HCAI Seismic Certification Timeline — Week by Week
Realistic durations for HCAI seismic certification (formerly OSHPD), broken down by program. Use this to plan submittals, equipment procurement, and construction sequencing.
OSP pre-approval (analysis only): 6–10 weeks
Passive equipment, Ip = 1.0 or 1.5. Most chillers, AHUs, tanks, transformers, and medical gas skids fit this path.
- Week 0
Kickoff
Quote signed, vendor drawings + cut-sheets received, project SDS / Ip confirmed.
- Week 1–2
Analysis
Center of gravity, anchorage forces per ASCE 7-22 Ch.13, anchor design per ACI 318-19 Ch.17.
- Week 3–4
Calculation package
PE/SE stamped calc set + anchorage details drafted, internal QC review.
- Week 5–8
OSP submittal
HCAI submittal, agency review, response to back-check comments.
- Week 9–10
OSP number issued
OSP record activated and added to the searchable HCAI database.
OSP + AC156 shake table testing: 14–20 weeks
Active equipment, Ip = 1.5 with post-earthquake function — generators, pumps, switchgear, fans on isolators.
- Week 0
Lab slot reserved (often 6–10 weeks out).
- Week 4–8
Test plan + RRS curve developed; equipment shipped to lab.
- Week 10–14
Witness test, post-test inspection, certificate of compliance issued.
- Week 14–20
Test report rolled into OSP submittal; HCAI back-check + final number.
See our AC156 shake table testing service for what we handle directly versus the lab.
Need it faster? Project anchorage letter: 5–10 business days
For one-off installs that don't need a reusable HCAI listing, a project-specific seismic anchorage letter is the fastest legal path. PE/SE stamped, accepted at HCAI plan-check.
- 5–10 business day standard turnaround
- Rush turnarounds available on request
- ASCE 7-22 + ACI 318-19 compliant
- Reissue at no charge if project SDS changes
Reserve your project slot
Lab slots and HCAI back-check windows fill up. The earlier we kick off, the tighter your overall schedule.