PTI’s Certification Programs: Field Personnel and PT Supplier Plants-PTI’s Certification Programs: Field Personnel and PT Supplier Plants

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) hosted its February webinar on PTI certification programs for field personnel and post-tensioning (PT) supplier plants, emphasizing that certification is a building-code requirement—not optional. Moderator Kyle Boyd introduced speakers Tim Crystal (PTI Executive Vice President) and Nick Vivoda (PTI Certification Director).<br /><br />Tim explained how certification supports quality, durability, productivity, and safety, describing a “three-legged stool” of contract documents, certified materials (plant certification), and certified workmanship (field personnel). He traced code pathways showing that unbonded single-strand tendons must be fabricated in certified plants for both elevated structures (IBC → ACI codes → ACI 423.7 and PTI M10.2) and slabs-on-ground (IBC/IRC → PTI DC10.5 → PTI M10.6). He noted recent and upcoming code clarifications, including IRC 2024 and planned 2027 updates.<br /><br />Nick detailed the Unbonded Tendon Plant Certification (UTPC) Program: ANSI/ANAB-accredited to ISO 17065, using two unannounced third-party inspections per plant each year, a 1,000-point grading system with critical items, and required corrective-action responses within 30 days. Plant status can be certified, conditional, suspended, or decertified, and PTI publishes an up-to-date public list of certified plants.<br /><br />For field personnel, code-linked requirements (e.g., ACI 301) define Level 1 and Level 2 roles for installation, stressing, and inspection. Nick summarized PTI’s workshop-based certifications (unbonded, slabs-on-ground, repair, and multi-strand/grouted), offered via scheduled “certification weeks” or special requests. Certifications last four years and can be renewed via exam, with Level 2 requiring documented field experience.

Keywords

Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI)

PTI certification programs

building code requirement

unbonded single-strand tendons

Unbonded Tendon Plant Certification (UTPC)

ANSI/ANAB accreditation

ISO/IEC 17065

unannounced third-party plant inspections

ACI 423.7 and PTI M10.2

field personnel certification Level 1 and Level 2