Asphalt Plant Level 1 (Course & Exams)

Asphalt Plant Level 1

This is for the technician, private lab or contractor employee who is qualified to sample asphalt mixtures, aggregate or asphalt cement and perform acceptance tests such as bulk specific gravity, maximum specific gravity, gyratory compaction, asphalt content (ignition oven), gradation and permeability. Department employees performing acceptance tests at the plant shall obtain this qualification.

The objective of this qualification is to ensure all test results used for quality control, verification, dispute resolution and acceptance of asphalt mix are performed in accordance with Standard Test Methods so that the test results reflect the actual characteristics of the asphalt mixtures and whether specification requirements are met.

All trainees seeking Asphalt Plant Level 1 qualification must:

(1) Pass the Asphalt Plant Level 1 written examination.

(2) Pass the Asphalt Plant Level 1 proficiency examination.

After a trainee has successfully met all of these qualification requirements, the qualification date will be added to the training database. Qualification shall be for five years (60 months) from the date the last qualification examination requirement was satisfied.

This three-day course shall consist of a one-day training class, a half-day laboratory demonstration by the instructor, and a half-day in the laboratory for trainees to practice on their own. A written examination and a proficiency examination are given on the third day. Total course instruction and exam time is approximately 24 hours.

Instruction and exam times are as follows:

Instruction (16 hours):

Classroom: 8 hours

Laboratory: 4 hours

Individual practice: 4 hours

Exams (6 to 8 hours):

Written exam: 2 hours

Proficiency exam: approximately 4 to 6 hours

(depending on class size)

Included are the calculations for the testing and use of random numbers. Thecalibration procedures for the testing devices/equipment and reporting of data using standard report forms are also reviewed.

Training course attendance is encouraged but is not required for qualification.

Course Prerequisites

Prior to attending the course, a trainee employed by the Department must have passed the Department’s Asphalt Concrete Testing self-study examination (CQC version).

Written Examination

An open book written examination (2 hours, multiple choice) is administered at the end of the course. The examinations are electronically graded by the CTQP Administrator. The passing grade for this examination is 70%. Two weeks should be allowed for grading and posting of the examination results.

Proficiency Examination

A proficiency examination (approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on class size) is administered at the end of the course.

Each trainee is given two chances to pass each test. Should a trainee fail any one test twice, this will constitute failure of the proficiency examination.  The proficiency examination is closed book. The trainee is permitted to refer to the course material following a failed attempt and prior to the second attempt. Anyone failing either the written or the proficiency examination can apply for another examination. The application must be completed and the appropriate fee paid before the examination.