NICET Construction Materials Testing –
Concrete Level I certification Exam Questions
And Answers Plus Rationales | Qs & Ans 2026
Instant Pdf Download
This exam covers basic knowledge of concrete materials, sampling,
testing, quality control, safety, and relevant standards (ASTM,
AASHTO, NICET). Each question includes the correct answer and a
verified rationale.
Questions 1–50
1. What is the standard slump range for a typical residential footing
concrete mix (low slump)?
A) 1–2 inches (25–50 mm)
B) 3–4 inches (75–100 mm)
C) 5–6 inches (125–150 mm)
D) 7–8 inches (175–200 mm)
Answer: B
Rationale: Slump for footings is typically 3–4 inches (75–100 mm) to
provide workability without excessive water.
,2. Which ASTM standard covers the slump test for hydraulic cement
concrete?
A) ASTM C143
B) ASTM C172
C) ASTM C31
D) ASTM C39
Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C143 is the standard test method for slump of
hydraulic-cement concrete.
3. According to ASTM C172, the minimum sample size for concrete
with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 1 inch (25 mm) is:
A) 0.5 ft³ (14 L)
B) 1.0 ft³ (28 L)
C) 1.5 ft³ (42 L)
D) 2.0 ft³ (56 L)
Answer: B
Rationale: For aggregate up to 1 inch, the minimum sample volume is
1.0 ft³ (28 L).
,4. The temperature of freshly mixed concrete should be measured
within _____ minutes after obtaining the sample per ASTM C1064.
A) 5 minutes
B) 10 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 30 minutes
Answer: A
Rationale: Concrete temperature should be measured within 5 minutes
of sampling to avoid heat loss/gain.
5. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the slump cone
(mold) per ASTM C143?
A) Top diameter: 4 inches (100 mm)
B) Bottom diameter: 8 inches (200 mm)
C) Height: 12 inches (300 mm)
D) Material: transparent plastic
Answer: D
Rationale: The slump cone is typically made of metal (steel) with a
smooth interior surface, not plastic.
, 6. In the slump test, the cone is filled in how many equal layers?
A) 1 layer
B) 2 layers
C) 3 layers
D) 4 layers
Answer: C
Rationale: Fill the cone in three equal layers, each rodded 25 times with
a ⅝-inch bullet-nosed rod.
7. The standard rodding stroke depth for each layer in the slump
test is:
A) To the bottom of the layer
B) 1 inch into the previous layer
C) 2 inches into the previous layer
D) Through the bottom of the cone
Answer: B
Rationale: Rod the bottom and middle layers about 1 inch into the
previous layer, and the top layer just to the top of the cone.
8. What is the maximum time allowed between obtaining the
concrete sample and beginning the slump test?
Concrete Level I certification Exam Questions
And Answers Plus Rationales | Qs & Ans 2026
Instant Pdf Download
This exam covers basic knowledge of concrete materials, sampling,
testing, quality control, safety, and relevant standards (ASTM,
AASHTO, NICET). Each question includes the correct answer and a
verified rationale.
Questions 1–50
1. What is the standard slump range for a typical residential footing
concrete mix (low slump)?
A) 1–2 inches (25–50 mm)
B) 3–4 inches (75–100 mm)
C) 5–6 inches (125–150 mm)
D) 7–8 inches (175–200 mm)
Answer: B
Rationale: Slump for footings is typically 3–4 inches (75–100 mm) to
provide workability without excessive water.
,2. Which ASTM standard covers the slump test for hydraulic cement
concrete?
A) ASTM C143
B) ASTM C172
C) ASTM C31
D) ASTM C39
Answer: A
Rationale: ASTM C143 is the standard test method for slump of
hydraulic-cement concrete.
3. According to ASTM C172, the minimum sample size for concrete
with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 1 inch (25 mm) is:
A) 0.5 ft³ (14 L)
B) 1.0 ft³ (28 L)
C) 1.5 ft³ (42 L)
D) 2.0 ft³ (56 L)
Answer: B
Rationale: For aggregate up to 1 inch, the minimum sample volume is
1.0 ft³ (28 L).
,4. The temperature of freshly mixed concrete should be measured
within _____ minutes after obtaining the sample per ASTM C1064.
A) 5 minutes
B) 10 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 30 minutes
Answer: A
Rationale: Concrete temperature should be measured within 5 minutes
of sampling to avoid heat loss/gain.
5. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the slump cone
(mold) per ASTM C143?
A) Top diameter: 4 inches (100 mm)
B) Bottom diameter: 8 inches (200 mm)
C) Height: 12 inches (300 mm)
D) Material: transparent plastic
Answer: D
Rationale: The slump cone is typically made of metal (steel) with a
smooth interior surface, not plastic.
, 6. In the slump test, the cone is filled in how many equal layers?
A) 1 layer
B) 2 layers
C) 3 layers
D) 4 layers
Answer: C
Rationale: Fill the cone in three equal layers, each rodded 25 times with
a ⅝-inch bullet-nosed rod.
7. The standard rodding stroke depth for each layer in the slump
test is:
A) To the bottom of the layer
B) 1 inch into the previous layer
C) 2 inches into the previous layer
D) Through the bottom of the cone
Answer: B
Rationale: Rod the bottom and middle layers about 1 inch into the
previous layer, and the top layer just to the top of the cone.
8. What is the maximum time allowed between obtaining the
concrete sample and beginning the slump test?
