People in November and December classes: the Agenda and Study Guide will be sent via email the Monday of the class week. Course materials for the 2026 classes will be posted here in late December.
Grading and Base Tester & Inspector Recertification (GBIR)
Prerequisites for certification
- Your Grading and Base Inspector Certification must still be current for you to take the recertification course.
Expiration and recertification options
- This certification expires after five seasons.
- A recertification must be completed before the end of the fifth training season.
- If your certification has recently expired and you have relevant work experience, you may apply to regain MnDOT certification through a Recently Expired Certification Exam. Otherwise, you must take the initial certification course again to regain certification.
Bring to class
Device
- In-Person: Laptop or Tablet (Recommended)
- Live-Virtual: Laptop or Tablet
- For Live-Virtual, we strongly recommend using a computer or tablet. You will have a better experience to review course materials, presentations, chat, and more features compared to a phone.
Course Materials
Unless noted, all of the files below can be downloaded and brought to class on a device
- GBIR Class Agenda (PDF)
- Grading and Base Inspector Study Guide (PDF)
MnDOT References Needed
- MnDOT Standard Specifications for Construction 2025 (MnDOT Spec Book) (hard copy or electronic)
- Grading and Base Manual
- Contract Admin Manual
- Schedule of Materials Control
Supplies
- Calculator
- Paper, pencil or pen, highlighter, and tabs or sticky notes
- Face mask (for health and safety, if needed for in-person)
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages to eat/drink if you plan to eat on-site. Lunch is not provided.
Class logistics
- Learning modes: in person, live virtual via Zoom
- If you need to register: Learn about the certification process and then register for the class.
- Logistics: See the Registration Confirmation and Class Reminder emails from Lake Superior College for class dates, time, Zoom links, and directions.
- Learning differences and accommodations: If you have a disability or learning issue, either permanent or temporary, which might affect your ability to perform in a class, the online exam, or the performance exam, contact Suzanne Johnsrud, 218-428-1002, to discuss possible accommodations.
- Summary: GBI Certification Summary (PDF)
- Professional development hours (PDHs): 6
- Lake Superior College course credits possible: 0
About the certification exams
Written exam process
- You will have 120 minutes to complete the 45 question written exam online.
- You must score 70% or higher to pass; if you score 60-69%, you may request a retest.
- The exam will open for you at the end of the last day of class.
- You must complete the exam within one week after it is open for you, meaning the same day the following week.
- Find your exam to take it when it is open for you.
Written exam topics (approximate percentage of exam)
This exam addresses both Grading and Base Tester (55%) and Inspector (45%) topics.
Materials allowed during the written exam
This is an open book exam. You may use the training manual and all other course materials during the exam. A calculator is provided within the online exam.
Performance exam
- None