Overview

Beginning June 1, 2021 all inspectors working on WSDOT highway construction projects are required to be certified through a recognized inspector training and certification program. This is a current requirement for WSDOT inspectors. The change will apply to consultant inspectors hired by WSDOT and to all Design Build contracts requiring that the Design Builders use certified inspectors.

Reasons for This Requirement

1. To broaden inspector knowledge base through training and inspection experience
2. To ensure consistency in the administration of quality control
3. To ensure that only quality materials and workmanship are employed
4. To mirror the success resulting from certifying WSDOT employed inspectors

General Inspector Certification

In order to satisfy the mandatory requirements of the WSDOTCICP and become certified as a General Inspector, an inspector must demonstrate proficiency by achieving a minimum passing score of 75% on each of the ten open book examinations.  There are self-study, online, instructor led courses and/or resource material available in each of the subject areas to help prepare for the exams. However, it is not required to complete the courses prior to taking the exams. Each exam has resource material available to use during the exam. Below is a list of the exams with related courses.

Subject Area Exam Topics

1. Technical Mathematics
2. Contract Plans Reading
3. Basic Surveying
4. Composing an Inspector’s Daily Report
5. Force Account Documentation & Payment
6. Materials Documentation
7. Inspector’s Role for Change Order Work
8. Inspector Safety
9. Utilizing Resources
10. Environmental
11. Work Zone Traffic Control

If a passing score is not attained, the employee must wait three days to retake the exam. The employee is required to successfully complete the course before progressing to the next exam for that subject matter.

Subdivision Certification

While not mandatory, it is encouraged that Certified General Inspectors obtain Subdivision Certifications. In order to obtain a Subdivision Certification, an Inspector must:

1. Be a Certified General Inspector
2. Achieve a minimum passing score of 80% on the exam

There are courses available in each of the subject areas to help prepare for the exams. However, it is not required to complete the courses prior to taking the exams. Each exam has resource material available to use during the exam. Below is a list of the exams with related courses and resource materials.

Division 2

• Earthwork

Division 5

• Hot Mix Asphalt Placement
• Portland Cement Concrete Pavement

Division 6

• Structures
• Cast-in-Place Concrete
• Foundations
• Concrete Bridges
• Steel Bridges
• Structural Earth Walls
• Tieback Walls
• Concrete Walls

Division 7

• Drainage

Division 8

• Guardrail
• Signing
• Illumination, Signals, Electrical & ITS