PCI offers training courses (QC Schools) to prepare individuals for PCI personnel certification examinations. It is important to note that passing an examination satisfies only one of the requirements of personnel certification and that the final decision on certification is made independently by the PCI Quality Assurance department. More information regarding additional certification requirements (including related experience requirements) can be found under PCI Personnel Certification Programs. 

Plant Quality Control Technicians

PCI Quality Control Schools train to the standards defined by plant quality control manuals MNL-116 and MNL-117. Course textbooks review those requirements and add additional commentary suitable for self-study and/or classroom instruction. 

MNL-116 and MNL-117 require that plants that produce products with prestressed reinforcement, have at least one PCI Level II certified technician in the plant during production. Plants that produce architectural concrete only, or any other concrete that does not contain prestressed reinforcement, must have a PCI Level I certified technician in the plant during production. Level I courses do not contain any material on prestressing. All of the prestressing material is covered in Level II. 

Level I begins the series of exciting quality control Schools and starts off with a review of PCI certification programs, both plant and personnel. The curriculum was developed especially for quality control personnel, engineers, technician/managers, plant managers/superintendents, consulting engineers, and technicians. However, the schools and certifications are open to everyone involved in planning, operations, and quality control in the precast products industry. Basic concrete topics and mix design concepts (such as the water/cementitious ratio) are introduced and as well as beginning design concepts such as concrete strength, the need for reinforcement and conventional reinforcing bars. Students will receive a copy of the valuable Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level I & II Training Manual, TM-101, plus class notes and extensive reference material. Level I is a one-and-a-half day course.

Level I Course Agenda

The curriculum continues at Level II with intermediate concrete topics and mix design concepts. Prestressing is introduced - attendees run calculations and discuss correction factors.The Level I & II program is packed with activities: round-table discussions, practice sessions, student-instructor interaction, and certification examinations. Students will receive a copy of the valuable Quality Control Technician/Inspector Level I & II Training Manual, TM-101, plus class notes and extensive reference material. Level II is a one-and-a-half day course.

Level II Course Agenda

The precast/prestressed concrete industry depends on a high level of quality in the concrete products and structures it produces. Although Level III is not itself an individual certification currently required by any category of plant certification, Level III offers distinct advantages over Levels I and II. The concepts are advanced and require considerable experience in a precast plant or an advance Civil Engineering or Technology degree. In addition to exploring in detail the individual components of concrete (like cement), advanced welding concepts are discussed and the unique process of harping elongated strands is reviewed. There is ample time to work in groups and master these concepts during this three-and-a-half day course.

Level III Course Agenda

Field Quality Control Technicians

Today's business environment demands a high degree of training and certification in all areas of concrete manufacturing and installation. Customer satisfaction is the principal goal in achieving profitability and a thorough quality control program that extends outside of the plant to the point of install.

The Industry Erection Standards (IES) course is a two-day course that reviews quality and safety standards applicable to the erection of precast concrete members. OSHA regulations are reviewed during this two-day course and an examination rounds each day. Expect an interactive format with lots of discussion!

Come a day early for the IES course and obtain a full certification as a Field Auditor. The Certified Field Auditor (CFA) course adds more PCI-specific information to the IES course and better prepares students for the more general IES material. The CFA/IES program is a practical presentation of industry standards, issues, and expectations that certifies individuals to audit erection crews. It provides a unique opportunity to interface with peers to discuss common issues and share solutions and successes. The CFA/IES training class is packed with activities: round-table discussions, student-instructor interaction, and certification examinations. Students will receive copies of the Erector's Manual, MNL-127, and the Erection Safety Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete, MNL-132, plus class notes and extensive reference material.

Designed especially for experienced CFA's, the Certified Company Auditor (CCA) course prepares individuals to audit the work of other CFA's. The CCA course endeavors to review:

  • The concepts of quality and quality assurance
  • The importance of field quality control
  • The role of the Certified Company Auditor
  • The defined body of knowledge
  • The importance of an effective safety plan
  • The components of a safety plan
  • How to conduct a Company Quality Audit

The CCA training class is offered once per year and is packed with activity: networking opportunities, student-instructor interaction, and certification examinations. Students will receive copies of the Erector's Manual, MNL-127, and the Erection Safety Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete, MNL-132, plus class notes and extensive reference material.

Registration Fees

Training List Price Government Agencies PCI Members
Level I/II $1,895.00 $1,095.00 $995.00
Level I-III $2,995.00 $1,895.00 $1,695.00
Level I only $995.00 $595.00 $565.00
Level II only $995.00 $595.00 $564.00
Level III only $2,095.00 $1,295.00 $1,195.00

Schedule and Registration

Courses are listed when scheduling is final. Registration for any individual course will open 3-4 months prior to the start of the course.

Course registration includes all course texts and study materials. You will receive your textbook(s) in the mail with your registration confirmation.

Level I/II

(You may take Level I, Level II or both courses)

Date Location PDF Registration Form
May 11 - 13, 2020  Austin, TX  Registration Download (PDF)
August 10 - 12, 2020 Denver, CO Registration TBA 
August 24 - 26, 2020  Chicago, IL  Registration TBA 
October 12 - 14, 2020 Orlando, FL  Registration TBA 
December 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA 

Level III

Date Location PDF Registration Form
August 12 - 15, 2020  Denver, CO  Registration TBA 
August 26 - 29, 2020  Chicago, IL  Registration TBA 
October 14 - 17, 2020 Orlando, FL  Registration TBA 
December 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA 

Certified Field Auditor (CFA)

Date Location PDF Registration Form
July 13 - 15, 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA 
December 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA 

Certified Company Auditor (CCA)

Date Location PDF Registration Form
July 16, 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA 
December 2020  Nashville, TN  Registration TBA