A Certificate of Proficiency for engineers providing high strain dynamic foundation testing services, developed by the Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) with Pile Dynamics, Inc. (PDI). Available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) in cooperation with Pile Dynamics, Inc. (PDI), has developed a "Dynamic Measurement and Analysis Proficiency Test" for engineers providing high strain dynamic foundation testing services. The test was designed to reflect their level of knowledge and ability, which is then indicated in a "Certificate of Proficiency".
To assure a high standard of testing, many organizations or agencies seeking testing services now require a certificate demonstrating some specified level of ability in dynamic testing. PDA Proficiency Test is available in English, Spanish or Chinese.
Users of the Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA) system and CAPWAP® software interested in obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency in Dynamic Foundation Testing, confirming their ability to their clients seeking services, or meeting qualification requirements from agencies or organizations.
Test format: 60 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 90 minutes or less, with only minimal calculations required (simple math by hand calculation). The test is CLOSED BOOK. Cell phones are strictly prohibited.
The last 4 items are supplied with PDA purchases. If you do not have access to the PDA manual and examples, or the current version of the PDA manual, please contact softwaresales@pile.com in advance of the test date.
Test fee: The fee to take the test and receive a Certificate of Proficiency is $250. Those who do not pass the test will receive full credit of test registration fee to be applied towards retaking the test at the next opportunity. An administrative fee of $50 is required to update any Institution information to a different Institution and/or to receive an updated Certificate of Proficiency.
Disclaimer: The PDA Proficiency Test may not be retaken within a 3-month period of previous test date.
October 20-21, 2026 · Cleveland, Ohio · Sponsored by Pile Driving Contractors Association and Pile Dynamics, Inc. · Ryan Allin and Tomas Padegimas will present
For more information contact Kathy@piledrivers.org.
Questions? proficiencytest@pile.com
If you have scheduled your test time and date and do not show, it will automatically remove you from the IQT Testing website and test taker list. You will need to contact proficiencytest@pile.com to help re-schedule your test time and date and there may be a $100 re-scheduling fee.
Please know that there are no changes on this page. As you know Prometric must occasionally close sites with limited notice due to unforeseen events, such as extreme weather, natural disaster, power outages, or other unexpected occurrences, forcing last-minute cancellations. Last-minute closures will be posted on our site closures list.
A Certificate of Proficiency is issued for a passing grade and only available in electronic form. The Rank shown depends on the test score achieved. View a sample Certificate (PDF). Only the Provisional Certificate expires.
Passing the test, particularly at higher levels, demonstrates good command of dynamic testing concepts. However, it is recommended that everyone attain a higher level rank through additional study and experience within the suggested time listed below from the date listed on their Certificate.
| Rank | Test score | Suggested validity period |
|---|---|---|
| Expert | 93-100% | Lifetime |
| Master | 85-92% | 8 years |
| Advanced | 75-84% | 6 years |
| Intermediate | 65-74% | 4 years |
| Basic | 55-64% | 2 years |
| Provisional | 45-54%* | 1 year* |
*Provisional level expires 1 year from original test date.
Agencies or organizations specifying a Certificate of Proficiency as a qualification for providers of foundation testing services should set their own requirements for minimum Rank and maximum period of Certificate validity for each level of proficiency. Test takers should be familiar with the requirements of the agencies or organizations that require PDA dynamic testing services in their territory. (A "Past validity" badge and dark red text indicate the date of the Certificate exceeds the suggested validity period.)
The individual named on a Proficiency Certificate has demonstrated knowledge to the rank granted. However, the ability of this individual to apply appropriate knowledge and advice on a specific project is not implied or warranted by the Pile Driving Contractors Association or Pile Dynamics, Inc. The Pile Driving Contractors Association or Pile Dynamics, Inc. assumes no liability for foundation testing and analysis work performed by the bearer of this certificate.
