Frequently Asked Questions about Documentation Certification
1. How many spaces are available in each class?
Each class will have a certain number of consultant, local, and IDOT spaces allotted, so early registration is highly recommended. When you are completing the "Select a class" option on the registration form, note the number of slots still available for the class (in the drop down box). If "0 slots" shows up for a class you want to attend, that means it is full so do not register for that class.
2. How long is my certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for 4 years for consultants. The certificate does not expire for local agency employees who take the class and pass the test.
3. Can I renew my certificate without retaking the class?
Yes. A person certified can retake the Documentation exam once up to 6 months prior to expiration to re-certify without retaking the class. Once a certificate has expired or if the individual fails the re-test, the individual must attend the class to become certified again. It is each individual's responsibility to re-test prior to expiration.
4. What is the fee for this class?
Consultants will be charged $350 per person; Local Agencies and IDOT personnel will be charged $50 per person. Note: Consultants doing business for local agencies will be charged $350.
5. What is the cancellation policy?
An alternate may attend in your place. However, if you or an alternate attendee are unable to attend the class please cancel your reservations no later than two weeks before the class by contacting Leslie Sweet Myrick at lsweet@illinois.edu or (217) 893-0705. ICT reserves the right to charge a $50 cancellation fee and there will be NO refunds for late cancellations or “NO SHOWS.”
6. What should I study to prepare for the test?
Review the Documentation Guide and the Project Procedures Guide (PPG), which are found in the Construction Manual. A copy of the Construction Manual can be purchased from IDOT's Manual Sales office (http://www.dot.il.gov/Forms/BoBS%203900.doc). Or an online copy of the Construction Manual is now available at www.dot.il.gov/constructionmanual/preface.html. You can download the Documentation Guide from the Class Materials page. The PPG can be downloaded at www.dot.il.gov/materials/ppgfinal.pdf.
7. Should I register for class and re-test at the same time?
No. A certification test is given at the end of each class. Re-test dates are provided for students who were unsuccessful in obtaining certification at a recent class or for individuals who want to re-certify prior to expiration.
8. How do I know if I'm registered for class after I fill out the form and give my credit card information?
Confirmation letters will be sent via email within 3 business days after registration and payment. Individuals are held responsible for their attendance, therefore correspondence is sent to the email address on the registration form. You will not be able to register for a full class.
9. Are there waiting lists available for each class?
No. Individuals will not be put on a waiting list. Registration is available on a first come, first serve basis, and the class is closed when full. Some spots may open up if cancellations are received so you may keep checking the site and registration form for this information.
10. Can I have a copy of my test?
No, tests are not distributed and questions will not be answered about how you did on your test. Grades are not negotiable and will not be changed.
11. What do I need to bring to class?
Confirmation letter, calculator, pencils, post-it notes, notebook paper, a valid photo ID, the current version of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. The Documentation Guide, Appendix and Workbook will be provided by the instructors. The Documentation Guide, Appendix and Workbook can also be downloaded from the Class Materials page. Absolutely no cell phones, blackberries, laptops, or pagers of any sort will be allowed for the test or re-test. A copy of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction can be purchased from IDOT Manual Sales office at http://www.dot.il.gov/Forms/BoBS%203900.doc. No copies are available at the classes or the re-tests.
12. Can I buy a copy of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction at the class?
No. You must bring one with you.
13. How many Professional Development Hours can I earn by taking Documentation class?
Professional Development Hours are awarded based on successful completion of a course and the amount of participation time. Individuals earn 18 PDH's for attending Documentation class and passing the certification test. If unsuccessful in obtaining certification during class, you may re-test once. Upon passing, a Documentation Certificate and PDH's will be awarded. If the second attempt is unsuccessful, no certificate or PDH's will be given. Individuals that choose to re-test within 6 months prior to expiration rather than taking the class will not be awarded PDH's, even if they do pass the certification test.
14. Are there classes just for local agencies?
No. Local agency personnel must register online just like consultants and IDOT. Early registration is recommended because slots will not be reserved for the local agencies.
15. Since IDOT employees are certified as long as they work for the state (after initially passing the documentation course), how do they make sure they are certified when leaving the department?
State employees should make sure they take a retest prior to leaving the department if they want to be certified upon departure. If you pass the test then you are not required to take the Documentation class. State employees who want to retest must register on the ICT website and pay a $100 fee. Otherwise the employee has the option to attend the Documentation class for a $50 fee. It is the responsibility of the state employee to check the last time Documentation class was taken and passed. If 4 years has expired, then a retest is mandatory.
Other Questions? You may contact Mary J. Fries (for questions about instruction or retests) at mjfries@illinois.edu or (217) 552-2432. For questions about registration confirmation or cancellations, contact Leslie Sweet Myrick at lsweet@illinois.edu or 217-893-0705 x225.