ACI CONCRETE FIELD-TESTING TECHNICIAN
GRADE I CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Latest Update 2026/2027
Questions and Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
Comprehensive Practice Examination
Aligned with ACI CP-1 Certification Requirements
and ASTM Standards: C172, C1064, C143, C138, C31, C231, C173, C39
Total Questions: 120
Sections: 10
Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Written Exam Reference: 55 Questions, 60 Minutes, Closed-Book
Performance Exam: 6 Demonstrated Tests + Verbal Description of C172
Passing Score: 60% per ASTM Method AND 70% Overall
Certification Validity: 5 Years
,SECTION 1: Safety Practices and Technician Responsibilities
Q1: Which of the following is the PRIMARY responsibility of a certified ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician
Grade I?
A. Designing concrete mix proportions to meet specified strength requirements
B. Performing standardized field tests according to established ASTM procedures [CORRECT]
C. Authorizing changes to concrete mix designs based on field conditions
D. Performing structural analysis and load calculations for reinforced concrete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Grade I technician's primary role is to perform standardized tests according to ASTM procedures (ACI CP-1).
Grade I certification does not include mix design, structural design, or change order authorization. Options A, C, and D
describe responsibilities of engineers or higher-level professionals, not field-testing technicians.
Q2: Before beginning any field testing operations, the technician must first verify which of the following?
A. The concrete truck has been properly washed and cleaned
B. The contractor has submitted payment for testing services
C. Safe access to the testing location and that hazard controls are in place [CORRECT]
D. The ambient temperature is within the specified range for curing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM standards and ACI CP-1 require the technician to assess safety hazards and verify safe access before
sampling or testing. This includes evaluating moving equipment, pump booms, overhead hazards, and active construction
operations. Options A, B, and D, while potentially important, are not the FIRST priority before testing begins.
Q3: Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) items must a field-testing technician wear at all
times on an active construction site?
A. Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, protective gloves, and work boots [CORRECT]
B. Hard hat, safety glasses, and ear protection only
C. Full-face respirator, chemical-resistant suit, and steel-toed boots
D. Hard hat and safety glasses only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA regulations and construction site safety protocols require hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest,
protective gloves, and work boots as standard PPE. Option B omits the vest, gloves, and boots; option C describes PPE for
hazardous chemical environments, not routine concrete testing; option D is insufficient for a construction site.
Q4: ACI Grade I certification demonstrates competence in which of the following?
A. Competence to design concrete mix proportions for any project
B. Competence to perform standardized testing procedures as outlined by ASTM standards [CORRECT]
C. Competence to authorize formwork removal and structural acceptance
D. Competence to interpret building codes and structural specifications
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: ACI CP-1 Grade I certification specifically demonstrates competence in standardized field-testing procedures per
ASTM standards. It does not authorize mix design (A), structural acceptance decisions (C), or building code interpretation
(D). The certification is limited to performing tests correctly and accurately.
Q5: A technician arrives at a construction site and observes that the concrete pump boom is positioned directly over
the planned sampling area. What should the technician do FIRST?
A. Proceed with sampling quickly to avoid delays in the concrete placement
B. Ask the pump operator to move the boom before beginning any sampling or testing [CORRECT]
C. Begin testing on a different portion of the concrete batch while waiting
D. Document the hazard and proceed, since pump booms are always stationary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the technician's primary responsibility. A pump boom positioned overhead presents a significant crushing
and struck-by hazard. The technician must have the boom relocated before entering the sampling area. Options A and C
compromise safety for schedule; option D is incorrect because pump booms move during operation and are not always
stationary.
Q6: An ACI Grade I certification is valid for how many years?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years [CORRECT]
C. 10 years
D. Lifetime, with no renewal requirement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per ACI CP-1 (2026/2027), Grade I certification is valid for 5 years. After expiration, the technician must recertify
by successfully completing both the written and performance examinations again. Option A (3 years) applies to some other
certifications, but ACI Concrete Field Testing is 5 years.
Q7: The ACI written examination for Grade I certification consists of how many questions and what time limit?
A. 55 questions, 60 minutes, open-book
B. 75 questions, 90 minutes, closed-book
C. 55 questions, 60 minutes, closed-book [CORRECT]
D. 40 questions, 45 minutes, closed-book
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ACI CP-1 written examination consists of 55 questions with a 60-minute time limit, and it is a closed-book
exam. A minimum score of 60% correct per ASTM method AND 70% overall is required to pass. Options A (open-book), B
(75 questions/90 minutes), and D (40 questions/45 minutes) are all incorrect per the current ACI CP-1 requirements.
