The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) started a new chapter recently with the launching of a new PCI Architectural Certification Program. The program, which creates five certification categories to more accurately align the project's level of complexity, dimensional tolerances, and aesthetic reqirements with the architectural precast concrete producers’ capabilities, went into effect this month. 

Starting the program was a major effort on many fronts. Precast concrete producers, the A/E/C community, and many others watched several webinars, attended education sessions and workshops, and received educational materials about the effort the past two years.

PCI member plants applied for any of the five certification categories. Independent certified auditors then visited the plants to certify, or attest, to their capabilities. The four new PCI Architectural Certification categories are: AA, AB, AC, and AD. The AT, or Architectural Trim category, is carried over from the former program.

About PCI Certification

For over 50 years, PCI’s Plant Certification Program has ensured that each plant develops and documents an in-depth, in-house quality program based on time-tested industry standards. Each plant undergoes two thorough, unannounced visits per year. Third-party engineers audit the plant according to requirements specifically developed for the types of products being manufactured, in this case, architectural precast concrete. This gives architects, designers, and owners peace of mind to know that precast concrete products manufactured in PCI-certified plants meet the strictest quality standards.

“We are thrilled to launch this new PCI architectural precast concrete certification in response to our customers’ feedback from across the country,” said PCI President and CEO Bob Risser. “Designers asked PCI to consider developing a new program that would highlight the quality skills available from the industry. The PCI Board accepted the challenge and after several years of hard work by PCI members and staff, the program is underway.”

“Giving designers the ability to specify distinct aesthetic capabilities enables them to clearly define the expected outcome,” added Randy Wilson, PCI Director of Architectural Precast Systems. “We have been working with MasterSpec and the new categories have been incorporated into the new release.”

A variety of information about PCI’s Architectural Certification Program is available at pci.org/archcert and at the PCI e-Learning Center.