The Ironworkers have recently formed a partnership with the Post Tensioning Institute (PTI) to administer its Post-Tensioning Ironworker Certification Program. The institute has published many manuals and technical guides covering all aspects of post-tensioning, the basis of which form many of the construction practices covered by the Ironworkers post-tensioning certification training programs. Under the agreement, PTI has accredited the Ironworkers program, which the National Training Fund will continue to offer through local apprenticeship training and journeymen upgrading programs. Ironworkers who successfully complete the training will receive a PTI certification. PTI will identify and list those certified ironworkers on its website.

PTI is a non-profit trade association recognized as the world-wide authority on post-tensioning. Established in 1976, the institute is dedicated to expanding post-tensioning applications through marketing and education.

PTI boasts 14 technical committees responsible for developing technical publications and standards for post-tensioned concrete design and construction. As part of this partnership, the Ironworkers will have a representative to serve on the association's Certification Committee which is responsible for developing certification standards. Through the committee, PTI will bring the expertise of the industry together to work with the National Training Fund in incorporating new developments and upgrading PTI training programs in the future.

The partnership will lead to greater acceptance of Ironworker certifications. Most building codes and standard specifications for post-tensioning specifically call for PTI certification, which is widely accepted by owners and specifiers.