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Superintendent Recertification gets an Update

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) – a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of site-cast Tilt-Up as the preferred construction method – has announced an update to the recertification process for the Tilt-Up Supervisor and Technician Certification program – a collaborative effort between the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and TCA.

At the recently held ACI committee meetings in Dallas, Texas, ACI’s Certification Programs Committee (CPC) approved an alternative re-certification for the ACI/TCA Tilt-Up Supervisor and Technician Certification Program co-sponsored by ACI’s Committee C-650 (Tilt-Up Constructor Certification) and the TCA. The update will allow supervisors and technicians to recertify based on completing continuing education hours instead of re-testing. Currently, individuals have to recertify every five years by successful completion of the current written exam.

“Several committee members felt that recertification by simply taking basically the same exam was a disservice to the program,” said Ed Sauter, C-650 committee member and executive director of the TCA.  “Retaking the same exam doesn’t ensure that the candidate has continued to learn or grow as a professional in the Tilt-Up industry or that they are up-to-date on current practices. The modifications require evidence of continuing education and work experience.”

Candidates seeking recertification now have an alternative method that requires them to register 10 hours of approved continuing education during the 5-year period of their certification and provide verified work experience. The classes that apply will be pre-approved by the TCA and the Committee from offerings at such venues as the World of Concrete and the TCA Annual Convention that are relevant to a supervisorial position.  Pre-approved courses will be listed on the TCA website and, where possible, in programs and other promotional materials at the specific events. The requirement for verified work experience consists of a minimum of three Tilt-Up projects or on project with at least 100 Tilt-Up panels during the period.

For the foreseeable future, taking and passing the then-current examination will continue to be an option although the C-650 Committee does hope to transition recertification fully to CEUs and work experience after a suitable transition period. Technicians will be able to begin recertifying by complying with the continuing education requirements offered at the TCA Annual Convention this fall or by continuing to retake the exam.

The exam itself will be undergoing modifications over the next couple of years as the references are updated to the latest edition of the ACI-551 Guide and the new Tilt-Up Construction Manual (scheduled for release at the end of the year). Since all questions must be referenced, new and updated information means new questions and answers.  This will also impact the Spanish version of the exam and reference materials.

The TCA Annual Convention, to be held in Amelia Island, Fla. from Oct. 2-4, will feature a new Field Supervisor track that will provide enough hours in one event to fulfill the continuing education requirements for recertification.

For more information, contact James Baty or 319-895-6911.

About the TCA

TCA was founded in 1986 to improve the quality and acceptance of site-cast Tilt-Up construction, a method in which concrete wall panels are cast on-site and tilted into place. Tilt-Up construction is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, combining the advantages of reasonable cost with low maintenance, durability, speed of construction and minimal capital investment. At least 10,000 buildings, enclosing more than 650 million square feet, are constructed each year using this construction method. For more information, visit www.tilt-up.org or contact TCA at 319-895-6911.

Comments
2 Responses to “Superintendent Recertification gets an Update”
  1. tony longoria says:

    How do I sign up to be recertified when TCA comes to Houston in September?

    • Editor says:

      Sorry for the delay Tony! As the article discusses, you are now able to achieve re-certification through continuing education. At convention, you participation in qualifying seminars will be recorded. Following the event, you may request record of this attendance to submit with your ACI re-certification application. Registration for the event is now available online, see you there! http://tilt-up.org/events/2013-tca-convention/

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TILT-UP TODAY, a publication of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, is THE source for Tilt-Up industry news, market intelligence, business strategies, technical solutions, product information, and other resources for professionals in the Tilt-Up industry. A subscription to TILT-UP TODAY is included in a TCA membership. Subscriptions for potential TCA members are also available. If you would like to receive a complimentary subscription to the publication, please contact the TCA.