Concrete & Materials Testing Technician
Certification QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the main purpose of a slump test in concrete?
A. Measure the concrete’s compressive strength
B. Determine the water-cement ratio
C. Measure the workability of concrete
D. Evaluate concrete curing time
Rationale: The slump test measures the consistency and
workability of fresh concrete, indicating its ease of placement.
2. Which aggregate size is typically used for a standard concrete mix?
A. 1 inch
B. 1.5 inches
C. 3/4 inch
D. 2 inches
Rationale: Standard concrete mixes commonly use 3/4 inch
maximum size coarse aggregate to balance strength and
workability.
3. How long should concrete be cured under normal conditions?
A. 3 days
B. 28 days
, C. 7 days
D. 14 days
Rationale: Concrete generally achieves its design strength after
28 days of curing under standard conditions.
4. What is the primary function of water in a concrete mix?
A. Provide chemical reaction
B. Hydrate the cement and provide workability
C. Add strength to aggregates
D. Reduce shrinkage
Rationale: Water reacts chemically with cement (hydration) and
improves workability.
5. What does a concrete cylinder test measure?
A. Slump
B. Compressive strength
C. Workability
D. Air content
Rationale: Cylinders are cured and then crushed in a compression
machine to determine compressive strength.
6. Which method is used to measure air content in fresh concrete?
A. Slump test
B. Compressive strength test
C. Pressure or volumetric air meter
D. Flow table
Rationale: Air meters, either pressure-based or volumetric,
determine entrained air in fresh concrete.
7. What is the effect of high water-cement ratio on concrete?
A. Increases strength
, B. Reduces workability
C. Reduces strength
D. Improves durability
Rationale: Excess water increases porosity, reducing strength
and durability.
8. What is the standard size for concrete cylinders in compression
testing?
A. 3x6 inches
B. 4x8 inches
C. 6x12 inches
D. 8x16 inches
Rationale: 4-inch diameter by 8-inch height cylinders are
standard for most concrete strength tests.
9. What type of cement is commonly used for general concrete
construction?
A. Type II
B. Type III
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Rationale: Type I is general-purpose Portland cement suitable for
most applications.
10. What is the primary purpose of curing concrete?
A. Improve slump
B. Reduce water-cement ratio
C. Ensure proper hydration and strength development
D. Reduce air content
Certification QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the main purpose of a slump test in concrete?
A. Measure the concrete’s compressive strength
B. Determine the water-cement ratio
C. Measure the workability of concrete
D. Evaluate concrete curing time
Rationale: The slump test measures the consistency and
workability of fresh concrete, indicating its ease of placement.
2. Which aggregate size is typically used for a standard concrete mix?
A. 1 inch
B. 1.5 inches
C. 3/4 inch
D. 2 inches
Rationale: Standard concrete mixes commonly use 3/4 inch
maximum size coarse aggregate to balance strength and
workability.
3. How long should concrete be cured under normal conditions?
A. 3 days
B. 28 days
, C. 7 days
D. 14 days
Rationale: Concrete generally achieves its design strength after
28 days of curing under standard conditions.
4. What is the primary function of water in a concrete mix?
A. Provide chemical reaction
B. Hydrate the cement and provide workability
C. Add strength to aggregates
D. Reduce shrinkage
Rationale: Water reacts chemically with cement (hydration) and
improves workability.
5. What does a concrete cylinder test measure?
A. Slump
B. Compressive strength
C. Workability
D. Air content
Rationale: Cylinders are cured and then crushed in a compression
machine to determine compressive strength.
6. Which method is used to measure air content in fresh concrete?
A. Slump test
B. Compressive strength test
C. Pressure or volumetric air meter
D. Flow table
Rationale: Air meters, either pressure-based or volumetric,
determine entrained air in fresh concrete.
7. What is the effect of high water-cement ratio on concrete?
A. Increases strength
, B. Reduces workability
C. Reduces strength
D. Improves durability
Rationale: Excess water increases porosity, reducing strength
and durability.
8. What is the standard size for concrete cylinders in compression
testing?
A. 3x6 inches
B. 4x8 inches
C. 6x12 inches
D. 8x16 inches
Rationale: 4-inch diameter by 8-inch height cylinders are
standard for most concrete strength tests.
9. What type of cement is commonly used for general concrete
construction?
A. Type II
B. Type III
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Rationale: Type I is general-purpose Portland cement suitable for
most applications.
10. What is the primary purpose of curing concrete?
A. Improve slump
B. Reduce water-cement ratio
C. Ensure proper hydration and strength development
D. Reduce air content
