TCA, in concert with the American Concrete Institute (ACI), announces there are now more than 800 certified Tilt-Up Supervisors and Technicians.

As of Sept. 12, 2006, 169 Supervisor and 646 Technician certifications have been issued, for a total of 815 total certifications. Of those 815 certifications, 76 were issued in Canada. The number of certified professionals has increased by more than 100 since 2005.

The joint Certification program, developed through ACI’s C-650 Committee, is designed to recognize the growing construction method and maintain its professionalism. To further increase participation in the Certification program, the exam is now offered in Spanish.

“During 2005, use of the site cast Tilt-Up method increased 13 percent,” said Jim Baty, Technical Director of TCA. “The trend of Tilt-Up’s increasing use is directly related to the rise in the number of certified personnel. Tilt-Up professionals recognize the benefit of outside validation of their knowledge and experience in the industry, and this certification program sets clear professional standards that ensure consistency and quality in Tilt-Up construction throughout North America. Also, design professionals wanting their projects to stand apart from others in quality and performance are driving the trend toward certification.”

Full certification as a Tilt-Up Supervisor requires a passing score on the exam (70 percent) and a minimum of five years (7,500 hours) of verifiable construction experience, of which at least three years (4,500 hours) shall be as a Tilt-Up supervisor or assistant supervisor, as well as a demonstrated proficiency in and an understanding of overall on-site administrative and technical management for producing Tilt- Up projects. Those lacking the sufficient work experience to qualify may become certified as a Technician by successful completion of the same written examination. The examination consists of approximately 80 multiple-choice questions.

Those certified will hold the status for five years before having to re-certify by successfully completing the current requirements for certification. A certified Technician may upgrade to Supervisor status within a five-year time period of his or her certification through the completion of the necessary work experience. The program requires knowledge in safety, plan reading, scheduling, site preparation and foundations, slabs-on-grade, layout, forming, placement and properties, erection, and structural systems.

Cost for the Certification exam is $145 for TCA members and $215 for nonmembers. Recommended study materials include the ACI Tilt-Up Certification Manual and the 6th edition Tilt-Up Construction and Engineering Manual, both available through TCA. TCA offers a standard three-part specification for Tilt-Up construction that adds the importance of certified supervision to the project. For more information about the exam, visit www.tilt-up.org or call 319-895-6911.