EFNARC phone wallet certificate

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners, 

We hope this message finds you well. It´s time for another update from EFNARC!

Some of you have had questions about downloading the EFNARC phone wallet certificate, so we would like to give you a quick overview of how it is done.

In the confirmation email received after completing all 5 modules of the program, the Nozzle Operator or Examiner is invited to chose “Iphone wallet” or “Google wallet”.

When the email is opened on the phone, the certificate can be added directly to the phone wallet:

When the email is opened on a computer, the certificate can be shared by text message or email to be received on the phone, using this button:

This is an example of the certificate received as a text message on an Iphone. Chose “Add”:

This is what the certificate looks like in the phone wallet:

Now, Nozzle Operators and Examiners can show their certificate on their phone to interested parties and invite them to scan the QR code. This is what it looks like after being scanned:

Please contact us at Certificate@efnarc.org if you have any further questions.

Thank you for being part of the EFNARC community!

EFNARC certificate and proof of attendance

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners, 

We hope this message finds you well. It´s time for another update from EFNARC!

Some of you have had questions about the possibility to issue a proof of attendance to operators who complete only one or several modules of the Nozzle Operator Training, rather than completing the whole program which consists of 5 Modules. 

Do trainees need to complete all 5 modules? 

Thanks to our modular approach, attendees can complete each module separately, on different dates, and at different locations, even with different Examiners. 

A current scenario is the Examiner conducting the theory training (module 1), theory exam (module 2), and simulator training (module 3), and then schedule the practical assessment (module 5*) at another location and date.  

Attendees who solely wish to gain knowledge from the course, without necessarily obtaining the certificate, can choose to attend one or several modules. Site managers or supervisors may be individuals interested in the theory (module 1) only. In this case, an examiner could offer the theory training to a larger group and the remaining modules to the rest of the group.

*Note that the practical assessment (module 5) can only be undertaken once we have proof of the required experience (module 4) 

Which proof of attendance can be issued for individual modules? 

Examiners are free to issue their own proof of attendance documents to attendees of their courses, regardless of whether they have completed all modules. However, please make sure to not exploit the EFNARC trademark by issuing documents that could be mistaken for an EFNARC certificate. 

EFNARC will only issue one certificate, obtainable solely upon completion of all five course modules, including submission of the required of proof of experience. 

We hope this clarification addresses any concerns you may have had. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Examiner Training at Hagerbach Test Gallery, Switzerland:

Mon 6th - Wed 8th May, 2024 

We would also like to draw your attention to our next EFNARC Nozzle Operator Examiner’s Course. The trainers are Sebastian Jehle (Sika) and Roland Mayr (Master Builders Solutions). Help us spread the word in case you have colleagues who might be interested in becoming Nozzle Operator Examiners. Registration here: https://efnarc.org/tbm-examiner-course-application-form  

Thank you for being part of the EFNARC community!

Video guide about Examiners' Area

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners, 

We hope this message finds you well. It's time for another update from EFNARC! 

Curious about making the most of the EFNARC private area designed for examiners? Look no further!

We've created a short instructional video to guide you through every step, covering essential aspects such as:

1. Conducting a course

2. Registering participants for your operator course

3. Obtaining an access code for the theory exam

4. Submitting your payment

5. Accessing the theory presentation

6. Arranging simulators for your training site

7. Completing the experience document

8. Submitting a practical assessment

9. Requesting the operator's certificate

Special thanks to our secretary, Christina Buxtorf, for creating this insightful video.

Don’t forget the Q&A section

Explore the Q&A section within the private examiner's area. It provides answers to the most frequently asked questions by examiners.

Share your feedback with us!

We invite all EFNARC examiners to contribute their valuable feedback. Use the feedback form available in the private examiner's area. We are interested in hearing about your experiences and welcome suggestions for enhancing the nozzle operator course.

Feel free to also share your feedback via email at certificate@efnarc.org.

Thank you for your dedication to EFNARC, and for being an essential part of our community. We're here to support you every step of the way. 

Warm regards, 

EFNARC 

New Mobile Wallet Certificate for Nozzle Operators and Examiners!

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners, 

We hope this message finds you well. It's time for another update from EFNARC! 

We have recently launched our new Mobile Wallet Certificate for Nozzle Operators and Examiners!

