American Concrete Institute
Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I
Overview
ASTM C-94 and ACI 301 specifications require that all field tests be performed by a person whose training is equivalent to ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1 Program.
A Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform and record the results of seven basic field tests on freshly mixed concrete.
In order to attain ACI Certification as a Concrete Field Testing Technician, you must successfully complete both the ACI written and performance examinations. While there are no prerequisites in either training or experience, the exams are designed so that only knowledgeable technicians with practical experience will pass.
Who Should Attend
This program is for anyone who tests concrete in the field; testing lab technicians, contractor quality control personnel, architect/engineer inspectors and ready mixed concrete personnel. The examinee must be familiar with test procedures, come prepared to demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform these tests and be dressed for working with concrete.
Agenda
Typically, the agenda for the course follows this schedule:
Scope and Knowledge
This program requires demonstration of the knowledge and hands-on skills covered on the Job Task Analysis (JTA):
JTA for ACI Certification of Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I
The JTA is a detailed list of specific points of knowledge and skills that may be included in the examinations for this ACI Certification program. ACI urges candidates to use the JTA to prepare for the certification exams.
The program requires a working knowledge of the following ASTM test methods and practices:
- C1064/C1064M—Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
- C172/C172M—Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
- C143/C143M—Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
- C138/C138M—Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
- C231/C231M—Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
- C173/C173M—Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
- C31/C31M—Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
Certification Requirements
ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both of the following requirements:
- A passing grade on the ACI written examination; AND
- Successful completion of the ACI performance examination.
The one-hour written examination is closed-book and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions. There are between five and ten questions on each of the ASTM test methods and practices. To pass the written examination, BOTH of the following conditions must be met:
- At least 60% correct for each of the required test methods and practices; AND
- A minimum score of 70% overall.
The performance examination is also "closed book" and requires actual demonstration of six of the required test methods and practices plus a verbal description of Practice C172/C172M (sampling). The examinee is judged on his/her ability to correctly perform (or describe, where allowed) all of the required steps for each procedure.
Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of successfully completing all requirements.
Recertification requires successful completion of both the written and performance examinations.
Registrant Responsibilities
A picture ID is required to attend the course.
Registrants are advised to bring pencils and a calculator.
Safety gear is required: steel-toe shoes, and safety glasses.
Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather.
Mobile devices are not allowed during the test.
Course and Test Management
The ACI Certification Program is conducted by a local sponsoring group. This group is the Oklahoma Ready Mix Concrete Association and is responsible for scheduling and conducting all review courses and examination sessions, payment of all bills and establishment and collection of all registration fees. The ACI Certification Department assists the local sponsoring group in setting up the program and manages the daily operation of the program. This includes the publication and distribution of all books and exams, grading, maintenance of certification records and issuance of a certification to successful candidates.
Study materials will be sent upon receipt of registration and payment of fees. You will not be considered registered until payment is received.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
If a registrant is unable to attend, retests must be scheduled for one of the next two sessions. Reschedules must be received two weeks prior to the test date for the registrant to reschedule at no penalty. If less than 2 weeks notice is given, a $100 administrative fee will be charged and must be paid before reschedule is processed.
No Call, No Show to the exam will forfeit the entire exam registration fee.
Registrant Substitutions can be made at any time without penalty.
If a test is canceled by ORMCA due to weather, illness, or other reason, ORMCA's responsibility will be limited to the return of registration fees only or reschedule at no penalty to the registrant.