1. Introduction

1.5 Certification and Accreditation Programs

Certification and accreditation programs are intended to increase the quality of construction by ensuring project team members and laboratories are knowledgeable about various topics in asphalt materials, sampling, testing, paving, QC, and acceptance. Certification applies to individuals, while accreditation or qualification applies to laboratories. Both are typically tied to an agency’s specific requirements and standards.

There are various certification programs across the United States. Many State agencies have their own certification programs for the various individual roles involved in an asphalt paving project, from sampling and testing technician to inspector to mix designer.

One example of a national certification program that has been adopted for military airfield projects is the Airfield Asphalt Certification Program (AACP). The three certifications available under the AACP are Laboratory Technician, QC Manager, and Inspector. Essentially, the UFGS 32 12 15.13 specification requires a contractor to have at least one individual with each of these certifications on their QC staff, and the individual must actively participate in that respective role during project execution.

AASHTO and ASTM International both offer national laboratory accreditation and proficiency programs. These programs are intended to increase proficiency and accuracy and reduce variability on certain laboratory tests.