ASTM D5255-01(2008)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Certification of Personnel Engaged in the Testing of Soil and Rock
Standard Practice for Certification of Personnel Engaged in the Testing of Soil and Rock
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
SCOPE
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.
General Information
Relations
Buy Standard
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D5255 −01(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Practice for
Certification of Personnel Engaged in the Testing of Soil
and Rock
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice provides a guide for evaluation and certi- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
fication procedures for personnel engaged in testing soil and D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
rock in accordance with ASTM test methods and is intended Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
for use by independent organizations providing certification Used in Engineering Design and Construction
services.
3. Terminology
1.2 Qualifications for certification candidates, qualifications
3.1 Definitions:
of those administering the certification examinations, methods
3.1.1 agency—an organization, or part of an organization,
of administering the certification tests, and certain certification
engaged in activities of technically oriented testing or
organization operating requirements are given.
inspection, or both.
1.3 Certification is specific to a singleASTM test method.A
3.1.2 inspection—the process of measuring, examining,
monitored written examination and a monitored performance
testing, gaging, or using other procedures to ascertain the
examination are normally required.
quality or state, detect errors or defects or otherwise appraise
NOTE1—Personnelcertificationmaybeanimportantaspectofaquality
materials, products, services, systems, or environments to a
system as described in Practice D3740. Certification of personnel is one
pre-established standard.
means of meeting personnel qualifications given in Practice D3740.
3.1.3 testing—the determination by technical means of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
properties, performance, or elements of materials, products,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
services, systems, or environments that may involve applica-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tion of established scientific principles and procedures.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 certificant—the individual who has been certified by
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace the certification organization.
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
3.2.2 certification—an action which determines and an-
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
nounces that an individual has fulfilled the pre-established
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
requirements and is competent to perform the designated
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
task(s) associated with a single ASTM test method.
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
3.2.3 certification organization—an independent body en-
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
gaged in the evaluation and credentialing of the knowledge and
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
abilities of individuals performing specified tasks.
title of this document means only that the document has been
3.2.4 examinee—certification applicant involved in the ex-
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
amination process.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.99 on Quality Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published July 2008. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D5255 – 01. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D5255-01R08. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5255−01 (2008)
3.2.5 examiner—a qualified professional who administers 5.2.1 The certification organization shall disclose, through
and evaluates the performance examination component of the publication of a publicly available document, evidence that the
certification process. organization has the financial resources to properly conduct the
certification activities.
3.2.6 personnel—employees of inspection and testing agen-
5.2.2 The certification organization shall disclose, through
cies who perform soil and rock tests.
publication of a publicly available document, evidence that its
3.2.7 proctor—the individual responsible for administering
staff possesses the knowledge and skill necessary to conduct
the written examination component of the certification process.
the certification activities or has available and makes use of
3.2.8 qualified professional—a professional engineer or
non-staff consultants and professionals to sufficiently supple-
similar professional who is recognized by peers and associates
ment staff knowledge and skill.
as having soil and rock testing expertise.
5.3 Responsibilities:
3.2.9 specifying entity—the organization requiring the certi-
5.3.1 The certification organization shall disclose, through
fication through provisions in contracts, standards, regulations,
publication of a publicly available document, evidence that the
codes, and legislation.
mechanism used to evaluate individual competence is objec-
tive, fair, and based on the knowledge and skills needed to
4. Significance and Use
properly perform the test method(s).
4.1 This practice provides basic criteria for the development
5.3.2 The certification organization shall publish, at least
and operation of a certification organization, selection of
annually, a summary of certification activities to include
examination material for a written examination, and the scope
number tested, number passing the examinations, number
and details of a performance test. The qualifications of the
certified, and, when applicable, number re-certified.
examiner and limitations on the relationship between the
5.3.3 The certification organization shall provide a mecha-
examiner and the examinee are given in this practice.
nism for responding to inquiries from individuals and organi-
4.2 Thebasiccriteriaprovidedbythispracticeisintendedto
zations wanting to verify that a particular certificant has a
be supplemented by more specific criteria serving the require-
specific certification.
ments of the certification organization.
5.4 Records:
4.3 It is unrealistic and unintended that each individual be
5.4.1 The files of the certification organization should con-
certified for every test that the employing agency performs.
tain at least the following:
Rather it should be a goal of an agency that a majority of
5.4.1.1 Examination identity and date administered,
personnel normally performing a given test are certified.
5.4.1.2 Examination question source,
Depending on the purpose of the testing, it may be appropriate
5.4.1.3 Identity and qualifications of written examination
for the client to specify whether or not a certified t
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation:D5255–97 Designation: D 5255 – 01 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Practice for
Certification of Personnel Engaged in the Testing of Soil
and Rock
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
´ NOTE—Paragraph 1.5 was added editorially October 1998.
1. Scope
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 pPractice D 3740. Certification of personnel is one
means of meeting personnel qualifications given in pPractice 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements For Agencies Engaged In the Testing Of Soil and Rock As Used In Engineering,
Design, and Construction.
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 agency—an organization, or part of an organization, engaged in activities of technically oriented testing or inspection, or
both.
3.1.2 inspection—the process of measuring, examining, testing, gaging, or using other procedures to ascertain the quality or
state, detect errors or defects or otherwise appraise materials, products, services, systems, or environments to a pre-established
standard.
3.1.3 testing—the determination by technical means of properties, performance, or elements of materials, products, services,
systems, or environments that may involve application of established scientific principles and procedures.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 certificant—the individual who has been certified by the certification organization.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.99 on Quality Control.
Current edition approved May 10, 1997.July 1, 2008. Published November 1997.July 2008. Originally published as D5255–92.approved in 1992. Last previous edition
D5255–92.approved in 2001 as D 5255 – 01.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.08.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5255 – 01 (2008)
3.2.2 certification—an action which determines and announces that an individual has fulfilled the pre-established requirements
and is competent to perform the designated task(s) associated with a single ASTM test method.
3.2.3 certification organization—an independent body engaged in the evaluation and credentialing of the knowledge and
abilities of individuals performing specified tasks.
3.2.4 examinee—certification applicant involved in the examination process.
3.2.5 examiner—a qualified professional who administers and evaluates the performance examination component of the
certification process.
3.2.6 personnel—employees of inspection and testing agencies who perform soil and rock tests.
3.2.7 proctor—the individual responsible for administering the written examination component of the certification process.
3.2.8 qualified professional—a professional engineer or similar professional who is recognized by peers and associates as
having soil and rock testing expertise.
3.2.9 specifying entity—the organization requiring the certification through provisions in contracts, standards, regulations,
codes, and legislation.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 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.
4.2 Thebasiccriteriaprovidedbythispracticeisintendedtobesupplementedbymorespecificcriteriaservingtherequirements
of the certification organization.
4.3 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.
4.4 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.
5. Certification Organization
5.1 Structure:
5.1.1 The certification organization shall be administratively independent in matters pertaining to certification.Administratively
independent means that all policy decisions relating to certification matters are the sole decision of the certifying organization and
not subject to approval by any other body and that all financial matters related to the operation of the certifying organization are
segregated from those of the parent or affiliated organization.
5.1.1.1 A certifying organization that is not a legal entity in and of itself shall provide proof that the organization’s governing
body is administratively independent in certification matters from the organization of which it is part.
5.1.2 The certification organization shall disclose, through publication of a publicly available document, rules and procedures
that describe how the certificant, the employer, and the specifying entity have input into the policies and
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.