Minnesota Aggregate Technician Certification
Exam Practice Test Questions And Answer Plus
Rationales | Updated 2026 | Instant Pdf
Download
This exam focuses on MnDOT-style aggregate testing knowledge, including
sampling, gradation, sieve analysis, moisture content, and ASTM/AASHTO
standards commonly used in Minnesota certification programs such as
Aggregate Production Tester Certification (APTC) and related aggregate
technician roles.
1. The primary purpose of aggregate testing is to:
A. Increase construction speed
B. Ensure material quality and compliance with specifications
C. Replace engineers
D. Reduce labor costs
Rationale: Aggregate testing ensures materials meet engineering and safety
standards.
2. Aggregates are best defined as:
A. Liquid cement mixtures
B. Granular materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone used in
construction
,C. Steel reinforcement
D. Chemical additives
Rationale: Aggregates are basic construction materials used in concrete
and asphalt.
3. The most common test used to determine particle size distribution is:
A. Slump test
B. Sieve analysis
C. Compression test
D. pH test
Rationale: Sieve analysis determines gradation of aggregates.
4. ASTM C136 is used for:
A. Moisture content
B. Sieve analysis of aggregates
C. Concrete curing
D. Asphalt mixing
Rationale: C136 covers gradation testing.
5. ASTM C117 measures:
A. Concrete strength
B. Material finer than No. 200 sieve by washing
,C. Asphalt viscosity
D. Soil density
Rationale: It measures fines in aggregates.
6. The No. 200 sieve opening size is:
A. 2.0 mm
B. 0.850 mm
C. 0.075 mm
D. 0.15 mm
Rationale: No. 200 sieve = 0.075 mm openings.
7. Sampling aggregates from stockpiles should be done:
A. Only from the top
B. Only from the bottom
C. From multiple locations to ensure representativeness
D. Only once per project
Rationale: Sampling must represent the entire stockpile.
8. ASTM D75 is used for:
A. Asphalt testing
B. Sampling aggregates
, C. Concrete curing
D. Steel testing
Rationale: D75 covers aggregate sampling procedures.
9. A representative sample means:
A. From one location only
B. Reflects the overall characteristics of the material
C. Random guessing
D. Oversized particles only
Rationale: Representative samples reflect the whole batch.
10. Reducing sample size is done using:
A. Crushing machine
B. Riffle splitter or quartering method
C. Oven drying only
D. Hand picking only
Rationale: Proper reduction prevents bias.
11. ASTM C702 is used for:
A. Moisture testing
B. Reducing aggregate samples to test size
Exam Practice Test Questions And Answer Plus
Rationales | Updated 2026 | Instant Pdf
Download
This exam focuses on MnDOT-style aggregate testing knowledge, including
sampling, gradation, sieve analysis, moisture content, and ASTM/AASHTO
standards commonly used in Minnesota certification programs such as
Aggregate Production Tester Certification (APTC) and related aggregate
technician roles.
1. The primary purpose of aggregate testing is to:
A. Increase construction speed
B. Ensure material quality and compliance with specifications
C. Replace engineers
D. Reduce labor costs
Rationale: Aggregate testing ensures materials meet engineering and safety
standards.
2. Aggregates are best defined as:
A. Liquid cement mixtures
B. Granular materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone used in
construction
,C. Steel reinforcement
D. Chemical additives
Rationale: Aggregates are basic construction materials used in concrete
and asphalt.
3. The most common test used to determine particle size distribution is:
A. Slump test
B. Sieve analysis
C. Compression test
D. pH test
Rationale: Sieve analysis determines gradation of aggregates.
4. ASTM C136 is used for:
A. Moisture content
B. Sieve analysis of aggregates
C. Concrete curing
D. Asphalt mixing
Rationale: C136 covers gradation testing.
5. ASTM C117 measures:
A. Concrete strength
B. Material finer than No. 200 sieve by washing
,C. Asphalt viscosity
D. Soil density
Rationale: It measures fines in aggregates.
6. The No. 200 sieve opening size is:
A. 2.0 mm
B. 0.850 mm
C. 0.075 mm
D. 0.15 mm
Rationale: No. 200 sieve = 0.075 mm openings.
7. Sampling aggregates from stockpiles should be done:
A. Only from the top
B. Only from the bottom
C. From multiple locations to ensure representativeness
D. Only once per project
Rationale: Sampling must represent the entire stockpile.
8. ASTM D75 is used for:
A. Asphalt testing
B. Sampling aggregates
, C. Concrete curing
D. Steel testing
Rationale: D75 covers aggregate sampling procedures.
9. A representative sample means:
A. From one location only
B. Reflects the overall characteristics of the material
C. Random guessing
D. Oversized particles only
Rationale: Representative samples reflect the whole batch.
10. Reducing sample size is done using:
A. Crushing machine
B. Riffle splitter or quartering method
C. Oven drying only
D. Hand picking only
Rationale: Proper reduction prevents bias.
11. ASTM C702 is used for:
A. Moisture testing
B. Reducing aggregate samples to test size
