FAQ

Starting times vary by class. Detailed course schedules are provided in Course Descriptions.

It is recommended that you bring a handheld calculator to all classes. CTTP has calculators available, and you may borrow one for this class; however, most participants are more comfortable using one that they are familiar with. You may also want to bring a straightedge or ruler. CTTP will provide all other training materials.

Please be aware that the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all University of Arkansas properties, and that CTTP requires long pants and closed-toe shoes in the laboratory.

First, check the CTTP Course Descriptions for a listing of the specifications covered in each course. You may also visit the Online Training section of the CTTP website to view the online training materials currently offered. CTTP courses are not intended to provide basic training, but rather to serve as a refresher and evaluation, leading to certification. Before coming to class, participants should have a working knowledge of the test methods, as well as the math required for the necessary calculations. Laboratory experience with the test methods will help tremendously.

Also, check our website for lodging suggestions and maps.

Yes. When attending a standard course, attendance is required for all portions of the class. In some cases, there is a ‘Test Only’ option, where class preparation is performed online, and then written and performance exams are completed at CTTP. Currently, this option is available for Concrete Field Testing, Concrete Strength Testing, and ACI Aggregate Testing – Level 1. Test Only options are also available for technicians recertifying in Soils Testing and Hot Mix Asphalt Testing.

Contractors may register online using the CTTP Course Registration Page.

ARDOT employees must contact Dorothy Rhodes at to register for a class. You will receive an email containing class information approximately 2 weeks prior to the course date.

A confirmation email is sent after an online registration has been received, and more class information is sent approximately 2 weeks prior to the course date. You may contact CTTP at 479-575-3997 or to confirm your reservation in a class.

Complete the online registration form, select an available class date, and check the box ‘Add me to an earlier session if available’. If no dates are available, select the waiting list and you will be added to a session when additional dates are available. You may also enter specific requests in the comment box near the end of the registration process. When cancellations create openings in a class, available seats are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis, based on the date of registration.

In most cases, the course calendar is set approximately 3 months prior to the course date. In some cases, schedule changes become necessary, or additional classes are added. Be sure to check the CTTP website for changes.

Course fees vary by class. A Fee Schedule is available on our website.

Registering and paying for a CTTP course has never been easier. To pay by credit card, just submit the completed course registration form, and then select the option to ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’.

If you choose to pay now, just follow the on-screen instructions on our secure site. If you choose to pay later, you will receive an email with a link to return to our secure site and complete the credit card payment at your convenience.

Also select the pay later option if you prefer to bring a check with you on the first day of class. Remember, checks should be made payable to ‘University of Arkansas – CTTP’ and annotated to indicate the purpose of the payment (i.e., participant name(s) and course title(s)).

Payments are due on the first day of class.

Online modules, videos, and classroom materials are currently available at CTTP Online for the Basic Aggregates, Concrete Field, Soils, Hot Mix Asphalt, and Concrete Strength courses along with Basic Math modules.

Pre-requisites vary by class. The Basic Aggregates course is a pre-requisite for the Concrete Field Testing Technician, Hot Mix Asphalt Testing Technician, Soil Testing Technician, and Concrete Strength Testing Technician courses. Beginning January 1, 2017, dosimeter badges will no longer be required for attending CTTP classes.

No. Effective January 1, 2017, dosimeter badges are no longer required for attending CTTP classes.

Safety is the most important consideration regarding dress. CTTP requires that each person wear applicable personal protective equipment in the laboratory. This includes long pants, closed-toe shoes, and safety glasses. Gloves are also necessary for some classes. Safety glasses, gloves, and other personal protective equipment may be borrowed from CTTP during the class. Keep in mind that your clothes may get dirty while working in the lab.

The CTTP classroom is located in the central portion of the University of Arkansas’ Engineering Research Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Maps and directions are available on our website.

A listing of some local Hotels is available on our website.

Effective July 1, 2008, smoking and the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco products) by participants, faculty, staff, and visitors are prohibited on all University of Arkansas properties.

Within approximately one week of the exam, and 3 to 4 weeks for Concrete Field and Concrete Strength exams, results will be posted on the Certified Technicians page on the CTTP website. To view your certifications, enter your name in the search box, and your CTTP certifications will be shown along with the corresponding expiration date. An updated expiration date indicates a passing grade in the course.

Approximately one week after the exam, an email is sent to all class participants. The exam score is contained in the email for each participant who passed the course. This will be followed by a course completion letter, certificate and pocket card by regular mail. Unsuccessful participants will receive a letter with course results. Exam results for Concrete Field Testing Technician and Concrete Strength Testing Technician courses may take as long as 3 weeks because the exams are graded by the American Concrete Institute. ACI exam scores will be mailed to you directly from ACI. CTTP certificates and pocket cards will be sent separately from CTTP.

Certification periods vary by class. Please refer to the Course Descriptions for individual course details. Certifications in Basic Aggregates, Hot Mix Asphalt, Soils, and NPDES expire on either June 30, or December 31, after the designated certification period. Certifications based on ACI exams expire on the date concurring with the ACI expiration date.

You must pass both the written and performance components of each course in order to receive a passing grade. Re-testing policies vary by course. For Basic Aggregates, Hot Mix Asphalt, Soils, and NPDES, the entire course must be repeated. For courses utilizing ACI exams (Concrete Field Testing Technician and Concrete Strength Testing Technician), only the portion failed (written or performance) must be repeated – subject to ACI guidelines. Thus, for these courses a participant may choose to test only. However, the re-testing success rate is much higher for those who choose to repeat the entire class than those who simply take the test again.

Replacement pocket cards are available for $25. Please submit a Online Pocket Card Reqest if you need a replacement card.

No. You must first complete the Basic Aggregates course, which is a pre-requisite to the Concrete Field Testing Technician and Concrete Strength testing courses. CTTP will accept ACI certifications granted through other programs, but you must notify us so that we can verify certification and include it on your CTTP pocket card.

If you completed ACI certification through a program other than CTTP and you have successfully completed the CTTP Basic Aggregates course, we will add your concrete certification to your pocket card. Please inform us of any ACI certifications that you hold when you come to class. If you inform us at a later date, you will be charged $25 for a replacement pocket card.

CTTP does grant reciprocal certification for ACI (American Concrete Institute) certifications. The Basic Aggregates, Hot Mix Asphalt, Soils, and NPDES courses are specific to the state of Arkansas, and contain components that may not be included in certifications from other states. Requests for reciprocity will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and will generally only be granted if a) all specifications required for CTTP certification are covered under the certification for the other state, and b) a closed book written exam and an individual performance exam have been successfully completed.

No. All written exams are closed-book and closed-notes. During performance exams you may refer to your books and notes between exam stations, but not while testing.

No. You must attend the entire class in order to test for certification. (Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.)