Preparing for an ACI Field Technician Certification - Plan of Action

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by moss~

Course objectives focus on preparing for the ACI Field Technician Grade I certification by explaining exam expectations, format, and the ASTM standards used in testing freshly mixed concrete. Content outlines why certification is required by NPCA, governmental agencies, and private customers, and how it improves test accuracy, reliability, and concrete quality. It details the exam sections and passing criteria, written and performance requirements, and references a technician workbook (ACI CP-1) and key ASTM methods.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time1 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Course Objectives

Expectations and Exam Format

Overview of ASTM Standards and Areas of Focus

Plan of Action and Why Certification Matters

Certification Requirements

Written Exam

Performance Exam

Technician Workbook ACI CP-1

Key ASTM Standards Covered

Preparing for an ACI Field Technician Certification Jason Cross Norwalk Concrete Industries 1 Course Objectives 1. Expectations ofACI Field Technician Grade I Certification. 2. Understand the Format of the Exam. 3. Overview of the ASTM standards. 4. Identify areas of Focus. 5. Provide a PLAN OF ACTION to prepare for the exam. 2 WHY? 3 • NPCA requires ACI Field Grade I Certification (1 .1.3) . • Required by many governmental agencies. • Required by more and more private customers. • Improve the accuracy and reliability of the testing of freshly mixed concrete. • Improve the quality of your concrete. • Gain the knowledge needed to perform the concrete field test. 4 2022 NPCA Concrete Testing Deficiencies • 5.3.1 Slump, Slump Flow, and visual Stability Index (29) • 5.3.3 Density (Unit Weight) (42) • 5.3.5 Compressive Strength (51) 122 Total Deficiencies! 5 WHY? To advance your career in Precast Concrete! 6 How I got here? • ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I Certification was the first step in my career. “If you don’t attach a meaningful why…. You will not have the Discipline that you need.” -Jocko Willink 7 How do we make sure we get the Quality Concrete that we need? 8 One of the keys to quality concrete is a qualified concrete technician to provide accurate and reliable test results. 9 What is required to be certified? • You must successfully complete both the ACI written and performance examinations. 10 |
7 ASTM STANDARDS
Demonstrate the ability to perform each test accurately:
1. Temperature (ASTM C1064)
2. Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete (ASTM C172)
3. Slump (C143)
4. Unit Weight, Yield and Gravimetric Air Content (ASTM C138)
5. Air Content (Pressure Method) (ASTM C231)
6. Air Content (Volumetric Method) (ASTM C173)
7. Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens

(ASTM C31) | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 11 | WRITTEN EXAM
• 1 hour written exam covers the 7 ASTM standards.
• Closed book (But you may bring a simple-function calculator. )
• 55 Multiple Choice and true/false questions.
• 5-10 questions on each standard.
• To pass the exam, both of the following criteria must be met:
1. At least 60% correct in each individual section; and
2. At least 70% correct overall. | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 12 | PERFORMANCE EXAM
• You are required to successfully perform each of the seven ASTM Standard Methods. You may be required to verbally describe the procedures for Sampling Freshly Mixed concrete if performance of the method is not feasible.
• 2.5 trials for each standard. | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 13 | TECHNICIAN WORKBOOK ACI CP-1
1. Introduction.
2. Copy of the ASTM Standard (or equivalent information) .
3. Written Study Questions.
4. Performance Checklist. | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 14 | ASTM C1064 TEMPERATURE
| | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 15 | ASTM C1064 TEMPERATURE
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQrL4XVOJcA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQrL4XVOJcA) | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 16 | ASTM C1064 TEMPERATURE
| | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 17 | 9. How long must the Temperature measuring device remain in the freshly mixed concrete?
10. After the temperature of the concrete is read, what is then required? | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 18 | | | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 19 | ASTM C172
SAMPLING FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE
| | --- | | [precast.org/education](precast.org/education) | 20

FAQs

Why is ACI Field Grade I certification required?

NPCA requires the ACI Field Grade I certification, and many governmental agencies and private customers require it as well. Certification helps improve the accuracy and reliability of testing freshly mixed concrete and supports concrete quality.

What is required to pass the ACI written exam?

The written exam is a 1-hour closed-book test covering seven ASTM standards. To pass, you must score at least 60% correct in each individual section and at least 70% correct overall.

What does the performance exam require?

You must successfully perform each of the seven ASTM standard methods. If performing a method is not feasible, you may be required to verbally describe the procedures for sampling freshly mixed concrete, with 2.5 trials for each standard.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by moss~