NCHRP 23-05: Guidance for Training and Certification of Construction Inspectors for Transportation Infrastructure

State departments of transportation (DOTs) rely on construction inspectors (CIs) to verify that contracted construction work on transportation infrastructure projects meets standards and specifications and is in compliance with approved plans. CIs are trained and certified for expertise in one or more specific areas, such as earthwork, structures, and pavement. CIs may be state DOT staff or employed by local governments or private sector firms. Another area of change that affects the work of CIs is evolution in contracting mechanisms used to deliver transportation projects (e.g., design build or DB, construction management general contractor or CMGC, design]build]operate]maintain or DBOM, public]private partnerships or P3s). The form of the construction contracting arrangement alters how risk and responsibility are allocated among the contracting parties, which, in turn, defines the decision]making authority for the project and therefore the roles and responsibilities of project staff, including CIs. To be effective, CIs must understand the implications of contracting arrangements for their work. The skills needed for construction inspection have also evolved. An important area of change is the increasing use of technology in inspections such as remote and mobile inspection applications. These applications require CIs to be conversant with wireless and digital communications, competent with a range of software applications, and be adaptable when technology tools change or are upgraded. Inspection technology is anticipated to continue to evolve as emerging technologies, such as autonomous inspection vehicles, are adopted. The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook to help state DOTs and their partners in the transportation construction industry develop and maintain a CI training and certification program that is responsive to the changes affecting the CI workforce. The guidebook will address the following program components: . Core competencies . Formal education . Informal education . Certifications The guidebook will also address how a CI training and certification program can support geographic portability of CI certifications, career mobility within a level of responsibility, and paths to progressive responsibility.