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Introduction
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| The
Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program was created in
response to the Industry’s need to uniform training in
technical skills. CCT training focuses on the fundamental
technology used in producing a wide range of products within
the marine, cast polymer, and open molding arenas. Program
specific certifications place much emphasis on the knowledge
and skills required in production while enhancing the overall
professionalism of individuals. |
| Overall, the
CCT program is designed to elevate standards in the industry,
enhance individual performance, and recognize those who
demonstrate a fundamental level of knowledge in a specific
specialization. |
| As a CCT, you
are a recognized expert among your colleagues and throughout
the industry. Certified Composite Technicians are becoming
more valuable industry-wide as the industry becomes
increasingly competitive and employer seek qualified
individuals |
Since investing in the CCT program,
Lowell Miles, CCT,
President of Miles Fiberglass,
reported that his employee retention
has risen, and the return on his
investment
equates to a minimum of $30,600
annually.
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Currently, ACMA has five different certification programs: |
Certified Composites
Technician (CCT) - now available in English AND Spanish
versions.
Certified Composites
Technician – Marine (CCT-Marine)
Certified Composites
Technician – Cast Polymer (CCT-CP)
Certified Composites
Technican - Compression Molding (CCT-CM)
Certified Composites
Technician - Instructor (CCT-I)
Certified Composites
Technician – Manager |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ACMA’s Certification
Programs |
The
Program |
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Enrollment |
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Exam |
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The
Program |
Why should I enroll in an ACMA Certification
program?
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| The CCT is a
noted symbol of accomplishment among employers and your
peers throughout the composites industry. Earning the CCT
designation will demonstrate your level of knowledge and
skill in the composites industry, set you apart among your
peers in the industry, and increase your value as a
professional in the composites industry. |
| Once you
earn the CCT designation, you may use the CCT credential
with your name, (ex: John Doe, CCT), display your CCT
certificate, and wear various CCT logo items that recognize
your accomplishment. Your name will be listed in Composites
Fabrication Magazine and on the ACMA website, and ACMA will
notify your company’s management, the trade press and others
in the industry of your accomplishment. |
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There
are different versions of CCT - How do I know which program
is right for me? |
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The CCT program
is built around general composites molding knowledge,
however to meet the needs of specific segments of the
industry the CCT program has developed into specialized
versions. |
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*Certified
Composites Technician (CCT) is a program that focuses on the
broad scope of open molding technology. The exam and study
guide are developed around the practical aspect of
processes, materials, equipment application techniques,
safety and quality assurance. Individuals who have been in
the industry for less than one year are eligible to become
an Associate CCT (CCT-A) upon passing the test.
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*CCT-Marine
Molding Technology (CCT-M) is a specialized version of CCT
designed specifically for the boat building industry. This
version focuses on the fundamental knowledge required in
composites boat building. |
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*CCT-Cast
Polymer (CCT-CP) is a specialized version of CCT designed
specifically for the cast polymer (cultured marble, onyx,
granite). This version focuses on the fundamental knowledge
required in cast polymer manufacturing. |
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*CCT-Compression
Molding (CCT-CM) is a specialized version of CCT designed
specificaly for compression molding. This version focuses on
the fundamental knowledge required in compression molding. |
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*CCT-Instructor
(CCT-I)-. This course qualifies a CCT to become a certified
instructor who is qualified to teach the CCT training
courses to applicants preparing to take the CCT exam. This
includes both the CCT and CCT - Marine tutorial courses.
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*CCT-Cast
Polymer Instructor (CCT-I, CP) - This course qualifies a CCT-CP
to become a certified instructor who is qualified to teach
the CCT training courses to applicants preparing to take the
CCT-CP exam. |
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*Certified
Composites Manager (CCM) - This new certification program is
the next step for current CCTs in managerial positions with
the composites industry. |
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As
an employer, why should I invest the money to put my
employees through an ACMA certification program? |
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The CCT program
is a very comprehensive and affordable way to train your
employees on the proper techniques and processes in
composites manufacturing. Because the program trains
candidates on important topics such as gel coating
application, controlled spraying and plant safety, it has
been shown to decrease shop waste and improve workers’
safety habits. |
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Further, the CCT
designation is a noted symbol of accomplishment throughout
the composites industry. Earning the CCT designation will
demonstrate an employees’ level of knowledge and skill in
the composites industry, and will set him or her apart among
peers in the industry. The program has been shown to enhance
an employee’s overall feelings about his professional career
path, increase the morale within a company, and decrease the
turnover rate in some companies. |
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What are CCT registration and exam fees ? |
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Fees are based
on a sliding scale with a multiple participant discount. To
receive the volume discount rate multiple applications must
be submitted at the same time. There is a program enrollment
fee that includes the Study Guide and a separate exam fee.
