Dynamic Measurement & Analysis Proficiency Test

Introduction

Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) in cooperation with Pile Dynamics, Inc. (PDI), has developed a "Dynamic Measurement and Analysis Proficiency Test" for engineers providing high strain dynamic foundation testing services. The test was designed to reflect their level of knowledge and ability, which is then indicated in a "Certificate of Proficiency". To assure a high standard of testing, many organizations or agencies seeking testing services now require a certificate demonstrating some specified level of ability in dynamic testing. PDA Proficiency Test is available in English, Spanish or Chinese. Click here to read about the Need for Quality Testing.

Pre-Registration Click here to pre-register and make an online payment. The test fee is $250 (USD) per person. Once payment is accepted, you will be entered in the Prometric online system and will receive a Candidate Admission letter with USER ID and PASSWORD to schedule your test time, date, and location/testing center. After pre-registration is completed you can view testing centers available in a location/country You will come to the "Availability" page and choose the following: For Organization, please select "PDI...Pile Dynamics, Inc" For Exam, choose either English, Spanish or Chinese For any questions please contact proficiencytest@pile.com

Requirements

• When pre-registered for online, you have up to 1 year to schedule the test
• Candidate Admission Letter: You MUST present this letter to the testing center in order to be admitted. Also, the Candidate UserID and Passcode printed above are required for you to login and start your examination.
• Arriving for Your Appointment: Please arrive at the testing center A MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME. If you have any doubts about the location of the testing center, IQT strongly recommends that you go to MapQuest and print out a map to the location; or you may wish to drive to the center in advance (the evening prior, for example), to ensure you know where it is located.
• Identification: You must present a VALID GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID WITH SIGNATURE in order to be admitted to the examination. Approved forms for ID are: Drivers License, Government Issued ID Card (must have photo and signature), Passport, Military ID Card. No other forms of identification will be accepted. The name on your admission letter must match the name on your photo ID.
• For candidates outside of the US: If your government issued ID does not contain a signature, you must use your Passport / Passport card in place of your government ID. If your Passport/ Passport card is expired, please also plan to show unexpired government ID, as secondary ID. For China - Chinese ID (China resident Identity card) will be accepted to show proof for the test takers are from China.
• Beginning on July 1, 2023: Your passport must be unexpired in order to be accepted & we will not accept a secondary form of ID.

Stipulation

• If you have scheduled your test time and date and do not show, it will automatically remove you from the IQT Testing website and test taker list. You will need to contact proficiencytest@pile.com to help re-schedule your test time and date and there may be a $100 re-scheduling fee.

Site Closures List

• Please know that there are no changes on this page. As you know Prometric must occasionally close sites with limited notice due to unforeseen events, such as extreme weather, natural disaster, power outages, or other unexpected occurrences, forcing last-minute cancellations. Last-minute closures will be posted on our site closures list.

Who Should Take The Test?

Users of the Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA) system and CAPWAP® software interested in obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency in Dynamic Foundation Testing, confirming their ability to their clients seeking services, or meeting qualification requirements from agencies or organizations.

Calendar of Test Events

Test Details

The Dynamic Measurement and Analysis Proficiency Test covers:

• Wave propagation theory
• PDA data interpretation
• PDA applications
• Data quality assessment
• Signal matching analysis (e.g. CAPWAP)

Test Format: The test is a 60 question multiple-choice test, to be completed in 90 minutes or less, with only minimal calculations required (simple math by hand calculation). The test is CLOSED BOOK. Cell phones are strictly prohibited. Click here for sample questions.

Suggested preparation and study resources:

• The best preparation is your work experience following your initial PDA training.
• Attend Dynamic Foundation Testing Workshops, which are offered on a regular basis (For specific dates and location please visit the PDI or PDCA calendar of events at www.pile.com/events/pdievents or www.piledrivers.org)
• Powerpoint presentations from Dynamic Foundation Testing Workshops
• Appendix A from the PDA manual
• "Helpful Hints" appendix from the PDA manual
• Background information from the CAPWAP manual
• Practice PDA "Example Data" (many are discussed in a PDA manual appendix)

The last 4 items mentioned above are supplied with PDA purchases. If you do not have access to the PDA manual and examples, or if you do not have the current version of the PDA manual, please contact softwaresales@pile.com in advance of the test date.

Test fee: The fee to take the test and receive a Certificate of Proficiency is $250. Those who do not pass the test will receive full credit of test registration fee to be applied towards retaking the test at the next opportunity. An administrative fee of $50 is required to update any Institution information to a different Institution and/or to receive an updated Certificate of Proficiency.

Disclaimer: The PDA Proficiency Test may not be retaken within a 3-month period of previous test date.

Test Results and Validity

A Certificate of Proficiency is issued for a passing grade and only available in electronic form. The Rank shown depends on the test score achieved. Please click here to view a sample Certificate. Only the Provisional Certificate expires.

Passing the test, particularly at higher levels, demonstrates good command of dynamic testing concepts. However, it is recommended that everyone attain a higher level rank through additional study and experience within the suggested time listed below from the date listed on their Certificate.

Agencies or organizations specifying a Certificate of Proficiency as a qualification for providers of foundation testing services should set their own requirements for minimum Rank and maximum period of Certificate validity for each level of proficiency. Test takers should be familiar with the requirements of the agencies or organizations that require PDA dynamic testing services in their territory. (Dark red font indicates the date of the Certificate exceeds the suggested validity period.)

The individual named on a Proficiency Certificate has demonstrated knowledge to the rank granted. However, the ability of this individual to apply appropriate knowledge and advice on a specific project is not implied or warranted by the Pile Driving Contractors Association or Pile Dynamics, Inc. The Pile Driving Contractors Association or Pile Dynamics, Inc. assumes no liability for foundation testing and analysis work performed by the bearer of this certificate.

A list of those who have passed the Proficiency Test can be found by clicking Americas or Others Worldwide. This list may be used to confirm certificates or seek services of active providers of dynamic pile testing. If your name is in dark red this means your suggested test validity has expired. If you want to remove your name from this list or re-take the test contact: proficiencytest@pile.com.