Certification Newsletter Archive

Quality Programs - August 2026

Question and Answers Document for the RFP for Auditing Services

The Q&A document for the RFP for Auditing Services has been posted. The document contains answers to questions received from prospective proposers and provides important clarifications regarding the solicitation. All interested firms should review the information prior to submitting a proposal.

Submit a Proposal

New MNL 116/117 Addendum – QC Technician Requirements

The Plant Certification Committee recently approved a significant change to the QC technician requirements in MNL 116 and MNL 117, which are effective January 1, 2027. The full text of the addendum is available on the Quality Control Manual Addenda on the PCI website.

The significant aspects of this new addendum include the following:

For plants that use SCC, at least one individual involved in the testing of fresh SCC or directing such tests shall maintain a current ACI Self-Consolidating Concrete Testing Technician certification or PCI-approved equivalent certification.
Individuals who perform aggregate gradation testing, concrete cylinder strength testing for acceptance, or fresh concrete testing and who do not have an applicable ACI certification, shall receive in-house training that includes an examination requiring a performance demonstration of their ability to properly perform the tests before they are allowed to perform the test independently.

The addendum provides important details regarding the qualifications of individuals who can administer the performance evaluations, the frequency of the evaluations, and the information required to be documented. Sample performance demonstration checklists that can be used for documenting the evaluations are currently being reviewed by TAC and will be posted on the PCI website when available.

The ACI website provides information concerning the availability of their certifications and can be accessed through the following link: ACI Certification Programs. The availability of the SCC certification exams is controlled by the local sponsoring groups and varies across the country. ACI has indicated that certification exams for larger groups could also be coordinated through their Resource Centers.

Implementing these changes will require some time as they depend, in part, on the availability of third-party certifications. Therefore, the effective date has been delayed until January 1, 2027.

Send your questions about the addendum to qualityprograms@pci.org

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Quality Programs at qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - July 2026

New MNL 116/117 Addendum – QC Technician Requirements

The significant aspects of this new addendum include the following:

For plants that use SCC, at least one individual involved in the testing of fresh SCC or directing such tests shall maintain a current ACI Self-Consolidating Concrete Testing Technician certification or PCI-approved equivalent certification.
Individuals who perform aggregate gradation testing, concrete cylinder strength testing for acceptance, or fresh concrete testing and who do not have an applicable ACI certification, shall receive in-house training that includes an examination requiring a performance demonstration of their ability to properly perform the tests before they are allowed to perform the test independently.

It is recognized that implementation of these changes will require some time as they depend, in part, on the availability of third-party certifications. Therefore, the effective date has been delayed until 1/1/27.

Questions regarding the addendum should be forwarded to qualityprograms@pci.org

Accessing Plant and Erector Certificates

We have completed the renewals for plant and erector certificates for 2026-27. Thank you to everyone for completing the renewal process and we look forward to working with you in the coming year and beyond. Updated plant and erector certificates are available on the PCI website. If additional staff need access to your certificates, please email the request to audit@pci.org.

Instructions for accessing Certification Certificates

Log into your PCI Account at pci.org/profile. Your Username is your work email address. Click Forgot Password? if you do not know your password.
Verify that your contact information is current.
Click the blue Producer Certification Certificate button. This will open a second browser window.
Click the icon within your browser's PDF viewer to download your recent certificates.
Scroll through the pages and save the certificate you wish to send to other parties.

For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

New – Recommended Practices for Management of Digital Plant QC Documents

A new document, Recommended Practices for Management of Digital Plant QC Documents, has been approved to help minimize the time required for plant staff to facilitate the records review portion of a plant audit. Variability in file naming, document organization, and software platforms can significantly increase the effort required to locate and review information. By adopting the conventions outlined in this document, plants can streamline audit preparation, reduce disruptions to production, and ensure an efficient audit process.

Get Involved: Join a PCI Erector Committee

Dear PCI Certified Erectors,

PCI is inviting certified erectors to contribute to the PCI Erector Certification Program through participation in committee service. The program is supported by two committees, each fulfilling distinct yet complementary functions.

Erector Certification Committee (reports to the Quality Activities Council): Oversees the PCI Erector Certification Program.

