The testing and inspection of construction and the materials in construction is an important element in obtaining quality construction in general compliance to the contract documents. A construction inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency, or both, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.

This specification provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.

The intent of this specification is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.

Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:

Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this specification,

Assessing the agency-submitted information from the accreditation body, and

On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.

This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.

1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel engaged in:
a. Construction Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
b. Special Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
c. Testing of materials used in construction.

1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the competence of an agency to properly perform designated tests, inspections, or Special Inspection services, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, test and inspection methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements if required.

1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the test or inspection will be performed, or both. Specific or general requirements include:

1.2.1.1 Technical competency of staff,

1.2.1.2 Validity and appropriateness of test and inspection methods and procedures,

1.2.1.3 Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards,

1.2.1.4 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment,

1.2.1.5 Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items,

1.2.1.6 Quality assurance of test and inspection data,

1.2.1.7 Reporting of test and inspection data or findings, and

1.2.1.8 Non Conformance Report (NCR) management and records.

1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying or accrediting, or both, agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing of materials and Construction or Special inspection of construction and materials used in construction. These inspection services include but are not limited to reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel erection, welding, bolting, soil and rock, foundations, masonry, sprayed fire-resistive materials, fire stops, exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and Special Cases. Building officials can use Specification E329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of Construction inspection or Special inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E329.

1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.

1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.