Q8: The performance examination for ACI Grade I certification requires the candidate to demonstrate how many
tests and provide a verbal description of which procedure?
A. 4 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C143 (slump)
B. 6 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C172 (sampling) [CORRECT]
C. 8 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C31 (curing)
D. 5 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C138 (unit weight)
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per ACI CP-1, the performance exam requires 6 demonstrated tests and a verbal description of ASTM C172
(sampling fresh concrete). The 6 tests typically include slump, air content, temperature, unit weight, and cylinder molding.
Option B is the correct combination per current certification requirements.
SECTION 2: Sampling Fresh Concrete (ASTM C172)
Q9: ASTM C172 covers the procedure for sampling fresh concrete from which of the following sources?
A. Stationary mixers, paving mixers, revolving drum truck mixers, and open-top mixers only [CORRECT]
B. Any mixer type and from previously placed concrete in the formwork
C. Only from revolving drum truck mixers
D. Only from stationary mixers and paving mixers
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C172 covers sampling from stationary mixers, paving mixers, revolving drum (truck) mixers, and open-top
mixers. It does NOT cover sampling from concrete already placed in formwork or from previously deposited concrete (option
B). Options C and D are too restrictive, as C172 applies to all four listed mixer types.
Q10: When obtaining a composite sample according to ASTM C172, what is the maximum allowable time between
obtaining the first and final portions of the sample?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes [CORRECT]
D. 30 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM C172 specifies a maximum of 15 minutes between obtaining the first and final portions of a composite
sample. This is one of the most commonly confused time limits on the exam (candidates often confuse it with the 5-minute
limit for beginning tests). Option A (5 minutes) applies to the maximum elapsed time between obtaining the final portion and
beginning tests for slump, temperature, and air content.
Q11: From which portion of the batch must the composite sample be obtained according to ASTM C172?
A. The first portion discharged from the mixer
B. The middle portion of the batch [CORRECT]
C. The last portion discharged from the mixer
D. Any portion, as long as it is representative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASTM C172 requires that the composite sample be obtained from the middle portion of the batch. The first and last
portions may not be representative of the batch quality due to potential segregation or uneven water distribution. Option D is
incorrect because ASTM C172 specifically mandates the middle portion.
Q12: When sampling from a revolving drum truck mixer, what is the minimum number of regularly spaced intervals
required during discharge of the middle portion?
GRADE I CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Latest Update 2026/2027
Questions and Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
Comprehensive Practice Examination
Aligned with ACI CP-1 Certification Requirements
and ASTM Standards: C172, C1064, C143, C138, C31, C231, C173, C39
Total Questions: 120
Sections: 10
Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Written Exam Reference: 55 Questions, 60 Minutes, Closed-Book
Performance Exam: 6 Demonstrated Tests + Verbal Description of C172
Passing Score: 60% per ASTM Method AND 70% Overall
Certification Validity: 5 Years
,SECTION 1: Safety Practices and Technician Responsibilities
Q1: Which of the following is the PRIMARY responsibility of a certified ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician
Grade I?
A. Designing concrete mix proportions to meet specified strength requirements
B. Performing standardized field tests according to established ASTM procedures [CORRECT]
C. Authorizing changes to concrete mix designs based on field conditions
D. Performing structural analysis and load calculations for reinforced concrete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Grade I technician's primary role is to perform standardized tests according to ASTM procedures (ACI CP-1).
Grade I certification does not include mix design, structural design, or change order authorization. Options A, C, and D
describe responsibilities of engineers or higher-level professionals, not field-testing technicians.
Q2: Before beginning any field testing operations, the technician must first verify which of the following?
A. The concrete truck has been properly washed and cleaned
B. The contractor has submitted payment for testing services
C. Safe access to the testing location and that hazard controls are in place [CORRECT]
D. The ambient temperature is within the specified range for curing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM standards and ACI CP-1 require the technician to assess safety hazards and verify safe access before
sampling or testing. This includes evaluating moving equipment, pump booms, overhead hazards, and active construction
operations. Options A, B, and D, while potentially important, are not the FIRST priority before testing begins.
Q3: Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) items must a field-testing technician wear at all
times on an active construction site?
A. Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, protective gloves, and work boots [CORRECT]
B. Hard hat, safety glasses, and ear protection only
C. Full-face respirator, chemical-resistant suit, and steel-toed boots
D. Hard hat and safety glasses only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA regulations and construction site safety protocols require hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest,
protective gloves, and work boots as standard PPE. Option B omits the vest, gloves, and boots; option C describes PPE for
hazardous chemical environments, not routine concrete testing; option D is insufficient for a construction site.