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*Enrollment Fees |
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Participants
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Member
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Nonmember Fees
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| 1-5 |
$150
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$210
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| 6-10 |
$130
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$190
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| 11-30 |
$120
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$180
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| 31+ |
$100
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$170
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| Associate |
$40
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$40
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*Exam Fees |
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Participants
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Member
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Nonmember Fees
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| 1-5 |
$100
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$180
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| 6-10 |
$90
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$160
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| 11-30 |
$80
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$140
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| 31+ |
$50
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$120
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| Associate |
$60
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$60
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Who administers the CCT Exam? |
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The CCT exam can be
administered by an authorized CCT Instructor or authorized
CCT exam proctor. |
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Where can I take the exam? |
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All CCT
examinations are given at ACMA & ICPA conferences and
regional meetings. You can also take the examination at
specified regional testing facility; or a CCT Instructor can
administer the exam in your facility. For a listing of
regional testing facilities visit our website at
http://www.ACMA-hq.org/certification/testing.cfm. |
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How do I schedule my exam? |
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When the
candidate is ready to sit for the examination they
should first visit the ACMA testing calendar web page to
locate a testing facility; or locate a ACMA regional
meeting; or schedule with an authorized Instructor:
http://www.ACMA-hq.org/certification/testing.cfm.
After the candidate has made his/her testing site
selection, contact ACMA at 703.525.0511 to have the
certification department arrange for the exam. If there
is not a testing facility in your area, contact ACMA and
we will assist with other arrangements. |
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Can
I have a CCT-Instructor come to my facility and train my
employees? |
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While the
CCT course work is setup for self-study, many employers
find it to be a distinct advantage to offer a CCT
tutorial course to enhance the understanding and
preparation of their candidates. ACMA will provide you
with a list of authorized CCT instructors in your area.
You can then make specific arrangements with an
instructor to conduct the tutorial course. |
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What takes place in a CCT tutorial
course? |
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The CCT
Study Guide is reviewed and explained during a tutorial
course. The purpose of a tutorial is the final
preparation for candidates to take the examination.
Candidates should come to the course after having
completed self-study of the CCT Study Guide, and with
the intent of using this session as a per-exam tune-up.
The time and number of class sessions will vary based on
the needs of the company. Tutorials can range from a
one-session six hour course to a series of one-hour
sessions spread out of a longer period. |
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Can I use the CCT logo on my
business cards? |
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Yes, one of
the professional benefits of becoming a CCT is the use
of the credentials. You are encouraged to use the title
of “CCT” with your name, i.e. John Smith, CCT, or Jane
Doe, CCT-I. You may use the CCT logo on your business
cards, personal communications, web page, or marketing
materials. |
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Do CCT credentials expire? |
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Your
credentials are valid for three years, at which time
re-certification is required. Re-certification is
accomplished by review of the Re-certification Study
Materials and a self-submitted open book exam. ACMA will
contact you regarding recertification procedures when
your certification is due for renewal. CCT Instructors
revalidate their credentials by attending a revalidation
clinic every two years. |
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Enrollment |
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How do I qualify to take the CCT
examination? |
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You must
demonstrate that you have a minimum of one year of
experience in the industry and complete and submit the
CCT enrollment form and fees. |
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How do I enroll in the CCT program? |
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There are
several ways to enroll in the CCT program: You may
register online:
https://www.ACMA-hq.org/commerce/enrollment.cfm or
you may register by phone - 703-525-0511, or by fax -
703-525-0743. |
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Can I enroll in multiple
certification programs? |
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Absolutely,
you can enroll in as many CCT programs as you would
like. |
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How long do I have to take the exam
after I enroll into the program? |
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After
enrollment in the CCT program, enrollees have one-year
from the date of acceptance to take the examination. If
the enrollee does not take the exam within one year of
registration, a new CCT enrollment form must be
submitted. |
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What does my enrollment fee cover? |
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Your
enrollment fee covers your registration in the program
and the CCT Study Guide (including shipping and handling
charges). |
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Exam |
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Can I take the CCT Exam if I have
less than one year of experience in the composites
industry? |
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Yes, you may
take the exam and qualify to become an Associate CCT.
