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Core Curriculum Matrix Development


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Table of Contents

Matrices
Construction Competency
Employee Development Competency
Maintenance Competency
Materials Competency
Safety & Work Zone Competency

Background
Core Curriculum Matrix Development Initiative
Development Process
Competency Matrices
Training Course Matrices
Using the Matrices
Reading the Matrices
Appendix A - Technical Category Work Group Members
Appendix B - Subject Areas and Disciplines
Technical Category: Construction
Technical Category: Employee Development
Technical Category: Maintenance
Technical Category: Materials
Technical Category: Safety
Appendix C - Competencies for Which No Training Courses Were Identified
Technical Category: Construction
Technical Category: Employee Development
Technical Category: Maintenance
Technical Category: Materials

Background

"Rebuilding the highway construction task force is an industry priority as agencies across the country face a serious shortage of trained and experienced personnel resulting from attrition and an aging workforce. At the same time cutting-edge construction and system preservation technologies demand new skills and knowledgeable construction personnel. Consequently, efforts to train and certify highway construction personnel have intensified in recent years. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has taken a pro-active role in this effort. In order to streamline the process and avoid duplication of efforts, the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC) was formed in September of 2000.

The TCCC is a partnership between the FHWA, State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), and the highway transportation industry to support the training of the highway construction personnel. The TCCC's mission is to provide leadership at a national level, develop and maintain a national curriculum for various transportation disciplines, identify training and certification requirements, and coordinate/facilitate training efforts."[1]

A key effort to the mission of the TCCC is the Core Curriculum Matrix Development Initiative.

Core Curriculum Matrix Development Initiative

The goal of the TCCC is to improve the quality of construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure by increasing the knowledge and skills of those responsible for these disciplines. This is achieved through the identification of the core skill competencies required of the highway transportation workforce (e.g., State and local Department of Transportation [DOT] personnel, contractors, material suppliers and consultants) and the training opportunities that support the development of these competencies.

The resulting Core Curriculum is designed to help State and local DOTs establish a basis for their overall technician training and ongoing professional development programs. The curriculum is designed as a tool that helps to reach that goal. It is intended to help transportation agencies in their efforts to develop a skilled workforce by assisting the training developers in establishing comprehensive curriculum tracks and identifying existing training that can be used in their program (or adapted to fit). The curriculum can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each agency. Additionally, employees and managers can use the competencies and courses to further their professional development

Development Process

The TCCC identified five technical categories for this initiative:

  • Construction,
  • Employee Development,
  • Maintenance,
  • Materials and
  • Safety & Work Zones.

In each of these areas, technical working groups were established (See Appendix A for the list of each work group's members.)

Two types of matrices were developed in each of the five technical categories. One matrix defines subject areas and the respective disciplines and skill competencies required to execute the work; the other matrix identifies training which maps to the development of the defined skill competencies.

Competency Matrices

Each competency matrix is developed as a three-tiered structure (Figure 1).

Competency Matrix as described in the next two paragraphs
Figure 1 - Generic Schemata of a Competency Matrix

The first tier identifies the subject areas of the technical category - the primary areas of work required of the technical category. The second tier consists of the specific disciplines that make up each subject area - the discrete areas of activity to be performed. Appendix B of this document contains the complete set of subject areas and disciplines defined for each of the five technical categories.

The most discrete tier, the third tier, defines the relevant core skill competencies required to successfully execute each of the disciplines. Each competency is stated as an observable, measurable action to be performed. None of the competencies include qualifiers (i.e., level of proficiency required for accomplishment/acquisition). Rather, this has been left open so that the competency models can be more readily adapted to each state's programs and requirements.

Importantly, the third tier is stratified into four skill levels (i.e., areas of workmanship/roles) in order to define a career progression. These skill levels begin at the entry level (Level I) and progress through the management and administrative level (Level IV). Table 1 identifies each of the four skill levels and provides a definition of each level.

