NETTCP Organizational Policies

Interim Certification Policy
Laboratory Certification Program
Refund Policy
Course Cancellation Policy
Replacement Certification Cards
Re-Certification Policy
De-Certification Policy
Complaints and Protests Policy
Records and Examinations Policies
Sign-Off Policy
Understanding the Sign-Off Policy
NETTCP Scholarships
Membership Policy


Interim Certification Policy
Interim Certification for Technicians or Inspectors is defined as that status which is granted to an individual, by NETTCP, based solely on experience and/or informal training. It shall be granted only when an individual cannot attain formal qualification due to circumstances beyond his/her control. Interim Certifications shall be valid only for the construction season subsequent to the date of issuance of that certification.

Applicants are required to produce the following:

1. A verifiable resume that clearly indicates the individual’s experience in the category of Hot Mix Asphalt Plant Technician; Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Inspector; Soils & Aggregate Inspector; Soils & Aggregate Laboratory Technician; Concrete Technician; Concrete Inspector; PG Asphalt Binder Laboratory Technician; Drilled Shaft Inspector; Driven Pile Inspector; or Subsurface Inspector.
   
   
2. Documentation that the individual has worked under the direct supervision of a NETTCP Certified Technician or Inspector, within the same area of expertise, for a minimum of thirty (30 days). During this work period, the individual must demonstrate their ability to perform the procedures and calculations as required by NETTCP for that area in which interim qualification is sought. The completed evaluation form shall be signed by the NETTCP Certified Technician(s) or Inspector(s) who supervised the training.
   
   
3. Prerequisites such as ACI for the Concrete Technician or Nuclear Gauge Certification for the HMA Paving Inspector and Soils and Aggregate Inspector will still be required for Interim Certification.
   
   

Interim Certified Technicians or Inspectors who wish to continue performing testing and inspection services that require certification through NETTCP shall attain that certification before the succeeding construction season. Full time students may apply for an additional season of Interim Certification between school years. Such students must meet the conditions stated above, and shall substantiate their intent to register for the succeeding fall semester.

Individuals seeking Interim Certification shall submit a completed Registration Form, appropriate evaluation form, resume, copies of any additional required certifications and money to NETTCP.

Those individuals who receive an Interim Certification must attend the next available certification course if one is scheduled during the year. If the interim certified individual does not attend the course or pass the examination(s) their interim certification will be revoked.

Interim certified individuals are subject to examination by state DOT’s to verify their competence.

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Laboratory Certification Program
Background
The Federal Regulation for Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction (23 CFR 637) identifies the following three requirements for the qualification of laboratories:

• State Agency Central Laboratory - must be AAP accredited by June 30, 1997
• Contractor Laboratories performing Independent Assurance (IA) or Dispute Resolution - must be AAP accredited by June 29, 2000
• Contractor & Other State Agency Laboratories Performing Sampling & Testing used for Acceptance - must be “qualified” through appropriate programs established by each state by June 29, 2000

The following is the Laboratory Certification Program established to address the third bullet above.

Program Description and Participating Agencies:
The criteria herein established have been agreed upon by five of the six New England State Highway Agencies (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI) and their corresponding FHWA Division Offices. This Laboratory Certification Program (LCP) will be administered by the NorthEast Transportation Training and Certification Program (NETTCP) and implemented by each state in accordance with procedures established under the auspices of the NETTCP. The following five Laboratory Categories have been established for the NETTCP LCP:

1-P	Permanent (Satellite/District/Regional) State Agency laboratories performing acceptance testing (See Note 1)
1-T	Temporary (Project) State Agency laboratories performing acceptance testing (See Note 1)
2-P	Permanent (Plant/Consultant) Contractor laboratories performing Quality Control testing that is incorporated in the acceptance decision (See Note 1)
2-T	Temporary (Project) Contractor laboratories performing Quality Control testing that is incorporated in the acceptance decision (See Note 1)
3	Contractor laboratories (Permanent or Temporary) performing only Quality Control (QC) testing (See Note 2)

Note 1: The criteria established herein for Laboratory Categories 1-P, 1-T, 2-P, & 2-T are minimum criteria for the purposes of compliance with the Federal Regulation. State Agencies may elect to utilize additional qualification requirements, for any type of laboratory, in order to meet their particular needs.

Note 2: Category 3 Laboratory certification is not required for compliance with Federal Regulations. This category is provided for states requiring minimum qualifications for all QC Laboratories.

Those agencies, contractors and suppliers who have laboratories and are seeking to have them qualified should contact NETTCP for scheduling and associated costs.

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Refund Policy

1. Registration Form(s) and fee(s) must be received by NETTCP fifteen (15) days prior to the start of the course.
   
   
2. Cancellation by the candidate within ten (10) days before the start of the scheduled course will result in a 50% refund. Cancellation by the candidate within five (5) days before the start of the scheduled course will result in no refund.
   
