ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam Prep 2026-2027 120 Questions & Answers | Grade A
ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician
Grade I Certification Exam Prep
120 Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
Aligned with 2026-2027 ACI CP-1 Certification Requirements
and Current ASTM Standards
Exam Details
Written Exam: 55 Questions | 60 Minutes | Closed-Book
Performance Exam: 6 Demonstrated Tests + Verbal Description of C172
Passing: 60% per method AND 70% overall
Certification Validity: 5 Years
ASTM Standards: C172, C1064, C143, C138, C31, C231, C173
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Question Types: 60% Procedural/Direct Recall | 30% Scenario-Based | 10% Calculation
Section 1: Safety Practices & Technician Responsibilities
Q1: According to ACI CP-1 certification requirements, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of a certified Concrete
Field-Testing Technician Grade I?
A. Designing concrete mix proportions for project specifications
B. Performing standardized field tests according to ASTM procedures **[CORRECT]**
C. Authorizing changes to concrete mix designs at the job site
D. Evaluating structural adequacy of completed concrete elements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Grade I certified technician's primary role is performing standardized tests according to established ASTM procedures
(ACI CP-1). The certification does not authorize mix design changes, structural evaluations, or project specifications modifications.
These responsibilities fall to engineers and project managers, not field-testing technicians.
Q2: Before beginning any field testing operations, what must the technician verify FIRST?
A. That the concrete truck has been on site for at least 10 minutes
B. That safe access to the sampling location is available and hazard controls are in place **[CORRECT]**
C. That the ambient temperature is within the acceptable range for testing
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,ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam Prep 2026-2027 120 Questions & Answers | Grade A
D. That the ready-mix plant has provided a batch ticket for the concrete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI CP-1 emphasizes that technician safety is the primary responsibility during all field testing operations. Before
sampling or testing begins, the technician must verify safe access to the testing location and confirm that hazard controls are in place.
This includes assessing risks from moving equipment, pump booms, and active construction operations. While batch tickets and
temperature are important, safety verification always takes priority.
Q3: What is the minimum physical strength requirement for performing unit weight tests according to ACI field
testing standards?
A. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs (11 kg)
B. Must be able to lift at least 35 lbs (16 kg)
C. Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs (20 kg) **[CORRECT]**
D. Must be able to lift at least 60 lbs (27 kg)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACI CP-1 specifies that a field-testing technician must be physically capable of lifting at least 45 lbs (20 kg) when
performing unit weight tests. This requirement is based on the weight of the measures used for density and unit weight testing per
ASTM C138. The 0.5 ft³ measure filled with concrete can weigh approximately 75-90 lbs, and the technician must handle it during the
consolidation and weighing process.
Q4: Which of the following items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are REQUIRED for concrete field testing
technicians?
A. Steel-toed shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, and safety vest
B. Steel or composite-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves **[CORRECT]**
C. Rubber boots, lab coat, face shield, and elbow-length gloves
D. Composite-toed shoes, shorts (above knee), safety glasses, and earplugs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI CP-1 requires technicians to wear steel or composite-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves during all field
testing operations. Long pants protect against concrete splashes and abrasion hazards. Hard hats, hearing protection, and safety vests
may be required by the general contractor depending on site conditions, but the ACI-specified minimum PPE set is steel/composite-toed
shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves.
Q5: A Grade I technician certification demonstrates competence in which of the following?
A. Competence in all structural design and analysis of concrete members
B. Competence in standardized testing procedures per ASTM methods only **[CORRECT]**
C. Authority to override project specifications when test results are questionable
D. Competence in both laboratory mix design and field testing procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI Grade I certification demonstrates competence specifically in standardized field testing procedures performed
according to ASTM methods. It does not include structural design, mix design, or the authority to override project specifications. The
certification validates that the technician can properly perform specific test methods but does not replace oversight responsibilities or
project specification requirements.
Q6: According to ACI safety requirements, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for which of the following
chemicals commonly used during field testing?
A. Water and Portland cement only
B. Isopropyl alcohol used in volumetric air content testing (ASTM C173) **[CORRECT]**
C. Calcium chloride and all admixture types only
D. SDS are not required for any field testing chemicals
Correct Answer: B
Page 2
, ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam Prep 2026-2027 120 Questions & Answers | Grade A
Rationale: SDS must be available for all chemicals used during field testing, including isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) used in
the volumetric method for air content determination (ASTM C173). SDS documents provide critical safety information regarding
handling, storage, first aid, and exposure risks. This is a mandatory safety requirement under OSHA Hazard Communication
Standards that ACI incorporates into its field testing safety protocols.
