It is time for a Re-Write
In the 1970s NSPE (through NICET -- then ICET) AASHTO and FHWA got together to create Certification for Transportation Engineering Technicians. The following excerpt is from the endorsement page of the book--
“The National Society of Professional Engineers, Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians has developed a program for certifying transportation engineering technicians. It is a milestone effort guided by an AASHTO Task Force and carried out in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. In 1978 this program will be implemented in three or four pilot States.
This report documents the certification program concepts and procedures, and it identifies training materials which support certification.
The certification program complements the management improvement efforts now underway in many State and local transportation agencies. It focuses on preparing transportation technicians to perform their jobs better. We believe that this program and the educational and training initiatives that the program will generate have high potential for enriching the skills of transportation technicians for decades. These skills translate into better transportation programs.
Karl S. Bowers
Deputy Federal Highway Administrator
Henrik E. Stafseth
Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Paul E. Robbins, P.E.
Executive Director, National Society of Professional Engineers”
Shortly after the completion of the project, several state DOTs adopted NICET Certification for their staff. In some instances raises and promotions were tied to certification and certification levels. Over time, requirements were also established for consultants.
Some states also used the information in this book to develop state specific certifications. While there have been updates to the various Transportation Engineering Technology programs since the 70s, the format for all programs has remained generally unchanged. At the same time certification best practices have evolved greatly, as have improvements in testing technology.
Therefore, it is time to write a new book on certification for Transportation Engineering Technology, and NICET is doing just that. This time we are inviting even more stakeholders to participate. The biggest addition is the thousands of NICET certified technicians. Participation will vary based on level and experience but all will be invited to participate in some capacity. Initially, subject matter experts worked mainly for state departments of transportation and other public entities and we will include them again. Now, many transportation construction inspectors also work for consulting and engineering firms. So, we are inviting individuals that work for these companies as well. Additionally, the number of industry associations and trade groups has grown significantly and so we are also inviting their representatives to be involved.
The entire process will involve thousands of qualified people who volunteer time and expertise to help ensure safety and quality. There are a number of carefully detailed steps in developing a certification program that require varying levels of participation from stakeholders and Subject Matter Expert (SME) volunteers. Here are the significant steps--
• Work with stakeholders to define the work responsibilities and functions to be certified;
• Work with SMEs (subject-matter experts) to identify the tasks involved, and the knowledge and skills required;
• Communicate with as large a sample of practitioners as possible to validate the work outline;
• Work with SMEs to develop specifications for testing and experience evaluation;
• Recruit, train, and assist SMEs who write test questions;
• Edit test questions and organize review, revision, and approval or rejection of questions by SMEs;
• Assemble test versions (normally 3), assuring that each meets the test specifications;
• Recruit, train, and assist SMEs, and analyze their output, to develop a criterion-referenced passing score for each test version;
• Electronically publish the new test versions, and make them available for testing; and,
• Work with stakeholders to communicate the utility of the new program.
Your help is needed: For more information, please contact NICET today! Call 888-476-4238 or email tech@nicet.org.