Institute for Construction Education and Training

The Michigan Department of Transportation has revised the requirements for Aggregate Inspection Certification. Beginning in 2013, two different levels of aggregate inspection training and certification will be offered, Aggregate Inspection Certification Level One and Aggregate Inspection Certification Level Two, see descriptions below. Technicians that are currently Certified for Aggregate Inspection are eligible to enroll in Aggregate Inspection Level Two. Technicians that are NOT currently Certified for Aggregate Inspection are required to complete the Aggregate Inspection Level One Training before enrolling into the Aggregate Inspection Level Two Training.  The MDOT is currently drafting a Construction Advisory (December 2012) to clarify the pre-qualification requirements for consultants, producers, and local agencies. Please contact our office by phone; 231-591-5826, or by email; icet@ferris.edu, with any questions about this change in the Aggregate Certification requirements.

 

To download the 2013 Aggregate Manuals:

Aggregate Level 1 Manual

Aggregate Level 2 Manual

 

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Application requirements

Technicians applying to take the certification courses and examination should have experience and/or working knowledge of the listed course topics before undertaking the examination. Basic math skills in the use of fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages are also required. The successful completion of Aggregate Inspection Level One or the Michigan Aggregate Inspection Certification (issued before 2013) is required before enrollment into the Aggregate Inspection Level Two Training. 

 

 

Aggregate Inspection Certification Level One

This three day training course satisfies the requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highways Administration for technicians involved in aggregate sampling, washing, sieving, and determining crush content of aggregates for quality control during aggregate production and placement. Level One Certification is required for technicians inspecting road gravels and fine aggregates. 

Aggregate Inspection Certification Level One Learning Outcomes Include:

Endorsement B – Sieving and Washing

  1. Successful completion of all learning outcomes for Endorsement A, Aggregate Sampling, described above.
  2. Demonstrate the field sample reduction of aggregates into laboratory test samples,  22A, 2NS.
  3. Demonstrate MTM 108 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the amount of material loss by washing, finer than a No. 200 sieve, for 22A and 2NS, using the manual hand wash method.
  4. Demonstrate MTM 108 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the amount of material loss by washing, finer than a No. 200 sieve, for 22A and 2NS, using the mechanical washing method according to AASHTO T 11-05 (2012) paragraph 5.6
  5. Demonstrate MTM 109 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the mechanical analysis (sieving) of aggregates (Form 1901), for 22A, 2NS.
  6. Identify grading requirements for coarse, dense-graded, and open-graded aggregates as specified in Table 902-1.
  7. Identify physical requirements for coarse, dense-graded, and open-graded aggregates as specified in Table 902-2.
  8. Identify grading requirements for granular materials as specified in Table 902-4.
  9. Identify grading requirements for fine aggregates as specified in Table 902-4.
  10. Complete Form 1900, Aggregate Inspection Daily Report.
  11. Compare laboratory test results with aggregate specifications and analyze results to determine if aggregate material meets specifications.

Endorsement C – Crush Content

  1. Successful completion of all learning outcomes for Endorsement A, Sampling, and Endorsement B, Sieving, described above.
  2. Demonstrate MTM 117 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the percentage of crush material for 6AA, one face and two face crush for 3/8” pick.
  3. Compare laboratory test results with aggregate specifications and analyze results to determine if aggregate material meets specifications.

All learning outcomes achieved in this Level One Certification include the following:

  1. Perform personal protection practices in the laboratory and on the construction site.
  2. Compare laboratory test results with aggregate specifications and analyze results to determine if aggregate material meets specifications.
  3. Student achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed with written examination, 80% minimum score for passing, and practical examination, 90% minimum score for passing.
  4. Upon successful completion of the above requirements, the Level One Aggregate Inspection Technician will be certified to perform quality control tests for, aggregate sampling, sieving, washing, and the determination of crush content for five years.

Aggregate Inspection Level One Training and Certification Fee $615.00 (at Ferris Campus)

 

To register for Aggregate Level 1, please click here 

 

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Aggregate Inspection Certification Level Two

This four day training course satisfies the requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highways Administration for technicians involved in determining the deleterious content, flat and elongated content, coarse aggregate specific gravity and absorption, fine aggregate specific gravity and absorption, un-compacted void content, and LA Abrasion testing of aggregates for quality control during aggregate production and placement. The aggregate technician enrolling in this course should have at least three years of practical experience performing aggregate testing in a quality control laboratory. Level Two Certification is required for technicians inspecting concrete aggregates and asphalt aggregates.

