Drilled Shaft Inspector (Course & Exams)

Drilled Shaft Inspector (CTQP) — FDOT Qualification Course

The CTQP Drilled Shaft Inspector (DSI) course is a specialized FDOT training program for technicians and construction professionals responsible for the inspection and acceptance process during drilled shaft operations in Florida, 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 drilled shaft operations shall be CTQP Drilled Shaft 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.

Course Overview

The Drilled Shaft Inspector training covers the terminology, equipment, and process details of drilled shaft installation, including Foundation Plans, Standard Specifications (Section 455), and related procedures from the Construction Project Administration Manual (CPAM). The course walks through the inspector’s role from the installation plan through final acceptance, including:

• Excavation methods, including the wet method
• Slurry use, cleanliness, and excavation stability
• Reinforcement cage placement and alignment
• Concrete placement and testing
• Drilled shaft excavation log documentation
• Identifying issues such as caving, contamination, or improper placement

The course is offered as a three-day program: two days of classroom instruction, followed by a multiple choice exam on the third day, to classes of up to 30 trainees.

CTQP Drilled Shaft Inspector (DSI) Qualification Requirements

To obtain the CTQP DSI qualification, all trainees must:

• Obtain on-site experience directly observing, inspecting, and recording the full installation of at least 5 shafts using the wet method, under the supervision of a CTQP-qualified Drilled Shaft Inspector. The supervising DSI must note the trainee’s experience in the “Additional Excavation Comments” section of the Drilled Shaft Excavation log.
• Complete and submit the signed Work Experience Certification (Drilled Shaft Inspector – Work Experience Affidavit) to the CTQP Administrator via the CTQP website
• Pass both the written examination (minimum score of 70%) and the proficiency examination (100% of all items must be performed correctly)

DSI Written and Proficiency Examinations

• Written exam: open book, multiple choice
• Proficiency exam: approximately 15 minutes per participant; all items must be performed correctly
• Both exams are administered on the last day and may be given in separate sessions (written limited to 2-1/4 hours) or simultaneously (combined maximum of 2-1/2 hours)
• Electronically graded by the CTQP Administrator and posted in the Training and Qualification Database System (TQDBS)

Applicants may challenge the DSI written examination without attending the class — though formal training is strongly recommended given the technical scope of both exams.

Once all requirements are met, the qualification date is added to the training database — the date of qualification is the date the last requirement was satisfied. The DSI qualification is valid for 60 months (5 years).

DSI Requalification

Due to frequent changes in specifications, materials, and processes, DSI Certificates of Qualification are issued for 60 months. To requalify, applicants must reapply and pass the current written examination. If your DSI qualification is currently active, the proficiency test is not required to requalify — only the written exam.

Who Should Take This Course

• Field inspectors responsible for drilled shaft operations on FDOT projects
• Construction technicians and quality control personnel
• Contractors working on FDOT infrastructure and bridge projects
• Engineers and project managers overseeing deep foundation systems
• Professionals seeking CTQP certification in geotechnical inspection

Any person involved in the inspection and acceptance process of drilled shaft operations is required to hold this qualification.

Why This Course Matters

Drilled shafts are critical structural elements in bridges and heavy infrastructure. Improper excavation, slurry contamination, reinforcement misalignment, or flawed concrete placement can compromise an entire foundation system.

The DSI course equips inspectors to monitor every phase of shaft construction — from excavation to final acceptance — ensuring compliance with Standard Specifications Section 455 and protecting foundation integrity from the ground up.

Career Benefits

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