Frequently Asked Questions
This document addresses questions often asked by individuals and employers interested in the WAQTC Sampling Technician Qualification Training Program.
- Q 1: What is the WAQTC mission?
- Q 2: What is the TTQP?
- Q 3: What are the Qualification Areas of this program?
- Q 4: Are there tests involved to become qualified?
- Q 5: How do I get started?
- Q 6: How much does it cost?
- Q 7: How do I get qualified in any of the qualification areas?
- Q 8: What kind of jobs and pay can I get with WAQTC Materials Technician Qualification?
Q 1: What is the WAQTC Mission?
Provide leadership in the pursuit of continuously improving quality in transportation construction. Through our partnership, we will:
- promote an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, and communication between government agencies and the private sector
- respond in a unified and consistent manner to identified quality improvement needs and new technologies that impact the products that we provide
- provide a forum to promote uniform test standards
- provide highly skilled, knowledgeable materials sampling and testing technicians
- provide reciprocity for Qualified testing technicians between accredited Agencies
The TTQP consists of instruction and qualification based on field materials testing procedures that are agreed to by WAQTC members. The program ensures that participating individuals have demonstrated abilities to engage in quality control, quality acceptance, and quality assurance activities in transportation construction work. Oversight of the TTQP is the responsibility of the Qualification Advisory Committee (QAC) that reports directly to the Executive Committee. TTQP Objectives:
- To provide highly skilled, knowledgeable materials sampling and
- testing technicians
- To promote uniformity and consistency in testing
- To provide reciprocity for Qualified testing technicians between
- participating Agencies
- To provide quality improvement
- To create a harmonious working atmosphere between public and private
- employees based upon trust, open communication, and equality of qualification
Current WAQTC Materails Technician Qualification Areas are:
- Aggregate
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Embankment & Base
- In-Place Density
- Alaska Sampling
Downloadable versions of the WAQTC Training Manuals for each qualification area can be found on this web site.
Prerequisites for training in the Qualification Areas include:
- Basic Math Review
- Calculations & Measurements
Yes there are written (proctored) examinations for each area. There are also Performance Examinations where you are given guidance by a WAQTC Instructor and then you properly perform each test in front of the Instructor. The examinations are not complicated but geared for you to demonstrate basic knowledge of the procedures.
Q 5: How do I get started?Complete the WAQTC Application form that is available on this web site and submit it to one of the WAQTC Coordinators whose contact information is also shown on this web site.
Q 6: How much does it cost for the performance exam?The lab exam cost is $177/hr regular time, and $202/hr for overtime, to have use of the lab facility, and access to a qualified instructor, for the duration of the examination process. The exact cost will vary by individual, as exam times will be based on an individual’s personal performance, and the amount of time allotted to complete the exam.
Q 7: How do I get qualified in any of the qualification areas?After filling out the WAQTC Application and submitting to the Coordinator and with the account set up, log into the WAQTC Training site and take the on-line courses as time allows. Once you have completed the on-line training and feel ready for examination, contact the WAQTC Coordinator to set up a time and location for the proctored examination and performance examinations. You get three chances a year at the proctored written examination and two changes a year at the performance examination. The first written examination attempt is before doing the performance testing and if for some reason you fail the first time, then you are given a second opportunity after performance testing. If a third attempt for the written examination is required, additional study and review shall be done. Once you have passed both examinations the WAQTC Coordinator will assign you a WAQTC number and give you a Certificate of Qualification for the area completed.
Q 8: What kind of jobs and pay can I get with WAQTC Materials Technician Qualification?Once you are qualified, you will be eligible for hire by both public and private employers to perform materials testing on projects for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Pay is dependent on whether the job is public sector or private and additional areas of qualification and experience.