Q7: Which of the following statements about ACI Grade I certification is CORRECT?
A. Certification is valid for 10 years from the date of examination
B. Recertification requires only a written examination without performance evaluation
C. Certification is valid for 5 years and recertification is required to maintain credentials **[CORRECT]**
D. Certification never expires once the written and performance exams are passed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACI Grade I certification is valid for 5 years from the date of successful completion of both the written and performance
examinations. Recertification requires re-examination to demonstrate continued competence. The 5-year validity period ensures
technicians remain current with evolving ASTM standards and testing procedures. Certification expiration without recertification
means the technician can no longer sign test reports.
Q8: During the ACI performance examination, how many test methods must the technician demonstrate AND
verbally describe?
A. 4 test demonstrations with 2 verbal descriptions
B. 6 test demonstrations with a verbal description of ASTM C172 (sampling) **[CORRECT]**
C. 8 test demonstrations with 3 verbal descriptions
D. 5 test demonstrations with a verbal description of ASTM C143 (slump)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ACI performance examination requires the technician to successfully demonstrate 6 specific test methods and provide
a verbal description of ASTM C172 (Sampling Fresh Concrete). The 6 demonstrated tests cover slump, temperature, air content
(pressure method), air content (volumetric method), unit weight, and casting cylinders. The verbal description of C172 is required
because sampling is fundamental to all subsequent testing and must be thoroughly understood.
Section 2: Sampling Fresh Concrete (ASTM C172)
Q9: According to ASTM C172, sampling by this method is required when tests are to be made for which purpose?
A. To determine compliance with specification requirements only **[CORRECT]**
B. For routine quality checks when no specification requirements exist
C. To determine the cement content of the mixture
D. For any purpose related to concrete production and delivery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C172 states that sampling by this standard method is required when tests are to be made to determine compliance
with specification requirements. This includes tests for strength, slump, air content, temperature, and other specification criteria. The
method ensures representative sampling that provides legally defensible test results. Sampling for informal purposes may use
alternative methods, but specification compliance testing mandates ASTM C172 procedures.
Q10: What is the maximum allowable time between obtaining the FIRST and FINAL portions of a composite sample
according to ASTM C172?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes **[CORRECT]**
Page 3
ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician
Grade I Certification Exam Prep
120 Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
Aligned with 2026-2027 ACI CP-1 Certification Requirements
and Current ASTM Standards
Exam Details
Written Exam: 55 Questions | 60 Minutes | Closed-Book
Performance Exam: 6 Demonstrated Tests + Verbal Description of C172
Passing: 60% per method AND 70% overall
Certification Validity: 5 Years
ASTM Standards: C172, C1064, C143, C138, C31, C231, C173
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Question Types: 60% Procedural/Direct Recall | 30% Scenario-Based | 10% Calculation
Section 1: Safety Practices & Technician Responsibilities
Q1: According to ACI CP-1 certification requirements, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of a certified Concrete
Field-Testing Technician Grade I?
A. Designing concrete mix proportions for project specifications
B. Performing standardized field tests according to ASTM procedures **[CORRECT]**
C. Authorizing changes to concrete mix designs at the job site
D. Evaluating structural adequacy of completed concrete elements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Grade I certified technician's primary role is performing standardized tests according to established ASTM procedures
(ACI CP-1). The certification does not authorize mix design changes, structural evaluations, or project specifications modifications.
These responsibilities fall to engineers and project managers, not field-testing technicians.
Q2: Before beginning any field testing operations, what must the technician verify FIRST?
A. That the concrete truck has been on site for at least 10 minutes
B. That safe access to the sampling location is available and hazard controls are in place **[CORRECT]**
C. That the ambient temperature is within the acceptable range for testing
Page 1
,ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam Prep 2026-2027 120 Questions & Answers | Grade A
D. That the ready-mix plant has provided a batch ticket for the concrete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI CP-1 emphasizes that technician safety is the primary responsibility during all field testing operations. Before
sampling or testing begins, the technician must verify safe access to the testing location and confirm that hazard controls are in place.
This includes assessing risks from moving equipment, pump booms, and active construction operations. While batch tickets and
temperature are important, safety verification always takes priority.
Q3: What is the minimum physical strength requirement for performing unit weight tests according to ACI field
testing standards?
A. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs (11 kg)
B. Must be able to lift at least 35 lbs (16 kg)
C. Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs (20 kg) **[CORRECT]**
D. Must be able to lift at least 60 lbs (27 kg)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACI CP-1 specifies that a field-testing technician must be physically capable of lifting at least 45 lbs (20 kg) when
performing unit weight tests. This requirement is based on the weight of the measures used for density and unit weight testing per
ASTM C138. The 0.5 ft³ measure filled with concrete can weigh approximately 75-90 lbs, and the technician must handle it during the
consolidation and weighing process.
Q4: Which of the following items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are REQUIRED for concrete field testing
technicians?
A. Steel-toed shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, and safety vest
B. Steel or composite-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves **[CORRECT]**
C. Rubber boots, lab coat, face shield, and elbow-length gloves
D. Composite-toed shoes, shorts (above knee), safety glasses, and earplugs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI CP-1 requires technicians to wear steel or composite-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves during all field
testing operations. Long pants protect against concrete splashes and abrasion hazards. Hard hats, hearing protection, and safety vests
may be required by the general contractor depending on site conditions, but the ACI-specified minimum PPE set is steel/composite-toed
shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves.
Q5: A Grade I technician certification demonstrates competence in which of the following?
A. Competence in all structural design and analysis of concrete members
B. Competence in standardized testing procedures per ASTM methods only **[CORRECT]**
C. Authority to override project specifications when test results are questionable
D. Competence in both laboratory mix design and field testing procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACI Grade I certification demonstrates competence specifically in standardized field testing procedures performed
according to ASTM methods. It does not include structural design, mix design, or the authority to override project specifications. The
certification validates that the technician can properly perform specific test methods but does not replace oversight responsibilities or
project specification requirements.
Q6: According to ACI safety requirements, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for which of the following
chemicals commonly used during field testing?
A. Water and Portland cement only
B. Isopropyl alcohol used in volumetric air content testing (ASTM C173) **[CORRECT]**
C. Calcium chloride and all admixture types only
D. SDS are not required for any field testing chemicals
Correct Answer: B
Page 2
, ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam Prep 2026-2027 120 Questions & Answers | Grade A
Rationale: SDS must be available for all chemicals used during field testing, including isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) used in
the volumetric method for air content determination (ASTM C173). SDS documents provide critical safety information regarding
handling, storage, first aid, and exposure risks. This is a mandatory safety requirement under OSHA Hazard Communication
Standards that ACI incorporates into its field testing safety protocols.
Q7: Which of the following statements about ACI Grade I certification is CORRECT?
A. Certification is valid for 10 years from the date of examination
B. Recertification requires only a written examination without performance evaluation
C. Certification is valid for 5 years and recertification is required to maintain credentials **[CORRECT]**
D. Certification never expires once the written and performance exams are passed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACI Grade I certification is valid for 5 years from the date of successful completion of both the written and performance
examinations. Recertification requires re-examination to demonstrate continued competence. The 5-year validity period ensures
technicians remain current with evolving ASTM standards and testing procedures. Certification expiration without recertification
means the technician can no longer sign test reports.
Q8: During the ACI performance examination, how many test methods must the technician demonstrate AND
verbally describe?
A. 4 test demonstrations with 2 verbal descriptions
B. 6 test demonstrations with a verbal description of ASTM C172 (sampling) **[CORRECT]**
C. 8 test demonstrations with 3 verbal descriptions
D. 5 test demonstrations with a verbal description of ASTM C143 (slump)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ACI performance examination requires the technician to successfully demonstrate 6 specific test methods and provide
a verbal description of ASTM C172 (Sampling Fresh Concrete). The 6 demonstrated tests cover slump, temperature, air content
(pressure method), air content (volumetric method), unit weight, and casting cylinders. The verbal description of C172 is required
because sampling is fundamental to all subsequent testing and must be thoroughly understood.
Section 2: Sampling Fresh Concrete (ASTM C172)
Q9: According to ASTM C172, sampling by this method is required when tests are to be made for which purpose?
A. To determine compliance with specification requirements only **[CORRECT]**
B. For routine quality checks when no specification requirements exist
C. To determine the cement content of the mixture
D. For any purpose related to concrete production and delivery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C172 states that sampling by this standard method is required when tests are to be made to determine compliance
with specification requirements. This includes tests for strength, slump, air content, temperature, and other specification criteria. The
method ensures representative sampling that provides legally defensible test results. Sampling for informal purposes may use
alternative methods, but specification compliance testing mandates ASTM C172 procedures.
Q10: What is the maximum allowable time between obtaining the FIRST and FINAL portions of a composite sample
according to ASTM C172?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes **[CORRECT]**
Page 3