Table 1 - Skill Levels and Definitions
Skill Level An individual at this level....
Level I - Entry Is a new employee/trainee with little to no previous experience in the subject area and performs his activities under direct supervision.
Level II - Intermediate Understands and demonstrates skills (is competent) in one or more areas of the entry level and performs specific tasks under general supervision.
Level III - Advanced Understands and demonstrates specialized skills in a variety of tasks of the intermediate level and performs specialized tasks in limited areas or broad-based tasks with little to no daily supervision.
Level IV - Project Management (Administrator, Superintendent) Prepares and reviews plans and schedules for specific activities; oversees or manages day-to-day activities in one or more specific tasks on one or more projects covering a range of complexity and technical functions as well as geographic areas. Individuals at this level are accountable for resource management and are responsible for making routine and complex decisions. It is recommended that this role of personnel have mastery of skills defined for all of the preceding levels.

A portion of a competency matrix is illustrated in Figure 2.

Sample of Competency Matrix. See appendices for complete matrices
Figure 2 - Sample Portion of a Competency Matrix

As illustrated, some disciplines have defined competencies across the four skill levels. In this example, the Contractor Payments discipline explicitly defines the progression and increasing complexity of competencies as an inspector advances from the entry level (Level I) to the management level (Level IV).

This example also illustrates that skill levels may share a competency. Notice that for the Rights of Way (ROW) Management discipline Levels I and II appear to have the same competency as do Levels III and IV. The work group determined that the competency for Level I was applicable to Level II with the difference being the degree of supervision. For Level I, the inspector must identify stakes and easements under direct supervision whereas for Level II, the inspector would perform this with little to no supervision. Similar logic applies to the Level III and IV competency. Conversely, for the Project Closeout discipline, the work group determined that no competency was appropriate at Level I. An inspector at an entry skill level would not be involved in performing any activities tied to project closeout. As such, this block on the matrix is darkened.

For the Construction, Materials and Maintenance technical categories, the competencies defined in these matrices are those competencies relevant to the execution of the specific work to be performed under that specific technical category. It should be noted that some of these technical categories have common subject areas and disciplines. For example, both the Construction and Materials technical categories have Quality Assurance (QA) identified as a subject area consisting of the disciplines- Quality Control, Quality Acceptance and Independent Assurance Audits. The responsibility for implementing construction QA is shared within an Agency by both Construction personnel and Materials personnel; most of the fundamental concepts and related competencies for QA will apply to both Construction and Materials personnel, irrespective of specific duties, such as sampling, testing, or inspection. The competencies for these disciplines, however, are different since the actual work performed is different for construction inspection versus materials testing.

The competencies of the Employee Development and Safety matrices are not specific to a particular group of highway transportation workers. Rather, these matrices define competencies that are applicable across the entire highway transportation workforce. As such, if one looks at the full complement of competencies applicable to highway construction inspectors, one would refer to the Construction, Employee Development and Safety matrices to define the entire universe of relevant skill competencies.

Training Course Matrices

Once the competencies were identified, a search of available training courses was conducted. Each subject area identified for the technical category has a corresponding matrix that lists courses by discipline across the four skill levels.

The search encompassed not only websites of Federal agencies and organizations, but included websites of other public sector organizations and agencies, relevant associations, certification organizations, academic institutions and private, for-profit companies. The focus was on identifying a wide array of courses and vendors.

The courses listed on each matrix do not, by any means, represent the entire population of available courses. Additionally, the courses listed were selected based on information provided via the offering organization's website. In most instances, this information consisted of a course description, objectives, target audience and, for some courses, content outlines.

NOTE:

A very small minority (less than 5%) of courses listed on the matrices have been thoroughly reviewed and updated by the TCCC to reflect current standards and work practices. The majority of courses listed on the matrices have not undergone a thorough review of instructional materials nor have they been selected based on student critiques. Importantly, the listing of a course on a matrix does not represent an endorsement of the course and/or vendor by the Federal Highway Administration, AASHTO and other contributing members of the TCCC. It merely represents a possible training option, one that should be more fully vetted by the each State department of transportation.

