NRMCA CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIST LEVEL 2
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
Table of Contents
Section Domain Approx. Page
Questions Reference
1 Fundamentals of Concrete 25 Q1–Q25
2 Cementitious Materials (Cement, Fly 30 Q26–Q55
Ash, Slag, Silica Fume)
3 Aggregates 25 Q56–Q80
4 Chemical Admixtures 20 Q81–Q100
5 Mixture Proportioning (ACI 211.1) 25 Q101–Q125
6 Fresh Concrete Properties & Testing 20 Q126–Q145
7 Hardened Concrete Properties & 20 Q146–Q165
Testing
8 Durability & Deterioration 15 Q166–Q180
9 Production, Quality Control & ASTM 15 Q181–Q195
C94
10 Statistical Methods & ACI Code 5 Q196–Q200
Requirements
,SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF CONCRETE
Question 1
Which of the following best describes the primary role of aggregates
in concrete?
A. They react chemically with cement to form the binder
B. They provide economical volume and help control dimensional
stability
C. They increase the rate of hydration
D. They eliminate the need for water in the mixture
Rationale: Aggregates occupy approximately 60–75% of the concrete
volume and serve as an economical filler that reduces shrinkage and
provides dimensional stability. They do not participate in the hydration
reaction.
Question 2
The chemical reaction between Portland cement and water is called:
A. Carbonation
B. Hydration
C. Oxidation
D. Evaporation
Rationale: Hydration is the exothermic chemical reaction between
cement compounds and water that produces calcium silicate hydrate
(C-S-H) and other products responsible for setting and hardening.
Question 3
Approximately what percentage of a typical concrete mixture by
,volume is occupied by aggregates?
A. 25–35%
B. 45–55%
C. 60–75%
D. 80–90%
Rationale: Aggregates typically comprise 60–75% of the total volume of
concrete, with paste (cement + water) making up the remainder. This
proportion varies based on the mix design and aggregate
characteristics.
Question 4
Abrams' Law states that, for a given set of materials, concrete strength
is primarily determined by:
A. The type of aggregate used
B. The water-cement ratio
C. The ambient temperature during curing
D. The fineness of the cement
Rationale: Abrams' Law establishes that the compressive strength of
concrete is inversely proportional to the water-cement ratio. Lower w/c
ratios produce higher strengths, assuming adequate consolidation and
curing.
Question 5
The approximate weight of 1 cubic yard of normal-weight concrete is:
A. 2,000 lb
B. 3,000 lb
, C. 4,000 lb
D. 5,000 lb
Rationale: Normal-weight concrete typically weighs approximately
4,000 lb per cubic yard (about 145 lb per cubic foot), depending on the
specific aggregates and mixture proportions used.
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of reducing the water-
cementitious materials ratio in concrete mixtures?
A. Increased strength
B. Reduced permeability
C. Increased workability
D. Improved abrasion resistance
Rationale: Reducing the w/cm ratio decreases workability because less
water is available for lubrication. The other options are all benefits of a
lower w/cm ratio. The mix must be adjusted with admixtures or
aggregate proportioning to maintain workability.
Question 7
Two different concrete mixtures with different ingredients at the same
water-cement ratio will have the same compressive strength.
A. False
B. True
C. Only if the same cement type is used
D. Only if cured under identical conditions
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
Table of Contents
Section Domain Approx. Page
Questions Reference
1 Fundamentals of Concrete 25 Q1–Q25
2 Cementitious Materials (Cement, Fly 30 Q26–Q55
Ash, Slag, Silica Fume)
3 Aggregates 25 Q56–Q80
4 Chemical Admixtures 20 Q81–Q100
5 Mixture Proportioning (ACI 211.1) 25 Q101–Q125
6 Fresh Concrete Properties & Testing 20 Q126–Q145
7 Hardened Concrete Properties & 20 Q146–Q165
Testing
8 Durability & Deterioration 15 Q166–Q180
9 Production, Quality Control & ASTM 15 Q181–Q195
C94
10 Statistical Methods & ACI Code 5 Q196–Q200
Requirements
,SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF CONCRETE
Question 1
Which of the following best describes the primary role of aggregates
in concrete?
A. They react chemically with cement to form the binder
B. They provide economical volume and help control dimensional
stability
C. They increase the rate of hydration
D. They eliminate the need for water in the mixture
Rationale: Aggregates occupy approximately 60–75% of the concrete
volume and serve as an economical filler that reduces shrinkage and
provides dimensional stability. They do not participate in the hydration
reaction.
Question 2
The chemical reaction between Portland cement and water is called:
A. Carbonation
B. Hydration
C. Oxidation
D. Evaporation
Rationale: Hydration is the exothermic chemical reaction between
cement compounds and water that produces calcium silicate hydrate
(C-S-H) and other products responsible for setting and hardening.
Question 3
Approximately what percentage of a typical concrete mixture by
,volume is occupied by aggregates?
A. 25–35%
B. 45–55%
C. 60–75%
D. 80–90%
Rationale: Aggregates typically comprise 60–75% of the total volume of
concrete, with paste (cement + water) making up the remainder. This
proportion varies based on the mix design and aggregate
characteristics.
Question 4
Abrams' Law states that, for a given set of materials, concrete strength
is primarily determined by:
A. The type of aggregate used
B. The water-cement ratio
C. The ambient temperature during curing
D. The fineness of the cement
Rationale: Abrams' Law establishes that the compressive strength of
concrete is inversely proportional to the water-cement ratio. Lower w/c
ratios produce higher strengths, assuming adequate consolidation and
curing.
Question 5
The approximate weight of 1 cubic yard of normal-weight concrete is:
A. 2,000 lb
B. 3,000 lb
, C. 4,000 lb
D. 5,000 lb
Rationale: Normal-weight concrete typically weighs approximately
4,000 lb per cubic yard (about 145 lb per cubic foot), depending on the
specific aggregates and mixture proportions used.
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of reducing the water-
cementitious materials ratio in concrete mixtures?
A. Increased strength
B. Reduced permeability
C. Increased workability
D. Improved abrasion resistance
Rationale: Reducing the w/cm ratio decreases workability because less
water is available for lubrication. The other options are all benefits of a
lower w/cm ratio. The mix must be adjusted with admixtures or
aggregate proportioning to maintain workability.
Question 7
Two different concrete mixtures with different ingredients at the same
water-cement ratio will have the same compressive strength.
A. False
B. True
C. Only if the same cement type is used
D. Only if cured under identical conditions
