Materials Technician Certification Program

This program was created by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2019 to develop a pool of qualified Materials Technicians consisting of CDOT and consultant staff. Limited knowledge on what is expected of a technician on a CDOT project has led to issues such as communication gaps, lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities, lack of preparation when arriving on projects, and lack of knowledge related to testing and documentation requirements. This program is designed to address those issues.

The Materials Technician Certification Program consists of two separate courses:

  • Facilitator-led SiteManager Materials and LIMS–Sampler/Tester class
  • Materials Technician Certification eLearning, with end-of-course exam

All Materials Technicians—whether from CDOT or a consultant—must demonstrate proficiency by passing the end-of-course exam and earning their certification. 

These two courses are free of cost but require a separate registration. The SiteManager Materials and LIMS–Sampler/Tester class must be completed before registering for the Materials Technician Certification eLearning.

SiteManager Materials & LIMS | Sampler/Tester Dates

Visit the Data Program & Project Analysis Training web page for training dates and information on how to register for the SiteManager Materials & LIMS Sampler/Tester course. If you've already taken the SiteManager Materials & LIMS course and need access to the Materials Technician Certification eLearning, visit the Access the LMS web page to request a SOC Learns account. 

All SiteManager Materials & LIMS sessions are currently held virtually.

Course Descriptions

CDOT SiteManager Materials (SMM)/Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) 

In this course, trainees will use laptops to log into the training sites for SiteManager Materials (SMM) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as well as CDOT’s Application for Reporting (CAR), and follow along with the instructor in hands-on exercises to add, modify, and view project materials data and reports in the system. After each major topic, trainees will individually complete a review exercise to perform the learned task. The objective of this course is for CDOT staff and project consultants to learn how to navigate through and use the SMM and LIMS systems in support of their pavement projects. 

CDOT Materials Technician Training (eLearning)

This online certification course is designed for materials testers who are new to working with CDOT (both consultants and new CDOT hires), providing them with information and simulated situations where they can learn about and practice the CDOT approach to administering testing, documentation, and communication on construction projects. By the end of the course, materials testers will understand their role as a materials tester on a CDOT project and be able to find and use available resources, follow best practices for tasks throughout the project, communicate with team members, enter and verify data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and follow appropriate documentation procedures. 

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to: 

  • Use available resources (FMM, Standard Specifications, Project Special Provisions, plan sheets, etc.).
  • Understand best practices, requirements, and processes for sampling, testing, and documentation. 
  • Understand the role of a materials tester on a CDOT project. 
  • Recognize the importance of communication throughout the project, including whom to communicate with, and when. 
  • Understand basic rules for data entry in LIMS,  and be able to recognize errors in data entry and identify causes and solutions. 
  • Recognize the importance of documentation and how to maintain documentation throughout the project.

Prerequisites include successful completion of CDOT's SiteManager Materials and LIMS–Sampler/Tester classroom training, and at least one current CDOT certification for asphalt, concrete, and/or soil testing.

To receive credit for this course, participants must pass the end-of-course assessment with a score of 70% or higher. If a participant fails the assessment three times, they will be locked out of the course.