Using the Matrices

The primary audiences of the matrices are training coordinators of State and local Departments of Transportation. It is recommended that each matrix be thoroughly reviewed and compared and contrasted to the state's current competency models and training and professional development programs. Importantly, the matrices are NOT intended to replace, but rather to be additive to these models and programs.

Each matrix should be viewed as a dynamic, living document, one that should be modified, as appropriate, to reflect each state's labor category structure and requirements.

Reading the Matrices

Figure 3 illustrates the structure of the competency matrices. As shown, the name of the subject area displays at the top of the matrix; it is divided into five columns. The number of rows varies based on the number of disciplines and competencies. The leftmost column identifies each of the disciplines associated with the subject area. In the remaining four columns are listed the competencies associated with the discipline for each of the four skill levels.

Structure of a competency matrix as described above.
Figure 3 - Structure of the Competency Matrix

As indicated earlier, not all of the skill levels may necessarily contain its own competencies for the discipline. As shown in Figure 4, if a competency for the preceding level applies to the subsequent level with the difference being the degree of autonomy, then the competency extends across all of the relevant levels. In the figure, Levels I and II share a competency as do Levels III and IV.

Example of a skills level sharing competency as described above
Figure 4 - Example of Skill Levels Sharing a Competency

Figure 5 illustrates another example of levels sharing a competency. In this instance, Levels II and III share the competency for the Partnering discipline.

Second example of a skills level sharing competency as described above
Figure 5 - Second Example of Skill Levels Sharing a Competency

If, however, no competency is applicable at the skill level, then the cell of the matrix is darkened. In the examples shown in Figure 6, the Project Closeout discipline has no applicable competency at Level I and the Value Engineering discipline has no applicable competency for either Level I or Level II.

Example of competency cell greyed out as described above
Figure 6 - Competency Cell Greyed Out

The training course matrices have a structure similar to that of the competency matrices. Each matrix is labeled by subject area. The leftmost column lists the disciplines of the subject area and the remaining four columns are tied to each of the four skill areas, I through IV. Courses that support the development of the competencies identified for each skill level are listed. These courses are listed in alphabetical order.

Figure 7 shows a sample of a training course matrix.

Sample of a training course matrix as described above and discussed below
Figure 7 - Sample of a Training Course Matrix

As shown in the figure, one of three conditions will apply:

  1. A course is listed that has been found to be supportive of the competency defined for the discipline.

  2. No course is listed at the skill level for the discipline because the work group determined that no competency is applicable at that skill level (i.e., corresponds to the darkened cells on the competency matrix).

  3. NO TRAINING FOUND is listed at the skill level for the discipline even though a competency is defined because no course supporting the competency could be found. In terms of each of the technical categories, the total number of competencies for which no training courses were identified include:
    • Construction - 31 competencies
    • Employee Development - 2 competencies
    • Maintenance - 4 competencies
    • Materials - 55 competencies
    • Safety & Workzone - See footnote[2]

See Appendix C of this document for the complete list of competencies for which no training courses were found.

Appendix A - Technical Category Work Group Members


Technical Working Group: Team Members:
Construction Allan Samuels - Arizona Department of Transportation (Team Lead)
Teresa Kabana - Arizona Department of Transportation
Linda Hughes - Washington Department of Transportation
William Beuter - Virginia Department of Transportation
Lee Onstott - New Mexico State Highway Transportation Department
Paula McGee - New Mexico State Highway Transportation Department
Leo Stevens - New England Transportation Technician Certification Program (NETTCP)
Bud Darby - National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
Douglas Townes - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Resource Center
Rob Elliott - FHWA Resource Center
Ben Rivers - FHWA
Rich Barrows - FHWA
Employee Development Chris Anderson - Iowa Department of Transportation (Team Lead)
Paula McGee - New Mexico State Highway Transportation Department
Barbara Martin - Montana Department of Transportation
Ewa Flom - FHWA
Maintenance Robert Peda - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Team Lead)
Bud Darby - NICET
Materials Woody Hood - Maryland SHA (Team Lead)
Tom Malerk - Florida Department of Transportation
Garth Newman - Idaho Department of Transportation/Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC)
Linda Hughes - Washington Department of Transportation
Leo Stevens - NETTCP
Safety/Work Zone Ben Gribbon - FHWA (Team Lead)
Jack Cowsert - North Caroline Department of Transportation
Todd Wilson - New Mexico Department of Transportation
Bud Darby - NICET
Donna Clark - American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)
Ed Stellfox - Maryland T2 Center
Scott Battles - FHWA
William Bremer - FHWA
Victoria Brinkly - FHWA
Kenneth Opiela - FHWA

