Definition:
A CSA-Based Concrete Construction Special Inspector is a person qualified to inspect and record the results of concrete construction inspection based on Canadian and U.S. codes and job specifications. The program covers inspection during preplacement, placement, and post-placement operations.
A CSA-Based Concrete Construction Special Inspector-in-Training is a person who is knowledgeable about inspection procedures for concrete construction, including preplacement, placement, and post-placement operations, but does not have the experience required to qualify as an ACI Concrete Construction Special Inspector.
Scope and Knowledge:
The programs require a knowledge of concrete construction, including plan reading, soil-cement, piling installations, formwork installation and removal, reinforcements, embedments, sampling and testing freshly mixed concrete, conveying, placing, consolidation, finishing, jointing, curing, and protection.
The technical resource materials used in these programs include the following:
CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTS (CSA):
- A23.1/A23.2—Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction/Methods of Test for Concrete
ACI DOCUMENTS:
- MNL–2—Manual of Concrete Inspection
- 302.1R—Guide for Concrete Slab and Floor Construction
- 304R—Measuring, Mixing, Transporting and Placing Concrete
- 304.2R—Placing Concrete by Pumping Methods
- 309R—Guide for Consolidation of Concrete
- 347R—Formwork for Concrete
OTHER PUBLICATIONS:
- *CAC Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Canadian ed.
- *RSIC Manual of Standard Practice
Certification Requirements:
For CSA-Based Concrete Construction Special Inspector:
ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who:
- Hold current certification as an ACI CSA-Based Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I; and
- Obtain a passing grade on the written inspection examination; and
- Obtain a passing grade on the written plans-reading examination; and
- Possess at least one of the following qualifications:
- A minimum of two years of college or technical school, earning at least 60 credit hours, PLUS two years of satisfactory work experience; or
- A high school diploma, or equivalent, PLUS a minimum of three years of satisfactory work experience; or
- Five years of satisfactory work experience.
The work experience must include:
- Decision-making authority and responsibility;
- Verification of compliance with plans, specifications, and codes;
- Evaluation of concrete construction in the field;
- Documentation and reporting of inspection results; and
- Proficiency in appropriate areas of concrete construction inspection.
Verification of the amount and range of work experience by the applicant's employer(s) is required.
The three-hour written inspection examination is open-book and consists of approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. The one-hour plans-reading examination consists of approximately 20 questions and is designed to test the examinee's ability to read and understand engineering drawings. The minimum passing grade for each examination is 70%.
Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of successfully completing all requirements.
Recertification requires successful completion of the written examinations.
For CSA-Based Concrete Construction Special Inspector-in-Training:
ACI will grant certification to those applicants who meet the Field Technician prerequisite and pass both written examinations. Individuals with Inspector-in-Training certification can upgrade to full Inspector status upon submittal and approval of sufficient education/work experience.
Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of successfully completing all requirements.
Recertification requires successful completion of the written examinations.