Training - Courses Offered to Materials Testing Laboratories

The Aggregate Testing Technician—Level 1 certification is designed for individuals who demonstrate competence in conducting and overseeing basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates used in construction materials. This certification confirms their ability to perform, record, and report results accurately.

To earn this certification, candidates must exhibit proficiency in various practices and techniques outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) specific to the ACI Aggregate Testing Technician—Level 1 program. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline detailing the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to excel in this role.

The certification program necessitates a thorough understanding and practical application of several AASHTO/ASTM standards. These standards cover a range of crucial procedures such as sampling aggregates, reducing samples to testing sizes, conducting sieve analysis of both fine and coarse aggregates, determining specific gravity and absorption of aggregates, measuring moisture content, and assessing organic impurities in fine aggregate for concrete.

Candidates pursuing this certification should be well-versed in these standards and demonstrate proficiency in executing the related tasks and procedures in both field and laboratory settings. The certification validates their competence in conducting essential tests and analyses crucial for ensuring the quality and suitability of aggregates used in construction applications.

The program requires a working knowledge of the following AASHTO/ASTM standards:

• AASHTO R 90/ASTM D75—Sampling Aggregates
• AASHTO R 76/ASTM C702/C702M—Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
• AASHTO T 11/ASTM C117—Materials Finer Than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• AASHTO T 27/ASTM C136—Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• AASHTO T 85/ASTM C127—Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• AASHTO T 84/ASTM C128—Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• AASHTO T 255/ASTM C566—Total Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• AASHTO T 21/ASTM C40/C40M—Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate for Concrete

The Aggregate Testing Technician—Level 2 certification is intended for individuals who possess advanced knowledge and skills in conducting complex laboratory procedures specifically focused on aggregates utilized in construction materials.

To achieve this certification, candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in executing, recording, and reporting the results of advanced laboratory techniques related to aggregates. The certification attests to their ability to perform intricate tests and analyses with precision and accuracy.

The certification program outlines the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills through the Job Task Analysis (JTA) specifically designed for ACI Aggregate Testing Technician—Level 2. This detailed list encompasses a comprehensive set of points detailing the expertise required for the certification exams. ACI recommends candidates utilize the JTA as a guideline for exam preparation.

Candidates pursuing this certification are expected to have a comprehensive understanding and practical application of various AASHTO and/or ASTM standards. These standards encompass advanced procedures such as evaluating resistance to degradation of coarse aggregates using the Los Angeles Machine, assessing clay lumps, friable particles, flat and elongated particles, bulk density, soundness, lightweight pieces, plastic fines, uncompacted void content, and determining the percentage of fractured particles in coarse aggregate.

The certification validates the candidate's capability to conduct intricate and crucial tests that evaluate the quality, durability, and suitability of aggregates used in construction applications. Aggregate Testing Technicians certified at Level 2 showcase an advanced level of expertise in performing and interpreting complex laboratory procedures essential for ensuring the integrity and performance of construction materials.

The program requires a working knowledge of the following AASHTO and/or ASTM standards:

• AASHTO T 96-02(2010)/ASTM C131/C131M —Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine,
• ASTM C535 – 12—Resistance to Degradation of Large-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine,
• AASHTO T 112-00(2012)/ASTM C142 – 97—Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregate,
• ASTM D4791 – 10—Flat Particles, Elongated Particles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate,
• AASHTO T 19M/T 19-09/ASTM C29/C29M – 07—Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate,
• AASHTO T 104-99(2011)/ASTM C88 – 13—Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate,
• AASHTO T 113-06(2010)/ASTM C123 – 04—Lightweight Pieces in Aggregate,
• AASHTO T 176-08/ASTM D2419 – 14—Plastic Fines in Graded Aggregates and Soils by Use of the Sand Equivalent Test,
• AASHTO T 304-11/ASTM C1252 – 06—Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate,
• ASTM D5821 – 01(2006)—Determining the Percentage of Fractured Particles in Coarse Aggregate.

The Aggregate Base Testing Technician certification is designed for individuals who demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to perform, record, and report results related to basic field and laboratory procedures concerning aggregates and soils.

To attain this certification, candidates must showcase proficiency in executing and documenting essential field and laboratory techniques as outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) specifically designed for the ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician Certification. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline detailing the knowledge required for the certification exams. ACI recommends candidates utilize the JTA to prepare effectively for these exams.