Appendix B - Subject Areas and Disciplines


Technical Category: Construction


Subject Area Discipline
Contract Administration Rights of Way (ROW) Management
Contractor Payments
Supplemental Agreements (change orders)
Force accounts
Cost Estimating
Claims Management
Preconstruction (field design/ redesign)
Project Closeout
Specifications
Office Procedures
Scheduling
Partnering
Value Engineering
Consultant Construction Engineering & Inspection (CCEI)
Quality Assurance Quality Control
Quality Acceptance
Independent Assurance (IA)
Environment General
Disposal Areas
Environmental Permits, Certificates and Licenses (Streams & Wetlands
Cultural Resources
Hazardous Materials
Erosion and Sediment Control
Debris Burning
Water & Sanitary Sewer Facilities
Surveying & Staking Surveying Verification
Utilities Permits/Agreements
Location/Mapping/ Surveying
Utility Construction
Railroads
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
Grading Excavation
Controlled Blasting
Contour Grading
Site Preparation
Embankment
Borrow
Compaction
Documentation
Drainage General Surface and Subsurface Drainage Systems
Convential Drainage Systems Construction Inspection
Large and Special Drainage Systems Construction Inspection
Aggregate Inspection Surface Preparation
Stockpiling and Hauling
Laydown
Compaction
Surface Tolerances/ Smoothness
Documentation
Geotechnical Construction General Geotechnical Construction Inspection
Subsurface Exploration
Geosynthetic Materials Installation Inspection
Shallow Foundation Inspection
Driven Foundation Inspection
Drilled Shaft Inspection
Ground Anchor Inspection
Soil Nail Wall Inspection
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Inspection
Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) Inspection
Ground Improvement Inspection
Sheet Pile Installation
Documentation
New Structure Construction Footings
Retaining Walls (General)
Forming & Falsework
Concrete Girders
Steel girders & connectors
Reinforcing Steel - Layout
Concrete Placement & Consolidation
Joints
Finishing & Curing Concrete
Deck Smoothness
Precast Structures
Post Tensioning
Documentation
PCC Pavement Field Inspection Surface Preparation
Concrete Delivery
Paving Machine
Laydown (placement)/ Consolidation
Steel Placement
Smoothness
Dowels/Joints
Documentation
HMA Field Inspection Surface Preparation
Hauling
Laydown
Compaction
Smoothness
Documentation
Asphalt Recycling Inspection
Documentation
Landscaping Horticultural Practices
Seeding
Irrigation Systems
Landscape Incidentals

Technical Category: Employee Development


Subject Area Discipline
Basic Skills Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Communication
Technical Credibility
Training
Thinking & Learning Problem Solving
Creativity and Innovation
Decision Making
Continual Learning
External Awareness
Strategic Thinking
Personal Qualities Work Habits/Image
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Stress Management
Ethics
Flexibility
Service Motivation
Vision
Accountability
Entrepreneurship
Financial Management
Technology Management
Political Savvy
Project Management
Working with Others Human Resources Management
Harassment
Discrimination
Diversity
Teamwork
Partnering/Customer Service
Leadership Influencing/ Negotiating
Public Relations
Computer Technology Office Automation Applications
Internet
Job-Related Technologies

