Michigan Concrete Contractor License Exam | Complete
Questions with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Explanations –2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
Before placing concrete for a structural slab, the contractor discovers that the
subgrade contains soft, saturated areas that deflect significantly under
construction traffic. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Increase the concrete slump
B. Place concrete immediately to bridge the weak areas
C. Remove or stabilize unsuitable material and establish a properly prepared
subgrade
D. Add additional water to the concrete mixture
Correct Answer: C. Remove or stabilize unsuitable material and establish
a properly prepared subgrade
Explanation:
Concrete performance depends heavily on the condition of the supporting
subgrade. Soft or unstable areas can produce differential settlement, cracking,
and loss of support. The contractor should correct unsuitable subgrade
conditions before concrete placement rather than attempting to compensate
by altering the concrete mixture.
Question 2
A concrete driveway is being placed during hot, dry, windy weather. The
surface begins losing moisture rapidly before finishing is complete. What is
the PRIMARY concern?
A. Increased aggregate size
B. Plastic shrinkage cracking
C. Reduced cement content
D. Excessive reinforcement cover
1
,Correct Answer: B. Plastic shrinkage cracking
Explanation:
Rapid evaporation from fresh concrete can cause the surface to lose water
faster than bleed water can replace it. Tensile stresses develop while the
concrete is still plastic, potentially producing plastic shrinkage cracks. Wind,
high temperature, low humidity, and direct sunlight increase the risk.
Question 3
A contractor is preparing a concrete slab-on-grade. The reinforcement is
placed directly on the subgrade and workers plan to pull it upward after
concrete placement. Why is this practice unacceptable?
A. Reinforcement should be positioned at the specified design location before
and during placement
B. Reinforcement is unnecessary in slabs
C. Reinforcement must always be placed above the concrete surface
D. Pulling reinforcement upward increases concrete strength
Correct Answer: A. Reinforcement should be positioned at the specified
design location before and during placement
Explanation:
Reinforcement must have the required location and concrete cover to perform
as designed. Simply placing steel on the subgrade and attempting to lift it
during placement can result in inconsistent positioning and inadequate
structural performance.
Question 4
A concrete mixture arrives at the site with a slump significantly below the
specified range. The contractor wants to add water to restore workability.
What should be done FIRST?
A. Add unlimited water until the desired slump is achieved
B. Verify the delivery ticket, mixture requirements, elapsed time, and
2
,permitted adjustment procedures
C. Add water without recording the change
D. Add soil to increase volume
Correct Answer: B. Verify the delivery ticket, mixture requirements,
elapsed time, and permitted adjustment procedures
Explanation:
Adding water can increase slump but may adversely affect the water-
cementitious materials ratio and concrete performance if excessive. Any
permitted adjustment should follow the approved mixture design, project
specifications, applicable standards, and manufacturer's or supplier's
procedures.
Question 5
A contractor adds excessive water to a concrete mixture solely to make
placement easier. Which property is MOST likely to be adversely affected?
A. Water-cementitious materials ratio and potentially compressive strength
B. Aggregate color only
C. Formwork temperature only
D. Reinforcement diameter
Correct Answer: A. Water-cementitious materials ratio and potentially
compressive strength
Explanation:
Adding water can increase the water-cementitious materials ratio. Excessive
water can reduce strength and durability and increase bleeding, segregation,
permeability, and shrinkage. Workability should be achieved through proper
mixture design and approved methods rather than uncontrolled water
addition.
Question 6
3
, During placement, concrete begins separating so that coarse aggregate settles
while mortar and water rise toward the surface. What condition does this
MOST closely describe?
A. Segregation
B. Carbonation
C. Curing
D. Hydration
Correct Answer: A. Segregation
Explanation:
Segregation occurs when the components of fresh concrete separate rather
than remaining uniformly distributed. It can result from excessive handling,
improper mixture proportions, excessive vibration, dropping concrete from
excessive heights, or adding too much water.
Question 7
A contractor places concrete in a deep form and allows it to fall from a
considerable height. What problem can this practice create?
A. Segregation
B. Improved consolidation
C. Reduced hydration
D. Increased reinforcement strength
Correct Answer: A. Segregation
Explanation:
Excessive free-fall can cause coarse aggregate to separate from the mortar.
Concrete should be placed using methods that minimize segregation and
allow proper consolidation without unnecessary handling.
