During its 2006-07 fiscal year, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute held 116 Level I Concrete Paver Installer Certification courses, certifying 3,269 candidates. That marked a record for the program, launched in 1996, and a 34 percent increase over the 2005-06 FY level. The total number of installers with current Level I certification is 13,160. The program aims to increase the knowledge of individuals involved in the construction and installation of interlocking concrete pavements, providing basic tools to assist candidates in eliminating costly call backs; meeting customer, designer and specifier expectations; and, distinguishing themselves from the competition.

“Homeowners have come to expect quality installations. The record number of ICPI Level I Certified Concrete Paver Installers demonstrates the industry's commitment to ensuring quality professional installations of interlocking concrete pavers,” says ICPI Chairman Joe Bowen.

ICPI promotes continuing education, technical literature and guide specifications to certified installers. A schedule of the two-day Level I certification courses is posted at www.icpi.org.