Erectors Committee (reports to the Business Performance Council): Develops and maintains PCI’s Erectors Manual Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products (MNL-127) and Erection Safety for Precast and Prestressed Concrete (MNL-132). The committee also provides educational content and helps shape membership benefits for PCI Certified Erectors.

Active engagement from stakeholders throughout the industry is vital to maintaining the program’s ongoing success and enhancing PCI’s Body of Knowledge. Your contributions are highly valued, and committee membership offers an opportunity to participate directly in shaping the industry. To express your interest in serving, please complete the Committee Application.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - May 2026

REMINDER – May 31 Deadline for Plant and Erector Certification Renewal

All producers and erectors should have received an email with instructions on how to renew their certifications for 2026-27. These processes are very similar to last year. Completed forms are due by May 31. Failure to complete these processes before the certificates expire on June 30 will result in a lapse in certification status. For questions about your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due May 22

Submit nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2026 PCI Committee Days, to qualityprograms@pci.org by May 22.

T. Henry Clark Nomination Form

The T. Henry Clark Award was established to recognize an individual, group of individuals, or firm that has delivered a resource that improves or enhances the quality of precast, prestressed concrete products or processes. T. Henry Clark believed in quality and quality processes, and this award is to recognize those who create or promote quality in a way that would have made him proud. For more information, contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Exceptional Precast Practices Deadline is June 1

The deadline for submitting completed Exceptional Precast Practices (EPP) Program surveys is June 1. This voluntary program is specifically designed for continuous quality improvement of precast plants.

Companies that have successfully adopted a path of continuous quality improvement typically exhibit a pattern of reduced costs, improved quality, and expanded capabilities. They show growing sales because they better serve the needs of their clients.

There are a variety of continuous quality improvement tools available, but the EPP program is a tool developed specifically for the precast concrete industry. The EPP program, developed by the Quality Enhancement Committee, offers both a roadmap for improvement efforts and milestones for measuring progress.

Here is how this voluntary program works: Your plant fills out the self-assessment survey for each of the seven sections/modules – Productivity, Personnel, Safety, Field operations, Sales and marketing, Sustainable plant, and Concrete. This process allows your plant to not only benchmark where you are today but also review programs of proven worth that other PCI plants find valuable.

That process allows plant personnel to decide on a roadmap for the future. If this process is managed well, that roadmap becomes the goals and programs for improvement, and it provides the basis for accountability for achievement. Your benchmark score allows your plant to actually measure progress from year to year. There is no minimum score required. This is not a contest. Scores will not be published. There is no overall winner. All participants in this voluntary program seriously win. All participating plants are provided with an annual certificate of participation and are recognized at the PCI Committee Days and Technical Conference.

Learn More and Participate in the EPP Program

To receive recognition for 2026, return completed forms to PCI by June 1.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - April 2026

Get Involved: Join a PCI Erector Committee

Erector Certification Committee (reports to the Quality Activities Council):

Oversees the PCI Erector Certification Program.

Erectors Committee (reports to the Business Performance Council):

Develops and maintains PCI’s Erectors Manual Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products (MNL-127) and Erection Safety for Precast and Prestressed Concrete (MNL-132). The committee also provides educational content and helps shape membership benefits for PCI Certified Erectors.

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due May 22

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2026 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by May 22, 2026.

T. Henry Clark Nomination Form

For more information, contact Jim Miller, the Quality Activities Council chair, at jmiller@internationalconcrete.com or Bartlomiej Krol, PCI Managing Director of Quality Programs, at bkrol@pci.org.

TM-101 now Available as an eBook

The TM-101 Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level I & II Training Manual is now available as an eBook in the PCI bookstore on PCI.org. This digital format provides instant access to essential training materials, making it easier to study anytime, anywhere. Users can benefit from enhanced searchability and portability while maintaining the same trusted content.

Purchase TM-101

Deadline for Plant and Erector Certification Renewal is May 31

All producers and erectors should have received an email with instructions on how to renew their certifications for the 2026-27 fiscal year. These processes are very similar to last year. Completed forms are due by May 31. Failure to complete these processes before the certificates expire on June 30 will result in a lapse in certification status. For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - February 2026

Plant Quality Talks: Same Talks, New Location

In an effort to make the Quality Toolbox Talks more accessible for our members, we have moved them to a new location on our website that does not require login. All four series are available at the following location:

Plant Quality Talks

These toolbox talks cover a wide range of topics and should be used at least once a month to discuss quality with the production teams. All available topics may not directly relate to every plant’s production practices. Plant personnel are not limited to the topics provided; plants are encouraged to use this format to generate toolbox talks that may relate more directly to their specific needs.