Question 8
4
Questions with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Explanations –2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
Before placing concrete for a structural slab, the contractor discovers that the
subgrade contains soft, saturated areas that deflect significantly under
construction traffic. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Increase the concrete slump
B. Place concrete immediately to bridge the weak areas
C. Remove or stabilize unsuitable material and establish a properly prepared
subgrade
D. Add additional water to the concrete mixture
Correct Answer: C. Remove or stabilize unsuitable material and establish
a properly prepared subgrade
Explanation:
Concrete performance depends heavily on the condition of the supporting
subgrade. Soft or unstable areas can produce differential settlement, cracking,
and loss of support. The contractor should correct unsuitable subgrade
conditions before concrete placement rather than attempting to compensate
by altering the concrete mixture.
Question 2
A concrete driveway is being placed during hot, dry, windy weather. The
surface begins losing moisture rapidly before finishing is complete. What is
the PRIMARY concern?
A. Increased aggregate size
B. Plastic shrinkage cracking
C. Reduced cement content
D. Excessive reinforcement cover
1
,Correct Answer: B. Plastic shrinkage cracking
Explanation:
Rapid evaporation from fresh concrete can cause the surface to lose water
faster than bleed water can replace it. Tensile stresses develop while the
concrete is still plastic, potentially producing plastic shrinkage cracks. Wind,
high temperature, low humidity, and direct sunlight increase the risk.
Question 3
A contractor is preparing a concrete slab-on-grade. The reinforcement is
placed directly on the subgrade and workers plan to pull it upward after
concrete placement. Why is this practice unacceptable?
A. Reinforcement should be positioned at the specified design location before
and during placement
B. Reinforcement is unnecessary in slabs
C. Reinforcement must always be placed above the concrete surface
D. Pulling reinforcement upward increases concrete strength
Correct Answer: A. Reinforcement should be positioned at the specified
design location before and during placement
Explanation:
Reinforcement must have the required location and concrete cover to perform
as designed. Simply placing steel on the subgrade and attempting to lift it
during placement can result in inconsistent positioning and inadequate
structural performance.
Question 4
A concrete mixture arrives at the site with a slump significantly below the
specified range. The contractor wants to add water to restore workability.
What should be done FIRST?
A. Add unlimited water until the desired slump is achieved
B. Verify the delivery ticket, mixture requirements, elapsed time, and
2
,permitted adjustment procedures
C. Add water without recording the change
D. Add soil to increase volume
Correct Answer: B. Verify the delivery ticket, mixture requirements,
elapsed time, and permitted adjustment procedures
Explanation:
Adding water can increase slump but may adversely affect the water-
cementitious materials ratio and concrete performance if excessive. Any
permitted adjustment should follow the approved mixture design, project
specifications, applicable standards, and manufacturer's or supplier's
procedures.
Question 5
A contractor adds excessive water to a concrete mixture solely to make
placement easier. Which property is MOST likely to be adversely affected?
A. Water-cementitious materials ratio and potentially compressive strength
B. Aggregate color only
C. Formwork temperature only
D. Reinforcement diameter
Correct Answer: A. Water-cementitious materials ratio and potentially
compressive strength
Explanation:
Adding water can increase the water-cementitious materials ratio. Excessive
water can reduce strength and durability and increase bleeding, segregation,
permeability, and shrinkage. Workability should be achieved through proper
mixture design and approved methods rather than uncontrolled water
addition.
Question 6
3
, During placement, concrete begins separating so that coarse aggregate settles
while mortar and water rise toward the surface. What condition does this
MOST closely describe?
A. Segregation
B. Carbonation
C. Curing
D. Hydration
Correct Answer: A. Segregation
Explanation:
Segregation occurs when the components of fresh concrete separate rather
than remaining uniformly distributed. It can result from excessive handling,
improper mixture proportions, excessive vibration, dropping concrete from
excessive heights, or adding too much water.
Question 7
A contractor places concrete in a deep form and allows it to fall from a
considerable height. What problem can this practice create?
A. Segregation
B. Improved consolidation
C. Reduced hydration
D. Increased reinforcement strength
Correct Answer: A. Segregation
Explanation:
Excessive free-fall can cause coarse aggregate to separate from the mortar.
Concrete should be placed using methods that minimize segregation and
allow proper consolidation without unnecessary handling.
Question 8
4
