Recent Changes to ART and HMA Level I Courses
As you may know, there are several challenges that a technician must overcome to be considered ready for the certification courses particularly the HMA Asphalt Roadway Technician (ART) and HMA Level I classes. The greatest demand for certification is for the ART class, it surpasses several times the number of certifications and re-certifications compared to all of the other courses combined.
Although these are officially certification courses not training sessions, most would agree that the skill level of many applicants has declined, leading the courses to gradually shift toward more of a training format. Currently, eligibility for these courses begins with completing a general experience form, which requires a minimum of six months of hands-on experience, typically obtained by working alongside a certified technician. This checklist also expects a foundational understanding of SCDOT specifications, testing procedures, and routine job responsibilities.
A growing concern has been how to improve the preparedness of candidates before they enter certification programs. The straightforward solution is to provide more training opportunities that help technicians build confidence in executing tasks, performing tests, and making decisions independently.
To support this goal, recent changes have been introduced to raise the expectations for students entering the program. One key change is requiring candidates to be more proficient before taking the courses, emphasizing repeated practice to build confidence and competence, particularly in front of instructors, peers, and inspectors.
A notable adjustment includes modifying the exam format. In upcoming ART courses, Part 1 of the exam will now be closed-book, focusing on problem-solving skills, while Part 2 will remain open-book and assess understanding of specifications. For the HMA Level I class, the hands-on demonstration portion of the exam will also be closed book and will require 100% accuracy. If a technician makes a mistake, they will have the opportunity to redo the demonstration later that same day similar to what is done in the earthwork courses. The remainder of the Level I course will continue to use open-book assessments.