Asphalt Plant Level 1 (Course & Exams)

Asphalt Plant Level 1 (CTQP)

The Asphalt Plant Level 1 course is a foundational training program designed to prepare technicians, private laboratory personnel, and contractor employees to perform sampling, testing, and quality control activities at asphalt production facilities in accordance with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications and CTQP requirements.

This course is part of the FDOT Asphalt Inspection Training and Qualification Program, which establishes a standardized level of knowledge and technical skills for personnel involved in asphalt mix production and quality verification.

The objective of this qualification is to ensure that 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 results reflect the actual characteristics of the asphalt mixtures and compliance with specification requirements.

Who Needs the Asphalt Plant Level 1 Qualification?

Per the FDOT Construction Training and Qualification Manual (CTQM), this qualification is for the technician, private lab, or contractor employee 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
• Permeability

FDOT employees performing acceptance tests at the plant are also required to obtain this qualification.

Training Format and Duration

This is a three-day course with a total instruction and exam time of approximately 24 hours:

• Classroom instruction: 8 hours
• Laboratory demonstration by the instructor: 4 hours
• Individual laboratory practice: 4 hours
• Written examination: 2 hours
• Proficiency examination: approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on class size

The course also includes calculations for testing, the use of random numbers, calibration procedures for testing devices and equipment, and reporting of data using standard report forms.

Training course attendance is encouraged, but it is not required for qualification. However, the proficiency examination is closed book and hands-on — the laboratory demonstration and individual practice time are the best preparation for passing on the first attempt.

Qualification Requirements

To obtain the CTQP Asphalt Plant Level 1 qualification, all trainees must:

• Pass the Asphalt Plant Level 1 written examination
• Pass the Asphalt Plant Level 1 proficiency examination

Written Examination

• Open book, multiple choice
• 2 hours in duration
• Minimum passing grade of 70%
• Electronically graded by the CTQP Administrator — allow two weeks for grading and posting of results

Proficiency Examination

• Closed book practical examination (approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on class size)
• Each trainee is given two chances to pass each test; failing any one test twice constitutes failure of the proficiency examination
• Trainees may refer to the course material after a failed attempt, prior to the second attempt
• Anyone failing either examination may apply for re-examination by completing a new application and paying the appropriate fee

Once all requirements are met, the trainee’s qualification date is recorded in the CTQP training database. The qualification is valid for five years (60 months) from the date the last qualification examination requirement was satisfied.

Requalification

Requalification for Asphalt Plant Level 1 requires taking and passing the current written examination and proficiency examination.

Important: Unlike the Asphalt Paving track, Asphalt Plant Level 1 is not automatically requalified with a successful requalification of Asphalt Plant Level 2. Plant technicians must requalify each level independently. Any technician who fails to requalify by the 60th month becomes disqualified on the last day of the 60th month and must reapply for qualification.

Who Should Take This Course

• Asphalt plant technicians and quality control personnel
• Private laboratory staff performing asphalt mix testing
• Contractor employees responsible for plant-level acceptance testing
• FDOT employees performing acceptance tests at asphalt plants
• Professionals pursuing the Asphalt Plant Level 2 or Asphalt Mix Designer qualifications, both of which require an active Plant Level 1 qualification for first-time qualifiers

Why This Course Matters

The quality of asphalt pavement begins at the plant. Incorrect sampling, inaccurate laboratory testing, or poor production monitoring can lead to non-compliant mixtures, pavement defects, and costly disputes.

By completing the Asphalt Plant Level 1 course, participants gain the laboratory and sampling skills needed to ensure that test results accurately reflect the characteristics of the asphalt mixtures — supporting quality control, verification, and acceptance on every FDOT project.

Career Benefits

The CTQP Asphalt Plant Level 1 qualification is the required entry point for the FDOT asphalt plant career path. First-time qualifiers for both Asphalt Plant Level 2 and Asphalt Mix Designer must hold an active Plant Level 1 qualification, making this course the gateway to the highest-paying laboratory and mix design roles in Florida’s asphalt industry.