Pile Driving Inspection (Course & Exam)

Pile Driving Inspection (CTQP) — FDOT Qualification Course

The CTQP Pile Driving Inspector (PDI) course is a specialized FDOT training program for technicians and construction professionals responsible for the acceptance process during driven pile 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 acceptance process during driven pile operations shall be CTQP Pile Driving 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 foundations on FDOT construction projects.

Course Overview

The Pile Driving Inspection training covers the terminology, equipment, and process details of pile 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 casting through final installation:

• Types of piles and pile acceptance
• Pile driving systems — piles, hammers, cranes, and soils
• Pile installation procedures, including jetting, pre-drilling, preforming, cushions, driving stresses, and bearing
• QA guidelines and pile acceptance criteria
• Pay quantities and documentation

The course is offered to classes of up to 30 trainees.

CTQP Pile Driving Inspector (PDI) Qualification Requirements

To obtain the CTQP PDI qualification, all trainees must:

• Obtain on-site experience directly observing, inspecting, and recording the full installation of at least 15 driven piles, under the supervision of a CTQP-qualified Pile Driving Inspector — at least 10 of those piles driven with an open-ended diesel hammer on FDOT projects. The supervising PDI must note the trainee’s experience on the first page of the Pile Installation log.
• Complete and submit the signed Work Experience Certification (Pile Driving Inspector – Work Experience Affidavit) to the CTQP Administrator via the CTQP website
• Pass the PDI 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.

PDI Written Examination

• Open book, multiple choice
• Limited to 2.5 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 PDI 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 PDI qualification is valid for 60 months (5 years).

PDI Requalification

Due to frequent changes in specifications, materials, and processes, PDI 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 pile driving 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 acceptance process of driven pile operations is required to hold this qualification.

Why This Course Matters

Driven piles are fundamental to the stability of bridges and other critical structures. Improper installation or inadequate inspection can lead to structural deficiencies, safety risks, and costly project delays.

The PDI course equips inspectors to monitor pile driving operations, verify field data, and ensure compliance with Standard Specifications Section 455 — protecting foundation integrity from the first pile to the last.

Career Benefits

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