ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam (Latest Update 2026 / 2027) Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct

ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification Exam (Latest Update 2026 / 2027) Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct Question: The sensor of the temperature measuring device shall be submerged a minimum of _____ in. [_____mm] into the freshly mixed concrete. Answer 3 in. [75 mm] Question: The temperature measuring device shall have a capacity of measuring temperature of freshly mixed concrete to +- _____ degrees F [+- _____ C] throughout a range of _____. Answer 1 degree F [0.5 C], 30 degrees F to 120 F [0 C to 50 C] Question: The temperature measuring device shall be calibrated _____, or whenever there is a question of _____. Answer Annually, accuracy Question: The temperature of concrete may be measured in a wheelbarrow. True or False? Answer True Question: The temperature of concrete may be measured in a wall form. True of False Answer True Question: A composite sample of concrete is required even if the only purpose for obtaining the sample is to determine temperature. True of False? Answer False Question: What must be done to the sample container prior to sampling the concrete? Answer Dampen (with water) Question: What must be done to the concrete surrounding the temperature measuring device after the device is submerged in the fresh concrete. Answer Gently press the concrete around the temperature measuring device at the surface of the concrete Question: How long must the temperature measuring device remain in the freshly mixed concrete? Answer At least 2 minutes but not more than 5 minutes Question: After the temperature of the concrete is read, what is required? Answer Reporting of temperature Question: The temperature of concrete is reported to the nearest _____ degrees F [_____ C] Answer 1 degree F [0.5 C] Question: According to ASTM C1064, what is one reason to take the temperature of concrete? Answer Verify conformance to a specified requirement for temperature of concrete Question: A maximum temperature of freshly mixed concrete is specified in ASTM C1064. True of False? Answer False Question: The sample of concrete used for temperature determination must be rodded 25 times. True or False? Answer False Question: Sampling by this method is required when tests are to be made to determine _____ with specification requirements. Answer Compliance Question: This method covers sampling from four types of mixtures which are _____, _____, _____, and _____. Answer Stationary mixers, paving mixers, revolving drum mixers, and open top mixers Question: The maximum allowable time between obtaining the first and final portions of a composite sample is _____ minutes. Answer 15 Question: Portions of a composite sample shall be thoroughly remixed bfore beginning tests on the sample. True of False? Answer True Question: The maximum elapsed time allowed between obtaining the final portion of the composite sample and beginning the tests for slump, temperature, and air content is _____ minutes. Answer 5 Question: The molding of strength test specimens shall begin within _____ minutes after fabricating the composite sample. Answer 15 Question: The concrete sample must be protected from contamination and _____. Answer Rapid evaporation Question: The minimum size sample for making strength test specimens is _____. Answer 28 L (1ft^3) Question: When sampling from a stationary mixer, the batch must be sampled at _____ or more regularly spaced intervals during discharge of the middle portion of the batch Answer 2 Question: The composite sample for a paving mixer must represent a minimum of _____ different portions of the batch of concrete taken from the pile after discharge. Answer Answer 5 Question: When sampling from a revolving drum truck mixer, concrete must be sampled at a minimum of _____ regularly spaced intervals during discharge of the middle portion of this batch. 2 Question: Concrete samples from a truck mixer must be obtained before any water or admixtures are added to the mixer at the job site. True or False? Answer False Question: The composite samples from a truck mixer must be obtained from the _____ portion of the batch. Answer Middle Question: When the concrete contains aggregate larger than that permitted for a particular test method, the sample of concrete must be _____ _____ before making the test. Answer Wet sieved Question: The slump test is applicable to plastic concrete with a maximum size aggregate of _____. Answer 1.5 in. [37.5 mm] Question: When the concrete contains aggregate larger than allowed for the slump test, the large aggregate must be _____. Answer Removed by wet sieving the sample over 1.5 in. [37.5 mm] sieve Question: The mold for making the slump test is in the shape of _____. Answer The frustum of a cone Question: The height of the slump mold is _____. Answer 12 in. [300 mm] Question: The interior surface of the slump mold is allowed to have minor irregularities. True or False? Answer False Question: For use in the slump