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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.