“How will your laboratory reduce operating expenses in order to keep your cash flow positive during these tough economic times?” This is the question you are probably asking yourself more and more, and finding the answers can be difficult.

Here’s an easier question. “What will you spend over the next two years on fees to Accredit your Laboratory?” If your answer was “too much”, then it’s time to examine the alternatives.

Many accrediting agencies inspect every two years. That means you are paying for two years up-front, plus additional annual fees to become accredited after that initial inspection.

CMEC Inspects and Accredits Laboratories on an ANNUAL basis, which means the lab is more closely monitored in its ability to maintain quality performance levels. This is tremendously important where specifier confidence is concerned. And, because inspections and accreditations occur annually, you’re annual budget reflects one year’s expenses, not two. This can be a critical factor when strategic financial planning is practiced.

Click on the Chart for a LARGER view

Beyond budgeting, quality, and confidence levels, lies the bottom line. What is the cost? This chart shows a comparison of typical inspection and accreditation costs, based on the fees from other accrediting bodies and a CMEC Accreditation. The chart reflects a price comparison for two years because many accrediting agencies only inspect every two years. In reality, the average annual cost of a CMEC inspection and accreditation is half of what the chart shows. For more information on the CMEC Accreditation program, click here.

CMEC is offering Asphalt Mix Design, Asphalt Paving Level 1, Asphalt Paving Level 2, Asphalt Plant Level 1, and Asphalt Plant Level 2. Workshops will be offered throughout the state and will be instructed by Michael Berkowitz as well as other highly qualified instructors. Check our schedule often as we are continually adding workshops and exams. Or, click on any of the program names to read more and see the full schedule of workshops and exams for each program.

Now you can take a CTQP written exam for any of the CTQP programs that CMEC offers, on your schedule.  CMEC is now offering CTQP written exams at its headquarters in Orlando. Simply make an appointment for a private exam sitting, Monday through Friday, during office hours between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Written exams or re-test written exams are available for Asphalt programs, Concrete Field Inspector Specification. Earthwork programs, QC Manager, Batch Plant Operator, Qualified Sampler, and LBR.  To make an appointment, contact the CMEC Certification Department by phone, at 407-628-3682, by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or click on the CTQP program name below to register online. Once your online registration is received, the CMEC Certification Department will contact you to set up an appointment.

Make an appointment for a written only exam for:

Asphalt Mix Designer
Asphalt Paving Technician Level 1
Asphalt Paving Technician Level 2
Asphalt Plant Technician Level 1
Asphalt Plant Technician Level 2
Batch Plant Operator
Concrete Field Specification / Concrete Lab Specification
Earthwork Construction Inspector Level 1
Earthwork Construction Inspector Level 2
LBR Technician
QC Manager
Qualified Sampler

Since the introduction of the new ACI CTCI Associate and ACI Aggregate Base Technician programs in 2008, the FDOT has re-structured its FDOT Qualifications. CMEC has prepared a handy chart indicating the FDOT Qualifications, and the ACI certifications and/or CTQP qualifications needed for these FDOT Qualifications. To view this chart, "What You Need for Qualifications in Florida", click here. For more detailed information on these certifications/qualifications, go the the Certification Department.

ACI Changes to Aggregate Programs 

The ACI Aggregate Field Testing Technician and ACI Aggregate Lab Testing Technician certification programs have undergone changes starting in 2008. Additionally, a new ACI certification program, Aggregate Base Testing Technician has been introduced. Both the names and the content of the existing Aggregate programs have changed. The new Aggregate Base Testing Technician program will encompass testing procedures more relevant to soils testing. To see a more complete description of each of the aggregate programs, go to the Certification Department. If you are registered for or are planning to register for any ACI Aggregate Certification programs this year, and you have any questions on the new program structures, call the CMEC Certification Department at 407-628-3682.