In today’s tight economy and competitive business environment, staying ahead of the competition is more important than ever! You and your workforce must be up-to-date and well-versed in all facets of sales, production, testing, customer service, operations, training, product installation, business management, and best practices relevant to the concrete masonry and hardscape industry.
NCMA's Concrete Products University (CPU) courses address specific challenges faced by everyone in our field. Each class focuses on the practical application of course content to real-world issues, and will help you and your staff improve the profitability of your business.
Employers, consumers, designers, and other business partners value independent certification as a sign of an individual’s relevant industry knowledge, skill, and training. CPU offers several prestigious certification programs, enabling successful candidates to provide their skill and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Education courses, certification programs, and seminars custom-developed to meet our members' training needs are delivered throughout the year at NCMA Headquarters, at NCMA's Annual Convention, and locally throughout the United States and Canada.
Instructor AIA/CES Provider Training Program Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Train-the-Trainer - Level I / Basic Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Train-the-Trainer - Advanced
Production and Testing Concrete Masonry Testing Procedures Course Sponsored Production Courses
Installation Segmental Retaining Wall Installer – Level I / Basic Segmental Retaining Wall Installer – Advanced Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Advanced
Design Segmental Retaining Design Wall Seminar Federal Officials Seminar in Hardscapes Applications
Webinars Concrete Masonry Technology Crash Courses
Questions & Answers
AIA/CES Provider Training ProgramIn response to an increased emphasis on continuing education, architects and engineers are turning to industry representatives to learn about new technology and design practices being implemented in masonry construction. To meet this need, NCMA has become an approved provider of continuing education by the American Institute of Architects' Continuing Education System (AIA/CES), and has developed several AIA/CES-approved seminars for design professionals. NCMA’s AIA/CES Provider Training Program trains experienced sales and marketing professionals from the manufactured concrete products industry how to deliver these continuing education seminars to designers or in-house staff. Individuals who complete this program become NCMA Continuing Education Facilitators (CEF) and are authorized to present NCMA’s AIA/CES-approved seminars and to award AIA/CES Learning Units to those designers who attend the seminars. In addition to learning effective presentation skills, attendees are provided with a series of ready-to-use PowerPoint presentations covering topics relating to concrete masonry and hardscape design and construction, including: • Crack control • Fire resistance • Moisture penetration abatement • SRW and ACB design and construction • Thermal properties of concrete masonry systems • Sustainable design • Mold abatement design and construction • Architectural enhancement: Aesthetical design This program will help participants convey critical information to designers and to establish themselves as a valuable resource to their customers. Registration is open to NCMA Members (only) who have completed the NCMA/CSI Technical Sales Course or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through the successful completion of a prequalification exam. For more information about this course, please contact Dennis W. Graber. $900 Members only<back to top>
Next scheduled class – TBA
Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Train-the-Trainer – Level I / BasicThe SRW Installer Basic Course and certification exam are delivered locally by NCMA-authorized industry representatives (SRW Installer Trainers). NCMA members whose employees complete this Train-the-Trainer Level I course can provide a valued service to and build relationships with SRW installers by sponsoring local course sessions and certification exams. This Train-the-Trainer course teaches SRW installation guidelines, material and system component properties, soils and compaction, site practices, and how to teach this subject to installers. Attendees learn effective presentation skills in the context of adult education, and how to become a knowledge resource for business partners. This course is open to NCMA Members only. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal. $250 Members only.<back to top>
Next scheduled class – July 18, 2012–Herndon, Virginia
Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Train-the-Trainer – AdvancedThe SRW Installer Advanced Course and certification exam are delivered locally by NCMA-authorized industry representatives (SRW Installer Trainers). NCMA members whose employees complete this Train-the-Trainer course can provide a valued service to and build relationships with SRW installers by sponsoring local course sessions and certification exams. This Train-the-Trainer course teaches Advanced SRW Installation for Advanced Residential and Small Commercial Projects: wall layout and planning, water and drainage, tiered walls, corners and curves, patios, etc., and how to teach this subject to installers. Attendees learn how to become a knowledge resource for business partners. This course is open to authorized SRW Trainers (Level I/Basic). For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal. $200 Members only.<back to top>
Next scheduled class – July 19, 2012-Herndon, Virginia
Concrete Masonry Testing Procedures CourseWould your QA/QC personnel be able to improve your bottom line—if only they were better trained? To help ensure that concrete masonry and hardscape products are fairly and accurately evaluated, and that their compliance is properly documented, the Testing Procedures course was developed to educate users of product standards about proper testing procedures. Geared towards QA/QC personnel, sales personnel, and lab technicians, this course teaches how to evaluate the properties of concrete masonry, concrete masonry materials, and hardscape materials. Students are taught the ASTM standards pertaining to: concrete masonry units, pavers, segmental retaining wall units, articulating concrete block, concrete brick, concrete roof paving units, masonry mortar, grout, and prisms. Hands-on, laboratory sessions are used to translate classroom knowledge into practical experience and reinforce correct testing procedures. Instructors oversee the research and testing performed at the NCMA Research and Development Laboratory and actively participate in the ASTM committees responsible for the development and revision of specifications and test methods for concrete masonry products. Certified Concrete Masonry Testing Technician (CCMTT) Program Candidates who complete the Concrete Masonry Testing Procedures Course (or equivalent testing-procedures-related education) and pass a written and performance certification examination earn the Certified Concrete Masonry Testing Technician (CCMTT) credential. For more information about this course, please contact Nick R. Lang. $595 Member/$695 Non-Member<back to top>
Next scheduled class – October 11-13, 2012Recertification Application
Sponsored Production Course The NCMA Laboratory staff can create production-related courses on demand, tailored to fit your company’s needs. The NCMA Laboratory, production facility, and newly-renovated, state-of-the-art, Concrete Products University classroom are all available to host your custom course. For more information about this course, please contact Nick R. Lang.<back to top>
INSTALLATION
Segmental Retaining Walls Installer Course – Level I/BasicThe one-day Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer Course teaches installers fundamental SRW installation guidelines, material and system component properties, soils and compaction, the effect of water, and site practices. For a schedule of local course sessions taught by NCMA SRW Installer Trainers, please click here. Contact local course sponsor for SRW Installer Course registration fees. The Certified SRW Installer (CSRWI) Program is also available to each candidate who completes the SRW Installer Course (or equivalent SRW-installation-related education) and passes a written examination is certified as a Certified SRW Installer (CSRWI). This credential is highly valued by consumers. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
For a schedule of local certification exam administrations proctored by NCMA SRW Installer Trainers, please click here. Recertification Application
Segmental RetainingWall Installer Course – AdvancedTake your hardscape installation skills to the next level! This program increases your value to your customers by teaching you SRW applications and installation techniques for advanced residential and light commercial projects, and is open to NCMA Certified SRW Installers (CSRWI) who are engaged in the construction of SRWs. Advanced topics include: Wall layout and planning, water and drainage, cut and fill walls, tiered walls, corners and curves, stairs and patios. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
For a schedule of local certification exam administrations proctored by NCMA SRW Installer Trainers, please click here.
Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Get hands-on training on how to install a concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) – this course is a must for hardscape installers of all experience levels! Participants will be guided by a seasoned expert through the critical steps of an actual SRW installation, including site layout, excavation, preparation/laying of the base course, installaion of wall blocks, installation of a drainage system, use of geosynthetic reinforcement (grid and fabrics), placement and compaction of backfill, and capping and fence posts. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
Next scheduled class - TBA
Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation AdvancedTake your hardscape installation skills to the next level! This hands-on training increases your value to your customers by teaching you advanced segmental retaining wall (SRW) applications and installation techniques. A nationally recognized trainer will guide you through these advanced topics, including tiered walls, step installation (including regulatory codes), eletrical components in wall (including in-wall lighting), wall-tip mountings (including lighting, hand rails, and fences), free-standing walls, utilities through walls, grid strength/placement, and compation equipment. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
DESIGN
Segmental Retaining Wall Design SeminarThe Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Design Seminar is a one-day program for design professionals, specifiers, architects, and engineers engaged in segmental retaining wall design. The seminar provides an in-depth look at internal and external design considerations for SRWs; including sliding, overturning, bearing, pullout, tensile rupture, and facing connection and bulging. The seminar also addresses design and detail considerations associated with surface and subsurface water. Each registered attendee receives a copy of NCMA's Design Manual for SRWs. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
Next scheduled class –TBA
AIA/CES-Approved SeminarsThe following AIA/CES-approved seminars are taught by NCMA’s Continuing Education Facilitators (click here to find one near you) and by NCMA staff on request:
Federal Officials Seminar on Hardscape Applications The Federal Officials Seminar on Hardscape Applications is a one-day program for specifiers, architects, engineers engaged in government and transportation projects. The seminar provides an in-depth look to the benefits and issues associated with the use of Segmental Retaining Walls (SRWs), pavers, Articulated Concrete Blocks (ACBs) and other related hardscape products. Audience: Specifiers, program/project managers, engineers, architects, construction managers, facilities managers, conservationists, researchers, and others associated with government building and transportation projects. For more information about this course, please contact Gabriela Mariscal.<back to top>
WEBINARS
Concrete Masonry Technology Crash CoursesThere never seems to be enough time in the day to meet project demands and continue one’s professional development. In response to today’s fast-paced environment, NCMA created crash courses; intensely focused online courses covering the most frequently asked questions related to concrete masonry design, specification, and construction. Each course is begins at 1:00 pm (eastern) on the first Wednesday of each month and lasts only 30 minutes. Click here to register for any of our webinars.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. Where are programs held?
A. NCMA’s education and training programs are generally conducted at the association’s headquarters, in Herndon, Virginia, which is in the Washington, DC, metro area. NCMA is just minutes from Dulles International Airport and is convenient to several interstate highways. The association’s facilities include a fully-equipped classroom and a state-of-the-art laboratory devoted exclusively to research and testing of concrete masonry products. In addition, all of NCMA’s educational programs can be made available at your location with local co-sponsorship.
Q. Where are attendees lodged?
A. NCMA has special reduced rates at designated hotels which are conveniently located to NCMA’s headquarters. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from Dulles International Airport.
Q. When are courses conducted?
A. NCMA’s schools are held throughout the year. Specific dates are published annually, and generally are between late fall and early spring. Separate announcements, with enrollment information and registration forms for each program are distributed to NCMA members in advance. Course descriptions are available on the website.
Q. Who should attend?
A. This varies from program to program. For example, the NCMA/CSI Technical Sales Training Program has prerequisites requiring several years of experience and sequential attendance at each of the program’s three phases. Other schools are targeted at specific job functions within the concrete masonry industry. Refer to the course descriptions for each course in this brochure for further details.
Q. Are customized programs available?
A. Yes! NCMA staff can provide programs that are tailored specifically to meet your company’s needs, or those of your customers. The association will work with you to conduct training at your facility, at NCMA’s headquarters or at another convenient location. Topics that have been the focus of previous programs have included product specifications; masonry research and testing; codes and standards updates; structural design, specifications and construction; and quality assurance.
These customized programs — besides focusing on your needs — can save you time and money and promote teamwork between your employees and customers. Contact NCMA for specific details on program options and the cost to conduct them.<back to top>
For information about any of NCMA's education or certification programs please contact Brittaney K. Thompson.