The certification program demands a comprehensive understanding and practical application of various AASHTO and/or ASTM standards. These standards encompass fundamental procedures such as sampling aggregates and soils, reducing samples to testing sizes, preparing disturbed soil and soil-aggregate samples for testing, determining liquid limits, plastic limits, plasticity index, particle size analysis, and moisture content of soils. Additionally, it includes procedures for assessing moisture-density relations of soils using different rammers and drops.

Candidates seeking this certification are expected to demonstrate proficiency in conducting these basic yet crucial procedures both in the field and laboratory settings. This certification validates their ability to perform essential tests and analyses necessary for evaluating the quality and characteristics of aggregates and soils used in construction applications, particularly in the context of base materials. It confirms their competence in executing fundamental techniques vital for assessing the suitability and performance of construction base materials.

The program requires a working knowledge of the following AASHTO and/or ASTM standards:

• AASHTO R 90/ASTM D75—Sampling Aggregates
• AASHTO T 248/ASTM C702—Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
• AASHTO R 58/ASTM D421—Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil-Aggregate Samples for Test
• AASHTO T 89/ASTM D4318—Determining the Liquid Limits of Soils
• AASHTO T 90/D4318—Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils
• AASHTO T 88/ASTM D422—Particle Size Analysis of Soils
• AASHTO T 265/ASTM D2216—Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils
• AASHTO T 180/ASTM D1557—Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg (10-lb) Rammer and a 457-mm (18-in.) Drop
• AASHTO T 99/ASTM D698—Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in.) Drop

The Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I certification is designed for individuals who demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to perform and accurately record the results of seven fundamental field tests conducted on freshly mixed concrete.

To attain this certification, candidates must showcase proficiency in conducting and documenting these basic field tests, as specified in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) designed for the ACI Certification of Concrete Field Testing Technician—Grade I. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline outlining the knowledge and skills required for the certification exams. ACI recommends candidates utilize the JTA to effectively prepare for these exams.

The certification program focuses on seven essential ASTM test methods and practices related to freshly mixed concrete. These include:

• Determining the temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete (ASTM C1064/C1064M).
• Sampling freshly mixed concrete (ASTM C172/C172M).
• Measuring the slump of hydraulic-cement concrete (ASTM C143/C143M).
• Determining the density (unit weight), yield, and air content (gravimetric) of concrete (ASTM C138/C138M).
• Assessing the air content of freshly mixed concrete using both the pressure method (ASTM C231/C231M) and the volumetric method (ASTM C173/C173M).
• Making and curing concrete test specimens in the field (ASTM C31/C31M).

Candidates seeking this certification should demonstrate proficiency in executing these fundamental field tests accurately and effectively. This certification validates their ability to conduct crucial tests that assess the quality, consistency, and air content of freshly mixed concrete. It confirms their competence in performing basic field procedures essential for ensuring the integrity and suitability of concrete used in construction applications.

The Self-Consolidating Concrete Testing Technician certification is intended for individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to perform standard test methods and practices specifically focused on self-consolidating concrete.

To obtain this certification, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in conducting and understanding five standard test methods and practices outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) developed for the ACI Certification Self-Consolidating Concrete Testing Technician. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline detailing the knowledge and skills necessary for the certification exams. ACI recommends candidates use the JTA for effective preparation.

The certification program assesses proficiency in the following ASTM test methods and practices related to self-consolidating concrete:

• Static Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete Using Column Technique (ASTM C1610/C1610M).
• Slump Flow of Self-Consolidating Concrete (ASTM C1611/C1611M).
• Passing Ability of Self-Consolidating Concrete by J-Ring (ASTM C1621/C1621M).
• Rapid Assessment of Static Segregation Resistance of Self-Consolidating Concrete Using Penetration Test (ASTM C1712).
• Fabricating Test Specimens with Self-Consolidating Concrete (ASTM C1758/C1758M).

Candidates pursuing this certification are expected to showcase proficiency in executing these specific test methods and practices related to self-consolidating concrete. The certification validates their competence in performing tests that evaluate the flow, passing ability, segregation resistance, and specimen fabrication of self-consolidating concrete. It confirms their ability to assess and ensure the quality and characteristics of self-consolidating concrete used in construction applications.

