Program Overview

Joint Training and Certification Program

The Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP) was established by Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing Services to achieve consistent training and certification for all technicians involved in the transportation construction industry throughout California. The purpose of the JTCP is to improve the quality of the pavement construction practices that Caltrans and other agencies obtain, and to help reduce conflict and delay on construction projects within the state.

Program Overview

The JTCP was developed in partnership with CSULB's College of Engineering. Caltrans and contractor personnel attend the same classes, work together, and receive equivalent training. This practice fosters respect within the industry, while generating increased consistency. The JTCP also enables individuals and agencies to verify progress and certifications held by other individuals.

Program Details

• The JTCP offers training and certification in various modules, including:
  • Hot Mix Asphalt I
  • Hot Mix Asphalt II
  • Soils & Aggregates
  • Portland Cement Concrete
• Recertification sessions are available for each module, with the exception of the PCC module.
• Recertification sessions are 2-day sessions, with Day 1 being a full review of module-related test methods and Day 2 being exam day.
• To qualify for a recertification session, technicians must meet two conditions:
  1. They must have enrolled in a recertification session that occurs before or within 45 days after their certification expiration date.
  2. They must have attended the full training on their last module certification.
• If a recertification session does not reach adequate enrollment, the session will be cancelled rather than postponed.
• If a session reaches enrollment capacity, another session will not necessarily open.

Changes to the Program

• As of January 1, 2025, AASHTO T 30 – Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate will be offered in the HMA I module in conjunction with modifications to Caltrans Standard Specifications.
• CT 105 – Calculations Pertaining to Gradations and Specific Gravities will be removed from HMA I and will be available outside of the JTCP without any specific prerequisites.
• Changes to Soils & Aggregate (S&A): CT 105 is no longer a prerequisite test method within the S&A module and can be opted out of on exam day.

Certification Extensions

• Caltrans Independent Assurance will grant extensions to existing JTCP certifications for technicians who have enrolled in a session that will occur within 45 days after their certifications have expired.
• Extensions will not be provided automatically, and technicians needing an extension must contact Caltrans JTCP personnel.
• The maximum extension that may be provided is 45 days unless the recertification session has been cancelled.

Handbooks

• Handbooks will no longer be mailed out in advance of a session.
• Technicians will receive a new handbook at the session start.

Qualified Test Methods

• All module-related test methods will be available for certification regardless of a previous opt-out and regardless of the session type (regular or recertification).