1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for field and laboratory personnel, for establishing and maintaining a quality system, and establishes minimum qualifications for agencies engaged in the testing and inspection of bituminous paving materials.

1.2 Criteria are provided for evaluating the capability of an agency to properly perform designated tests on bituminous paving materials, and for establishing guidelines pertaining to an agency's organization, personnel, facilities, and quality system. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria, such as that in Specification E329, and requirements for particular projects.

1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate testing or inspection agencies, or both, and is intended for use for the qualifying or accrediting, or both, of testing or inspection agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of bituminous paving materials.

1.4 Accreditian is required to comply with this standard (See 8.1.5).

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.