Auger Cast Pile Inspector (Course & Exam)

Auger Cast Pile Inspector (CTQP) — FDOT Qualification Course

The CTQP Auger Cast Pile Inspector (ACPI) qualification is a specialized FDOT training program for technicians and construction professionals responsible for the inspection and acceptance process during auger cast pile installation for bridge structures, in accordance with FDOT specifications and CTQP requirements.

Per the FDOT Construction Training and Qualification Manual (CTQM), any person involved in the inspection and acceptance process during Auger Cast Pile operations for Bridge Structures shall be CTQP Auger Cast Pile Inspector qualified.

This course is part of the FDOT Geotechnical Training Program, which sets a specific level of knowledge and hands-on capability for personnel inspecting deep foundation systems on FDOT construction projects. Personnel inspecting auger cast piles for non-bridge structures must complete the Auger Cast Pile Inspection CBT Course — personnel meeting the requirements for Auger Cast Pile Inspector for Bridge Structures are also qualified to inspect auger cast piles for non-bridge structures.

Course Overview

The Auger Cast Pile Inspector training covers the terminology, equipment, and process details of auger cast pile installation, including Foundation Plans, Standard Specifications (Section 455), and related procedures from the Construction Project Administration Manual (CPAM). Participants are trained to inspect the full installation process for bridge structures, including:

• Drilling operations and auger advancement
• Continuous grout placement and pressure control
• Reinforcement installation and alignment
• Installation data recording using FDOT forms
• Identifying issues such as voids, interruptions, or improper grout flow

CTQP Auger Cast Pile Inspector (ACPI) Qualification Requirements

To obtain the CTQP ACPI qualification for bridge structures, all trainees must:

• Obtain on-site experience directly observing, inspecting, and recording the full installation of at least 30 auger cast piles for bridge structures, using FDOT-approved documentation
• Pass the ACPI written examination with a minimum score of 70%

Note: The Department may request evidence of experience at random, even after qualification is granted — keep your documentation on file.

ACPI Written Examination

• Open book, multiple choice
• Limited to 2.0 hours, administered on the last day of the course
• Minimum passing score of 70%
• Electronically graded by the CTQP Administrator and posted in the Training and Qualification Database System (TQDBS)

Applicants may challenge the ACPI examination without attending the class — though formal training is strongly recommended given the technical scope of the exam.

Once all requirements are met, the qualification date is added to the training database. The ACPI qualification is valid for 60 months (5 years) from the date of the exam.

ACPI Requalification

Due to frequent changes in specifications, materials, and processes, ACPI Certificates of Qualification are issued for 60 months. To requalify, applicants must reapply and pass the current written examination — there is no proficiency exam for this qualification, active or expired.

Who Should Take This Course

• Field inspectors responsible for auger cast pile operations on FDOT bridge projects
• Construction technicians and quality control personnel
• Contractors working on FDOT bridge and infrastructure projects
• Engineers and project managers overseeing foundation construction
• Professionals seeking CTQP certification in geotechnical inspection

Any person involved in the inspection and acceptance of auger cast pile operations for bridge structures must hold this qualification.

Why This Course Matters

Auger cast piles are critical structural components in bridge construction. Interruptions in grout flow, improper drilling, or incorrect reinforcement placement can compromise the integrity of the entire foundation.

The ACPI course equips inspectors to monitor every phase of installation — from drilling through grout placement — ensuring compliance with Standard Specifications Section 455 and protecting foundation integrity on FDOT bridge projects.

Career Benefits

The CTQP Auger Cast Pile Inspector qualification opens the door to specialized geotechnical inspection roles across Florida’s bridge and infrastructure projects — and covers both bridge and non-bridge structures. It pairs naturally with the Pile Driving Inspector and Drilled Shaft Inspector qualifications for professionals building a full deep-foundation inspection career.