The Concrete Strength Testing Technician certification is intended for individuals who possess the knowledge and skills required to perform, record, and report results related to four fundamental laboratory procedures concerning the determination of concrete compressive and flexural strength.

To achieve this certification, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in executing and documenting these basic laboratory procedures, as outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) designed for the ACI Certification of Concrete Strength Testing Technician. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline detailing the knowledge and skills necessary for the certification exams. ACI encourages candidates to utilize the JTA for effective exam preparation.

The certification program necessitates a working knowledge of specific ASTM practices and test methods related to concrete strength testing:

• Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (ASTM C617/C617M) - This involves preparing the ends of cylindrical concrete specimens for compressive strength testing by applying appropriate caps.
• Unbonded Caps for Concrete Cylinders (ASTM C1231/C1231M) - This standard covers the preparation of caps for testing cylindrical concrete specimens without bonding materials.
• Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (ASTM C39/C39M) - This test method determines the compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens by applying axial loads.
• Flexural Strength of Concrete (ASTM C78/C78M) - This method assesses the flexural strength of concrete by subjecting beam specimens to a bending load.

Candidates pursuing this certification should demonstrate proficiency in executing these essential laboratory procedures accurately and effectively. This certification validates their ability to conduct crucial tests that evaluate the compressive and flexural strength of concrete specimens. It confirms their competence in performing fundamental laboratory techniques vital for assessing the strength characteristics of concrete used in construction applications.

The Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician—Level 2 certification is designed for individuals who possess advanced knowledge and skills in conducting and accurately reporting the results of laboratory procedures concerning aggregates and concrete.

To attain this certification, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in performing, recording, and reporting advanced laboratory procedures, as specified in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) designed for the ACI Laboratory Testing Technician—Level 2. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guideline outlining the knowledge and skills required for the certification exams. ACI encourages candidates to use the JTA for effective preparation.

The certification program demands a working knowledge of specific ACI and ASTM documents related to advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates and concrete. These include:

• ACI 214R-11: Evaluation of Strength Test Results of Concrete
• ACI 211.1-91: Selecting Proportions for Concrete
• ASTM C192/C192M – 16a: Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• (This standard also requires knowledge and ability to perform ASTM C143/C143M - Slump, C173/C173M and C231/C213M - Air Content, C138/C138M - Unit Weight, and C1064/C1064M - Temperature.)
• ASTM C470/C470M – 15: Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically
• ASTM C496/C496M – 11: Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• ASTM C42/C42M – 16: Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• ASTM C157/C157M – 08(2014): Standard Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete

Candidates pursuing this certification should showcase advanced proficiency in executing these specified laboratory procedures accurately and effectively. This certification validates their ability to conduct intricate tests that evaluate various aspects of concrete quality, strength, and durability. It confirms their expertise in performing advanced laboratory techniques vital for assessing the properties and performance of aggregates and concrete used in construction applications.

The Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician—Level 2 certification is aimed at individuals who possess advanced knowledge and skills necessary for executing, recording, and reporting the outcomes of sophisticated laboratory procedures concerning aggregates and concrete.

To achieve this certification, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in performing and documenting advanced laboratory procedures as outlined in the Job Task Analysis (JTA) developed for the ACI Laboratory Testing Technician—Level 2. The JTA serves as a comprehensive guide detailing the knowledge and skills required for the certification exams. ACI strongly recommends candidates use the JTA to prepare effectively for these exams.

This certification program requires a thorough understanding of specific ACI and ASTM documents related to advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates and concrete. Some of these documents include:

• ACI 214R-11: Evaluation of Strength Test Results of Concrete
• ACI 211.1-91: Selecting Proportions for Concrete
• ASTM C192/C192M – 16a: Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• (This standard also requires knowledge and ability to perform ASTM C143/C143M - Slump, C173/C173M and C231/C213M - Air Content, C138/C138M - Unit Weight, and C1064/C1064M - Temperature.)
• ASTM C470/C470M – 15: Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically
• ASTM C496/C496M – 11: Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• ASTM C42/C42M – 16: Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• ASTM C157/C157M – 08(2014): Standard Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete

Candidates seeking this certification must demonstrate advanced proficiency in executing these specified laboratory procedures accurately and effectively. This certification validates their expertise in conducting intricate tests assessing various aspects of concrete quality, strength, and durability. It confirms their capability in performing advanced laboratory techniques essential for evaluating the properties and performance of aggregates and concrete used in construction applications.