Level III Standards

TM-103, Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level III Training Manual, is the study text used for Level III certification. Topics include:

  • Properties of concrete components
  • Properties of fresh concrete
  • Properties of hardened concrete
  • Concrete mixture design
  • Alternative testing for concrete
  • Deflected prestressing strands
  • Tolerances
  • Advanced welding concepts

Level III Required Skills and Knowledge

Candidates for PCI Certified Level III Quality Control Technician/Inspector should be familiar with:

  • topics covered by Level II certification,
  • concrete properties and concrete mixture design,
  • calibration requirements, structural welding, and of precast concrete construction tolerances, and
  • tensioning of draped strands.

Candidates for PCI Certified Level III Quality Control Technician/Inspector should have experience:

  • analyzing coarse and fine aggregates, concrete coloring and surface staining; and
  • using and applying concrete curing compounds, form release agents, surface retarders and sealers.

Candidates for PCI certification must have the knowledge of basic math and algebra. Additional resources to help candidates assess their knowledge and access refresher training are available on the Basic Math Skill Requirements section, under Policies and Procedures.

Level III Requirements

  • Candidates for Level III certification must meet the following requirements:
  • Hold an active PCI Level II certification
  • Submit a signed and endorsed Level III certification application
  • Attend a PCI Level III training course
  • Meet one of the following experience/education requirements:
    • Two (2) years of experience in a precast concrete plant
    • Three (3) years of experience in a related field
    • One year of experience in the employ of a precast concrete plant and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or related field
    • One year of experience as an employee of a precast concrete plant and an associate degree in concrete technology
  • Pass a PCI Level III certification examination

Level III Certification Examination

The Level III exam is a closed-book examination with 65 multiple-choice questions. The examinee is allowed two hours (120 minutes) to complete the examination, and a final score of 70% is required to pass the examination.

Level III Recertification

Level III certification is valid for a period of five years from the examination date. Certification renewal is required every five years. Renewal requires completion of a certification application and must include evidence of acceptable continuing education and/or training.  Continuing education or training must include one of the following:

  1. Attend a PCI approved QC school (without taking the examination)
  2. Pass the certification examination administered by proctor
  3. Submit evidence of fifteen (15) hours (total for five (5) years) of continuing education or training in the field of quality control, design, concrete, prestressing, finishing or other topics relevant to the precast concrete industry
  4. Submit evidence of 36 months, (total for five (5) years) of continuing work experience in the field of quality control, engineering or production in the precast industry.

Failure to recertify within ninety (90) days after the expiration date shall require re-examination for Level III. Failure to recertify within twelve (12) months after the expiration date shall require re-examination and recertification as Level I, Level II, and Level III, and the individual’s certification records will reflect a gap in certification.