Technical Category: Maintenance


Subject Area Discipline
Maintenance Administration Planning
Scheduling
Quality Control
Customer Focus
Program Presentation
Asset Management
Contract Management
Performance Improvement
Roadway & Shoulder Shaping
Stabilization
Distress Analysis
Patching
Crack Sealing
Joint Sealing
Widening
Surface Treatment
Base/Subbase Repair
Drainage Drainage Systems
Pipe/Culvert Replacement
Grade Control
Environmental Protection
Soils
Hydraulics
Drainage Inspection
Drainage Intercept Systems
Subsurface Drainage
Winter Operations Winter Traffic Services
Roadside Maintenance Vegetation Management
Bridge Maintenance Cleaning
Repair
Fleet Management Motorized Equipment
Work Zone Traffic Control Short Term Traffic Control
Long Term Traffic Control
Flagging
Traffic Services & Safety Pavement Marking
Signs
Guiderail and Median Barrier
Incident Services

Technical Category: Materials


Subject Area Discipline
Soils Testing Bulk Disturbed Sampling
Moisture-Density Relationship for Fine Soils
Moisture-Density Relationship for Coarse Soils
Geotechnical Exploration, Sampling & In-Situ Testing
Documentation
Aggregates Sampling
Field Testing
Lab Testing
Documentation
Treated & Untreated Bases
Untreated Bases are bases in which only the addition of water has been made to the original material. Treated bases can have the addition of cement, lime, calcium chloride, etc. to control moisture, aid in compaction, etc.
Sampling/Testing
Field Testing
Lab Testing
Mix Design
Documentation
HMA Field Testing (Virgin Mix &/or RAP) Sampling/Testing
Asphalt Binder Testing
Documentation
Recycling: Field In-Place (Hot or Cold) Sampling/Testing
HMA Production & QA Labs (including Mix Design) Sampling/Testing
HMA Mix Design
Asphalt Binder Testing
Mix Verification
Documentation
Cementitious Material (Low Density Fill, Shotcrete & Other Cementitious Materials) Sampling/Testing
Documentation
PCC Pavement Field Testing Concrete Delivery
Sampling/Testing
Smoothness
Documentation
PCC Bridges & Minor Structures Concrete Delivery
Sampling/Testing
Smoothness (Bridge Decks)
Documentation
PCC Production & QA Labs Sampling/Testing
PCC Mix Design
Mix Verification
Documentation
Miscellaneous
Paint, Prestress/Precast Products, Reinforcing Steel, Steel, High Strength Bolting, Guardrail, Pavement Marking, Drainage Structures, Welding, Geotextiles, Joint Materials, Signing, Bridge Bearing, Landscape Materials & All Others
Sampling/Testing
Quality Assurance Quality Control
Quality Acceptance
Independent Assurance Audits
PCC Production (Offsite &/or Jobsite Plant Inspection/Approvals)
Geotechnical Testing General Geotechnical Laboratory
Soil Sample Preparation
Classification & Index Testing of Soils
Performance Testing of Soils
Geosynthetics Verification Testing

