Sorry boys and girls, No rumors or gossip on this one. Only some actual-factual stuff...

 The ACPA has updated and added to the certification test as of 01/01/09. All previous test formats and study manuals are out dated and are not to be used. More info is available at the ACPA website at... concretepumpers.com

I'm glad to see it updated since the previous version only included up to 52m and 4 section booms. I'm looking forward to seeing whats been added, My certification expired so I'll be getting an updated study guide soon. They can also be down loaded from the ACPA website listed above... 

 ...And on the other hand there are also too many well experienced operators that would know even more if they had taken the time to test and get certified!

 pumpnfinish, I'll bet that if you were to take the test you would learn something else or even be reminded of something you had forgotten, whether it was your first or tenth time?

 However, I do think they should change the recertification period from 2 years to 4 years, or at least for the operators with 10+ years experience? 

TT - Good topic and point of discussion. Many feel the ACPA Cert is over rated BUT!!!!!!!!!!! IT is a good means of accountability to operators in the industry at this time. The comment from all can help make it better. So it is real good to talkk about it, hear from the operators and maybe take the suggestions and send them to ACPA for them to look at. It can only help to hear from all on this.

Nothing is perfect in this world. But the more you talk about this the better it can be.

I had to chew on this a bit.I have been around the block way to many times,i'm tired.If one looks at the acpa and who runs it no wonder things are as they are.These people are "owners" highly influenced by the manufacturers.So when all the dust settles there bottom line is all that counts.The cert program had nothing to do with the quality of operators,it was all about insuance.A cert operator could get a better rate.

So to get the acpa off there collective *** to ensure quality trained operators is a myth.So you should be thankfull the companies at least train you,if one comes back in to the yard unscaved to them "it's all good".Now the operators tend to see the reality but they (owners)won't listen.

For me,they get a "no vote" for reality.

 Tom, I recently noticed that any post that had the word "rumor" in it, got 3 times more hits/reads than other subjects? So I threw in a curve ball and posted something positive instead of the regular "rumors" that are usually bad ones anyway?

 The test is full of things that alot of us know and do every day. I for one would liked to have been certified alot earlier in my career. Instead, I had to learn the hard way which often meant learning what NOT to do and seeing the result. 

Just think, Maybe the kid that needs reminded everything 100 times would actually learn and remember something that he reads vs. being told?    

I went to a course they brought to town a few years back. I took the test and was certified. A guy that used to work for Schwing put it on. I liked it! Personally I think it is one of those things that adds awareness to the industry or at least a standard. I would do it again for sure but I still wish I had my $170 back. I did not even get a T shirt? 

Having a book is much better then trying to explain.  The stickers on the side of the pump has sent people packing.  If I ever gotta bring out the book,  Now im having fun.

being ACPA certified is only what you wanna make of it.  Bout time it was revised.

does being ACPA certified make a better operator?  NO

does being ACPA certified make a more knowledgable operator?  YES

Watch what u wish for, ever heard of the CCO certification for cranes very extensive test very hard hands on test,just my opinion all pump companies should have to have one 1 certified hands on and written test certified before they can close on a pump get insured and so on this should make it harder for just anyone to go buy one maybe if they would our industry would get safer higher quality ops just my opinion

You are thinking in the right direction

Regardless of how "easy" or out dated it may seem, being certified probably wont make you a better operator but does show a level of professionalism and that you take your occupation seriously!