Precast Concrete Pipe & Concrete Drainage Technician Certification

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) requires the certification of quality control (QC) technicians, as well as QC Managers. These requirements are mandated in Section 105 of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (SSRBC) and detailed in the Materials Manual, Section 6.2 Volume II (Concrete Pipe) and Section 6.3 Volume II (Precast Concrete Box Culverts):

Level I Quality Control Technicians

Level I technicians perform routine inspection and testing of the Pipe products, including but not limited to materials, pre-pour forms, reinforcing steel/fiber placement, concrete placement, curing, and post-placement inspections of finished products. The QC inspectors shall demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Plant’s QC functions to perform their job responsibilities as defined in the QC Plan, including but not limited to shop drawings, Specifications, Standard Plans, and test methods.

Level II Quality Control Technicians

In addition to the responsibilities of Level I QC Technicians, the Level II QC Technicians may be involved in the design and verification of concrete mixes, and may evaluate the Plant’s repair methods and their implementation. Level II inspectors shall demonstrate understanding of all aspects of the QC functions as defined in the QC Plan, including but not limited to shop drawings, Specifications, Standard Plans, and test methods.

Quality Control Manager

The QC Manager is responsible to ensure that the quality of the products at each Plant meets the quality requirements of the Specifications and other Contract Documents. The QC Manager may serve in more than one Plant. The responsibilities of the QC Manager are outlined in the Materials Manual. QC Managers are required to have the Level II QC Technician Certification.

Certification Exam Process

QC Technicians, as well as FDOT and consultant personnel, may take the Level I and II examinations, which are administered by the Florida Concrete Pipe Association (FCPA). The examinations are administered online.  Each of the two examinations are "open-book" and require a passing score of 80%. While you may use any documentation and resources during the exams, a list of recommended technical resources is provided below.  A valid certification expires after 5 years, at which time re-certification by exam is required. If you should need special accommodations to take an in-person proctored exam or have any comments or questions, please contact Doug Holdener, P.E., Director of the Florida Concrete Pipe Association.

Recommended Resources for Open-Book Exams

The online certification exams will test the quality control technician's knowledge of precast concrete pipe and box culvert manufacturing as well as applicable ASTM and FDOT specifications.  In addition to fundamental knowledge, the most recent edition of the following specifications and resources, at minimum, are recommended to have during the exam:

FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (SSRBC), Current Edition

FDOT Materials Manual, Section 6.2 Precast Concrete Pipe, Volumes 1 & 2

FDOT Materials Manual, Section 6.3 Precast Concrete Drainage Structures and Box Culverts, Volumes 1&2

FDOT Drainage Manual, Current Edition

Selected ASTM Standards on Concrete Pipe (Available through ACPA, and includes all of the following ASTM specifications)

ASTM C31 Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

ASTM C76 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe

ASTM C150 Specification for Portland Cement

ASTM C443 Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber Gaskets

ASTM C497 Test Methods for Concrete Pipe, Concrete Box Sections, Manhole Sections, or Tile

ASTM C507 Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe

ASTM C1619 Specification for Elastomeric Seals for Joining Concrete Structures