Concrete testing certification question

[haloak]

I'm a self employed EIT looking into providing concrete testing (slump, cylinders, etc) to clients (contractors, SEs, etc) and I'm a little confused on whats required. If the building department requires concrete testing for a project is the ACI Field Technician Grade I acceptable or do I need the ICC Reenforced Concrete Inspector certification?

 

[Ron]

I'm not sure where you are located, but many states in the US require that such services be rendered under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer as a testing laboratory service.

As for certification, that will depend on the "Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)" in your area...usually the building official and his/her interpretation of the applicable building code.

 

[haloak]

I'm in California.

 

[cvg]

without having a lab, is there really a market for that service? will you sub the testing to a lab and would they allow you to deliver the cylinders? labs I work with have their own technicians doing this. find a lab, ask them if this arrangement would work and if they would work with you. they could tell you what cert you need.

 

[haloak]

Yeah, it may not be worth it. Maybe I'll try for the ICC Steel and Bolting inspector.

 

[Ron]

California is one of those states that requires testing laboratory services to be under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer. You will likely run afoul of the law if you provide such services, since you are not licenses.

Same might apply to a bolting inspector.

Why do you not want to work for a testing laboratory? Experience is great and you'll be amazed at the different things you can learn.

 

[msquared48]

As Ron suggests, just slump on the testing cylinder idea and bolt to the lab for the experience you need for you license.

That's really where you need to be.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[Ron]

Michael...you and Shakespeare...buds!

haloak...one other consideration. You note that you are a "self-employeed EIT". You will have difficulty qualifying for the P.E. exam under those conditions. You need to be working under the supervision of a licensed engineer to gain appropriate experience and mentoring. That's what the internship period is all about. Good luck.

 

[msquared48]

Shakespeare's a cool dude Ron!

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[haloak]

Thanks for the info. Still cant find anywhere that says a PE supervision is required though. I'm registered for the PE Exam just haven't passed yet, plus passing wouldn't increase my workload much unless I find other clients or become employed, which looks bleak.

 

[Ron]

holoak...look in the rules of the Board of Engineers under the California law. It clearly states the requirements.

Having a P.E. won't necessarily increase your work load if you are self-employed, although it will allow you to advertise services you can't currently provide. Further, it will increase your credibility and help you to develop a reputation, which will, if you're careful, develop into more work.

 

[haloak]

I agree in the long run PE is the way to go, just looking for something to add to my services offered.

 

[msquared48]

Just make sure that in offering these services you do not jeopardize your opportunity to have a PE. Not worth it.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering