Soils Testing Technician - Test Only

The CTTP Soils Testing Technician – Test Only Option course covers the same specifications and testing requirements as the Soils Testing Technician course. However, no instructor-led training course is offered prior to the written and performance examinations. This option is beneficial to participants who routinely perform soils testing and are familiar with the associated specifications.

Pre-Requisite Requirements

In order to be eligible for CTTP Soils Testing Certification - Test Only option, technicians must meet the following pre-requisite requirements:

  1. Technicians must have previously held the CTTP Soils certification.
  2. Technicians must hold a current certification in Basic Aggregates Testing Technician.
  3. Technicians must pre-qualify for the Test Only option by successfully completing the Soils Online Modules and Final Quiz prior to the testing date. A minimum score of 70 % must be achieved on individual section knowledge checks, as well as a passing score of at least 80 % on the Final Quiz.

The following pre-requisite conditions are also recommended:

  1. Technicians should feel confident that they can successfully complete both the written and performance exams.
  2. The technician’s supervisor should agree that the technician is adequately prepared to successfully complete both the written and performance exams.
  3. Technicians should spend adequate time studying and practicing before attending the testing session.

Soils Review Materials

Specifications

The procedures covered in this course are those prescribed by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Standard Specifications for Highway Construction and related specifications, including:

  • AASHTO M 145 Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregates Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
  • AASHTO M 146 Terms Relating to Subgrade, Soil-Aggregate, and Fill Materials
  • AASHTO R 58 Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil Aggregate Samples for Test
  • AASHTO T 89 Determining the Liquid Limit of Soils
  • AASHTO T 90 Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils
  • AASHTO T 99 Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in.) Drop
  • AASHTO T 180 Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using 4.54kg(10lb.) Rammer and a 457mm(18in.) Drop
  • AASHTO T 265 Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils
  • AASHTO T 310 In-Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
  • ARDOT 347 Determining Moisture Content by Speedy Moisture Tester

Supplies and Equipment

All necessary equipment and supplies used in the Soils Testing Technician course will be furnished by CTTP.  A course notebook and pencil is provided to each participant.  Calculators may be borrowed from CTTP; however, participants are often more comfortable bringing a calculator with which they are familiar, and routinely use.  Other items that may be useful include a straightedge or ruler, pen, pencil, and highlighter.

CTTP course participants are required to wear applicable personal protective equipment in the laboratory, including long pants, closed-toe shoes, and safety glasses.  Safety glasses, gloves, and other personal protective equipment may be borrowed from CTTP during the class.

Course Schedule

Generally, Test Only sessions are held in conjunction with a full Soils Testing Technician course, beginning at 8:00 am unless otherwise stated.  No classroom or laboratory instruction will be provided. Exams will begin at 8:00 am, and will conclude no later than 4:00 pm.

Exams

The Soils Testing Technician certification requires a passing score on both a written and a performance exam.  The written exam is closed-book, and subject to a two-hour time limit.  In order to receive certification, a minimum of 70% of all questions must be answered correctly on the written portion of the exam.

Performance exams must be performed individually, and are graded on a “pass/fail” basis.  Participants must perform all methods correctly in order to pass the performance portion of the course.  Two attempts are allowed at each station. The Soils Testing performance exam consists of multiple stations, including:

  • AASHTO T 89 Determining Liquid Limit of Soils
  • AASHTO T 90 Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils
  • AASHTO T 99 Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in.) Drop
  • AASHTO T 310 In-Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

Participants who do not pass the Soils Testing Technician course by failure of either the written or performance exam will be required to repeat the entire course.

Certification

Upon successful completion of both the written and performance exams, participants will receive a five-year CTTP certification in Soils Testing.  Certified individuals will receive a CTTP certificate and pocket card, and will be added to the CTTP website list of Certified Technicians.  Expiration dates occur on a semi-annual basis: June 30 or December 31 after the five-year certification period.

Recertification in Soils may be achieved by either:

  1. Successful completion of the standard 2 ½ day Soils Testing Technician course, or
  2. Successful completion of the Soils Testing Technician – Test Only Option.

All policies pertaining to each of these options will apply.

Registration

ARDOT employees may register for this course by contacting Dorothy Rhodes at dorothy.rhodes@ardot.gov .  All others should Click Here to Register.  Applicable fees will be assessed.