FIELD NOTE 01
Written scoring has two conditions
ACI requires at least 60% correct for each method/practice and at least 70% overall. An overall practice percentage can hide a weak method and is not enough to model this requirement. [ACI program: Certification Requirements]
- 55 multiple-choice questions
- One-hour written examination
- Five to ten questions on each method/practice
FIELD NOTE 02
Performance tests actual procedure
ACI requires demonstration of six methods/practices and verbal description of C172 sampling. Candidates are judged on required procedure steps, not merely the final numerical reading. [ACI program: Performance examination]
- Prepare with real apparatus
- Use current authorized checklists
- Separate successful knowledge recall from physical performance
FIELD NOTE 03
Build a matching practice record
Keep a seven-row method log with written misses, observed hands-on gaps, and a next practice task. HoldPoint does not provide an official ACI assessment on this page.
- C1064/C1064M: concrete temperature
- C172/C172M: sampling freshly mixed concrete
- C143/C143M: slump
- C138/C138M: density, yield, and gravimetric air content
- C231/C231M: pressure-method air content
- C173/C173M: volumetric-method air content
- C31/C31M: making and curing field specimens
Common questions
Questions this page answers
Is ACI Grade I open book?
The official program page describes both the written and performance examinations as closed-book.
Can 70% overall compensate for a low method score?
No. ACI requires both 70% overall and at least 60% on each required method/practice.
Use an original practice resource
- ACI Grade I Hands-On Practice Log: Seven Methods, Two Tracks
A downloadable method-by-method preparation log for written gaps and observed apparatus practice. It is not an official ACI checklist or performance examination.
- Inspection Exam Study Planner: Objectives, Practice, and Fresh Evidence
An original four-phase planning worksheet for inspection exam candidates. Schedule by objective and actual availability, not assumed course seat time or pass predictions.
Sources & boundaries
What supports this page
Original HoldPoint editorial guidance. Content updated 2026-10-02. This is not independent expert signoff, an official exam, or a field acceptance standard.
- ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I program
Supports: Seven ASTM methods/practices; 55-item, one-hour closed-book written examination; 70% overall and 60% per method; actual performance examination; five-year certification and both exams for recertification.
Limit: Use the linked JTA and current workbook for procedural details. Fees, available dates, and equipment practice must be confirmed with a sponsoring group.
Source checked 2026-10-02
Primary source
Verify before you act
Exam policies, fees, references, and eligibility can change. HoldPoint is independent and uses American Concrete Institute as the authority for current program facts.
Official ACI sourceSource checks and limitations are listed above. No expert approval is implied.