As an EFNARC-certified Nozzle Operator or Examiner, you can now carry your EFNARC certificate on your phone through a user-friendly mobile wallet app. 

The new mobile wallet certificate makes it even simpler for clients, site managers, and stakeholders to access and verify the qualifications of Nozzle Operators and Examiners at underground construction sites. 

Get your current EFNARC certificate as an Wallet item on your phone here: https://efnarc.org/payments/nozzleman-or-examiner-mobile-wallet-certificate 

Thank you for your dedication to EFNARC, and for being an essential part of our community. We're here to support you every step of the way. 

Warm regards, 

EFNARC 

EFNARC at Innovation Day

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners,

We hope this message finds you well. It's time for another update from EFNARC!

Innovation Day at the Hagerbach Test Gallery: A Family Event with a Technological Twist

Recently, EFNARC had the privilege of participating in the Innovation Day at the Hagerbach Test Gallery, and it was more than just a standard industry event; it was a family affair! We were thrilled to see a remarkable level of interest in our simulators, with one particularly delightful highlight - two young teenage girls took the reins as the nozzle operators of the day!

Our corporate members played a pivotal role in making this event a success. Sika showcased the sand app and sealant, Normet demonstrated their simulator, scanner, and dry spraying techniques, Edvirt provided hands-on experience with the simulator, and Hagerbach's magnificent setting was the perfect backdrop for a day filled with innovation and knowledge sharing.

Online Examiners Feedback: Your Voice Matters!

In EFNARC we are constantly evolving to make sure our Nozzleman Examiners lead the conversation about the future of shotcrete. In line with this commitment, have introduced our new online feedback system, now available in the private member area.

Your opinions and insights are incredibly valuable to us. By sharing your feedback, you are actively contributing to the continuous improvement of EFNARC's programs and services. We encourage you to take a few moments to provide your thoughts on your experience with the organization. Your feedback helps us refine our initiatives, ensuring they meet your needs and expectations.

Access the evaluation form in your Private Examiners' Area!

Thank you for your dedication to EFNARC, and for being an essential part of our community. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm regards,

EFNARC

How to request first issue and renewal of Operator Certificates

Dear Nozzle Operator Examiners, 

In May, we had yet another successful WTC, this time in Athens. 

As always, it was great to meet up with our  corporate members  to discuss the latest industry news and ways to do our part to improve standards. 

We also held a successful General Assembly where we discussed, among other topics, gender-fair language in the shotcrete business and the work of our EFNARC focus groups. Stay tuned for more on this in upcoming newsletters!

Nozzle Operator Scheme includes obligatory simulator training since January 2023

How to request the first issue of EFNARC’s Nozzle Operator Certificate

As an examiner, you can request the first issue of your trainees’ Nozzle Operator Certificates by filling in this form. 

When your request is approved, you need to pay the administration fee of 150 EUR for each participant on the  Payment page. Upon reception of payment, we provide you with the access codes to the theory tests. 

When your participants have completed all 5 modules, please send a request to issue the certificates to certificate@efnarc.com. Your request will then be reviewed for approval before the certificates are issued.

How to request the renewal of EFNARC’s Nozzle Operator Certificate

For certificate renewals, holders need to demonstrate that they have done Modules 2 and 4 (the theory exam as well as handing in proof of 40 days spraying activity since the last certification). 

You then need to go through the below process: 

1. Fill out the renewal application form 

2. EFNARC will send a login code for the theory test to the examiner 

3. Complete the  experience document  and upload the form  here 

4. Once the theory test is complete and experience document is uploaded, you can send a request for approval  and wait for EFNARC approval before payment 

5. Payment of Nozzle Operator renewal certificate 

6. EFNARC sends new certificate to examiner 

View the theory presentation online in Italian

We’re excited to announce that the  Italian version  of the theory presentation for the Nozzle Operator Certificate is now online in the Members section.  

 Huge thanks to our corporate member  Mapei  for assisting with this! 

Thanks to all our examiners for your contributions to making EFNARC possible! 

The first upgraded Nozzleman Certificate training sessions are complete!

Dear Nozzleman-Examiners, 

We’re excited to see our new Nozzleman Certificate with VR Technology taking off! 

Our EFNARC Nozzleman Examiner, Felipe Garrido Palacios, has been among the first to provide training under the new conditions, certifying nozzlemen in Chile who work in the Candelaria Underground Mine in Atacama as well as the construction of the Santiago Metro Line 7. 

