Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Technical Certification Program

Print or download the listed course materials, and bring them to class.

Bituminous Mix Designer Certification (BMDC)

Prerequisites for certification

  • You must be certified in Aggregate Production Tester (APTC) and Bituminous Plant Tester (BPTC) before this certification will be awarded to you.
  • We highly recommend you take the courses in this order: APTC, BPTC, BMDC. Strong math skills are also required

Expiration and recertification options

  • This certification expires after five seasons.
  • A recertification must be completed before the end of the fifth training season.
  • If your certification has recently expired and you have relevant work experience, you may apply to regain MnDOT certification through a Recently Expired Certification Exam. Otherwise, you must take the initial certification course again to regain certification.

Class logistics

  • Learning mode: In person
  • If you need to register: Learn about the certification process and then register for the class.
  • Logistics: See the Registration Confirmation and Class Reminder emails from Lake Superior College for class dates, time, location, and directions. Time will be provided for on- or off-site lunch. No meals or beverages will be provided.
  • Learning differences and accommodations: If you have a disability or learning issue, either permanent or temporary, which might affect your ability to perform in a class, the online exam, or the performance exam, contact Suzanne Johnsrud, 218-428-1002, to discuss possible accommodations.
  • Summary: BMD Certification Summary (PDF)
  • Professional development hours (PDHs): 30
  • Lake Superior College course credits possible: 2 (you must complete an LSC course credit form)

What to bring to class

Print and bring to class 

Print and bring to class (or download the files on a laptop or tablet you're bringing)

Reference books/manuals to bring (hard copy or electronic)  

Also bring to class

  • Calculator
  • Paper and pencil/pen
  • Laptop/tablet (recommended)
  • Face mask (for health and safety, if needed)
  • Lunch and beverages to eat/drink if you plan on site  

About the certification exams

Written exam process

  • You will have 210 minutes to complete the 50 question written exam online.
  • You must score 70% or higher to pass; if you score 60-69%, you may request a retest.
  • The exam will open for you at the end of the last day of class.
  • You must complete the exam within one week after it is open for you, meaning the same day the following week.
  • Find your exam to take it when it is open for you.

Written exam topics (approximate percentage of exam)

  • Bituminous mix properties and design basics (40%)
  • Asphalt batching and volumetrics (30%)
  • Mix design submittal (15%)
  • Other topics (15%)

Materials allowed during the written exam

This is an open book exam. You may use the training manual and all other course materials during the exam. A calculator is provided within the online exam.

Performance exam

  • You must submit a Bituminous Mix design (the performance exam) within one year of the last day of class.
  • The certification will not be awarded until the performance exam is complete, approved, and recorded.
  • Directions for the performance exam will be provided in class, including how to submit your mix design.