This practice provides basic criteria for the development and operation of a certification organization, selection of examination material for a written examination, and the scope and details of a performance test. The qualifications of the examiner and limitations on the relationship between the examiner and the examinee are given in this practice.

The basic criteria provided by this practice is intended to be supplemented by more specific criteria serving the requirements of the certification organization.

It is unrealistic and unintended that each individual be certified for every test that the employing agency performs. Rather it should be a goal of an agency that a majority of personnel normally performing a given test are certified. Depending on the purpose of the testing, it may be appropriate for the client to specify whether or not a certified technician should perform a given test.

Although this practice calls for certification specific to a single ASTM test method, it is not intended that the certification organization avoid grouping related test methods in the interest of efficiency.

1.1 This practice provides a guide for evaluation and certification procedures for personnel engaged in testing soil and rock in accordance with ASTM test methods and is intended for use by independent organizations providing certification services.

1.2 Qualifications for certification candidates, qualifications of those administering the certification examinations, methods of administering the certification tests, and certain certification organization operating requirements are given.

1.3 Certification is specific to a single ASTM test method. A monitored written examination and a monitored performance examination are normally required.

Note 1—Personnel certification may be an important aspect of a quality system as described in Practice D 3740. Certification of personnel is one means of meeting personnel qualifications given in Practice D 3740.

1.4 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.

1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.