test, the end or both ends of the tamping rod must be _____. Answer Rounded to a hemispherical tip Question: The sample of concrete for use in making the slump test must be obained in accordance with ASTM Standard _____. Answer C172, Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete Question: The slump mold should be in a dry condition before beginning the test. True or False? Answer False Question: The surface on which the slump mold will be placed must be _____. Answer Flat, level, moist, nonabsorbent, and free of vibration The slump mold is filled in _____ layers. Answer 3 Each layer should fill approximately _____ the volume of the mold. One-third The approximate concrete depth (in verticle distance) after placing the first layer is _____, and the second layer is _____. 2 5/8 in. [70 mm], 6 1/8 in. [160 mm] What is the specified number of roddings for each layer? 25 How deep should the tamping rod penetrate into each layer? Rod each layer throughout its depth; on the second and final layers, the rod should penetrate into the previous layer approximately 1 in. [25 mm] When rodding the bottom layer, the tamping rod must be _____ to uniformly distribute the strokes. Slightly inclined What must be done if the concrete drops below the top of the slump mold while the top layer is being rodded? Add additional concrete to keep an excess of concrete above the top of the mold at all times Prior to lifting the mold, concrete must be removed from _____. The area surrounding the base of the mold After the final rodding, the sides of the slump mold should should be tapped lightly with the tamping rod. True or False? False When raising the slump mold, it should not be rotated or twisted, True or False? True How much time is allowed for lifting the slump mold? 5 +- 2 seconds The measurement for slump is made from the top of the mold to what point of the concrete specimen? The displaced original center of the top surface of the specimen The slump of the concrete is measured and reported to the nearest _____. 1/4 in. [5 mm] How much time is allowed to conduct the slump test from beginning to completion? 2 1/2 minutes The diameter of the tamping rod used in the test method is _____. 5/8 in. [16 mm] What is the required shape of the tamping end of the rod? Rounded to a hemispherical tip What is the required minimum frequency of the vibrator used in this test method? 7000 vibrations per minute The outside diameter or side dimension of the vibrating element must be at least _____ but not greater than _____. 0.75 in. [19 mm], 1.50 in. [38 mm] A plastic container can be used for the measure in this method. True or False? False, measure must be steel or another suitable metal What is the minimum thickness of a metal strike-off plate? 1/4 in. [6 mm] What is the minimum thickness for a glass or acrylic strike-off plate? 1/2 in. [12 mm] What is the specified weight of the mallet used on measures that are 0.5 ft^3 [14 L] or smaller? 1.25 +- 0.50 lb. [600 +- 200 g] Measures other than air meter bowls used for this test must conform to ASTM _____. C29 Air meter bowls used for this test must conform to ASTM _____ and be calibrated for volumee according to ASTM _____. C231, C29 The concrete sample must be obtained in accodance with what ASTM method? C172 What method of consolidation must be used when the slump is greater than 3 in. [75 mm]? Rodding What method of consolidation must be used when the slump is less than 1 in. (25 mm]? Vibration If rodding is the method of consolidation being used, the measure must be filled in how many layers? 3 For a measure of 0.5 ft^3 [14 L], what is the required number of strokes of the tamping rod for consolidation of each layer? 25 When rodding the middle and the top layers, the tamping rod should penetrate into the layer below approximately _____. 1 in. [25 mm] If vibration is the method of consolidation, the measure must be filled in _____ approximately equal layers. 2 If, after consolidation of the final layer, the concrete level is 1/2 in. (13 mm) above the top of the measure, what should be done? Remove a representative portion of the excess concrete with a trowel or scoop After consolidation of the final layer, an excess of concrete ____ above the top of the measure is considered optimum. 1/8 in. [3 mm] After completing the strike-off procedure, what must be done before weighing the measure and sample? Clean off any excess concrete The pressure method of determining air content can be used on concrete containing _____ _____ aggregate. Relatively Dense The pressure method of determining air content cannot be used on concrete containing the following types of aggregates, _____, _____, _____. Lightweight, air-cooled blast furnace slag, or aggregates of high porosity What is the minimum allowable capacity of the measuring bowl used in this test method? 