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Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP)

A Caltrans, FHWA, Industry, and Academia Collaboration; “Building better highways through consistent, reliable, and quality construction materials testing.”

 

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What is the JTCP?
Training & Certification
Certification Details
Program Documents and Links
News, JTCP Advisory Council, Registration

What is the JTCP?

The Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP) was established by a Caltrans-Industry partnership to make the certification process more efficient and ultimately to obtain consistent, reliable, and quality highway construction materials testing.  The need to build a proficient materials testing workforce to efficiently manage an ever-increasing workload is highlighted with the recent passing of Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1).  Through the JTCP, technicians will receive training, gain proficiency and become Caltrans Independent Assurance (IA) certified to sample and test highway construction materials.

The JTCP offers training and certification in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), Soils & Aggregates (S/A), and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) through a partnership with California State University Long Beach (CSULB), San Jose State University (SJSU), and the American Concrete Institute (ACI).  The in-person, hands-on training for HMA and S/A modules are conducted on the campuses of CSULB and SJSU.  PCC modules are typically held in the Sacramento and San Bernardino regions at ACI-sponsored sites.

The JTCP is managed by an Advisory Council of approximately 12 members consisting of Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Industry organizations and Academia.  The council meets semi-annually to address issues, concerns and results, with a focus on continuous program improvement.  Advisory Council membership and meeting minutes can be found here.

Training & Certification

JTCP enrollment is managed through a CSU Long Beach website which includes password-protected profile registration and guidance on attending each module.   Upon registration at the website, you will be required to complete a few minor steps, such as a safety quiz and a prerequisite test, prior to enrolling in a session.  The JTCP schedule will always include sessions for each module and start/end dates at each campus or ACI-sponsored location.

The JTCP offers training and certification in the following modules (click on module to see complete list of tests):

Training and certification through JTCP are required for all technicians to receive or maintain Caltrans IA certification in the test methods offered through these modules (some exceptions apply, see JTCP FAQ's).  Register for JTCP training at the following website:

CSULB | Caltrans - Joint Training & Certification Program

NOTE:  The PCC module provided through the JTCP is intended for Caltrans employees only.  If you are not a Caltrans employee but require certification in ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, please contact your local ACI chapter for available certification sessions.

NOTE:  If currently employed with Caltrans, for all enrollments you will also need to register in Caltrans LMS (Staff Central) for the same session.  The LMS registration is intended to verify supervisor approval and to assure the session will appear on your training record.

Certification Details

Caltrans IA Certification

The final day of each session is “examination day” where you will apply your training to written and practical exams administered by Caltrans IA.  Upon successful completion of these exams, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from CSULB or SJSU confirming your participation in the program, and you will receive a formal Caltrans IA certification.   Caltrans IA certification includes a new or updated profile in the Statewide Independent Assurance Database (SIAD) where highway project personnel can verify your materials testing credentials.

For those attending the PCC module, written and practical exams will be administered by ACI personnel.  Upon successful completion, ACI will provide a formal certification in the 7 associated ASTM test methods and Caltrans JTCP staff will automatically provide CT / ACI Equivalency certifications through the SIAD.  If you have completed ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I directly through ACI, please see equivalency request information here.

Opting Out of Test Methods

Enrollees may opt out of test methods included in the JTCP with the exception of CT 105 (HMA I and S/A) and CT 201 (S/A).  An opt-out declaration, if needed, will be provided on the day of examination.  Please note that the PCC module does not have a test method opt-out provision.

If you plan to complete both HMA I and S/A modules within a 6-month period, you may opt out of CT 105 and/or CT 125 AGG on exam day of the second module attended.  If you have more than 6 months between HMA I and S/A session dates, you will need to complete the CT 105 (mandatory) and CT 125 AGG (if applicable) exams in both sessions.

Recertification

For the first recertification to any JTCP module (3 years after the initial training), you may opt out of the associated module training days (this excludes the PCC module) provided you have enrolled in a session that occurs before your certification expiration date.  If your certifications have expired, you will be required to attend all training days associated with the module.  For those recertifying prior to their expiration date, you are still required to enroll in a regular training class, but you now have the option to attend only on examination day.

For the second recertification (6 years after the initial training) AND if you opted out of the training on your previous certification, you will need to complete the associated module training in its entirety.

Qualified Test Methods: If you elect to opt out of the training, you can only be recertified in test methods obtained during your previous JTCP certification. Test methods that you had opted out of during your full training attendance will not be considered for certification. To opt back into any test method, you will need to complete the associated module training in its entirety.

Certification Extensions

Caltrans IA may grant extensions to existing JTCP certifications for technicians who have enrolled in a session that will occur after their certifications have expired.  To qualify for an extension, the technician must be enrolled in the related session a minimum 45 days prior to certification expiration.  Technicians requesting an extension must contact Caltrans JTCP personnel at JTCP@dot.ca.gov with subject line "Extension Request".

JTCP / ACI Equivalency

The JTCP offers equivalent 500-series California Test method certifications to technicians with a valid ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I certificate.  To obtain these equivalent certifications, please submit a ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I/CT Equivalency Request Form (TL-0116) (PDF) to JTCP@dot.ca.gov.

Program Documents and Links

News  

JTCP Advisory Council

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