Earthwork Construction Inspection Level 2 (Course & Exam)

Earthwork Construction Inspection Level 2 (CTQP) — FDOT Qualification Course

The CTQP Earthwork Construction Inspection Level 2 course (ECI Level 2) is an advanced FDOT training program for the QC technician, private lab, or contractor’s employee who can prepare and complete the certification of the Earthwork Records System (ERS) with knowledge of the Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, and density theory.

Per the FDOT Construction Training and Qualification Manual (CTQM), personnel who verify earthwork specification compliance of material quality or perform Independent Assurance (IA) must also possess this qualification. This individual also performs base acceptance tests and inspection.

Important: If an inspector’s ECI Level 1 qualification expires before their ECI Level 2 qualification expires, that individual cannot perform the duties of ECI Level 1 — keeping both qualifications active is essential.

ECI Level 2 Course Overview

The Earthwork Level 2 training is a two-day course covering:

• Density theory
• ERS Forms 675-020-27 and 675-020-28
• Standard Specifications and Standard Plans

A 2-hour multiple choice written examination is administered at the end of the second day. Training course attendance is encouraged but not required for qualification.

ECI Level 2 Course Prerequisites

Prior to attending the course, FDOT employees must have passed the following self-study examinations:

• BT-06-0007 Construction Math
• BT-06-0008 Contract Plans Reading
• BT-06-0009 Earthwork Inspection
• BT-06-0020 Subgrade and Base Inspection

It is also highly recommended to study the BT-06-0014 Pipe Placement Inspection self-study and take the corresponding exam. Self-study exams are proctored by the SCTA or DCTA and given only to Department employees.

CTQP ECI Level 2 Qualification Requirements

There are three requirements for the Earthwork Level 2 qualification:

• Pass the ECI Level 1 written and proficiency examinations
• Pass the ECI Level 2 written examination
• Have 30 days of work experience on a construction project involving earthwork operations, and complete an Application for Qualification on the CTQP website

ECI Level 2 Written Examination

• Closed book, 2 hours, multiple choice
• Administered on the last day of the course
• Minimum passing score of 70%
• Electronically graded by the CTQP Administrator and posted in the TQDBS — allow two weeks for grading and posting

ECI Level 2 Requalification

Requalification for ECI Level 2 requires passing the written examination only — whether the qualification is active or has expired, no proficiency exam is required.

Plan ahead: the requalification application should begin after month 54, and extensions past the 60-month expiration date are not granted. And remember — if your ECI Level 1 qualification lapses, you lose the ability to perform Level 1 duties even while your Level 2 remains active.

Who Should Take This Course

• QC technicians and private lab or contractor employees with an active ECI Level 1 qualification
• Personnel verifying earthwork specification compliance or performing Independent Assurance (IA)
• Inspectors performing base acceptance tests on FDOT projects
• Technicians with at least 30 days of earthwork operations experience ready to advance beyond Level 1

Why This FDOT Certification Matters

Certifying the Earthwork Records System requires more than running a density test — it requires understanding the specifications and standard plans behind every acceptance decision. An ECI Level 2 technician is the one who signs off that embankment, subgrade, and base material meet FDOT requirements.

Career Benefits

The CTQP ECI Level 2 qualification builds directly on Level 1, positioning technicians for certification authority, base inspection duties, and higher-responsibility roles on FDOT highway and bridge construction projects throughout Florida.