Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Technical Certification Program

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

Concrete Field Inspector Recertification (CFIR)

Prerequisites for Concrete Field Inspector recertification

  • Your Concrete Field Inspector Certification must still be current for you to take the recertification course. 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
  • Students who complete this Inspector Recertification course will also be recertified with a MnDOT (not ACI) Concrete Field Tester Certification.
  • If you only need a MnDOT Concrete Field Tester certification (not ACI and not Inspector), take the Concrete Field Tester Recertification eLearning (new in 2023-2024).
  • If you need ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade 1 certification, you must retake the full ACI Concrete Field Tester initial certification class.

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: live virtual, via Zoom
  • 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, Zoom links, and directions.
  • 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.
  • Summaries: CFI Certification Summary (PDF) and CFT Certification Summary (PDF)
  • Professional development hours (PDHs): 6
  • Lake Superior College course credits possible: 0

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)  

  • None

Also bring to class

  • Calculator
  • Paper and pencil/pen

About the certification exams

Written exam process

  • You will have 120 minutes to complete the 35 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)

  • Tester procedures and documentation: 40%
  • Inspection and documentation: 5%
  • Concrete mixtures, placement, curing, flatwork, and jointing: 55%

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

  • None