According to Felipe, who has been an EFNARC examiner since 2018 and has now incorporated simulators into his training course for the first time: “Virtual Reality training is a big advancement as it allows operators to enhance their skills by being exposed to scenarios with different levels of difficulty. Whereas daily work on jobsites tends to be rather repetitive.” 

What does the upgraded Nozzleman Certification include?

As of January 2023, the Nozzleman Certificate is required to include Virtual Reality technology for shotcrete operator training and assessment.  

All new applications and renewals have switched to the new certificate, so there is only one unified EFNARC Nozzleman Certificate. The new certification brings together different qualities of previous schemes (top industry-standard training, independence, quality control and objectivity), and is open to experienced and inexperienced nozzlemen. 

It’s important to note that no additional certification is required for current examiners. All valid EFNARC Examiner certificate holders can perform the new training and assessment.  

We’re proud to collaborate with VR training providers like Edvirt and Normet Group to continuously ensure closeness to reality and best practice examples. 

Read more about the new certificate here and check out our Q&As

Join us at WTC 2023

We look forward to joining our EFNARC members at the World Tunnel Congress in Athens later this month (May 12th - 18th). 

The organizers have prepared a compelling, innovative and thorough programme with over 160 innovation-sharing lectures and speakers from over 30 countries. 

Click here for a summary of the sessions focused on ground support and shotcrete.  

See you in Athens! 

New EFNARC Nozzleman Training & Certification plan

Dear Nozzleman Examiners, 

We have important news for you!  

First of all, our updated EFNARC Nozzleman Training & Certification plan is here if you want to have a look (available in English, German and Spanish). 

The EFNARC Nozzleman Training & Certification plan is the most detailed document about the new Nozzleman Certification that came to replace previous nozzlemen certifications. It covers all key practical information like:  

• How to obtain the certificate (procedures, requirements, etc) 

• The specific modules and their content

• Virtual Reality training and assessment 

• What to do to renew or transfer previous certificates to the new one 

Best Shotcrete Projects

We would like to ask for your collaboration to showcase some of your favorite sprayed concrete projects in our news section and LinkedIn page. Whether due to its innovative nature, its technical difficulty, its sustainable approach or any other reason that made that work unique.  

• What are your favorite shotcrete projects? 

You can reply to this email to send your feedback with your name, position and project information to certificate@efnarc.org  

“Submit Events” Section in Examiners´Area area

We want to make sure you all know the “submit events” section of our Examiners´Area, where you can inform us about your upcoming Nozzleman Trainings, so we can share and promote them on our website and social media. 

• Do you have any suggestion to improve the submit events section, or an event that you want us to add to the EFNARC calendar? 

You can reply to this email to send your feedback with your name, position and any extra information related to certificate@efnarc.org  

New EFNARC Member

Last but not least, we are thrilled to anounce we have a new corporate member, MOBBOT SA, who develop technologies for digitalising shotcrete processes, aiming to bring more efficiency to job sites and reduce the ecological impact of concrete spraying operations. 

Please join us in welcoming MOBBOT SA to the EFNARC community. We look forward to working together to build a brighter future for our industry! 

Read more here 

Thank you all for making EFNARC possible! 

New EFNARC Nozzleman Certification

Dear Nozzleman-Examiners,

How are you wrapping up 2022? In EFNARC we want to share some good news to start 2023 with the right foot. First and foremost, the new and improved EFNARC Nozzleman Certification, a huge step forward for the shotcrete community. We also want to share some new functionalities of the Examiners Member Area on our webpage that make things easier for you as a certified examiner.

You will need to be registered in the Member and Examiner Area of the EFNARC webpage in order to access all of this information. If you haven't done it yet, please take a minute to do so.

Also, if you are not yet a follower, check out our Linkedin page.

Here is a brief summary of what’s new in EFNARC:

One certification for all

EFNARC’s Nozzleman Certification Scheme was introduced in 2009 in order to set up a global professional standard for sprayed concrete operators. In recent years, the introduction of online theory tests and VR simulators as part of the C2 Certification, to objectively assess the knowledge of applicants, has greatly improved the certification process.

The new Nozzleman Certification brings together different qualities of both previous schemes (top industry-standard training, independence, quality control, objectivity) and it will be open to experienced and inexperienced nozzlemen.

