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Certification Programs

Laboratory Certification Program

CCIL provides certification programs for asphalt and aggregate testing laboratories and laboratory technicians. The Division Executive meets regularly to address key issues that affect the Geotechnical and Construction Materials testing industry and provide guidance to certification programs within the Division. 

The certification programs are overseen by Certification Program Administration Committees (CPAC).  The CPACs are comprised of representatives from industry stakeholder organizations, including:

  • CCIL - Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (independent testing)
  • OHMPA - Ontario Hot Mix Producers' Association (hot mix asphalt producers)
  • OSSGA - Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
  • MOT - BC Ministry of Transportation (provincial government)
  • MTO - Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (provincial government)
  • MEA - Municipal Engineers Association (municipal government)
  • RMCAO – Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario (concrete producers)

    The mandate of the CPAC committees is to establish and direct the technical elements of the programs.  The operations and management of the certification programs are administered by the CCIL Program Manager and technical staff.  For more information on the Certification Programs, please contact:

    Nabil, Kamel, M.A. Sc., P. Eng., CCIL Program Manager
    Tel: 905-632-6456 - Fax: 905-632-1990- Cell: 905-599-9656 - nkamel@ccil.com

    CCIL Asphalt and Aggregate Laboratory Certification Programs

    (Types A, B, C, D and E)

    The CCIL Asphalt Laboratory Certification Programs have developed over the past twenty five years and continue to evolve to respond to new responsibilities, challenges, technologies, and testing procedures in the quality control/quality assurance testing industry. 

    CCIL offers the following categories of laboratory certification:

  • Marshall and Superpave mix design and mix compliance testing (Type “A” Certification)
  • Hot mix and Superpave compliance testing (Type “B” Certification)
  • Recovered penetration of extracted asphalt (Type “E” Certification)
  • Basic level aggregate testing (Type “C” Certification)
  • Advanced aggregate quality testing (Type “D” Certification)
  • The CCIL Laboratory Certification Programs have four mandatory components:  satisfactory participation in an annual inter-laboratory correlation program; CCIL laboratory inspection, CCIL certified laboratory technicians, and a laboratory quality manual / quality system. 

    The first component of the laboratory certification programs is satisfactory participation in an annual inter-laboratory correlation.  This correlation program distributes prepared samples to participating laboratories, which subsequently test the samples and submit the results to the CCIL Program Manager for statistical analysis. 

    The second component of the asphalt laboratory certification is a CCIL inspection at least once every two years.  The inspections verify that appropriate equipment and personnel are in place, that the laboratory equipment is calibrated and properly maintained and that the laboratory is following up-to-date testing procedures.

    A third requirement for laboratory certification is the use of certified laboratory technicians.  Each CCIL certified laboratory must employ at least one certified laboratory technician.  Technicians meet minimum requirements for training and “hands-on” experience and must pass practical and written examinations before becoming CCIL Certified. A certification card is issued to each CCIL certified technician.

    The fourth component of CCIL laboratory certification is an appropriate laboratory quality manual and quality system.  The CCIL certification program has developed a laboratory quality manual template and user guide as an aid for laboratories developing a quality system.

    Petrographer Certification

    New for 2007, CCIL has implemented a petrographer certification program, in response to industry needs.  The program requires that a minimum level of experience as a petrographer is demonstrated, and that a demonstrated proficiency in petrographic examination of aggregates through a correlation program is achieved.  In some cases, participation in a CCIL course in petrography may be required where the experience level of the petrographer does not meet minimum requirements established by the CPAC Committee.

    Geotechnical & Construction Materials Division Executive
    Geotechnical & Construction Materials Division Members