Training and Certification

Bridge inspectors evaluate a metal beam The Oregon Department of Transportation Construction Section sponsors training and certification programs for technicians, inspectors and laboratories working on ODOT construction projects.

Most training sessions are held between October and May. Some courses are provided by organizations other than ODOT.

Course descriptions are noted below under "Certification Training."

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Quality Assurance Section has cancelled all Inspector Training and Challenge Exam events for the remainder of the 2019-2020 training season. This includes scheduled Erosion and Sediment Control Manager (ESCM) classes.

We have a short-term plan in place. We are working on a long-term plan for those individuals who no longer have an opportunity to attain or to renew a certification.

First, we will grant an automatic one-year extension if the certification was in good standing on January 1 through November 30, 2020. Individuals will not receive an automatic certification extension if the certification expired prior to January 1, 2020 or the examination was failed while attempting a re-certification.

In the interim, we are preparing for our next training season in 2020-2021 and we are exploring online training opportunities. Challenge events will be reinstated once the COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

Questions? Review the frequently asked questions, contact the Construction Training hotline at 503-986-4336 or email us.

Certification Training

Inspector Certification Training – This training is tailored for highway construction inspection by ODOT, consultants, and local agencies. Certification is available for Bridge, Drilled Shaft, Environmental, General, ACP, and Traffic Signal inspection.

For specific details, visit the Inspector Certification page.

General Construction Inspector
Asphalt Concrete Pavement Inspector
Bridge Construction Inspector
Drilled Shaft Construction Inspector
Environmental Construction Inspector
Traffic Signal Inspector

ADA Curb Ramp Certification – ODOT has contracted with a consultant to develop and deliver the Intro to ADA class through a webinar. This webinar course provides an introduction to ADA curb ramp inspection and construction. This is a one-time pre-requisite course that will provide an interim certification through December 31, 2020. We will provide opportunities for individuals who have taken the Intro to ADA webinar to take the written exam. This will allow you to get the full two-year certification. We will send out more information regarding those opportunities sometime in the fall.

Laboratory Certification Program – Ensures that laboratories consistently provide quality test results.

Technician Certification Training – Develops and maintains a pool of well-trained technicians to perform field testing of materials for both quality control and quality assurance. This training is provided by outside vendors.

For specific details about the technician classes, visit the Technician Certification page.

Certified Aggregate Technician
Certified Embankment and Base Technician
Certified Density Technician
Certified Asphalt Technician I
Certified Asphalt Technician II
Certified Mix Design Technician
Quality Control Technician
Concrete Control Technician
Concrete Strength Testing Technician

Certification Database – Shows current certifications for inspectors and technicians.

Additional Training

We provide other training sessions, meetings, and workshops to assist you in improving your skills while working on construction projects. These are offered throughout the year.

Annual Inspector Workshop – Includes presentations by technical experts to address the “grey” areas in applying the specifications to construction inspection. It is an information sharing workshop for experienced inspectors.

Annual RE Meeting – Share statewide perspectives on current construction project management issues and vision for the future. (ODOT-only)

CAT II for Quality Assurance – Provides fundamental training in CAT II materials for QCCS's to prepare for CAT II certification. (ODOT-only)

Chip Seal – Trains Project Management and Maintenance staff to properly inspect and construct both emulsified and hot asphalt chip seal.

Contract Administration Workshop – Provides training and information sharing to improve and maintain statewide consistency in administration of ODOT state and federal aid funded construction projects by providing ODOT'S procedures and processes.

Erosion and Sediment Control Manager – Trains construction contractor personnel who will be performing Erosion and Sediment Control Manager services on construction contracts. Individuals must pass an exam either by taking the training or challenging the exam.

FHWA Contract Administration Core Curriculum – Provided by the Federal Highway Administration. Explains basic federal aid requirements; promotes awareness of FHWA policy; facilitates familiarity with changes in the Contract Administration Core Curriculum manual; and allows supervised practice activities using the manual to find information. Includes in-class exercises and case studies. Participants work with the Contract Administration Core Curriculum manual and learn how to best use it as a daily resource.

Pavement Forum – Provides annual feedback/updates to ODOT personnel about what pavement-related issues from the previous construction season. Projected issues for the upcoming construction season are discussed as well.

Quality Control Compliance Specialists Workshop – This is an annual workshop for individuals performing Quality Control Compliance Specialist. The information is targeted around issues related to ensuring that quality control is performed at the highest level on construction projects. (ODOT-only)

Structure Coatings Inspector Workshop – Teaches basic knowledge and skills required to be a paint inspector on a structure coating project. Ensures consistent inspection and quality compliance with the plans and specifications. This class is offered each spring before coating projects start.

Survey Fundamentals – Familiarizes inspectors with the basics of surveying related to construction operations. The class is not intended to teach inspectors how to be surveyors. It provides inspectors the tools to validate that the contractor has staked the project to match the plans.

Registration & Class Information

Registration for the 2018-2019 training season is now available. You may register for classes through iLearn. Information and links are available under Class Schedule and Status.

If you have any questions regarding the schedule or challenge exam availability, you may email us or call 503.986.4336.

Class Schedules and Status

For ADA certification, individuals may sign-up for one of the virtual classes set up through iLearn. An email will be sent to registrants explaining the certification process prior to the webinar. The email will include additional webinar information. It will also provide links to the presentation materials which will be available online for downloading. To sign up for one of the webinars, click Intro to ADA.