ACI Remains Steadfast in Support of Certified Workers

Ron Burg

For nearly 40 years, ACI Certification has been providing individuals with the necessary credentials to improve jobsite safety, reduce waste of materials, and identify design and construction challenges.

Although the past year has taken a toll on many industries including our own, ACI Certification has continued to help keep concrete construction moving forward. While the number of individuals certified by ACI decreased over previous record-setting years, still, over 15,000 certification credentials were issued in 2020, with 2021 activity levels increasing to currently stand at 2019 levels, our busiest year.

And in 2020, the Institute remained steadfast in enhancing its certification offerings to support our industry through the launch of two new certification programs: the Shotcrete Inspector and Nondestructive Testing Specialist – Concrete Strength. Through coordination with Prometric Testing, individuals were also able to schedule remote testing options for ACI Certification exams.

Nowhere is this effort more prevalent than in the soft opening of the inaugural ACI Resource Center in San Bernardino, Calif., late last year. In coordination with ACI chapters and sponsoring groups, the ACI Resource Center – Southern California, offers direct, on-demand access to all ACI Certification programs, plus hands-on training and educational offerings from the Institute. Conveniently located in a high-demand region, inspectors, contractors, designers, and engineers now have access to a facility dedicated to expanding their concrete knowledge. Grand opening programming in Southern California is anticipated in Spring 2021, followed by additional Resource Centers throughout the U.S.

With many changes to how we learn and access information over these past 12 months, ACI Certification adapted its approach in providing training materials for a variety of programs. Working with the ACI University team, we’re now proud to offer online training for several ACI Certification programs including:

ACI’s sponsoring groups around the globe are adapting to safely meet the needs of our industry. The capacity to continue offering certification programs to individuals with differing abilities to travel highlights the dedication of ACI Certification sponsoring groups.

As we continue to navigate uncharted territory, know that ACI is here to support you with all your concrete knowledge needs. With more than 125,000 current active ACI certifications, I am confident this signals our industry remains always advancing.

Ronald G. Burg, PE, FACI, is the Executive Vice President  of the American Concrete Institute.