NICET Construction Materials Testing –
Concrete, Level II Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which ASTM standard covers sampling fresh concrete?
A. ASTM C31
B. ASTM C172
C. ASTM C143
D. ASTM C231
*Rationale: ASTM C172 provides procedures for obtaining samples of
freshly mixed concrete.
2. The minimum size of a composite concrete sample for strength
testing is:
A. 0.25 ft³
B. 1 ft³
C. 2 ft³
D. 3 ft³
*Rationale: ASTM C172 requires at least 1 ft³ for strength test
specimens.
3. Slump test procedures are defined in:
,A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C231
C. ASTM C143
D. ASTM C173
*Rationale: ASTM C143 covers slump of hydraulic-cement concrete.
4. The slump cone must be filled in how many layers?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
*Rationale: ASTM C143 requires three equal layers.
5. Consolidation of each slump layer requires:
A. 10 strokes
B. 25 strokes
C. 30 strokes
D. 15 strokes
*Rationale: Each layer is rodded 25 times with a tamping rod.
6. What is the allowable time between obtaining a sample and
starting a slump test?
A. Immediately
B. 5 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. 15 minutes
*Rationale: All tests must begin within 5 minutes of sampling.
, 7. Air content by pressure method is covered by:
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C231
C. ASTM C173
D. ASTM C143
*Rationale: C231 covers air content of concrete containing dense
aggregates.
8. The volumetric (roll-a-meter) air test is used when concrete
contains:
A. Dense aggregates
B. Lightweight aggregates
C. High-slump mixtures
D. High-cement mixtures
*Rationale: ASTM C173 allows accurate air measurement with
lightweight aggregates.
9. The unit weight test for fresh concrete is performed per:
A. ASTM C31
B. ASTM C138
C. ASTM C39
D. ASTM C617
*Rationale: C138 is for density, yield, and air content by calculation.
10. Concrete cylinders for strength testing are molded under:
Concrete, Level II Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download PDF
1. Which ASTM standard covers sampling fresh concrete?
A. ASTM C31
B. ASTM C172
C. ASTM C143
D. ASTM C231
*Rationale: ASTM C172 provides procedures for obtaining samples of
freshly mixed concrete.
2. The minimum size of a composite concrete sample for strength
testing is:
A. 0.25 ft³
B. 1 ft³
C. 2 ft³
D. 3 ft³
*Rationale: ASTM C172 requires at least 1 ft³ for strength test
specimens.
3. Slump test procedures are defined in:
,A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C231
C. ASTM C143
D. ASTM C173
*Rationale: ASTM C143 covers slump of hydraulic-cement concrete.
4. The slump cone must be filled in how many layers?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
*Rationale: ASTM C143 requires three equal layers.
5. Consolidation of each slump layer requires:
A. 10 strokes
B. 25 strokes
C. 30 strokes
D. 15 strokes
*Rationale: Each layer is rodded 25 times with a tamping rod.
6. What is the allowable time between obtaining a sample and
starting a slump test?
A. Immediately
B. 5 minutes
C. 10 minutes
D. 15 minutes
*Rationale: All tests must begin within 5 minutes of sampling.
, 7. Air content by pressure method is covered by:
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C231
C. ASTM C173
D. ASTM C143
*Rationale: C231 covers air content of concrete containing dense
aggregates.
8. The volumetric (roll-a-meter) air test is used when concrete
contains:
A. Dense aggregates
B. Lightweight aggregates
C. High-slump mixtures
D. High-cement mixtures
*Rationale: ASTM C173 allows accurate air measurement with
lightweight aggregates.
9. The unit weight test for fresh concrete is performed per:
A. ASTM C31
B. ASTM C138
C. ASTM C39
D. ASTM C617
*Rationale: C138 is for density, yield, and air content by calculation.
10. Concrete cylinders for strength testing are molded under:
