified RMAEC proctor. During this portion the most critical aspects of each test are explained to participants. Certification begins after the group demonstrations are finished. During certification each participant demonstrates proficiency in each test to a qualified RMAEC proctor. Attendees must have experience performing each required test prior to attending. This is not structured as a training course.
II. Streamlined Program
The streamlined program is restricted to those participants who have been certified by the LabCAT and are proficient in performing the required procedures. The certifications begin with a short classroom session to review any changes to the testing procedures. At the completion of the session, each is given an open book exam for each level of certification desired. After the classroom session, the participant enters the laboratory where they are required to demonstrate proficiency in each test to a qualified RMAEC proctor. It is recommended each participant bring with them a calculator, copies of the current CDOT field Materials Manual (FMM), and Laboratory Manual of Test Procedures (CP-L) as all presentations and tests will be based on the CURRENT FMM and CP-L's.
III. Slip Stream Re-Certification
Slip Stream Re-Certification allows for those who give time to be rewarded when they re-certify by only having to take a written test for re-certification. To qualify for this a proctor must have spent the required number of days proctoring for what ever level they are requesting re-certification, the amount of time varies by level. For more information and the requirement for Slip Stream Certification you can E-Mail, call the RMAEC at 303-741-6148 or down load the guidelines
Level A - Laydown
(Level A Presentations)
Technicians working at the laydown operation and responsible for sampling and conducting compaction tests on CDOT projects are required to possess this certification. Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as compaction measurements using nuclear density gauge readings and correlation determinations from core samples.
Laydown Certification includes the following tests:
| Test
Procedure |
AASHTO |
CDOT |
| Random Sampling |
(ASTM) D 3665 |
CP- 75 |
| Sampling HMA |
T168 |
CP - 41 |
| Sampling Aggregates |
T2 |
CP -30 |
| Splitting HMA |
T248 |
CP- 55 |
| Pavement Compaction |
|
CP-81 |
Level B - Asphalt Plant Materials Control
(Level B Presentations)
Technicians responsible for materials process control at the asphalt hot mix plant for CDOT projects are required to possess this certification. Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as splitting, sieve analysis, asphalt content, and specific gravity measurements of the loose mixture and core samples. The technician will complete this certification in conjunction with Laydown Certification.
Asphalt Plant Materials Control includes the following tests:
| Test Procedure |
AASHTO |
CDOT |
| Splitting Aggregate |
T -248 |
CP 32 |
| Sieve Analysis |
T-11/T27 |
CP-31 A/31 B |
| Asphalt Content by Nuclear Method |
T-287 |
CP- 85 |
| Asphalt Content by Ignition Method |
T-308 |
CP-L 5120 |
| Bulk Specific Gravity of Cores |
T-166 |
CP- 44 |
| Maximum Theoretical Specific Gravity |
T- 209 |
CP -51 |
| Control Charts |
|
|
Level C - Asphalt Mixture Volumetric's and Stability
(Level C Presentatons)
Technicians responsible for determining mixture volumetric's and strength characteristics for HMA produced at the hot mix plant for CDOT projects are required to possess this certification. Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as splitting, gyratory compaction, Hveem stability, Lottman ,and specific gravity measurements of the loose mixture, core samples, and laboratory compacted specimens.
Asphalt Mixture Volumetric's and Stability includes the following:
| Test Procedure |
AASHTO |
CDOT |
| Superpave Gyratory Compaction |
TP4 |
CP-L 5115 |
| Hveem Stability |
T246 |
CP -L 5106 |
| Resistance to Moisture Induced Damage |
T283 |
CP - L 5109 |
| Air Voids, VMA and VFA |
PP19 |
|
Level E - Aggregate Technician
(Level E Presentatons)
Technicians responsible for determining the characteristics of the aggregates to be used in HMA mixture design for CDOT projects are required to possess this certification. Aggregate sampling must be demonstrated from various locations as well as sand equivalency, uncompacted void content of fine aggregate, percent of fractured faces, and specific gravity measurements of the aggregates.
Aggregate Technician Certification includes the following:
Sampling Aggregates
Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates
Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates
Sand Equivalency Test
Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregates
Percent of Fractured Faces
Micro Deval
|
T2
T84
T85
T176
T304
CP-45
CP-L 4211 |
|
Level I- Inspector Certification
(Level I Presentations)
The presentations for the Inspector certification are available for downloading if you would like to have them prior to arriving at the RMAEC for an Inspector certification or training. There are 12 modules in the program, which can be downloaded and viewed prior to attending a Certification session. The links shown are for the presentations being used as of August 2006.
Level S - Smoothness
(Level S Presentations)
Technicians responsible for determining smoothness using High Speed Profiling equipment can obtain this certification by attending this program. This certification level has been completed and operators will begin certification late January 2007.
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