Aggregate Inspection Certification Level Two Learning Outcomes Include:

  1. Successful completion of all Aggregate Inspection Level One learning outcomes including Endorsements A, B, and C, OR current Certification for Aggregate Inspection in Michigan.
  2. Demonstrate MTM 110 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the amount of deleterious material or objectionable material in 6A and 17A.
  3. Identify MTM 102 test procedures for LA Abrasion of aggregates.
  4. Demonstrate test procedures and complete calculations for measuring the un-compacted void content of fine aggregate according to ASTM C 1252.
  5. Demonstrate test procedures and complete calculations for determining the flat and elongated particles in coarse aggregates according to ASTM D 4791, use 4AA spec.
  6. Demonstrate MTM 320 test procedures and complete report calculations for coarse aggregate specific gravity and absorption.
  7. Demonstrate MTM 321 test procedures and complete report calculations for fine aggregate specific gravity and absorption.
  8. Demonstrate MTM 108 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the amount of material loss by washing, finer than a No. 200 sieve, for E mixes.
  9. Demonstrate MTM 109 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the mechanical analysis (sieving) of aggregates (Form 1901), for E mixes.
  10. Demonstrate MTM 117 test procedures and complete calculations to determine the percentage of crush material for E mixes.

All learning outcomes achieved in this Level Two Certification include the following:

  1. Perform personal protection practices in the laboratory and on the construction site.
  2. Compare laboratory test results with aggregate specifications and analyze results to determine if aggregate material meets specifications.
  3. Student achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed with written examination, 80% minimum score for passing, and practical examination, 90% minimum score for passing.
  4. Upon successful completion of the above requirements, the Level One Aggregate Inspection Technician will be certified to perform the quality control tests listed above for a period of five years.

Aggregate Inspection Level Two Training and Certification Fee $765.00 (at Ferris Campus)

 

To register for Aggregate Level 2, please click here

 

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Aggregate Sampling Certification – Endorsement A

This one day training course satisfies the requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highways Administration for technicians involved in the sampling of aggregates for quality control tests during aggregate production and placement. This class is only if you need endorsement A. If you are signed up for the Aggregate Level 1 Re-certification, you do not need to take this class as well. If you have questions about this, please call our office. 

Aggregate Sampling Learning Outcomes Include:

  1. Identify aggregate segregation problems resulting from production and sampling.
  2. Identify aggregate sampling requirements in the Testing Order Form 501.
  3. Identify aggregate sampling techniques according to MTM 107.
  4. Identify and demonstrate sampling procedures used for sampling from a mini-stockpile.
  5. Identify and demonstrate sampling procedures used for sampling diagonally from the road grade.
  6. Identify the aggregate acceptance requirements for coarse, fine, dense-graded, open-graded, and granular aggregates.
  7. Complete the Sample Identification Form 1923 (Form 1923 being revised 7-25-12)

The Aggregate Sampling Technician earning a score above 80% on the written exam and a score above 90% on the practical exam will be certified to sample aggregates for five years.

Aggregate Sampling Training and Certification Fee $265.00 (at Ferris Campus)

 

To register for Aggregate Sampling, please click here 

 


Examination
The Board of Examiners shall administer an examination for certification. The examination is composed of two parts:

Part 1 - Open Book Written examination
Minimum Score 80%

Part 2 - Practical examination
The practical exam candidates must demonstrate their competency in meeting aggregate testing standards. The candidate is monitored while completing the actual field tests, using the proper methods, procedures and documentation for the specified aggregate tests.

Applicants failing any part of the exam will be allowed to retake that portion of the exam,
written or practical. However, if an applicant fails a second time, the entire course will
need to be repeated. Options for retaking exams will be explained at the notification of
failure. All retests must be completed within thirty days and participants will be responsible to pay $150 for a written exam retake and $250 for a practical exam retake.

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Aggregate Technician Refresher Course and Recertification Test

Recertification is required every five years. It is the responsibility of the practicing
technician to maintain an active certification. For recertification, the technician
must pass both a written and practical examination similar in format to the original
certification tests. Failure to achieve a passing score will require the candidate to retake
the failed portion of the exam, written or practical. A fee will be charged on all retests.
Failure to pass a second time will require the candidate to attend the entire certification
course. If a Certified Aggregate Technician fails to become recertified from the
date of certificate expiration, at a minimum, the refresher course must be taken to
recertify.


The refresher course includes a one day review of test methods and a written examination, followed on the second day by the practical exam. The refresher course gives technicians an opportunity to review the certification test requirements, to be provided with updated MDOT regulations. The refresher course is limited to individuals who have already received Aggregate Technician Certification.  The re-certification course does not allow sufficient time for technicians to practice test methods and reports. Previously certified technicians that need to practice test methods before the practical exam should enroll in the full 3 day course.


Cost: $415 each session (at Ferris Campus)

 

To register for re-certification please click here 

 

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