Technical Category: Safety


Subject Area Discipline
Personal Safety Emergencies
First Aid
Bloodborne Pathogens
Fitness for Duty
Good Health & Injury Prevention
Risk Management
Workplace Safety Confined Space (General and Construction)
Electrical Safety
Emergency Procedures
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
Personal Protective Equipment
Worksite Safety Awareness
Security
Construction Safety Steel Fabrication & Erection
Trenching & Shoring Safety
Fall Protection
Hand & Power Tools
Moving Vehicles
Vehicles & Equipment Operation
Commercial Vehicles
Defensive Driving
Motorized Equipment
Special Equipment
Workzone Operations Flagging Operations
Lane Closure Types
Lane Closure & Separation
Inspection
Traffic Control Plan
Construction Traffic (On-Site)
Nighttime TTC
Complex Applications
Work Zone Traffic Control
Other
Work Zone Devices Advanced Warning Signs
Installation, Placement & Removal
Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Temporary Pavement Markings & Delineators
Variable Message Signs
Raised Pavement Markers
Attenuators
Other
Work Zone Mobility Traffic Management Plan
Performance Monitoring
Public Relations
Other
Traffic Control Devices (TCD) TCD Fundamentals
Visibility & Retroreflectivity
Signing Sign Basic Principles
Sign Panel Fabrication
Roadside Sign Installation
Overhead Sign Installation
Object Markers
Sign Maintenance
Sign Visibility
Sign Management
Markings Basic Principles of Pavement Markings
Traffic Control Plans (Permanent)
Marking Materials
Markings Equipment
Markings Installation
Pavement Markers
Marking Maintenance & Inspection
Marking Visibility & Retroreflectivity
Marking Management
Signals Signal Basics
Signal Components
Signal Controllers & Cabinet (Wire-up)
Signal Equipment
Signal Design
Signal Timing & Optimization
Signal Systems
Other Signals & Beacons
Traffic Systems Electronic TCD's
Illuminated Signs
Lighting
Maintenance of Electronic Devices
Electrical Power
Traffic Operations
Traffic Detection
Traffic Incident Management
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Roadway Safety Appurtenances Barriers, End Treatments
Barriers
Longitudinal Barriers
Bicycle Facilities
Intersection Controls
Pavement Edge
Pavement Safety
Pedestrian Facilities
Railroad Crossings
Roadway Delineation
Rumble Strips
Speed Control
Safety Strategies Bicycle Traffic & Safety
Human Factors
Intersections
Pavement
Pedestrians
Railroad Crossings
Road Safety Audits
Roadway Departure
Speed Management
Other Traffic Engineering
Safety Training & Education
Other Highway Safety Disciplines
Other Highway Safety Competencies

Appendix C - Competencies for Which No Training Courses Were Identified


Technical Category: Construction


Subject Area Discipline Competency Skill Level
Contract Administration Partnering Fosters partnering with contractors and other involved parties IV
Value Engineering Approves VECP actions IV
Consultant Construction Engineering & Inspection (CCEI) Monitors and documents CCEI services II
Selects and negotiates CCEI contracts
Approves modifications to CCEI contracts
Processes error and omission claims
IV
Environment Disposal Areas Explains the procedures that a contractor must follow in securing the approval of a disposal site
Explains the contents of a contractor's site plan for a disposal area
Explains the responsibilities of both the contractor and the DOT as they pertain to disposal areas
II & III
Debris Burning Verifies that the contractor's burning has been approved and is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and ordinances II & III
Water & Sanitary Sewer Facilities Verifies that cisterns, septic tanks, and other structures have been demolished and backfilled properly
Verifies that all wells have been properly closed
Verifies that water supplies are protected from contamination by sewage
Verifies that water mains and accessories have been disinfected prior to tie-ins in accordance with prescribed procedures
II & III
Drainage Convential Drainage System Construction Inspection Conducts conventional drainage system performance tests
Recognizes improper conventional drainage system installation and recommends corrective actions
III
Large & Special Drainage System Construction Inspection Describes the basic elements of large and special drainage systems such as multi-plate culverts
Performs basic inspection of manufactured elements of large and special drainage systems
I
Aggregate Inspection Stockpiling & Hauling Recommends acceptance or corrective action based on inspection results
Documents and follows up on corrective actions
III
Geotechnical Construction Geosynthetic Materials Installation Inspection Performs simple geosynthetic materials installation observations, measurements and computations I
Shallow Foundation Inspection Recognizes foundation excavation requirements II
Documentation Describes the basics of project documentation I
New Structure Construction Precast Structures Identifies precast items on construction plan
Recognizes precast products and materials acceptance stamps/certifications
I
Recognizes implications of improper installation
Recommends corrective actions
Recommends changes to the location of precast units to accommodate conflicts in the field
Recommends acceptance or rejection of precast units
III
Determines contract decisions related to changes or corrective actions regarding precast units IV
Post Tensioning Recommends corrective action or rejection of product IV

Technical Category: Employee Development


Subject Area Discipline Competency Skill Level
Personal Qualities Flexibility Demonstrates flexibility and adjusts to new situations I
Working with Others Public Relations Understand the components of public communications and outreach programs III