As of January 1st, 2023, all new applications and renewals will switch to the new Nozzleman Certification. There will only be one unified certificate.

This improvement is aimed at ensuring the highest quality, reducing confusion between the previous certificates, and giving more value to the whole certification scheme.

There will be no additional certification required for current examiners.

You can read all the information about the new certification in the news section of the members area in the EFNARC webpage (if you haven’t registered yet, you will need to do so), ask any questions or share your thoughts about the new scheme in the comments section of the article or contact us.

New functionalities

Our Member and Examiner Area has new functionalities that will save you time and assist you:

• You can see scheduled courses and other EFNARC events in the Events Calendar and submit new events and courses here.

• Now you can use the following link “https://efnarc.org/payments” so trainees can complete their course payment directly. You can find a brief description of the different fees in the Payments section.

• We have updated our course material for the EFNARC Nozzleman Certification Scheme. Check out the content about concrete technology, spraying equipment, designer expectations, surface finishing and curing, standards & testing and Health, Safety & Environment. Download it here. 

From EFNARC we take the occasion to wish you a fantastic holiday and a very happy new year ahead.

Upgrade of Nozzleman Certificate as of January 1st, 2023

Nozzelman Scheme History

EFNARC’s Nozzleman Certification Scheme was introduced in 2009 in order to set up a qualification for sprayed concrete operators.

Before the introduction of EFNARC C2 in 2019, the Nozzleman Certification did not involve any form of standardized training. Instead, it simply served to facilitate the standardized assessment of already experienced operators (minimum 3 years). To respond to the industry’s need for training of novice personnel and qualified Nozzlemen, EFNARC C2 combined both training and assessment and allowed all operators to attend, without taking into account their previous experience.

 Also, before the introduction of C2, EFNARC experienced problems with upholding the quality of the assessments. In order to continuously improve the certification process, EFNARC established a higher quality control. Therefore, theory tests now need to be conducted online, and objective assessment through simulators is mandatory. Besides, EFNARC will limit the possibility for Examiners to assess their colleagues.

The New Nozzleman Certificate

 The C2 process has proven itself in the last three years and will therefore replace the previous procedures as of January 1st, 2023 with some further improvements, as the New Nozzleman Certificate. This means that, from this date onwards, all new applications and renewals will switch to the new certificate, and there will be only one unified EFNARC Nozzleman Certificate.

 This improvement is aimed at ensuring the highest quality, reducing confusion between the previous certificates, and giving more value to the whole certification scheme.

 The new certification will bring together different qualities of both previous schemes (top industry-standard training, independence, quality control, objectivity) and it will be open to experienced and inexperienced nozzlemen.

 Everyone with a valid EFNARC Examiner certificate will be able to perform the new training and assessment, meaning there is no additional certification required for current examiners.

 The Examiner Certificate will remain unchanged, except that it will also cover how to organize simulator training.

What is new as of 2023?

Virtual-Reality “VR” technology

The New Nozzleman Certificate obligatorily includes Virtual-Reality “VR” technology for training and assessment.

 Using this technology is efficient, cost-effective, and above all ensures a safe training environment. The use of VR enables a clear and objective assessment of individuals’ performance. The New Nozzleman Certificate, therefore, maintains consistent grounds of objective assessment for all operators. EFNARC cooperates with VR training providers to continuously ensure closeness to reality and best practice examples.

Requirements to obtain the New Nozzleman Certificate

 The New Nozzleman Certificate is obtained after attending and passing a course and handing in proof of minimum 40 days robotic spraying experience.

 In the case of transfer/renewal of the old Nozzleman Assessment certificate, holders will need to demonstrate that they have done Modules 2 and 4 (theory exam well as a handing in proof of 40 days spraying activity since the last certification).

Assessment objectivity

The practical assessment needs to be conducted by an unbiased EFNARC Examiner, which means that Examiners can train their colleagues (Module  1 - 3),  but are no longer allowed to conduct the practical assessment (Module 5) of  their colleagues i.e. working in the same company or group.

Course modules of the New Nozzleman Certificate 5-Day Course

 Module 1 – Classroom theory 

Classroom theory to be taught by the EFNARC Examiner has been updated and is now more concise in comparison to the old Nozzleman Certification.  The theory involves both basic and advanced theory covering subjects such as materials, spraying equipment, spraying techniques and HSE. The course materials are available in different languages.

