To answer these questions we turn to several existing and new national standards that attempt to define the differences and set industry standards that we hope will be widely adopted in the future. The standards for a certification program are set forth in ISO 17024, which is a standard that is recognized throughout the World and is titled "General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certifications of Persons." Until recently, there was no single recognized standard defining certificate programs. Now a new ASTM Standard E2659 clarifies both certificates and certificate programs.

 

In a recent issue of ASTM Standardization News (Nov-Dec 2009), the distinction between the two programs is discussed..."The primary distinctions between certification and certificate programs are their purpose and core design...certification assesses an individuals current knowledge and skills, and identifies those who meet minimum established criteria. A certificate program provides education." "A certificate is like a diploma. A student receives confirmation, typically on paper, dated and signed, that signifies he or she learned something. They own it." On the other hand "Certification is a process, a living thing. Its not based entirely on a learning event like the certificate; instead it documents an individual's collective knowledge and skill in a subject matter, and then tracks that the individual keeps current and maintains that working knowledge; it's ongoing and revocable."

 

The Post Tensioning Ironworker Certification Program is designed to meet the requirements of being a certification program, as defined by ISO 17024. The combination of prerequisites, the Code of Conduct, and the certification exam are designed to assess a persons current knowledge and skills. The renewal process requires continuing education and involvement in the industry to insure that the certified person maintains their working knowledge. Finally, the code of conduct and enforcement policies are designed to allow revocation of certification credentials from those who do not meet the program's standards. Our certification program is the best tool available to project management personnel for qualifying the people who will be installing, stressing, and grouting post-tensioning systems on the Nation's bridges, buildings, and other concrete structures.