Technical Category: Maintenance


Subject Area Discipline Competency Skill Level
Maintenance Administration Customer Focus Insures that customer inquiries and requests are responded to in a courteous and professional manner III
Drainage Drainage Inspection Implements drainage system inspection, preventive maintenance and repair procedures III
Establishes drainage system inspection, preventive maintenance and repair procedures IV
Subsurface Drainage Establishes underdrain system installation procedures III & IV

Technical Category: Materials


Subject Area Discipline Competency Skill Level
Soils Testing Moisture-Density Relationship for Fine Soils Makes recommendations to project personnel to adjust jobsite processes based on varying moisture conditions III
Moisture-Density Relationship for Coarse Soils Makes recommendations to project personnel to adjust jobsite processes based on varying moisture conditions III
Documentation Interprets completed documentation
Documents corrective action based on an individual test result
Checks documentation for accuracy
Enters data into a statistical program
III
HMA Production & QA Labs (Including Mix Design) Sampling/Testing Performs sampling and testing of PCC samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards
Calibrates/inspects equipment
Applies proper lab testing techniques
Performs basic mathematical calculations
Reports out test results
II
Documentation Completes sample forms and test reports
Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method
Performs mathematical calculations
Submits test results for review
II
Cementitious Materials Documentation Completes sample forms and test reports
Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method
Performs mathematical calculations
Submits test results for review
II
PCC Pavement Filed Testing Concrete Delivery Rejects loads not meeting specification requirements II
PCC Production & QA Lab Documentation Completes sample forms and test reports
Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method
Performs mathematical calculations
Submits test results for review
II
Interprets completed documentation
Documents corrective action based on an individual test result
Checks documentation for accuracy
Enters data into a statistical program
III
Miscellaneous Areas Sampling/Testing Assists in performing sampling and testing
Describes proper sampling techniques
Uses proper equipment to procure representative field samples
Identifies products from Qualified Products List (QPL)
I
Determines corrective action based on an individual test results III
Quality Assurance PCC Production (Offsite and/or Jobsite Plant Inspections/ Approvals) Assists in inspecting and approving offsite and jobsite batch plants, stockpiles, material shipments I
Inspects and approves offsite jobsite batch plants and stockpiling of materials
Verifies correct and approved materials when received on project
II
Approves QC plan for PCC production
Recommends corrective action
III
Determines corrective actions at a program level IV
Geotechnical Testing General Geotechnical Laboratory Assist in the performance of standard geotechnical laboratory tests I
Conducts standard geotechnical materials laboratory tests II
Administers specialized geotechnical materials laboratory tests III
Oversees all geotechnical materials laboratory tests
Recommends geotechnical materials acceptance and payment
IV
Soil Sample Preparation Assists in preparing samples for classification and Index Testing I
Prepares samples for classification and Index Testing according to AASHTO/ASTM Standard test procedures II
Extrudes undisturbed samples, evaluates sample quality, and prepares specimens for performance testing III
Oversees proper sample preparation and enforces quality assurance procedures IV
Classification & Index Testing of Soils Conducts standard geotechnical classification and index tests (i.e. Sieve analysis, #200 Wash, hydrometer, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, and moisture content determinations) according to AASHTO/ASTM standard test procedures II
Conducts unit weight determinations on undisturbed specimens III
Oversees geotechnical laboratory testing and enforces quality assurance procedures IV
Performance Testing of Soils Conducts common geotechnical performance tests (i.e. Unconfined compression, triaxial shear (UU, CU, CD), direct shear, permeability (falling head, constant head), 1-D consolidation, and shrink/swell potential) after communicating with geotechnical design engineer on testing requirements III
Oversees geotechnical laboratory testing and enforces quality assurance procedures IV
Geosynthetics Verification Testing Verifies material strengths and engineering properties III
Oversees material testing and verifies product specifications with respect to design requirements IV


[1] Taken from the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council's (TCCC) website (www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/tccc/about.htm)

[2] Due to scheduling issues, a companion training vendor/courses matrix could not be developed for the Safety & Workzone competency matrices. This will be added at some point in the future.

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