Module 2 – 30-Minute Theory exam (Online) 

 Each course participant individually completes a theory exam online which includes 30 multiple-choice questions randomly selected from EFNARC’s database. The pass-mark is 20 correct answers. The exam is available in multiple languages (EN, DE, IT, ES, FI).

Module 3 – 3 Days Simulator Training 

 The course participants go through different scenarios on VR-simulators specifically developed for training and assessment. This module is either held by the Examiner or by EFNARC certified simulator providers. All simulated scenarios have to be passed in order to fulfill the requirements of the module, independent of the time needed to do so (participants will be given 3 days on the simulator) and verified by the simulator only.

 Currently there are two accredited simulator providers, Edvirt AB and Normet Oy. Both serve customers globally and are ready to work with Examiners all over the world.

Module 4 – Practical spraying experience

 Proof of minimum 40 days practical spraying experience. The experience document to be handed in can be signed by a supervisor, manager, shift boss or similar.

Module 5 – Practical assessment

One day practical assessment by independent EFNARC Examiner. In practice, this means that experienced operators who have handed in their experience document will do the new Module 5 directly on day 5 of the EFNARC Nozzleman course. 

 Inexperienced operators will be able to attend the course and come back to do Module 5 once they can prove the required spraying experience of min. 40 days. Alternatively, they can agree with the Examiner to have him conduct the assessment directly on a jobsite once the required experience has been acquired.

 The Nozzleman Examiner Area of the EFNARC website will be updated soon with the New Nozzleman Certificate Training and Certification Plan and all relevant information.

Questions or doubts?

 Please check out our Q&A Section and let us know in the comments if you have further questions.

Q&A

-        As a current examiner, do I need an additional certification to run the new course and assessment? Everyone with a valid EFNARC Examiner certificate will be able to perform the new training and assessment, meaning there is no additional certification required for current examiners.

Simulators

-        Who are the official VR simulator providers? The official VR simulator providers approved by EFNARC are Edvirt and Normet.

-        How do I arrange the simulator training as part of my course? Please contact the EFNARC secretary or any of the official simulator providers for further information.

-        Do I need to take care of the simulator training myself? EFNARC examiners can get trained to arrange the simulator training, or have the simulator providers send trainers.

-        Can I get trained to take care of the simulator training myself? The first time EFNARC examiners arrange a simulator training, you will need trainers to assist in-situ, or remotely. After that you will have the skills to use the simulator in any successive training.

-        What are the physical requirements to set up the simulator training? The minimum requirements in terms of space and equipment are quite simple. Apart from electricity, a regular 2x2m office space (per simulator) with a projector screen is all that is needed. The simulator providers can arrange for the projector screen if required.

-        What cost is involved with the simulator training? Multiple factors (number of participants, need of training personnel, location etc.)  affect the cost of the simulator training, so the simulator providers will provide an estimate on a case-by-case basis.

Practical session

-        What is involved in the practical session? The Examiner must conduct a practical session using a robotic spraying equipment and sprayed concrete with a commonly used mix design. Each attendee shall spray a test panel or a surface of min. 1,0 m3 of sprayed concrete. The test panel needs to comply with EN 14488-1, or other applicable local standards.

Certification

-        How do the attendees of my course receive the certification?  The Examiner notifies EFNARC once the attendees have proven completion of all modules, and EFNARC will thereafter send the certificates to the Examiner. The Examiner sends the certificates to the attendees.

-        What cost is involved with the certification process?  From EFNARC side, the certification process involves a 50-EUR fee for the online test and registration, plus a 100-EUR fee for the certificate per attendee.

-        What is the validity time of the certification? The New Nozzleman Certificate is valid for five 5 years.

-        How can I pay for certificates and renewals? The Examiner charges the attendees for the course and all certificate fees. Alternatively, you can have the attendees pay for the certificates directly online by sending them this payment link.

Bear in mind that payment is now handled online via credit card and no longer via invoicing.

 Costs and pricing

-        What cost is involved with the simulators? Multiple factors (number of participants, location etc.)  affect the cost of the simulator training, so the simulator providers will provide an estimate on a case-by-case basis.

-        What cost is involved with the certification process? The certification process involves a 50-EUR fee for the online test and registration plus a 100-EUR fee for the certificate per attendee.

-        What is the price I need to charge the attendees? Examiners are free to set their own pricing.

Any further questions? Please let us know in the comments.