2025 Certification Milestone Achievements

Companies were recently recognized for achieving consecutive years of certification in the Plant Certification Program or the Erector Certification Program. All qualifying plants and erectors were acknowledged during the PCI Membership Luncheon at the PCI Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

If you would like your Milestone Certificate shipped, please email QualityPrograms@pci.org with the following information:

Use the subject line: “Plant Certification Milestone” or “Erector Certification Milestone”
Provide the complete shipping address for delivery.
Specify the name of the individual who should receive the package.

We appreciate your continued commitment to the PCI Certification Programs and thank you for your dedication to quality and professionalism in our industry. We look forward to celebrating many more achievements!

Spanish Translation of QC Technician/Inspector Certification Exam for Levels I and II

We are pleased to announce that the Spanish translations of the QC Technician/Inspector Certification exams for Levels I and II are now live. This update expands access to certification for Spanish-speaking professionals while maintaining the same rigorous standards and content as the English exams. Candidates may now register and complete the Level I or Level II exams in Spanish.

Purchase Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level I & II Training Manual, 5th Edition (TM-101-16) in Spanish

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due June 1

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2026 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by June 1, 2026.

T. Henry Clark Nomination Form

Exceptional Precast Practices Deadline is July 1

The deadline for submitting completed Exceptional Precast Practices (EPP) Program surveys is July 1, 2026. This voluntary program is specifically designed for continuous quality improvement of precast plants.

Learn More and Participate in the EPP Program

To receive recognition for 2026, completed forms must be returned to PCI by July 1. For more information, contact qualityprograms@pci.org

Quality Programs - August 2025

Spanish Translation of TM-101 is Available

The Spanish translation of TM-101, Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level I and II Training Manual is available in the PCI bookstore. A Spanish version of the Level I QC Technician/Inspector certification exam is also available with Level II coming shortly.

Recommended Practice for Strand Bond

The PCI Journal’s January–February 2025 issue features the updated Recommended Practice to Assess and Control Strand/Concrete Bonding Properties of ASTM A416 Prestressing Strand. This second edition reflects input from both bridge and building industry stakeholders, includes expanded commentary, and provides practical QC/QA testing methods, procurement guidelines, and design equations for transfer and development lengths. It also addresses resolution testing when QC and QA results vary, plus sample computations and FAQs to guide implementation. It has since been released as free standalone publication, RP-154-25, which supersedes all previous versions.

Explore the Latest State-of-the-art Practices in Strand Bond Assessment and Quality Control

Scheduled Plant Closings

PCI-certified plants generally observe the six major national holidays, and no audits are scheduled on these dates or, as with Christmas and New Years, the few days around those holidays. Observance of the other federal holidays varies widely. Obviously, we do not want to schedule a plant audit for days when the plant is closed. Plants are requested to notify PCI at audit@pci.org if there are other federal, state, or local holidays that are observed by the plant, so that we can avoid these. This also includes other periods of plant closure.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Quality Programs at qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - July 2025

REMINDER - Erector Field Quality Audits Due July 15

PCI Policy 29, Erector Certification Program, requires that certified erectors submit a Field Quality Audit Report (FQAR) and an Erectors Post-Audit Declaration (EPAD) for each primary erection crew once each half of the calendar year if that crew erected precast for more than 60 days during the period. The forms can be found at the following links:

Field Quality Audit Report (FQAR) | Erectors Post-Audit Declaration (EPAD)

Copies of the FQARs for the first half of 2025 were due July 15. If the crew did not meet the 60-day threshold, a letter to that effect must be submitted. All FQARs, EPADS, and letters should be emailed to audit@pci.org. Please note that the EPAD is required even if no nonconformances were noted in the FQAR, as the EPAD serves as confirmation that the erector has received and reviewed the FQAR.

Accessing Plant and Erector Certificates

We have completed the renewals for plant and erector certificates for 2025-26. Thank you to everyone for completing the renewal process and we look forward to working with you in the coming year and beyond. Updated plant and erector certificates are available on the PCI website. If additional staff need access to your certificates, please email the request to audit@pci.org.

