The Grading Level I course is designed to give participants the skills and knowledge required to become a competent grade and drain inspector.  Topics discussed include soil sampling, interpretation of soil profile sheets, moisture and density testing by the nuclear method, developing moisture density target values by the one-point proctor method, visual identification of soil types, and specifications of grade, pipe installation, and drain construction.  Each participant will perform a one-point proctor and a nuclear density test.

Policy:  The Grade and Drain qualification program was created in accordance with FHWA’s “Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction” policy and KM 64-001-08, which both state that all sampling and testing data to be used in the acceptance decision or the IA program shall be executed by qualified sampling and testing personnel. Participants must successfully complete Level I training before attending Level II. Grade and Drain Level I is a prerequisite for Grade and Drain Level II. In order to take Grade and Drain Level II a participant must successfully pass the Grade and Drain Level I exam with a passing score.

The qualification for both training's are valid for five years. After five years, an individual will need to take both Level I and Level II in accordance in which they are due to renew.