Craft Training & NCCER Certification

Merit Shop Training, Inc. (MSTI), is the educational affiliate of Associated Builders & Contractors Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, Inc., and is an NCCER-Accredited ( National Center for Construction Education and Research)  Training Sponsor, Assessment Center and Endorsed Site for Crane, Rigging & Signal Person Training/Certification. 

MSTI provides training on a regular basis at ABC Facilities in the following:

• Construction Site Safety Technician - The Construction Site Safety Technician (CSST) program is designed to prepare an individual to assume responsibilities for coordinating a construction site/project safety program. The typical CSST participant will be a current site safety coordinator or foreman seeking to improve skills or an experienced journey level craft person seeking a path into safety. Successful completion of this 18 week program (Two courses; Field Safety and Safety Technology) results in CSST Certification.  
• Construction Management Academy (CMA) - The CMA offers specialized field management training for new and experienced field managers to improve their performance as leaders.  Successful completion of this 18 week program (including the courses listed below) results in Project Management/Project Supervision certification.
  • Project Supervision - Foreman for those just beginning their career
  • Project Management - Supervisor for the advanced or experienced supervisors (NOTE: Project Supervision is a Prerequisite) 

Topics include: Human Relations; Problem Solving; Safety, Cost Awareness & Resource Control; Planning & Scheduling; & Estimating & Construction Documents. Upon successful completion of both courses, individuals will receive three Certificates of Completion and entry into the NCCER National Registry (Foreman and Supervisor).  Click the course title link for pricing and details.

• Electrician Continuing Education - 4 Hour CE for the Texas License Renewal - TDLR requires electricians in Texas to complete four hours of continuing education every year to renew their license.  This course is offered every 3rd Thursday of each month. Contact the MSTI/ABC office to pre-register. Click the course title link for pricing and details.
• NCCER Instructor Certification Training Program (ICTP) - The ICTP prepares and certifies individuals through NCCER to instruct NCCER curriculum or become a Performance Evaluator in their craft. This course also serves to  certify Performance Evaluators through the NCCER. NOTE: Scheduling is according to demand. Students attend the full 1.5 day course for Instructor Certification or the first half day of the course for Performance Evaluator Certification.  Click the course title link for pricing and details.
• NCCER Crane, Rigging & Signal Person Training & Certification
• OSHA Courses
  • 2021 OSHA Classes Scheduled at ABC Texas Gulf Coast Facilities
• Tube Fitting & Bending Courses

Craft Training is provided in partnership with Brazosport College.  Registering through the ABC/MSTI Program allows craftsmen to become certified at an accelerated rate and employees of ABC Member companies enjoy substantial tuition discounts (approximately 30%). The ABC/MSTI Craft Training Program is a competency based training program designed to prepare individuals for occupations in skilled crafts. Training is provided through Brazosport College in a combination of classroom and lab with on the job training under the guidance of journeymen. Upon successful completion of required courses, along with sponsorship by an ABC member, individuals are issued an ABC Certificate of Completion.  Students registered in the ABC/MSTI Program are eligible to compete in the Local and National Craft Championships.  To learn about the various training options, contact the MSTI/ABC office at 979-824-7370!

NCCER Certifications for Journeymen and Pipeline Operator Qualifications - MSTI is an Accredited Assessment Center for the NCCER National Craft Assessment and Certification Program. These assessments are designed to assess and recognize the knowledge and skills of the craft worker. Once assessed, a “Prescription for Training” is provided to both the craft  worker and their employer advising them of any specific skill upgrade training that might be needed.  Candidates should have at least four years of experience in their craft before testing.

In an effort to assist our members in meeting the local  requirement of a fully assessed workforce,  MSTI Skills Assessment Program consists of NCCER National Knowledge Assessments AND Performance Verifications.  Register in advance by calling (979) 824-7369.  Knowledge Assessments are given in English only.

Study Hall is available for craft and pipeline testers and recommended for preparation.  The MSTI Study Hall is open Mon-Thurs 7:00 am-4:30 pm and Fri 7:00 am-3:00 pm.  ABC Members and their employees may check out books from the Study Library for $25 per week.

Pipeline OQs with NCCER are available daily and report automatically to ISNetWorld.

Click here for a printable brochure and complete details!