Instructions for accessing Certification Certificates on Computers/Laptops

To access your certificate, log into your profile at www.pci.org.
Your Username is your work email address. If you do not know your password, click on the Forgot Password? link.
After you sign in, click on My Account at the top of the page on the Right. Take a moment to review your account page to be sure your contact information is current.
Next, click the blue Producer Certification Certificate or Erector Certification Certificate button. This will open a second window in your browser where you can scroll through the certificates or download and open them in Adobe to print. Note: Click the blue arrow to see all the certificates. The blue arrow is clickable as long as it is Blue, even if the box says only “1 of 1”. Click the Adobe icon and open the file. Scroll through the certificates, which is easier if there are more than a few. Save the Certificate you wish to send to other parties.

Instructions for accessing Certification Certificates on Mobile Devices/Tablets

To access your certificate, log into the PCI Mobile App (you can find it in your app store by searching for PCI Mobile App, Make sure the app you are about to download has the PCI logo).
Open the PCI Mobile App.
If you have not signed in, click the ≡ symbol in the top left corner. Your username and password is the same one you use to log into www.pci.org Your User id will always be your work email.
Once you are logged in, again select the ≡ symbol. Your name will be listed under the Home button. Click on Home to be taken to your profile. Take a moment to review your profile to be sure your contact information is current.
On your profile, you will see a Certificates blue button. Click this button to be taken to a new screen that will list up to two certificates per plant/plant you are attached to.
From the App, you can view the certificate(s), text it, e-mail it, and save it to your phone.

For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Key Feature Points for Architectural Recertification

Plants with certification in the architectural group are required to demonstrate continued capability in their certification category by achieving a minimum number of key feature points. This will be administered using a rolling four regular audit period, after the initial four regular audit certification period.

Points are tracked on a rolling basis rather than for a fixed, defined time period. This ensures that plants will have four opportunities to demonstrate the required points, as the regular audits are conducted at approximately 6-month intervals. Special audits, such as those conducted for category changes, etc., are not counted as part of the four audits, although a plant could get points if an eligible product was observed during one of these special audits.

Depending upon the timing of their audits and when the initial certification was issued, a plant may not have their fourth audit until after the two-year anniversary of their initial certification date. It is also possible that a plant may have four or even five audits, depending upon the timing. In any case, the certification will continue through the four regular audits from the date of initial certification.

The key features to be demonstrated for each category are listed in the respective chapters of the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements. Of course, the preferred way to get the points is to be able to show products in production or storage that have the required features. Plants that are short of points as their fourth audit is approaching and do not expect to have production that will provide the required points can construct one or more mockup panels. There are two options for mockup panels:

Construct one or more of the mockup panels fabricated for initial certification, as shown in the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements, for the plant’s certification category.
Construct a mockup panel of the plant’s own design with appropriate key features to demonstrate their continued capabilities and earn the necessary points.

In either case, the drawings and mix designs for the mockup panel must be submitted for review well in advance of when the panel will be constructed, just as was required with initial category certification. This will allow time for review, to ensure the panel meets the eligibility criteria and would provide the necessary points.

Scheduled Plant Closings

PCI-certified plants generally observe the six major national holidays, and no audits are scheduled on these dates. Observance of the other federal holidays varies widely. Obviously, we do not want to schedule a plant audit for days when the plant is closed. Plants are requested to let us know if there are other federal or state holidays that are observed by the plant, so that we can avoid these. This also includes other periods of plant closure.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - June 2025

FINAL REMINDER – May 31 Deadline Has Passed for Plant and Erector Certification Renewal

If you have still not completed all the requirements for certification renewal, please contact PCI immediately. All producers and erectors have received an email with instructions on how to renew their certifications for 2025-26. These processes are very similar to last year. Completed forms are due by May 31. Failure to complete these processes before the certificates expire on June 30 will result in a lapse in certification status. For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Instructions for accessing Certification Certificates on Computers/Laptops

To access your certificate, log into your profile at www.pci.org.
Your Username is your work email address. If you do not know your password, click on the Forgot Password? link.
After you sign in, click on My Account at the top of the page on the Right. Take a moment to review your account page to be sure your contact information is current.
Next, click the blue Producer Certification Certificate button. This will open a second window in your browser where you can scroll through the certificates or download and open them in Adobe to print. Note: Click the blue arrow to see all the certificates. The blue arrow is clickable as long as it is Blue, even if the box says only “1 of 1”. Click the Adobe icon and open the file. Scroll through the certificates, which is easier if there are more than a few. Save the Certificate you wish to send to other parties.

