The LabCAT Program is a partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Federal Highway Authority (FHWA), and CAPA.  The RMAEC adminsters the certification program for CAPA. 

In 1996 CDOT implemented QC/QA specifications, and with it came the requirement of certified technicians.  The use of certified materials technicians is required in the state of Colorado by the FHWA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Certification increases the proficiency of technicians and the consistency of test results to evaluate the quality of asphalt paving materials.  Six certifications have been established for Asphalt Construction Technicians, Asphalt Inspectors and HSP Operators based on the tests required on typical HMA paving projects. 

Certification Levels

Level A- Laydown
Level B- Asphalt Plant Materials Control
Level C- Mixture Volumetrics and Stability
Level E- Aggregates
Level S- Smoothness
Level I - Asphalt Inspector

Certification Program Formats

Standard

The standard program is for testing technicians who are certifying for the first time in the requested level, or for those technicians who are recertifying and would like the review.  The standard program begins with a classroom presentation to describe each of the test procedures and the purpose of the tests.  Testing technicians are the given an open book written exam.  Following the written exam testing technicians are required to demonstrate proficiency in each procedure required by level.  Proficiency demonstrations are conducted before a qualified volunteer proctor and are closed book.

Streamline Recertification

The streamline recertification program is reserved for testing technicians who have been previously LabCAT certified in the requesting level.  The program begins with brief classroom presentation to discuss any changes to the testing procedures.  Testing technicians are given an open book written exam.   Following the written exam testing technicians are required to demonstrate proficiency in each procedure required by level.  Proficiency demonstrations are conducted before a qualified volunteer proctor and are closed book.  The pace of the streamline recertification program is accelerated, and is designed for those recertifying technicians who do not require review.

Certification Level Details

Level A – Laydown

Technicians working at the laydown operation level who are responsible for sampling and conducting compaction tests on CDOT projects are required to possess Level A certification.  Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as compaction measurements using nuclear density gauge readings and correlation determinations from core samples. 

Laydown Certification includes the following tests:

 Level B – Asphalt Plant Materials Control

Technicians responsible for materials process control at the asphalt hot mix plant for CDOT projects are required to possess Level B certification.  Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as splitting, sieve analysis, asphalt content, and specific gravity measurements of the loose mixture and core samples.  The technicians will complete the certification in conjunction with Level A – Laydown certification.

Asphalt Plant Materials Control Certification includes the following tests:

Level C – Asphalt Mixture Volumetrics and Stability

Technicians responsible for determining mixture and volumetrics and strength characteristics for HMA produced at the hot mix plant for CDOT projects are required to possess Level C certification.  Hot mix asphalt aggregate sampling proficiency must be demonstrated from various locations as well as splitting, gyratory compaction, Hveem stability, Lottman and specific gravity measurements of the loose mixture, core samples, and laboratory compacted specimens.  The technicians will complete the certification in conjunction with Level A – Laydown certification and Level B – Asphalt Plant Materials Control certification.

Asphalt Mixture Volumetrics and Stability Certification includes the following tests:

Level E – Aggregates Technician

Technicians responsible for determining the characteristics of the aggregate to be used in the HMA mixture design for CDOT projects are required to possess Level E certification.  Aggregate sampling must be demonstrated from various locations as well as sand equivalency, uncompacted void content of the fine aggregate, percent of fractured faces, and specific gravity measurements of the aggregates.

Aggregate Technician Certification includes the following tests:

 
Level S – Smoothness

Technicians responsible for determining smoothness using High Speed Profiling equipment for CDOT projects are required to possess Level S certification. 

Smoothness Certification includes the following tests:

Level I – Asphalt Inspector

Inspectors on CDOT projects are required to possess Level I and a current or expired Level A certification.

Inspector Certification includes the following tests:

 
LabCAT Program Logistics

Certification Location

All certifications take place in the RMAEC classroom at 6880 South Yosemite Street Suite 110, Centennial, CO  80112.  Please contact us at: PHONE (303) 741-6148 ext 154,  FAX (303) 741-6146, EMAIL: rmaec@co-asphalt.com

Schedule

Dates of attendance are structured by level.  Levels A, B and C are offered sequentially so technicians have the opportunity to become certified in any or all of the levels. Level E is a separate program. CLICK HERE for a link to the LabCAT Program Certification Schedule.

Manuals

LabCAT manuals containing the classroom presentation slides and copies of the relevant AASHTO procedures are distributed on the first day of the certification session. 

If you would like to preview the LabCAT presentation manuals, please click on the links below.

Level A presentation manual
Level B presentation manual
Level C presentation manual
Level E presentation manual
Level S presentation manual
Level  I presentation manual

It is recommended that testing technician bring the current CDOT Field Materials Manual (FMM) and the current CDOT Laboratory Manual of Test Procedures (CP-L) to the certification session.

Copies of the CDOT FMM and the CP-L manual may be purchased at CDOT Headquarters Publications Room, 4201 East Arkansas Denver, Colorado 80222, or by contacting CDOT Bid Plans at 303-757-9313.  Alternatively, the RMAEC will have these publications available for your purchase. 

Exams and Procedures

Testing technicians are given an open book written exam.  Following the written exam, technicians are required to demonstrate proficiency in each procedure required, by level.  Proficiency demonstrations are closed book.

Certification Prerequisites

Testing technicians are required to qualify for certification.  Please refer to the LabCAT certification registration form for detailed information regarding prerequisites. 

All prerequisite documentation must be received by the RMAEC no later than the Wednesday, prior to your session date.

Cancellation Policy

CLICK HERE for link to the RMAEC Cancellation Policy.

LabCAT Technician Decertification Policy

The LabCAT Board of Directors and the LabCAT Technical Committee have approved the process in regard to the decertification of a LabCAT Certified Technician.  The procedure for filing a complaint, and the process of initiating a hearing for decertification, is contained in the Policy and Procedures Manual.  CLICK HERE for link to view decertification policy.

LabCAT Program Volunteer Proctors

The LabCAT Program flows smoothly, partially due to the assistance we receive from CDOT, local agencies, contractors and consultants who send their certified technicians to volunteer. 

We all benefit from the volunteer proctor program.  CLICK HERE for link to the “Benefits of Participating as a Volunteer Proctor”. 

The RMAEC is thankful to those who have dedicated their time and expertise to the certification process.  In 2004 we began to formally recognize these individuals.  Each year since, a “Volunteer Proctor of the Year” has been named. 

Proctor Slip Stream Recertification Program

Slip Stream is a recertification option for technicians who have served as a volunteer proctor for the LabCAT Program.  Proctors must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for slip stream recertification.  Please contact the RMAEC for details.

The Value of LabCAT Asphalt Certification – The LabCAT Program continues to receive very good feedback from attendees on both the quality of the program and the benefit of certification.  98% of 2011 attendees rate the quality of the program as Good or Excellent and 93% of 2011 attendees rate the benefit of the program as Good or Excellent. Feedback from a recent attendee:  “Great class, keeps you current on changes in procedures, very helpful instructor and knowledgeable proctors.”   (2011 LabCAT Summary Feedback)  (To register)