🧪 What is the Contractors'/Consultants' Materials Engineer Accreditation Exam?

📅 Updated: June 2025
📂 Category: Civil Engineering, DPWH, Accreditation
✍️ By: Engineer Cokie’s Civil Engineering Blog

📘 Introduction

Licensed civil engineers in the Philippines looking to lead quality control in government infrastructure projects should take the Contractors'/Consultants' Materials Engineer Accreditation Exam — your gateway to advancement.

Mandated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), this exam ensures that only competent engineers supervise material testing and compliance with national standards.

🎯 Why Become a DPWH-Accredited Materials Engineer?

• Lead quality control and assurance in construction
• Supervise materials testing laboratories
• Qualify for DPWH-regulated projects
• Become eligible for promotion as Materials Engineer II

🧾 Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid PRC license in Civil Engineering
• Submit an application to your nearest DPWH Regional Office
• Provide two 2×2 ID photos, valid government ID, and other requirements

🗓️ Exams are held every 2nd Saturday of March and September.

📍 Locations: Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio

🧪 Exam Format and Coverage

📝 Materials Engineer I (Written Exam)

Passing Score: 60%

Topics:

• Concrete technology (e.g., slump test, compressive strength)
• Aggregates (gradation, abrasion, specific gravity)
• Asphalt and bituminous materials
• Cement types, properties, additives
• Soil mechanics and field density tests
• Sampling procedures
• Familiarity with DPWH Standard Specifications ("Blue Book")

🧰 Materials Engineer II (Practical Exam)

• Field implementation of QA/QC
• Sampling and laboratory testing
• Site inspections and reporting

🧠 Sample Exam Questions

Q1: Concrete not placed within ______ minutes from mixing shall be rejected.
A. 60 B. 90 C. 120 D. 150
✅ Correct Answer: B (90 minutes)

Q2: What is the standard number of blows per layer in the Standard Proctor Test (AASHTO T-99)?
A. 15 B. 25 C. 63 D. 75
✅ Correct Answer: B (25 blows)

📝 How to Apply

1. Download and fill out the application form.
2. Submit to the DPWH Regional Office with your PRC license and photo.
3. Wait for your Notice of Examination.
4. Take the exam on the scheduled date.

🧭 Pro tip: File your application at least 40 days before the scheduled exam date.

🔁 Renewal and Reinstatement of Accreditation

📆 Accreditation is valid for 3 years.

To Renew (Before Expiry):

• Submit a written request with your:
  • Accreditation Certificate
  • PRC ID
  • Valid ID
  • Certificate of Employment (or affidavit of non-employment)
• Submit to the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards or the Regional Office

To Reinstate (After Expiry):

• Submit the same requirements plus a Certificate of Separation (if applicable)
• Subject to approval by the DPWH Accreditation Committee

📝 Tip: Begin the renewal process 1 to 2 months before expiration to avoid disqualification.

📈 What Happens After You Pass?

• Your name is added to the official DPWH list of accredited Materials Engineers
• You become qualified for an assignment in DPWH-funded projects
• You gain leverage for career advancement, especially in quality control roles

📣 Share This Article

Know someone preparing for the Materials Engineer Exam? Share this guide to:

• 📘 Facebook Civil Engineering Groups
• 💼 LinkedIn
• 📱 Telegram or Viber communities for engineers

🔗 References

• DPWH Department Orders – Accreditation Guidelines
• DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS)
• 2024 DPWH Standard Specifications (Blue Book)
• PRC – Professional Regulation Commission
• DPWH Citizen’s Charter – Materials Engineer Application Process