Gas line location contractors must be certified on line location equipment before they can locate and mark gas lines for the company.
Certification requires an operator qualification test. The high-stakes nature of the test created a significant barrier to certification. Despite having the necessary skills, many contractors found it difficult to perform effectively in the testing environment, impacting certification outcomes.
To support contractor readiness, we developed a pre-test course that mirrored the certification environment without reducing its rigor.
Using Augmented Reality, contractors practiced locating a pipeline outside of the testing scenario using their preferred equipment. Upon completion, they could review their markings and compare them with a holographic overlay of the actual pipeline location, providing immediate, contextualized feedback that enhanced spatial awareness and confidence.
By receiving immediate, visual feedback on their locating accuracy—something not typically available during fieldwork—contractors were able to calibrate their techniques and build confidence. As a result, they entered the certification process better prepared to demonstrate their skills under exam conditions, contributing to a measurable increase in successful certification outcomes.