Once you have attained the required one year of
experience the Associate designation will roll over into
the regular CCT certification. |
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How do I prepare for the exam? |
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There are
two ways to prepare for the CCT exam: Self-Study - The
CCT study guide is designed to be a self-study course.
The study guide will provide you with the information to
prepare for the exam. Test questions are taken directly
from this text. CCT Tutorial Course – You may choose to
supplement your self-study with a tutorial course taught
by a CCT-Instructor. This instructional course is
designed to provide additional preparation and insight
into the CCT study materials. |
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Do I need to pay for my exam prior
to taking it? |
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Yes, full
payment must be received by ACMA Headquarters in advance
of taking the exam. Exam proctors or instructors may not
collect money on behalf of ACMA. |
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How much time is involved in CCT
exam preparation? |
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The average
candidate spends about 18-hours preparing for the CCT
exam. This is typically a combination of self-study and
tutorial course time. |
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Do I contact the instructor/proctor
when I am ready to take the exam? |
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No, you must
make arrangements with CCT Administration at ACMA to
arrange your exam. Instructors/Proctors supervise the
exam, but are not able to obtain a CCT exam on your
behalf. |
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How far in advance do I need to
schedule my exam? |
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Candidates
should contact ACMA at least ten business days prior to
their test date. |
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Can I take the exam at an ICPA
regional meeting? |
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Many, but
not all, ICPA regional events will incorporate CCT exams
and tutorials into their meeting schedule. It is
suggested that you contact ICPA to determine if a
particular meeting will offer CCT services.
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What do I need to bring to the exam? |
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The
examination answer sheets are in a computer form (Scantron),
similar to those used for high school standardized
tests. Be sure to bring a pencil with a good eraser. You
will also need to bring identification in the form of a
photo ID. No books, calculators with memory or other
electronic devices are allowed in the exam room. |
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How many questions are on the
examination? |
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The CCT
examinations are comprised of 100 multiple-choice
questions. |
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Is the exam an open book exam? |
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No, it is
not an open book exam. You may not use any notes or your
CCT manual during the test. |
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Can I keep my exam questions after
the test? |
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To maintain
the long term integrity of the CCT program, all
examination materials must be returned in the exam
packet back to ACMA. Candidates are not permitted to
keep the question booklet or copy exam questions. |
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How long will it take for me to
receive my examination results? |
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The
completed examinations are returned to ACMA Headquarters
for scoring and results will be mailed within two weeks
of receipt of the completed exam |
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What is considered a passing score? |
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The passing
standard on the CCT examinations is a minimum score of
80%. |
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If I fail, am I able to take the
exam again? |
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If you fail
to achieve a test score of 80% or higher, you may retake
the examination within twelve months of the notification
of failure. If the test is not retaken within this
period, and new enrollment form must be submitted.
Candidates may take the exam two times in one calendar
year. |
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How do I qualify to take the CCT
examination? |
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You must
demonstrate that you have a minimum of one year of
experience in the industry and complete and submit the
CCT enrollment form and fees. If you do not have a
minimum of one year in the industry you may still sit
for the CCT exam and qualify to become an Associate CCT
(CCT-A). Once you have attained the required one yearof
experience the Associate designation will be dropped. |
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American Composites Manufacturers Association
1010 North Glebe Rd,
Suite 450,
Arlington, VA 22201
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P: (703) 525-0511 - F: (703) 525-0743 - Email:
info@acamet.org |
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