Certification News
ACI NEWS RELEASE
January 31, 2003
ARCOM MASTERSPEC® Specification System now includes option requiring certified ACI Flatwork Technicians and Finishers
Specifiers are requiring personnel certification with increasing frequency within the Concrete Construction Industry. Materials testing personnel certification programs have enjoyed phenomenal acceptance and growth, and their success has sparked the Industry into considering other areas of Concrete Construction that may benefit from establishment of minimum qualifications.
ARCOM has taken a bold step in including optional language in their MASTERSPEC® Specification System requiring that cast-in-place concrete installers be ACI-Certified Flatwork Finishers and Technicians, and that installer supervisors be ACI Certified Flatwork Technicians.
ACI Certification Director John Nehasil sees inclusion of certification requirements in the MASTERSPEC® Specification System as a validation of the value and stature of ACI's Flatwork Finisher and Technician Certification program. "ARCOM's decision to include qualification requirements at this level demonstrates the growing momentum of this program. It is critical to the final quality of the project that the individual installing the concrete be aware of how handling affects its performance. We have programs to ensure the quality of the concrete and the validity of its testing, it stands to reason that we ensure the proper installation and handling once the testing technicians have performed their duties," states Nehasil.
Interest in the program has been increasing at the local level, with ACI Certification Sponsoring Groups placing an emphasis on educating Architects, Engineers and Specifiers that the program is available, accessible, and that a substantial pool of certified finishers and technicians exists to meet the certification requirements if included in job specifications. Nehasil adds, "The program covers a great deal of basic concrete technology applicable to any concrete construction project, not just slabs on grade, and the modest cost to participate is far outweighed by the information conveyed. I believe anyone employed in the Concrete Construction Industry could benefit from participating."
For more information, contact the ACI Certification Department (248)848-3790.