6 L (0.20 ft^3) What are the required characteristics of the tamping rod used in this test method? Round, straight steel rod, with a 16 mm [5/8 in.] +- 2 mm [1/16 in.] diameter, length at least 100 mm [4 in.] greater than the depth of the measuring bowl, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall length, with the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the rod. What is the specified size of the mallet required for this test method when the measuring bowl has the capacity of 14 L [0.5 ft^3] or less? 0.60 +- 0.25 kg [1.25 +- 0.50 lb.] The sample of concrete used for this test is to be obtained in accordance with what ASTM Standard? C172 The maximum size aggregate allowed for this test method is _____. 50 mm (2 in.) If the concrete contains aggregate larger than the maximum allowed for this test, the sample must be _____. Wet sieved over a 1 1/2 in. (37.5 mm) sieve If the concrete sample is to be consolidated by rodding, the measure is filled in _____ layers. 3 equal If the concrete sample is to be consolidated by vibration, the measure is filled in _____ layers. 2 equal When rodding the concrete sample, what is the specified number of strokes required for each layer? 25 Vibration of the concrete sample is not allowed when the slump of concrete exceeds _____. 75 mm (3 in.) In rodding the sample, how deep should the rod penetrate each layer? Rod bottom layer to full depth; rod second and final layer penetrating the previous layer about 25 mm (1 in.) After rodding each layer, what should be done to the measure before adding another layer of concrete? Tap the sides of the measure smartly 10 to 15 times with the mallet When consolidating the concrete by vibration, how many times should the vibrator be inserted into each layer? Three (3) What tools may be used to strike off the top surface of the concrete following consolidation of the final layer? A strike-off bar; a metal, glass, or acrylic plate What must be done if there is a slight deficiency in the quantity of concrete in the measure of consolidation of final layer? Add a quantity of representative concrete before strike off What must be done if there is an excessive amount of concrete in measure following consolidation of the final layer? Remove a representative quantity of concrete with the scoop or trowel before the strike off The volumetric method of determining air content of concrete can be used on concrete containing what types of aggregate? All types of aggregate What are the requirements for the tamping rod used in the test method? Round, straight 5/8 [16 mm] +- 1/16 in. [2 mm] diameter rod at least 5 in. [300 mm] greater in length than the depth of the bowl being used, with the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter, made of steel, high-density polyethylene, or other plastic of equal or greater abrasion resistance. What are the requirements for the strike-off bar used in this test method? Flat, straight steel bar at least 1/8 by 3/4 by 12 in. [3 by 20 by 300 mm] or a 4.4 flat, straight high-density polyethylene bar, or other plastic of equal or greater abrasion resistance, at least 1/4 by 3/4 by 23 in [6 by 30 by 300 mm]. What is the approximate volume of the measuring cup used to add water to the air meter, in relation to teh volume of the air meter bowl? 1.00% +- 0.04% What type of alcohol and concentration must be used in this test method? Isopropyl, 70% by volume (65% by weight) A mallet weighing ____ must be used to tap the sides of the bowl after rodding each layer. 1.25 +- 0.50 lb. (600 +- 200 g) The sample of concrete used in this test method must be obtained in accordance with what ASTM Standard? C172 The maximum size aggregate allowed in this test method is_____. 1 1/2 in. (37.5 mm) If the concrete sample contains aggregate larger than that allowed for this test, the sample must be _____. Wet sieved over a 1-in. (25-mm) sieve When filling the bowl of the air meter, the concrete must be placed in _____ layers of equal depth. 2 What is the specified number of strokes required when rodding each layer of concrete? 25 It is necessary to tap the sides of the bowl after each layer has been rodded. True or False? True The initial quantity of water and alcohol added to the air meter can be poured directly into the neck of the top section of the air meter. True or False? False; the funnel must be used Upon final filling of the air meter with water, what part of the liquid level should be adjusted to teh zero mark on the meter? Bottom of the meniscus How long should the air meter be inverted and agitated? No more than five seconds at a time, but must be repeated for a minimum of 45 seconds to free concrete from the base How many times does the rolling operation occur? A minimum of 2, a minimum of 3 Why is the isopropyl alcohol added to the meter? To dispel any foam that may be on the surface of the water The direct reading of the final liquid level in the neck of the air meter, is estimated to teh nearest _____. 