The American Concrete Institute’s two masonry testing certification programs are now cited in TMS 402/602-16: Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures. Published in December 2016, the newly updated masonry documents include language referencing certification in accordance with the Masonry Field Testing Technician and Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician programs.
As stated in section 1.6 A of TMS 402/602: “Masonry testing laboratory personnel who are certified in accordance with ACI Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician Certification Program, or equivalent program, are qualified.” Additionally, section 1.6 B states: “Field technicians who are certified in accordance with the requirements of ACI Masonry Field Testing Technician Certification Program, or an equivalent program, are qualified to observe and/or prepare masonry specimens.” It is expected that the programs will be referenced in the 2018 International Building Code and International Residential Code.
ACI’s masonry testing programs provide certifications to those technicians working in the laboratory or in the field who can demonstrate the technical knowledge and skills required for sampling and testing of masonry units, mortars, grout, and prisms. They are based on content from ASTM specifications.
At World of Concrete, the American Concrete Institute launched a new section of its www.concrete.org website called ‘Why Certification.’ The pages serve as a resource for individuals, specifiers, and employers looking for more information on why certification is important for careers and businesses. Specific resources include: listing of where ACI certification is required; sample language for requiring certification; steps for individuals to get certified; steps for employers to get their people certified; testimonials from industry peers; and more.