Instructions for accessing Certification Certificates on Mobile Devices/Tablets

To access your certificate, log into the PCI Mobile App (you can find it in your app store by searching for PCI Mobile App; make sure the app you are about to download has the PCI logo).
Open the PCI Mobile App.
If you have not signed in, click the ≡ symbol in the top left corner. Your username and password is the same one you use to log into www.pci.org Your User id will always be your work email.
Once you are logged in, again select the ≡ symbol. Your name will be listed under the Home button. Click on Home to be taken to your profile. Take a moment to review your profile to be sure your contact information is current.
On your profile, you will see a Certificates blue button. Click this button to be taken to a new screen that will list up to two certificates per plant/plant you are attached to.
From the App, you can view the certificate(s), text it, e-mail it, and save it to your phone.

For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Exceptional Precast Practices Deadline is July 1

The deadline for submitting completed Exceptional Precast Practices (EPP) Program surveys is July 1. This voluntary program is specifically designed for continuous quality improvement of precast lants. Companies that have successfully adopted a path of continuous quality improvement typically exhibit a pattern of reduced costs, improved quality, and expanded capabilities. They show growing sales because they better serve the needs of their clients.

Participate or Learn More About EPP

To receive recognition for 2025, completed forms must be returned to PCI by July 1.

New Addendum to MNL 116-21

An addendum has been approved to the MNL 116-21 requirements for aggregate moisture probe verification.

PCI recently approved a revision to QC manual MNL 116-21. These changes are in section

6.2.3.1, as well as the associated commentary. The new language outlines that any method used to measure aggregate moisture must yield accurate, representative values and must be regularly calibrated against ASTM C566 drying test results. Moisture sensors, while useful, require routine calibration and maintenance to ensure accurate readings, as improper positioning or wear can lead to unreliable data.

QC Addenda

Supplier Certificates of Compliance

MNL 116 and 117 require certificates of compliance for various products used in the manufacturing of precast concrete components. The PCI QA Suppliers Committee recently approved standard certificates for certain products that can be provided by PCI-certified plants to their suppliers to assist with this process.

The purpose for the certificates of compliance and their use is described in the Supplier Certificates of Compliance section of the Quality Assurance Resources section of the PCI website.

Download the Forms

REMINDER - Erector Field Quality Audits Due July 15

PCI Policy 29, Erector Certification Program, requires that certified erectors submit a Field Quality Audit Report AND an Erectors Post-Audit Declaration for each primary erection crew once each half of the calendar year if that crew erected precast for more than 60 days during the period. Copies of the FQARs for the first half of 2023 are due no later than July 15. If the crew did not meet the 60-day threshold, a letter to that effect must be submitted. All FQARs, EPADS, and letters should be emailed to audit@pci.org. Please note that the EPAD is required even if no nonconformances were noted in the FQAR, as the EPAD serves as confirmation that the erector has received and reviewed the FQAR.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - May 2025

REMINDER – May 31 Deadline for Plant and Erector Certification Renewals

All producers and erectors should have received an email with instructions on how to renew their certifications for 2025-26. These processes are very similar to last year. Completed forms are due by May 31. Failure to complete these processes before the certificates expire on June 30 will result in a lapse in certification status. For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

How to Avoid Added Costs

It is important that PCI be notified when plants are shut down, even on a temporary basis, so that the auditors do not make unnecessary trips and incur expenses.

Per Policy 20, Section 20.9.8, “Any Client that will not have active production operations to be audited over a period greater than one (1) month must provide advance written notice to the PCI Director of Quality Programs using the PCI “Temporary Plant Shutdown Notice” form. Any Client that will not have active production over a period greater than nine (9) months may request their PCI-Certified Status be maintained as “Inactive”. This request must be submitted in writing in advance to the PCI Managing Director of Quality Programs using the PCI Temporary Shutdown Notice form.”

