2015 ODOT proficiency exam
2015 ODOT Proficiency Exam
ProficiencyWhy do we need it?How can we measure it?When do we
achieve it?Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate working
knowledge
Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate working knowledgeDoes
the inspector understand what information ODOT is looking for
Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate working knowledgeDoes
the inspector understand what information ODOT is looking forODOT
employs consultant inspectors from all over the countryODOT employs
7 consultant teams to handle the bulk of the local agency
inspection program. ODOT also employs consultants to conduct
inspections on several of the large state owned bridges crossing
over the Columbia River.5Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate
working knowledgeDoes the inspector understand what information
ODOT is looking forODOT employs consultant inspectors from all over
the countryUnknown backgrounds, skill levels, or training
What is a persons background training? What does it mean to have
helped out inspecting bridges?6Why do we need Proficiency?To
demonstrate working knowledgeDoes the inspector understand what
information ODOT is looking forODOT employs consultant inspectors
from all over the countryUnknown backgrounds, skill levels, or
trainingSeveral new inspectors added to the list every yearUnknown
backgrounds, skill levels, or training
Again, we dont know what type of training background a person
comes from.7Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate working
knowledgeDoes the inspector understand what information ODOT is
looking forODOT employs consultant inspectors from all over the
countryUnknown backgrounds, skill levels, or trainingSeveral new
inspectors added to the list every yearUnknown backgrounds, skill
levels, or training
To strive for consistent results
Why do we need Proficiency?To demonstrate working knowledgeDoes
the inspector understand what information ODOT is looking forODOT
employs consultant inspectors from all over the countryUnknown
backgrounds, skill levels, or trainingSeveral new inspectors added
to the list every yearUnknown backgrounds, skill levels, or
training
To strive for consistent resultsData consistency and
uniformityCommunicate information amongst other inspectors
I want to know that if the inspector is looking at a railing
with concrete posts and a metal rail between them, that they are
going to code it as the correct material type and record the
correct quantity. 9How can we measure Proficiency?Proficiency is
measured by the testing of an applicants knowledge of the ODOT
coding guide when applied to actual in-field bridge inspections.We
are going to take a trainee inspector, throw a bunch of bridges at
them, and see how they do coding the condition of the
structures.10How can we measure Proficiency?Proficiency is measured
by the testing of an applicants knowledge of the ODOT coding guide
when applied to actual in-field bridge inspections.Testing is
comprised of:Inspecting 5-7 structures (per day) over 2
daysInspecting structures of varying material typeInspecting
structures of varying size
11When do we achieve Proficiency?Proficiency is achieved when
the applicant obtains a passing grade of 80% (or greater) correct
answers on the ODOT Proficiency Exam.When do we achieve
Proficiency?Proficiency is achieved when the applicant obtains a
passing grade of 80% (or greater) correct answers on the ODOT
Proficiency Exam.ODOT has elected to go with a percentage passing
instead of the traditional number of errors.When do we achieve
Proficiency?Proficiency is achieved when the applicant obtains a
passing grade of 80% (or greater) correct answers on the ODOT
Proficiency Exam.ODOT has elected to go with a percentage passing
instead of the traditional number of errors.This allows a more fair
evaluation of an applicants skill when applied to structures of
varying size.
Since AASHTO has added more items to the inspection list, ODOT
needed a different method of evaluating an applicants inspection
abilities for multiple structure sizes, material types, and
complexity. Using a Percentage based scoring system gives ODOT a
more in depth picture of an applicants skill level while
maintaining fairness for the inspector. The total number of
elements for bridges could range widely (from 30 to over 100 items)
and using the old method of 4 errors per bridge was too
extreme.14When do we achieve Proficiency?Proficiency is achieved
when the applicant obtains a passing grade of 80% (or greater)
correct answers on the ODOT Proficiency Exam.ODOT has elected to go
with a percentage passing instead of the traditional number of
errors.This allows a more fair evaluation of an applicants skill
when applied to structures of varying size.Requirements covered
under Section 5.2.1 of the ODOT Bridge Inspection Manual15The
Proficiency Exam16
16 NBI items. Element and Defects. Similar to what the
inspectors see on the ODOT QA trips.17What is the grading criteria
for the exam?Acceptable Thresholds:NBI Coding Items (28, 36, 43
& 44) that are associated with the Sufficiency Rating, as well
as Items 103 & 108Acceptable threshold is expected to be
exactNBI Condition Ratings (58, 59,60, 61, 71 & 72)Acceptable
threshold is one rating numberNBI Ratings (41 & 70)Acceptable
threshold is expected to be exact18What is the grading criteria for
the exam?Acceptable Thresholds (contd):Wearing Surface
DepthAcceptable threshold is two inches (2)List of Bridge Elements
and their quantitiesAcceptable threshold for elements are expected
to be exactQuantities can vary (w/in 10%, Paint Systems
excluded)List of Defects associated with each Element and the
stratified CS RatingsAcceptable threshold for defects are + one
condition state (Additional defects that are listed other than
shown by the answer key will not count against the examinee)For
elements 980 & 999 the acceptable threshold is one CS19What is
the grading criteria for the exam?Acceptable Thresholds
(contd):List of Protective Systems and the stratified CS
RatingsAcceptable CS Rating threshold is expected to be within the
exact designated CS (values inside the CS can vary)20What is the
grading criteria for the exam?Acceptable Thresholds
(contd):Adequate Element Condition Assessment Remarks (Y/N)At
present, when an NBI Condition Rating Item < 5 or an Element is
placed into CS2 or worse, an Element description remark is
required.Adequate Maintenance Recommendations (Y/N)At present, when
an NBI Condition Rating Item < 4 or an element is placed into
CS3 or worse, a maintenance recommendation is required.
21The Proficiency Exam Examples22
23
Two errors (arrows) in the NBI section: Item 60 was off by 2
values, Item 108 was missing membrane.24
Inspectors recorded values for Br #11111.25
We notice the first error (arrow) is where the inspector is
placing 8LF of Checking in CS1 for the Timber Railing. CS need to
match, but remember quantities can vary, as we see under Timber
Decks. The quantities are different but the inspector matched the
CSs. Continuing on we see the inspector missed the Waterproof
Membrane protective system. Moving down we see that the inspector
has another CS matching error and this time added in the Bug
Infestation defect. I want to make it clear that the inspector has
the right to challenge the answers. In this case the inspector may
of seen a new defect that has developed since the review team
looked at the bridge. 26
27