   
3. If a candidate does not attend the course for which he/she had applied and paid for and did not notify NETTCP within the required time frames, no refund will be issued.
   
   
4. Unforeseen emergency during the course will result in no refund but the candidate will be allowed to retake the course at a later date with an additional fee of 15% of the course cost.
   
   

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Course Cancellation Policy

1. NETTCP reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses based on candidate registrations. If NETTCP cancels a course or changes the schedule, candidates will be notified within ten (10) days of the original scheduled course. If a candidate is unable to attend a rescheduled course the course fee will be refunded.
   
   
2. If inclement weather is possible, candidates scheduled to attend a certification course should verify if the course will be held or cancelled. A decision will be made by NETTCP twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the course. Candidates can call NETTCP at 1-800-338-5535 or 1-781-837-2680 to find out the status of a scheduled course or contact the hotel or facility where the course is scheduled to be held.
   
   

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Replacement Certification Cards

Certified people can obtain a replacement certification card from NETTCP at the cost of $25.00. In some cases it may be necessary to supply NETTCP with a digital photograph of the certified person.

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Re-Certification Policy

1. The certification period for all individuals who were certified beginning December 1, 1998 is five (5) years.
   
   
2. Re-certification will require participation and successful completion of a course and examination.
   
   
3. NETTCP will notify certified individuals when their re-certification is due.
   
   
4. Certified individuals will have one (1) year from their expiration date to attend and complete a re-certification course in order to remain certified. During this one year grace period the individual will not be recognized as certified.
   
   

Please note that it is the individual’s responsibility to notify NETTCP of an address change.

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De-Certification Policy

1. A certified individual shall be de-certified for failure to comply with the NETTCP re-certification policy.
   
   
2. A certified individual may be de-certified for any of the following reasons:
   • Found to be guilty of falsifying test result records and/or reports or recommending acceptance of obviously defective material.
   • Improper performance of sampling, testing or inspection to assure the quality of material or workmanship.
   • Failure to comply with the NETTCP “Sign-off” Policy.
   • Any attempt to influence an examiner for a passing grade.
   
   
3. NETTCP may issue warnings, suspensions of certifications or other disciplinary actions as the NETTCP deems appropriate for the offense committed.
   
   
4. The offenses cited in paragraphs a and b of Section 2 above shall be documented by a NETTCP certified individual or current NETTCP Board or Committee Member on a NETTCP Report of Improper Testing or Inspection Form.
   
   
5. A certified individual who has received disciplinary action pursuant to this policy may appeal the action by submitting a written response within thirty (30) days after receipt of such disciplinary action. The response shall be addressed to the Executive Director of the NETTCP and a hearing with the NETTCP Executive Committee will be scheduled within sixty (60) days of such response. Following the hearing the NETTCP Executive Committee will issue its final decision within thirty (30) days.
   
   

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Complaints and Protests Policy

Any candidate wishing to register a complaint/protest regarding a course, examiner, examination result, or a Board decision must do so in writing within thirty (30) days of the event. The written complaint/protest must be specific with regards to location, person(s) involved (if any) and the exact nature of the complaint/protest. The written complaint/protest must be dated and bear the name and signature of the person making the complaint/protest.

All complaints/protests will be addressed by the NETTCP Executive Committee (excluding any members directly involved with the complaint/protest). All complaints/protests will be answered in writing within sixty (60) days of receipt and all decisions will be final.

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Records and Examinations Policies

1. All records (registrations, evaluation forms, examinations, etc.) are the property of NETTCP.
   
   
2. Copying or taping (audio or visual) of NETTCP examinations (written or performance) shall not be allowed and such action by a person will result in the removal of all NETTCP certifications and NETTCP reserves the right to prohibit that person from participating in future certification courses.
   
   
3. Closed book written examinations do not allow the use of any reference material (books, notes, etc.). Persons found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of their certification(s).
   
   
4. Written and performance examinations will be maintained by NETTCP for a period of nine (9) months. Following the nine (9) month period all examinations will be destroyed.
   
   
5. Personal information (home address, telephone number, etc.) of candidates will not be made available to the public. Access to this information is only available to NETTCP or its representative.
   
   
6. The individual's name, certification type, certification number, date of expiration and the employer at the time of certification will be made available on the NETTCP website.
   
   

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Sign-Off Policy

Certified Individuals who are signing off on candidates attending a certification course have a responsibility ensuring that the candidate meets the required prerequisites.

The NETTCP Board of Directors adopted the following policy:

“If a certified individual signs off on a candidate for a certification course, the certified individual may be asked to submit written documentation of the criteria he/she used to warrant the sign-off. If the written documentation is not satisfactory to the Executive Committee, disciplinary action up to revocation of certification(s) may be taken.”

Please refer to Understanding the Sign-Off Policy for an explanation of the sign-off policy.

