Frequently Asked Questions

No, CCRL offers an inspection service. For a description of services, refer to question number two. You can use CCRL’s services to obtain AASHTO accreditation.

An inspection is an evaluation of equipment and procedures required in the relevant test methods, along with a review of the quality system. An inspection report is the final step in the process for an inspection agency.
An accreditation agency uses the results of the inspection report or the results of their own onsite assessment as one phase of the accreditation process. As a separate phase, the accreditation agency also reviews the testing laboratory’s corrective actions for the deficiencies noted and issues a certificate of accreditation once all of the deficiencies have been corrected. Accreditation requires the participation in an appropriate Proficiency Sample Program.

CCRL provides onsite inspections and proficiency samples in cement, concrete, masonry , and aggregate (inspection only). CCRL’s services can be used to obtain AASHTO accreditation.
AASHTO RE:SOURCE provides onsite assessments and proficiency samples in bituminous materials, soils, and aggregates. AASHTO RE:SOURCE’s services can be used to obtain AASHTO accreditation.

CCRL’s inspection covers concrete aggregates and AASHTO RE:SOURCE’s inspection covers bituminous aggregates. Their coverage overlap.
AASHTO RE:SOURCE covers all tests offered by the CCRL inspection plus additional tests unique to bituminous aggregate testing.

The programs differ in cost and selection. Unless you need bituminous aggregate test methods inspected, the CCRL aggregate inspection is more cost effective.
It is not necessary or recommended to sign up for both inspections.

The length of the inspection, depending on it’s scope, is anywhere from ½ to 7 days. A typical concrete only inspection is 1½ days. A typical concrete and aggregate inspection is 2 days.

If you want to “export” the results for one sample pair to a pdf file or an Excel spread you will need to filter the results by the sample pair numbers. This can easily be accomplished by using the search feature located at the bottom of the “Samples” column. To do this locate the “Samples” column on the laboratory ratings page. At the bottom of the “Samples” column there is an input box containing the word “Search”. Enter the odd sample number of the sample pair that you want to filter and view the test results for. Example: If you wish to view your laboratory’s Concrete sample ratings for just sample pair 183 & 184 you would enter 183 in the search box at the bottom of the “Samples” column. Now just “export” the results for one sample pair to a pdf file or an Excel file or print.

Yes. ASTM C1077 for concrete, C1222 for hydraulic cement, and C1093 for masonry require the participation in an appropriate proficiency sample program. Failure to participate in the appropriate program will generate a deficiency. In addition, the AASHTO Accreditation Program requires accredited laboratories to participate in all AASHTO RE:SOURCE or CCRL proficiency sample programs that include the tests for which the laboratory is accredited. Your laboratory will not be able to obtain accreditation without enrollment in the appropriate sample programs.

If you wish to have a test method appear on your AASHTO accreditation, you must perform the test method on the proficiency sample.

Instructions for testing the samples are found on the CCRL website (www.ccrl.us). The "Sample Instructions link is found at the top of the home page under the “Samples” heading.

Your are assigned your laboratory number when you first join the CCRL Proficiency Sample Program. Your laboratory number and PIN are provided in each email you receive from CCRL about a specific proficiency sample. Normally you will receive at least two emails for each sample , one when the samples are shipped and one when the final reports are available. Your laboratory number and PIN do not change and are the same for all CCRL Proficiency Samples.

Six boxes total (two cement, two fine aggregate, and two coarse aggregate). You will receive these boxes over a seven week period. About the time the first box is shipped you will receive a notification by email that the samples are being shipped. This email will also tell when you can expect to receive the last box of material, how the sample testing instructions can be downloaded, and instructions for entering data on our website.