Aggregate Inspection Certification

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. If you are signed up for the Aggregate Level One, you do not need to take this class. Aggregate Level One includes Sampling. If you have questions about this, please call our office, 231-591-5826.

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

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.

View MDOT Aggregate Sampling Video - 27 minutes

To register for the Aggregate Sampling Class, click on the navigation panel on the left side of this page: Schedule, Registration, Fees and Policies

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 Aggregate Sampling are included in this course. See Aggregate Sampling learning outcomes described above for more detailed information.
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 22A, 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.

To register for Aggregate Level 1, please click here

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 and the loss by washing, 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 Two Aggregate Inspection Technician will be certified to perform the quality control tests listed above for a period of five years.

To register for Aggregate Level 2, 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.

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, and to review 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.

Technicians applying for Level One Recertification must submit 10 Mechanical Analysis Reports (Form 1901) completed by the technician within one year prior to enrolling in the recertification class. 1901 Reports should be submitted electronically to [email protected] for review and approval 30 days before the scheduled class.

To register for re-certification please click here