Grading and Base Inspector Certification (GBIC)
Prerequisites for certification
- You must be certified in Aggregate Production Tester (APTC) and Grading and Base Tester (GBTC) before this certification will be awarded to you.
- We highly recommend you take the courses in this order: APTC, GBTC.
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.
Bring to class
Device
- Laptop or Tablet (highly recommended)
Course Materials
Unless noted, all of the files below can be downloaded and brought to class on a device
MnDOT References Needed
- MnDOT Standard Specifications for Construction 2025 (MnDOT Spec Book) (hard copy or electronic)
- Grading and Base Manual
- Contract Admin Manual
- Schedule of Materials Control
Supplies
- Paper, pencil or pen, highlighter, and tabs or sticky notes
- Face mask (for health and safety, if needed)
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages to eat/drink if you plan to eat on-site. Lunch is not provided.
Class Information
- 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: GBI Certification Summary
- Professional development hours (PDHs): 18
- Lake Superior College course credits possible: 2 (you must complete an LSC course credit form)
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)
- MnDOT Specifications 35%
- Soils Properties and Soils Classification 20%
- Duties of the Inspector 20%
- Pavement Reclamation 10%
- Geosynthetics and Soil Reinforcement 10%
- Project Documentation and Closeout 5%
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