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due June 1

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2024 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by June 1, 2025. The nomination form can be found here:

The T. Henry Clark Award recognizes a person, group of individuals, or firm that has delivered a resource that improves or enhances the quality of precast, prestressed concrete products or processes. T. Henry Clark believed in quality and quality processes, and this award recognizes those who create or promote quality in a way that would have made him proud.

For more information, contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Exceptional Precast Practices Deadline is July 1

The deadline for submitting completed Exceptional Precast Practices (EPP) Program surveys is July 1, 2025. This voluntary program is specifically designed for continuous quality improvement of precast plants.

To participate or to read more about the program, click HERE to access the Member Resources section of the PCI website. To receive recognition for 2025, completed forms must be returned to PCI by July 1.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - April 2025

Deadline for Plant and Erector Certification Renewal is May 31

All producers and erectors should have received an email with instructions on how to renew their certifications for 2025-26. These processes are very similar to last year. Completed forms are due by May 31. Failure to complete these processes before the certificates expire on June 30 will result in a lapse in certification status. For any questions regarding your plant’s certification status, please contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due June 1

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2025 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by June 1.

Nominate an Individual for the T. Henry Clark Award

For more information, contact qualityprograms@pci.org.

Exceptional Precast Practices Deadline is July 1

To participate or to read more about the program, click here to access the Member Resources section of the PCI website. To receive recognition for 2025, completed forms must be returned to PCI by July 1.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - March 2025

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due June 1

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2025 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by June 1, 2025.

Nominate an Individual for the T. Henry Clark Award

For more information, contact Mike Wolff, the Quality Activities Council chair, at mike@basin-precast.com or Bartlomiej Krol, PCI Managing Director of Quality Programs, at bkrol@pci.org.

Reminder to Report Specimen Diameter for Compression Strength Testing per ASTM C39

In order to comply with ASTM C39, when testing the compressive strength of cylinders, the diameter of the specimens must be measured and reported per sections 7.2 and 10.1.2, respectively.

“The diameter used for calculating the cross-sectional area of the test specimen shall be determined to the nearest 0.25 mm [0.01 in.] by averaging two diameters measured at right angles to each other at about midheight of the specimen.”

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Quality Programs at qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - February 2025

Addition of New Series 3 Quality Talk

The Quality Enhancement Committee has released an additional issue in the third series of Quality Talks: Issue 8, Handling, Transporting, and Curing Test Specimens.

The Series 1 and series 2 Talks are also available in Spanish. Work on additional Talks for series 3 is continuing and the translation to Spanish has begun.

T. Henry Clark Award Nominations Due June 1

Nominations for the T. Henry Clark Award, to be presented during 2025 PCI Committee Days, must be submitted to qualityprograms@pci.org by June 1.

The T. Henry Clark Award recognizes a person, group of individuals, or firm that has delivered a resource that improves or enhances the quality of precast, prestressed concrete products or processes. T. Henry Clark believed in quality and quality processes, and this award is to recognize those who create or promote quality in a way that would have made him proud. For more information, email qualityprograms@pci.org

Nominate an Individual for the T. Henry Clark Award

Scheduling of Proctored PCI Certification Exams

Scheduling proctored PCI certification exams is solely the responsibility of the certification candidate. A proctored exam request should not be submitted until the candidate has contacted the individual who will proctor the exam and agreed upon all arrangements for the exam. PCI staff does not coordinate the exam arrangements for the candidate, nor does PCI pay any fees the proctor may charge.

Although it is possible to schedule and take a certification exam prior to applying for certification, candidates are strongly encouraged to complete the certification application first.

To apply for certification, log into the PCI certification management system (CMS) and click on the applicable certification tile on the certification dashboard. The application can then be accessed by clicking on the ‘apply’ button. Complete the application sections: Personal Information; Education, Experience and Endorsement; ACI Certification Information and upload any required documents.

To arrange a certification exam session with an approved proctor, complete the online Proctored Exam Request form. Before submitting the request in the CMS, be sure to have finalized all arrangements with a PCI-approved proctor. This request must be submitted in the CMS no less than two weeks before the planned exam date.

Successfully completing the certification exam is, of course, a prerequisite for PCI personnel certification. However, certification cannot be granted without also completing the certification application. Please visit the CMS Instructions or contact qualityprograms@pci.org with any questions.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to qualityprograms@pci.org.

