Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Attend This Program?

Engineering Technicians and Engineers responsible for sampling, testing and inspection for quality control of soils and aggregate.

What is the Purpose of This Program?

The Federal Government set a deadline of June 29, 2000 that requires any person performing QA/QC on State or Federally funded transportation projects to be “qualified”. As a result, CDOT, in conjunction with GROUND Engineering Consultants, Inc. and Kumar & Associates have implemented the WAQTC soils qualification program.

The purpose of this program is to meet the federal requirements and ensure that individuals responsible for the QA/QC aspects of highway transportation projects are qualified to perform soils test procedures in accordance with the applicable test methods and consistent test procedures.

As of January 2005, CDOT will provide technicians with a qualification for inspection of soils. This will be included in the WAQTC qualification.

What Should I Expect from This Program?

The WAQTC Qualification Program is both a written and performance based examination. The Soils Inspection qualification is a written exam only and is included with WAQTC. The Soils Inspection course (Excavation & Embankment) will now be 1.5 hrs of instruction followed by a 30 question, open book exam for inspectors. Participants may elect to take only the Soils Inspector portion of the certification to become inspectors, however CDOT does require that any individual certifying for WAQTC Embankment and Base must also pass the Soils Inspection portion of the exam. The exam is separated into the following four sections:

• 7:30am - WAQTC Introduction/Review
• 9:00am - WAQTC Written Exam (closed book)
• 10:15am - Soils Inspection Course Review (Arrive by 10:00am if taking this section only)
• 11:45am - Soils Inspection Review/Exam (open book written exam)
• 12:00pm - WAQTC Performance Exam (in lab)

Prior to arriving at the examination, you should download and review the WAQTC Embankment &
Base/In-Place Density manual (download manual, pdf format, 1.84mb).

The manual will provide you with the WAQTC field operating procedures based on AASHTO test methods. These field operating procedures provide you with the necessary information to equip yourself to pass both the written and performance aspects of the examination. It will also include the Soils Inspection Manual.

Although not a training session, approximately 3 hours will be set aside when you arrive to answer any questions about the test methods.

What is the Streamlined Program?

• Streamlined sessions take the place of regular classes on that date
• There is no review of materials prior to testing
• Light breakfast and beverages are served in place of lunch
• No retesting will be allowed, participants who fail any portion of the exam will be required to enroll for another course at full cost
• Although exam times will vary based on the number of participants, we expect the exam to be over before noon

Because there is no review or retesting allowed in the streamlined program, it is strongly suggested that only those who are very experienced with soils and are re-certifying with WAQTC enroll in the streamlined program.

How Much Does it Cost?

In order to cover the cost of the Colorado portion of the WAQTC Pooled Fund, the cost of the complete exam (Embankment & Base and Soils Inspection) for 2012 will be $200.00 for courses held in Denver, and $250.00 for courses held elsewhere. There is no cost difference for the Soils Inspection certification if taken alone. Each exam requires a minimum of 10 participants and is registered on a first come basis, with preference given to companies providing proctors. Payment is due at the time of registration. While we do allow substitution of participants at any time without notification or additional cost, no refunds will be issued for enrollment, retake or reschedule fees for any reason.

How Long Does the Certification Last?

Currently, initial certification is for three years, and subsequent certifications last five years. Certifications issued prior to 2008 may have been issued for a different duration, so depending on when you took the exam, your certification may be for a different length of time. Please check your certificate for your expiration date.

When Can I Take the Exam?

Courses are offered on a monthly basis. Please continue to the Course Registration Form for a list of available dates.

Where Can I Register For The Exam?

Click the link below to register. You will be required to pay the course fee at the time of enrollment by credit card or PayPal account (CDOT Employees will not be required to pay at the time of enrollment).

Course Registration Form

How Can I Reschedule or Cancel My Registration?

Click the link below to reschedule your registration. Please note that reschedules cannot be made within 48 hours of the course, and no refunds or credits will be made for no-shows. If your reschedule request is submitted online at least 48 hours prior to the exam date there will be a $25 charge. You will be required to pay the reschedule fee at the time of enrollment by credit card or PayPal account (CDOT Employees will not be required to pay at the time of enrollment).