Q4: ACI Grade I certification demonstrates competence in which of the following?
A. Competence to design concrete mix proportions for any project
B. Competence to perform standardized testing procedures as outlined by ASTM standards [CORRECT]
C. Competence to authorize formwork removal and structural acceptance
D. Competence to interpret building codes and structural specifications
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: ACI CP-1 Grade I certification specifically demonstrates competence in standardized field-testing procedures per
ASTM standards. It does not authorize mix design (A), structural acceptance decisions (C), or building code interpretation
(D). The certification is limited to performing tests correctly and accurately.
Q5: A technician arrives at a construction site and observes that the concrete pump boom is positioned directly over
the planned sampling area. What should the technician do FIRST?
A. Proceed with sampling quickly to avoid delays in the concrete placement
B. Ask the pump operator to move the boom before beginning any sampling or testing [CORRECT]
C. Begin testing on a different portion of the concrete batch while waiting
D. Document the hazard and proceed, since pump booms are always stationary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the technician's primary responsibility. A pump boom positioned overhead presents a significant crushing
and struck-by hazard. The technician must have the boom relocated before entering the sampling area. Options A and C
compromise safety for schedule; option D is incorrect because pump booms move during operation and are not always
stationary.
Q6: An ACI Grade I certification is valid for how many years?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years [CORRECT]
C. 10 years
D. Lifetime, with no renewal requirement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per ACI CP-1 (2026/2027), Grade I certification is valid for 5 years. After expiration, the technician must recertify
by successfully completing both the written and performance examinations again. Option A (3 years) applies to some other
certifications, but ACI Concrete Field Testing is 5 years.
Q7: The ACI written examination for Grade I certification consists of how many questions and what time limit?
A. 55 questions, 60 minutes, open-book
B. 75 questions, 90 minutes, closed-book
C. 55 questions, 60 minutes, closed-book [CORRECT]
D. 40 questions, 45 minutes, closed-book
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ACI CP-1 written examination consists of 55 questions with a 60-minute time limit, and it is a closed-book
exam. A minimum score of 60% correct per ASTM method AND 70% overall is required to pass. Options A (open-book), B
(75 questions/90 minutes), and D (40 questions/45 minutes) are all incorrect per the current ACI CP-1 requirements.
Q8: The performance examination for ACI Grade I certification requires the candidate to demonstrate how many
tests and provide a verbal description of which procedure?
A. 4 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C143 (slump)
B. 6 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C172 (sampling) [CORRECT]
C. 8 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C31 (curing)
D. 5 demonstrated tests and verbal description of ASTM C138 (unit weight)
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per ACI CP-1, the performance exam requires 6 demonstrated tests and a verbal description of ASTM C172
(sampling fresh concrete). The 6 tests typically include slump, air content, temperature, unit weight, and cylinder molding.
Option B is the correct combination per current certification requirements.
SECTION 2: Sampling Fresh Concrete (ASTM C172)
Q9: ASTM C172 covers the procedure for sampling fresh concrete from which of the following sources?
A. Stationary mixers, paving mixers, revolving drum truck mixers, and open-top mixers only [CORRECT]
B. Any mixer type and from previously placed concrete in the formwork
C. Only from revolving drum truck mixers
D. Only from stationary mixers and paving mixers
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C172 covers sampling from stationary mixers, paving mixers, revolving drum (truck) mixers, and open-top
mixers. It does NOT cover sampling from concrete already placed in formwork or from previously deposited concrete (option
B). Options C and D are too restrictive, as C172 applies to all four listed mixer types.
Q10: When obtaining a composite sample according to ASTM C172, what is the maximum allowable time between
obtaining the first and final portions of the sample?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes [CORRECT]
D. 30 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM C172 specifies a maximum of 15 minutes between obtaining the first and final portions of a composite
sample. This is one of the most commonly confused time limits on the exam (candidates often confuse it with the 5-minute
limit for beginning tests). Option A (5 minutes) applies to the maximum elapsed time between obtaining the final portion and
beginning tests for slump, temperature, and air content.
Q11: From which portion of the batch must the composite sample be obtained according to ASTM C172?
A. The first portion discharged from the mixer
B. The middle portion of the batch [CORRECT]
C. The last portion discharged from the mixer
D. Any portion, as long as it is representative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASTM C172 requires that the composite sample be obtained from the middle portion of the batch. The first and last
portions may not be representative of the batch quality due to potential segregation or uneven water distribution. Option D is
incorrect because ASTM C172 specifically mandates the middle portion.
Q12: When sampling from a revolving drum truck mixer, what is the minimum number of regularly spaced intervals
required during discharge of the middle portion?
