MCIA conducts a series of technician certification classes that are recognized across the country as being among of the best. Generally known as the “MDOT QC/QA Concrete Technician” series, the program is intended to help assure appropriate minimum training and proficiency qualifications for all agency and industry personnel involved with quality control, quality assurance, mix design, and testing concrete and aggregates for acceptance purposes on MDOT projects.

There are three classes of certification, and the appropriate certification level is required for each individual performing these duties on any MDOT job subject to QC/QA specs. Technicians needing these certifications may include employees of MDOT, testing labs, contractors, consulting design firms, public agencies, and materials suppliers.

The association began administering the ACI Grade 1 Concrete Field Testing Certification program in 1982, and it has evolved into a nationally respected training, testing, and certification school. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) joined the effort in 1993, and the program is designated as the MDOT Class 1 Certification. There were additional levels of certification added, which are designated as MDOT Class 2 and MDOT Class 3.

Each class of certification requires, and is contingent upon, current certification at the preceding class level(s). Certain concrete laboratory technician certifications granted through nationally recognized programs that test candidates in the same areas may be approved by MDOT, at the discretion of the Materials Engineer, to substitute for Class 2 and/or Class 3 certifications.

Certifications are valid for five years. Re-testing is required for renewal.

The ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1/MDOT Concrete Technician Class 1 program meets criteria set forth in ASTM C94. This covers technicians who test fresh concrete for acceptance purposes on any construction project where ASTM specifications are cited. MDOT requires this certification for any person conducting concrete field tests.

The MDOT Concrete Technician Class 2 certification is required by MDOT for any agency or private personnel who sample or conduct certain tests on concrete aggregates and adjust concrete mixtures for variations in aggregate moisture. This program also covers some basic concrete fundamentals.

MDOT Concrete Technician Class 3 certification is the final program in the series. It is required for personnel who design concrete mixes, make field adjustments to mixes, or conduct various laboratory procedures and tests on concrete and aggregates.