Quality Programs - January 2025

Scheduling of Proctored PCI Certification Exams

Although it is possible to schedule and take a certification exam prior to applying for certification, candidates are strongly encouraged to complete the certification application first.

Successfully completing the certification exam is, of course, a prerequisite for PCI personnel certification. However, certification cannot be granted without also completing the certification application. Please visit the CMS Instructions on the PCI website or contact qualityprograms@pci.org with any questions.

Certification Expiration Reminders

The PCI Certification Management System (CMS) was recently enhanced to include system-generated reminders of expiring certifications. A first notice will be issued three months in advance of expiration, and regular reminders will be sent until several months after expiration. It is expected that these reminders should reduce the number of individuals whose certifications expire without their knowledge. However, to be effective, certified individuals must maintain current email addresses in the CMS. Instructions for accessing the CMS and for updating an individual’s information can be found on page 1 of the PCI CMS Instructions.

PCI’s Certified Plant Customer Satisfaction Surveys

PCI certified plants are well accustomed to completing the audit appraisal forms provided by the plant auditors following each semi-annual plant audit. These appraisals provide valuable feedback supporting our efforts to improve the quality of the audits. In addition to these appraisals, PCI also provides certified plants an opportunity to provide input on the quality of the rest of the services associated with the plant certification process, outside of what happens onsite during a plant audit. This feedback is valuable to PCI, and plants are encouraged to complete these annual surveys.

The PCI Plant Certification Program Customer Satisfaction Survey encompasses the administrative services associated with the certification program, such as the clarity of the audit report, review of corrective action responses, handling of confidential information, the helpfulness and responsiveness of PCI staff, and whether the certification process helps improve the quality of the plant operations and products. Access to the survey is provided as a link in the email from PCI when a plant has successfully resolved the corrective actions from their annual recertification audit. This is the audit that occurs during the July to December cycle.

As noted above, this feedback is valuable to PCI and plants are encouraged to complete these annual surveys. Please email audit@pci.org with any questions.

Reminder - Erector Field Quality Audits due January 15

PCI Policy 29, Erector Certification Program, requires that certified erectors submit a Field Quality Audit Report and an Erectors Post-Audit Declaration (EPAD) for each primary erection crew once each half of the calendar year if that crew erected precast for more than 60 days during the period. Copies of the field quality audits for the second half of 2024 are due no later than January 15, 2025. If the crew did not meet the 60-day threshold, a letter to that effect must be submitted. All field quality audits, EPADS, and letters should be emailed to audit@pci.org. The EPAD is required even if no nonconformances were noted in the FQAR, as the EPAD serves as confirmation that the erector has received and reviewed the FQAR.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Quality Programs at qualityprograms@pci.org .

Quality Programs - December 2024

Logging into CMS for Certified Personnel

Certified personnel who do not maintain current contact information in PCI’s Certification Management System (CMS) can have trouble accessing their accounts and it can also lead to difficulty verifying certification.

Changes in employment usually lead to changes in an individual’s email address in PCI’s CMS. The CMS uses an individual’s email address to track application information, exam results, and certifications. As such, it is extremely important for certified individuals and candidates for certification to maintain current email addresses in the system. Not doing so can lead to duplicate accounts in the system, resulting in difficulty for PCI to verify certification or an individual’s inability to access their account.

Our CMS sends out email notifications when certifications are expiring as a reminder to certified personnel. The system cannot send out those reminders if an individual has not signed into the system initially, or after a change in email address.

Here is the link to log in: Certification Dashboard / Application

Individuals with changes in their email address or changes in employer should update PCI staff at Qualityprograms@pci.org. This email address should also be used when encountering login issues or the inability to see current certifications in the CMS dashboard.

Key Feature Points for Architectural Recertification

Plants with certification in the architectural group are required to demonstrate continued capability in their certification category by achieving a minimum number of key feature points every two years. This will be administered using a rolling regular audit cycle (semi-annual), after the initial four regular audit certification period.

Points are tracked on a rolling basis rather than for a fixed, defined period, after the initial four regular audit certification period. This ensures that plants will have four opportunities to demonstrate the required points, as the regular audits are conducted at approximately six-month intervals. Special audits, such as those conducted for category changes, etc., are not counted as part of the four audits, although a plant could get points if an eligible product was observed during one of these special audits.