0.25% If the air content is greater than the 9% range of the meter, _____. Calibrated cups of water are added to ring the liquid level within the graduated range In order for an initial meter reading to be valid, the meter must not be leaking, the liquid level must stabilize within 6 minutes, and the foam on the surface of the liquid must not be greater than 2 full percent divisions. True or False? True If less than 2.5 pints of alcohol are used, the air content is always indicated by the inal meter reading. True or False? False, if the air content is more than 9%, the number of calibrated cups of water introduced into the meter to bring the liquid level within the graduated range must be added If more than 2.5 pints of alcohol are used, the final meter reading is always adjusted using _____. A correction factor When large amounts of alcohol are used, the direct reading will tend to indicate a _____ air content. Higher At the end of the procedure, the air meter is _____. Disassembled and its contents examined If portions of undisturbed concrete are found in the air meter at the end of the test, _____. The test is invalid ASTM Method gives standardized requirements for _____, _____, _____, and _____, of test specimens. Making, curing, protecting, transporting For cylinders with a diameter of 6 in. [150 mm] or greater, the tamping rod must be a round, straight steel rod with a diameter of _____. 5/8 +- 1/16 in [16 mm +- 2 mm] The minimum frequency of an internal vibrator used in this procedure is _____. 9000 vibrations per minute [150 Hz] The container for obtaining the concrete sample used in this procedure can be a _____, _____, or _____. Metal pan, wheelbarrow, flat, clean nonabsorbent mixing board A 6 by 12 in [150 mm by 300 mm] cylinder mold can be used for concrete containing aggregate with particles not exceeding _____ in size, without the need for wet sieving the concrete. 2 in. [50 mm] The sample of concrete used in molding test specimens must be obtained in accordance with what ASTM Standard? C172 When strenght specimens are to be made, what three other tests must be made? Slump, air content, temperature After molding test specimens, you should wait two hours before moving them to the location of initial storage. True or False? False; the specimens must be moved immediately The supporting surface on which specimens are stored shall be level within _____. 1/4 in. per ft. [20 mm per m] For concrete with a slump of less than 1 in. [25 mm], the test specimens must be consolidated by _____. Vibration If the concrete is to be consolidated by vibration, a standard 4 by 8 in. [100 mm by 200 mm] cylinder mold must be filled in _____ equal layers. 2 When rodding a standard 6 by 12 in [150 mm by 300 mm] cylinder, each layer must be rodded _____ times. 25 When rodding each upper layer of concrete in a cylinder, the tamping rod should penetrate into the underlying layer by about _____. 1 in. [25 mm] When using an internal vibrator to consolidate a 6 by 12 in. [150 mm by 300 mm] compressive strength test specimen, the vibrator must be inserted at _____ different points for each layer. 2 When consolidating a flexural strength test specimen by rodding, rod one stroke for each _____ of top surface area. 2 in.^2 [14 cm^2] When internal vibration is used to consolidate a standard flexural strength test specimen, the technician should insert the bibrator at intervals not exceeding _____ along the center line of the beam. 6 in. [150 mm] Concrete mixtures with specified strengths of 6000 psi [40 MPa] or greater shall have an initial curing temperature between __________. 68 and 78 degrees F [20 and 26 C] Up to 48 hours after molding, test specimens that are to be standard cured shall be stored in a temperature range between _____ to _____. 60 and 70 degrees F [16 and 27 C] Upon completion of initial curing, the test specimens may be left in their molds and sealed in plastic bags. True or False? False; specimens are to be demoled and placed in water storage tanks or moist rooms with free water at a temperature of 73.5 +- 3.5 degrees F [23.0 +- 2.0 C] During transportation, test specimens must be protected from damage due to _____, _____, and _____. Jarring, freezing temperatures, moisture loss Specimens shall not be transported until _____ after final set. 8h Transportation time shall not exceed _____. 4h Standard Curing is the curing method used when test specimens are to be used for _________. Acceptance testing for specified strength, checking the adequacy of mixture proportions for strength, quality control Field Curing is the curing method used when test specimens are to be used for __________. Determination of whether the structure is capable of being put into service; Comparison with standard cured specimens test results or with results from various in-place test methods; Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the Structure, or Form or shoring removal time requirements Cylinders that are to be field cured are stored __________ and protected __________. In or on the structure as near to the point of deposit of the concrete represented as possible; In as near as possible the same way as the formed work The temperature and moisture environment for field cured cylinders must be __________. The same as the structural work Cylinders made for the purpose of determining when a structure may be put into service shall be removed from the mold __________. At the time of the removal of formwork