Technical Certification Program

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

Bituminous Street Inspector Certification (BSIC)

Prerequisites for certification

• No certifications are required before this one, although experience in the field is highly recommended.

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.
• Summary: BSI Certification Summary (PDF)
• Professional development hours (PDHs): 18
• Lake Superior College course credits possible: 1 (you must complete an LSC course credit form)

Before class

1. Use the link and purchase code sent from Lake Superior College to order this book: MS-22 Construction of Quality Asphalt Paving. This link will be sent to you two weeks before your class begins.
2. Download all other  course materials to whatever computer you will use for the class. If possible, have two monitors so you can more easily see the Zoom window and your documents at the same time.
3. Print anything that you think will be helpful for you to have in hard copy.
4. Review these Division Two articles from the MnDOT Standard Specifications:
   • 2232 (Mill Pavement Surface)
   • 2357 (Bituminous Tack Coat)
   • 2360 (Plant Mixed Asphalt Pavement)
   • 2399 (Pavement Surface Smoothness)  

Course materials to have with you during class

• BSIC Class Agenda (PDF)
• Bituminous Street Inspector Certification Training Manual (PDF)
• MS-22 Construction of Quality Asphalt Paving (Use the link and purchase code sent from Lake Superior College to order. This link will be sent to you two weeks before your class begins.)
• MnDOT Standard Specifications for Construction 2020 (MnDOT Spec Book)
  • Order a hard copy for $55 (allow for two weeks delivery time)
  • Download a free PDF version

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 120 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)

• Content knowledge needed for the work (35%)
• Inspection and documentation (25%)
• Mixture placement and compaction (40%)

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