The key features to be demonstrated for each category are listed in the respective chapters of the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements. Of course, the preferred way to get the points is to be able to show products in production or storage that have the required features. Plants that are short of points as their fourth regular audit is approaching and do not expect to have production that will provide the required points can construct one or more mockup panels. There are two options for mockup panels:

Construct one or more of the mockup panels fabricated for initial certification, as shown in the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements, for the plant’s certification category.
Construct a mockup panel of the plant’s own design with appropriate key features to demonstrate their continued capabilities and earn the necessary points.

Scheduled Plant Closings

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Bartlomiej Krol at bkrol@pci.org

Quality Programs - November 2024

Maintaining Current Contact Information for Certified Personnel

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Bartlomiej Krol at bkrol@pci.org.

Quality Programs - October 2024

Minimum Points Requirement for Architectural Category Recertification

Plants with certification in the architectural group are required to demonstrate continued capability in their certification category by achieving a minimum number of key feature points every two years. This is administered using a rolling two-year period, based upon the last four regular audit cycles (semi-annual), after the initial two-year certification period.

Following the initial certification period, plants will need to maintain the required minimum number of points on a rolling four regular audit basis to maintain certification in their category.

At the last meeting of the Architectural Certification Subcommittee a motion was passed that allows key features that are demonstrated from a more complex category to count towards the minimum number of points needed for another category. For example, if an AC certified plant demonstrates a key feature from AB, it will be recorded and counted towards their AC certification.

Plants that are short of points and do not expect to have production that will provide the required points can construct one or more mockup panels. There are two options for mockup panels:

Construct one or more of the mockup panels fabricated for initial certification, as shown in the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements, for the plant’s certification category.
Construct a mockup panel of the plant’s own design with appropriate key features to demonstrate the plant’s continued capabilities and earn the necessary points.

Addendums to MNL 116-21

PCI continues to approve revisions to QC manual MNL 116-21. Two additional addendums have recently been approved and posted.

Approved Addenda to the QC manuals are posted on the PCI website for PDF download through this link: MNL 116 and 117 Addenda until such time as publishing schedules for new editions of the QC manuals allow.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter to Bartlomiej Krol at bkrol@pci.org.

Quality Programs - August 2024

Addenda to MNL 116-21/ MNL-117-13

Two addenda have been added to MNL 116/117:

PCI recently approved a revision to QC manual MNL 116-21.: MNL 116 and 117 Addenda until such time as publishing schedules for new editions of the QC manuals allow.

Scheduled Plant Closings

Key Feature Points for Architectural Recertification

Plants with certification in the architectural group are required to demonstrate continued capability in their certification category by achieving a minimum number of key feature points every two years. This will be administered using a rolling two-year period, based upon the last four regular audit cycles (semi-annual), after the initial two-year certification period.

Points are tracked on a rolling basis rather than for a fixed, defined period, after the initial 2-year certification period. This ensures that plants will have four opportunities to demonstrate the required points, as the regular audits are conducted at approximately 6-month intervals. Special audits, such as those conducted for category changes, etc., are not counted as part of the four audits, although a plant could get points if an eligible product was observed during one of these special audits.

Depending upon the timing of their audits and when the initial certification was issued, a plant may not have their fourth audit until after the 2-year anniversary of their initial certification date in the new architectural category. It is also possible that a plant may have four or even five audits, depending upon the timing. In any case, the certification will continue through the four regular audits or two years from the date of initial certification, whichever occurs later. For most PCI plants with certification in the architectural group, their initial certification date in the new categories was 10/1/21.

The key features to be demonstrated for each category are listed in the respective chapters of the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements. Of course, the preferred way to get the points is to be able to show products in production or storage that have the required features. Plants that are short of points as their 2-year mark is approaching and do not expect to have production that will provide the required points can construct one or more mockup panels. There are two options for mockup panels:

Construct one or more of the mockup panels fabricated for initial certification, as shown in the Architectural Certification Program Supplemental Requirements, for the plant’s certification category.
Construct a mockup panel of the plant’s own design with appropriate key features to demonstrate their continued capabilities and earn the necessary points.

Suggestions

Please forward suggestions for future quality-related articles for this newsletter Bartlomiej Krol at bkrol@pci.org.