As 2017 starts to wind down for paving projects and other business, plans for 2018 VECAT courses and programs are in full swing to be ready in time for ringing in the new year. 2018 will bring with it a few important changes to VDOT policies, which in turn will impact VECAT courses. It is important to communicate these changes to appropriate staff as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition for those who will be taking courses in the new year.

 

As introduced by Andy Babish, VDOT State Materials Engineer, at VAA’s Fall Asphalt Conference on October 2-5, 2017, VDOT will be implementing the following changes beginning in January 2018:

 

Beginning in January 2018, there will no longer be an Aggregate Properties Certification. Questions about this change can be delivered to Duane Sayre at (804) 328-3150.

 

Also beginning in January 2018, all VDOT materials certifications will have an active life-cycle of five (5) years. At the end of this time frame, the certification will expire and its holder will be required to complete the same requirements as for a new certification. This includes the full course (classroom or online options are open to individual choice and/or availability), written exam, applicable proficiency exams and any prerequisite certifications. Please note that pre-requisite courses for a higher-level course (i.e. Plant I and II for Mix Design) do not need to be completed prior to that course if those certifications are active.

 

Students will be allowed a total of 2 attempts within a calendar year (2 attempts at written exam, 2 attempts at proficiency test if applicable) to successfully pass the requirements to obtain a desired certification. If the student is not successful within these two attempts, he/she is no longer eligible for that certification within that calendar year and must wait until the next calendar year to be eligible to try again.