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Understanding the Sign-Off Policy

Intent

The intent of the prerequisites and sign-off evaluation forms for all NETTCP certification courses is to ensure that only experienced candidates enter into the certification courses. The certification courses are not meant to fully train individuals but to “fine tune” their knowledge and experience with the established standards.

Sign-off Process

Before a candidate can enter into a NETTCP certification course, the candidate must meet certain prerequisites which include a sign-off evaluation form. The evaluation form must be signed by a NETTCP certified individual for that particular discipline. The only way the certified individual can sign off on the evaluation form is as follows:

1. The candidate must have the required experience and have worked under the NETTCP certified individual for a minimum time period (each course is different). During that time period the candidate must have had experience with all the test procedures or processes outlined on the evaluation form. The NETTCP certified individual would then sign off on the candidate allowing entrance into the certification course.
   
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2. If the candidate has the minimum number of years (each course is different) of verifiable experience with all the test procedures and processes outlined on the evaluation form, the candidate can approach a NETTCP certified individual and request that the NETTCP certified individual sign off on the evaluation form. The candidate should present a resume to the NETTCP certified individual and be aware that the NETTCP certified individual will interview the candidate and question the candidate on all the test procedures and processes outlined on the evaluation form. The NETTCP certified individual may ask the candidate to perform the test procedures in his/her presence. If the NETTCP certified individual feels confident with the candidate’s ability he/she may sign off on the evaluation form.

These are the only two (2) means by which an evaluation form can be signed by a NETTCP certified individual allowing a candidate to enter a course. Candidates should understand that NETTCP certified individuals have responsibilities under NETTCP guidelines with regards to signing off on candidates. NETTCP certified individuals who sign off on an unqualified candidate jeopardize their certification.

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NETTCP Scholarships

1. Annual scholarships will be awarded to students who have at least completed his or her first year in an appropriate engineering or construction technology program.
   
   
2. The student must be attending a school that is based in the New England states or New York.
   
   
3. Up to three (3) - $1000 scholarships will be awarded each year. The scholarships will be awarded as follows:
   
   • The “Robert Joubert Scholarship” will be awarded to a student with an interest in the Hot Mix Asphalt industry.
   • The “Robert Barton Scholarship” will be awarded to a student with an interest in the Portland Cement Concrete industry.
   • The “Leo Stevens Scholarship” will be awarded to a student with an interest in the Hot Mix Asphalt industry, Portland Cement industry or general Civil Engineering field.
   
   
4. Students wishing to apply for the scholarships will need to fill out a detailed application that will be reviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee for consideration. Applications can be obtained by contacting NETTCP or visiting the website at www.nettcp.com.
   
   
5. Applications must be received by October 20th of each year.
   
   
6. The Scholarship Committee will review all applications and submit its recommendations to the Executive Committee for final approval.
   
   
7. Scholarships will be presented at the NETTCP Annual Meeting each December.
   
   

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Membership Policy

Overview
The development and implementation of the NorthEast Transportation Training and Certification Program (NETTCP) has been made possible through funding contributions from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the six New England states, contractors, consulting firms, private testing labs and industry associations. This funding has allowed NETTCP to develop courses, retain the services of consultants to develop manuals, conduct pilot courses, work on standardization issues, develop and print the policy and procedures manuals, etc. As more courses continue to be developed, there needs to be a partnership in funding the development of new courses and other developmental work as approved by the NETTCP Board of Directors.

The six New England states, the FHWA and the FAA have collectively committed nearly $250,000 to the initial development of the program. Industry as a whole has contributed approximately $60,000. Therefore, to encourage industry contributions and to sustain the continued development and success of the NETTCP, the following policy statement has been developed.

Founding Sponsor
Those organizations/companies that made an initial grant of at least $1,000.00 to NETTCP will be identified as Founding Sponsors The names of Founding Sponsors will be listed on NETTCP publications alongside the state agencies as the sponsoring organizations of the NETTCP.

Members
Those organizations/companies that make a yearly grant of at least $1,000.00 to NETTCP will be identified as Members. Each member will receive the following benefits:

• Member rates to attend courses
• Member companies will be invoiced for candidates attending courses
• Complimentary copies of updates to course manuals when requested
• Standing invitations to attend NETTCP Board of Directors meetings as visitors
• “Certificate of Membership”
• Name listed on NETTCP publications
• Free advertising on the NETTCP website and a link to your website
• $200 from each membership fee is placed into the NETTCP scholarship fund.

Membership will be renewed annually at the start of the calendar year (January 1) and the membership fee must be received by March 1 in order to receive all of the benefits.

Membership Application

Non-Members
Those organizations/companies or individuals that are Non-Members will be assessed a per participant fee of approximately 30% above the course cost to register individuals in the NETTCP training and certification courses.

Note: This policy is a guideline and subject to case-by-case approval by the NETTCP Executive Committee.

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