DOT Inspector Certification and Training Information
The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides inspection certification. Two popular options are for transportation construction inspectors or vehicle emissions and safety inspectors. Certification classes are offered through various universities and community colleges.
Public Works Inspector Training
Public works inspectors prevent future infrastructure failures by ensuring that contractors use the proper techniques when working on earthwork and foundation projects, like highways, bridges and sewer systems. They make sure that contractors perform their contractually obligated duties and do not substitute in cheaper materials. They may also be able to specialize in certain types of work, such as dredging operations or reinforced concrete work.
State departments of transportation, university civil engineering departments and third-party centers offer relevant training. Some classes require students to have earned certification, such as nuclear gauge certification, or have gained a certain amount of experience prior to attending class. Accelerated certificates take as little as less than a week to complete, while longer certificate programs take up to five months to complete.
Program Coursework
Future public works inspectors study everything from contracts to asphalt paving in order to ensure that contractors build the country's infrastructure up to the previously set standards. Topics of study include:
- Contract administration
- Drainage pipes
- Erosion control
- Reinforced concrete pipes
- Traffic lights
Popular Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 90,730 construction and building inspectors employed across various fields as of May 2009. The BLS also states that the field of construction and building inspectors was projected to grow 17% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Nearly half of all of these inspectors were employed by the local government; other major employers were in the architectural services field, as well as the state government. Job titles might include:
- Asphalt engineering technician
- Certified DOT inspector
- Construction engineering inspector
- Contracts inspector
Emissions Inspector Course
Emissions inspectors enforce state laws prohibiting cars from giving off excessive air pollution. Continuing education departments of some universities offer courses and administer certification exams. Some classes require students to hold a valid driver's license prior to attending class. Accelerated certificates take less than one week to complete.
Program Coursework
Future emissions inspectors study everything from mechanical controls to state laws in order to prevent individual cars from contributing more pollution to the air than the state allows. Coursework includes:
- Emission controls
- Exhaust standards
- Local regulations
Popular Careers and Salary Info
BLS records show that there were 24,250 transportation inspectors employed as of May 2009. The three largest employers of these inspectors were the federal and local levels of government, as well as rail transportation. The federal government and aerospace products manufacturers were two of the highest-paying employers for this job title. Transportation inspectors earned a median annual wage of $56,290 as of May 2009. Additional job titles may include:
- Covert quality assessment officer
- Emissions technician
- Lane inspector
- Weight inspector
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4 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Ohio (2 campuses)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
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School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Nevada include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
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School locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northeastern University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
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School locations:
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Areas of study you may find at Villanova University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
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School locations:
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Areas of study you may find at University of Minnesota include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
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School locations:
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
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- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- General Construction Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
