Certification
Certification is achieved once both a written examination and a laboratory proficiency examination are passed. Certification is valid for five (5) years.
Qualifications
To become a Certified Binder Technician, a candidate, must have work experience with the testing of asphalt binders for compliance with the PG specification (AASHTO M320). Candidates must have either six (6) months of experience or sixty (60) days working directly under an NBTC or NETTCP certified technician before attempting to achieve certification.
Details
Certification courses and examinations are conducted at the Asphalt Institute Laboratory in Lexington, Kentucky and at host sites throughout the United States and Canada. Every person entering Laboratory space must wear safety glasses and a lab coat. Individuals who wear glasses must wear side shields. AI will supply required PPE, but welcomes students to bring their own PPE to ensure comfort and fit.
Capacity
This certification program has a capacity for up to 18 students per event. Because of practical exam scheduling constraints, all registrants beyond the eighth must plan to finish on Friday AM.
Re-certification
Certification is valid for five (5) years. Technicians certified through the NBTC program will be reminded by the Asphalt Institute one (1) year in advance of their expiration date, and again at six (6) months prior, to prepare for re-certification. Re-certification is achieved by attending the NBTC program’s review course and successfully passing the examinations. This continuing education component, which is used by many states as a requirement to renew the license of professional engineers, ensures that the technician is current with the most recent changes in asphalt binder testing procedures and laboratory practices.