ICPI offers two new certification exams at show
Two new classroom-based certificate programs will be offered across North America by Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) member companies. Taught by ICPI-trained instructors, the courses target concrete paver installers who have successfully completed ICPI's Level I paver installation program.

This new tier of training program is presented in response to increased use of concrete pavers in construction projects. The first of these new certificate programs will be sponsored by ICPI and will take place at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 4-5. Subsequent course offerings are listed on ICPI's Calendar of Events at icpi.org.

The Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) Installer Technician Certificate Course is for contractors expanding into the permeable pavement market. This two day program helps potential and existing PICP contractors learn industry-established guidelines for residential and commercial PICP applications. Professionals with this new credential gain an advantage in competition for construction projects. Professionals with this new credential gain an advantage in competition for construction projects.

The PICP program content includes: PICP overview and systems; job planning and documentation; job layout, flow and estimating quantities; soil and site characteristics; sub-base and base materials; edge restraints; bedding and jointing materials; and paver selection and installation maintenance.

The Level II Concrete Paver Installer Certificate Course, which will be taught March 19-20 in San Antonio, Texas, during Icon Expo, is tailored to contractors experienced in residential paver projects who are seeking to expand into municipal and commercial paver projects. Concrete pavers are gaining popularity for use in some of the largest North-American construction projects because of their strength, durability, and aesthetics. Professionals earning this new credential will be equipped with technical, planning and business skills to help win bids for these larger projects.

Level II course content, details of which are at icpi.org, include: introduction, objectives and prerequisite; pavement design overview; stabilized bases; bedding sand hardness and durability; overlays and inlays; rigid applications; roof plaza decks; crosswalks; concrete grid pavements; commercial installation and mechanical installation; contracts overview, masterformat, general conditions and liens; construction details, plan reading, submittals, and retainage.

For more information call Jackie Conklin at 703-657-6900 or see icpi.org.

Concrete Industry Management 2010 Auction
The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program will have its fifth annual auction at noon Feb. 4 at the 2010 World of Concrete in the North Hall Room N262 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Organizers say they hope the 2010 auction will be bigger than the 2009 auction, which raised about $300,000.

Items to be auctioned include a McNeilus cement mixer, cement from LaFarge and Holcim, and a batch panel system from Command Alkon. In addition to the live auction, there will also be a silent auction.

Other items available through the silent and live auctions include concrete saws, drills, vibrators, scaffolding, safety equipment, screeds, fiber transport systems, dust collectors, NDT equipment, decorative concrete tools, water meters, pumps, generators, training sessions, reference books, advertisements, computers, sports memorabilia, sports travel packages, golf school packages and vacation travel packages.

ACI schedules WOC seminars, exams during WOC
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) will offer three ACI certification training seminars and examinations to be held during the World of Concrete show, Feb. 1-5, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician program focuses on the ability of a craftsman to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure, and protect concrete flatwork. The seminar will be 8-11 a.m. Feb. 3; and the exam will be 1-3 p.m. Feb. 3.

The ACI Specialty/Commercial Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician program focuses on the finishing procedures for Specialty Commercial/Industrial Concrete Flatwork Finishing, including high tolerance floor construction, application of surface treatments, and silica fume concrete, and operating mechanized finishing equipment. The seminar will be 1-4 p.m. Feb. 1; the exam will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 2; and the performance examination will be 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 2.

The ACI Tilt-Up Supervisor/Technician program focuses on the proficiency and understanding of overall on-site administrative and technical management for producing tilt-up projects. The seminar will be 1-4 p.m. Feb. 4; and the exam will be 4-6 p.m. Feb. 4.

For more information, see ACIcertification.com.