What is the ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I certification?

The ACI Field Testing Technician (FTT) Grade I is a certification issued by the American Concrete Institute that qualifies technicians to perform standard ASTM field tests on fresh concrete. It consists of a 30-question written exam (45 minutes, 75% passing score) and a performance exam requiring hands-on completion of five ASTM procedures in front of a proctor. It is valid for five years and is widely required by DOTs, general contractors, and testing labs.

What is the difference between the written and performance exams?

The written exam tests your theoretical knowledge of ASTM procedures, tolerances, equipment requirements, and acceptance criteria through 30 multiple-choice questions. The performance exam requires you to physically demonstrate correct technique on five ASTM tests — typically slump (C143), air content, unit weight (C138), temperature (C1064), and making cylinders (C31) — while an ACI proctor evaluates your technique in real time. Both portions must be passed; most candidates find the performance exam more straightforward once they have hands-on practice.

How do you perform the slump test correctly per ASTM C143?

Dampen the slump cone and base plate. Fill the cone in three equal layers and rod each layer 25 times with a 5/8-inch tamping rod, distributing strokes evenly. After rodding the final layer, strike off the surface flush with the top of the cone. Lift the cone straight up in a smooth motion over 5 plus-or-minus 2 seconds. Invert the cone and place it next to the slumped concrete. Measure the difference between the top of the cone and the displaced center of the specimen to the nearest quarter inch. This measurement is the slump.

What are the correct steps for making concrete test cylinders (ASTM C31)?

Use clean, lightly oiled cylinder molds (typically 4x8 inches or 6x12 inches). Fill in three equal layers and rod each layer 25 times for 4-inch diameter molds (or use an internal vibrator per the standard for 6-inch molds). For the second and third layers, penetrate the underlying layer about 1 inch during rodding. Strike off the top surface flush. Cap or cover immediately. Provide initial curing at the job site for 24 plus-or-minus 8 hours in a temperature range of 60-80 degrees F, protected from vibration and direct sunlight. Transport to the lab within 48 hours.

How do you renew ACI FTT certification before it expires?

ACI FTT certification is valid for five years. To renew, you must either retake and pass the full written and performance exam through an ACI chapter or earn the required continuing education credits (CEUs) through ACI-approved training courses during the certification period. ACI recommends initiating the renewal process at least six months before expiration. If your certification lapses, you must retake the full exam from scratch — you cannot renew an expired certification.

Is a PDF study guide enough to pass ACI, or do I need the ASTM standards?

For the written exam, a high-quality practice test PDF combined with the ACI CP-1 Reference Manual (the official study guide distributed at certification events) is sufficient for most candidates. The CP-1 contains the relevant ASTM standard excerpts you need. Purchasing full ASTM standards is generally not required. For the performance exam, there is no substitute for hands-on repetition — practice the five ASTM procedures multiple times on real equipment until the steps are automatic. The PDF on this page helps you identify written-exam weak spots so you can focus study time efficiently.

ACI Practice Test PDF 2026 September | Free Concrete Institute Questions

📝 Prepare for the ACI certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains.

ACI CertificationSep 15, 20263 min read

📄Free ACI Practice Test PDF

Important: The ACI Certification exam covers multiple domains. Create a study schedule that allocates more time to unfamiliar topics while maintaining review of strong areas.

✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
✓Bring required identification documents
✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
✓Read each question carefully before answering
✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
✓Review flagged questions before submitting

Start Practice Test

✓Download and study the current ACI CP-1 Reference Manual (provided at most test sessions)
✓Memorize ASTM standard numbers for all five core field tests (C138, C143, C172, C173/C231, C1064)
✓Know the rodding count, layer count, and timing requirements for each procedure
✓Practice calculating slump, unit weight, and air content from sample measurements
✓Understand when ASTM C173 must replace C231 (lightweight or porous aggregates)
✓Know the composite sampling window: 10%-90% of truck discharge, complete within 5 min
✓Study the initial curing requirements for C31 cylinders (24 +/- 8 hours on-site)
✓Complete at least 2 full practice tests under timed conditions (30 questions / 45 min)
✓Arrange hands-on practice with all five performance exam ASTM procedures before test day
✓Locate your nearest ACI chapter testing event at concrete.org/certification