2026 Changes to WAQTC+SI Testing

In order to offer more flexible scheduling, provide easier access to the WAQTC Certification, and encourage adequate preparation, we will be implementing digital testing, transitioning away from the paper examinations starting in April 2026. These changes align with other WAQTC member state testing processes.   In July, the digital testing will completely replace the written exams, and written in-person exams will NO LONGER BE OFFERED for full CDOT certification. Digital testing will be hosted at Kryterion testing centers across the state, not at CDOT facilities. The SI-only certification and practical demonstrations will remain in-person at designated CDOT facilities. Companies are responsible for training their technicians and preparing for this new format. 

This change allows: 

• Technicians to make an appointment at a testing center that is in a convenient location for them, rather than commuting to Denver.     

• Technicians to pick their own time and date to take the exam when they are ready, and their schedules allow.  

• Technicians to decide when they feel they are trained, knowledgeable, and ready to take the test.   

Full Certification (WAQTC +SI):

Starting in April 2025, technicians can sign up for a WAQTC+SI test at the Kryterion testing center of their choice and at the time and date of their choice.  The test will be administered on a computer, with access to a digital version of the CDOT Soils Inspector Manual during the exam. The manual provided during the exam is searchable and the most up-to-date version.  Technicians will find out their results shortly after completion of the test. Verification of a passing score should be saved and/or printed.   Proof of passing will be required to register for the practical demonstrations.  

Once technicians have passed the digital testing, they can sign up for the in-person practical demonstrations using the same process as a “Lab Only” registration.  The practical demonstrations will take place IN PERSON, at designated CDOT facilities.   Technicians must to present proof of passing the digital exam, then complete the calculation packet and practical demonstrations.   Once technicians have passed both the digital test and the practical demonstrations, they will receive their certification by email, as in previous years.

Things to note regarding the new electronic testing and in-person lab demonstrations:  

• No outside notes, books, or training material will be permitted in the Digital Testing Centers.   

• Technicians wishing to get certified MUST bring a calculator, reading glasses, etc. Calculators will NOT be provided at the testing centers, and phones are not permitted during the testing process.    

• The Kryterion testing centers will not be able to answer technical questions about the tests, so technicians should come knowledgeable and prepared. 

• Technician “TBD” slots will not be accepted in the Digital Testing System. Technicians are required to provide personal information at the time of registration that will be verified at the Digital Testing Centers. Any discrepancy will result in not being able to take the test and loss of registration fee.

• Technicians will have one chance per time slot to pass the digital test. If they do not pass the tests, they will have to register for another time slot and pay the registration fee again. 

• As before, the lab practicals will take place at the CDOT facility at 4670 Holly St., Denver, CO 80216, with additional locations to be added in Durango, Grand Junction, and other areas in the future as needs are assessed.

Soil Inspector Only: 

The “Soil Inspector Only” certification will continue to be offered as an in-person written exam at the CDOT facility at 4670 Holly St., Denver, CO 80216. 

• The SI Only certification will be available through June 2026, as it has been previously.  

• The SI Only certification will not be available from July 2026 through December 2026.   

• Starting in 2027, the SI Only Certification will be offered twice a year.  Sign-up for those sessions will be provided on the CDOT WAQTC website starting in November 2026 and will be designated “SI Only”. Full certifications (WAQTC+SI) will not be offered during these sessions.

 Timeline

• From January 2026 to April 2026, the testing will take place as it has in previous years, with in-person written tests and practical demonstrations on the same day as indicated in the following 2026 WAQTC Schedule table in white. 

• From April through the end of June 2026, the sessions will continue to take place as in previous years, with the added digital testing option. If a technician passes the digital testing, they can sign up for the “Lab Only” slot.  They will still have to show up on the scheduled date and will have the entire duration of the session (07:00 to 16:00) to complete their calculation packet and the 9 practical demonstrations. Technicians must bring proof of passing digital exams with them to the practical demonstration, or they will be turned away, have to reschedule, and pay for another slot. Refunds will not be provided. 

•  At the beginning of July, the written testing will be phased out completely.   The WAQTC+SI test will only be offered digitally at Kryterion locations. All sessions after July 1st will be Lab Only sessions, where technicians can sign up to complete the calculation packet and practical demonstrations after they have passed the digital tests.  Technicians must bring proof of passing digital exams with them to the practical demonstration, or they will be turned away.  Technicians should arrive at 7:00 am to start their calculation packet and then perform lab demonstrations. Lab demonstration sessions will end strictly at 4:00 pm, regardless of when the technician arrives, how many demonstrations they have left, or any other reason. Any technicians who have not finished the calculation packet and all lab demonstrations will be marked as failing and need to reschedule, pay registration, and return at another time to redo the calculation packet and all lab demonstrations. Their work will not be saved or recorded to pick up later where they left off.

• In November of 2026, the schedule for Lab Practicals and SI Only for 2027 will be released.  Starting in 2027, the SI Only Certification will be offered twice a year on designated days.  

* Subject to change due to unavoidable conflicts or weather

** The class sizes for Practical Only may be adjusted to meet demand.

Important Reminders: 

• Those wishing to certify are expected to have a minimum of two months of on-the-job training on the testing procedures in the lab and in the field before coming to certify. It is unlikely that technicians will pass without having had this training.

• Those wishing to certify for the in-person sessions through June should come prepared with a calculator (that is NOT a phone/tablet), a physical copy of the current WAQTC+SI Manual (not on a phone/tablet), writing implements such as pencils or pens, and appropriate attire for the demonstrative portion of the certification (closed-toe footwear, etc.).  

• The certification sessions (Including Practical Only) doors open at 7:00 am, testing begin at 07:30, and the sessions are over at 16:00 (4:00 PM). A sandwich lunch and a drink are included in the price of registration. Those wishing to certify should be fully trained, have a minimum of two months of experience on the lab procedures, be on time, and come prepared with a calculator, pen/pencil, water, and additional nutrition as needed in order to perform their best for the duration of the session.

• This is a certification process, not a training. Those running the certification will answer questions as to the day's process, & provide clarification as needed. 

• Lab demonstrations are not a guided walk-through or question-and-answer session. Participants are expected to show and tell all needed steps to perform the testing to pass while proctors stand quietly and observe.

We understand that these changes will require an adjustment period and that there will likely be some issues and challenges along the way.  We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to implement a more accessible, flexible, and efficient certification process.  Companies are responsible for training their technicians and preparing for this new format.  Please reach out to [email protected] with questions or concerns.