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Which ASTM standard covers the sampling of aggregates in the field for testing purposes?

ASTM D75

ASTM C136

ASTM C702

ASTM C127

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACI Aggregate Level 1 Exam

70%

Overall Passing Score

ACI

60%

Per-Standard Minimum

ACI

2 hours

Written Exam Duration

ACI

5 years

Certification Validity

ACI

~100

MC Questions

8-12 per standard

~$275-$550

Exam Fee

Varies by ACI chapter

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 exam has two parts: an open-book written test (~100 MC, 2 hours) and a closed-book hands-on performance exam. You need at least 60% on each required ASTM standard AND a minimum 70% overall. It covers 8 ASTM/AASHTO methods: D75/T2, C40/T21, C117/T11, C127/T85, C128/T84, C136/T27, C566/T255, and C702/T248. Certification is valid for 5 years. Fees vary by ACI chapter (~$275-$550). Holders are qualified to run fundamental aggregate lab tests for concrete mix design and QC, earning $40k-$60k.

Sample ACI Aggregate Level 1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACI Aggregate Level 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which ASTM standard covers the sampling of aggregates in the field for testing purposes?

A.ASTM D75

B.ASTM C136

C.ASTM C702

D.ASTM C127

Explanation: ASTM D75 (equivalent to AASHTO T2) is the Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates. It covers obtaining representative samples from stockpiles, conveyor belts, transportation units, and roadways. ASTM C136 is sieve analysis, C702 is sample reduction, and C127 is coarse aggregate specific gravity.

2According to ASTM D75, what is the minimum mass of a sample of coarse aggregate with a nominal maximum size of 1 in. (25.0 mm) for sieve analysis?

A.10 kg (25 lb)

B.2 kg (5 lb)

C.25 kg (55 lb)

D.50 kg (110 lb)

Explanation: ASTM D75 Table 1 specifies that for a coarse aggregate with a nominal maximum size of 1 in. (25.0 mm), the minimum field sample mass is 10 kg (25 lb). Sample mass requirements increase with nominal maximum aggregate size to ensure the field sample is representative of the gradation.

3When sampling aggregate from a stockpile, ASTM D75 recommends taking increments from which locations?

A.Top third, midpoint, and bottom third of the stockpile

B.Only from the top of the stockpile where segregation is minimal

C.Only from the base where fines accumulate

D.From a single location near the middle height

Explanation: ASTM D75 recommends taking at least three increments from a stockpile — one from the top third, one at the midpoint, and one at the bottom third — to account for segregation that occurs as aggregate is placed. A board shoved vertically into the pile just above the sampling point helps prevent further segregation during sampling.

4When sampling aggregate from a conveyor belt per ASTM D75, the belt should be:

A.Stopped before removing all material between two templates

B.Running at full speed while scooping material

C.Slowed to 50% speed for safe sampling

D.Running in reverse to concentrate fines

Explanation: ASTM D75 specifies that when sampling from a conveyor belt, the belt must be stopped and the entire cross-section of material between two templates placed across the belt must be removed. This yields a true, unbiased representation of the belt load. Sampling a moving belt introduces operator bias and danger.

5Per ASTM D75, what is the minimum number of increments that must be combined to form a field sample of fine aggregate from a flowing stream?

A.At least 3 increments

B.Exactly 1 increment

C.At least 10 increments

D.2 increments

Explanation: ASTM D75 requires that field samples be composed of at least three increments selected at random from the unit being sampled (stockpile, bin, conveyor, etc.). Combining increments helps average out normal variation and reduces bias from any single grab.

6According to ASTM D75, the minimum field sample mass for a fine aggregate to be used for sieve analysis and fineness modulus is:

A.10 kg (25 lb)

B.1 kg (2 lb)

C.25 kg (55 lb)

D.50 kg (110 lb)

Explanation: ASTM D75 Table 1 lists a minimum field sample mass of 10 kg (25 lb) for fine aggregate. This is reduced to a smaller test portion (typically about 300 g) using ASTM C702 before running sieve analysis.

7ASTM D75 defines the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) in terms of what?

A.The smallest sieve opening through which 100% of the aggregate passes

B.The largest sieve that allows some particles to be retained

C.The smallest sieve that allows all particles to pass without retention

D.The sieve on which 50% of the aggregate is retained

Explanation: In ASTM specifications for aggregates, nominal maximum size is generally defined as the smallest sieve opening through which the entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass — but more practically, it is the largest sieve listed in the specification that retains any particles, typically the one just below the maximum size. Maximum size is the smallest sieve through which 100% passes.

8If a stockpile has a nominal maximum aggregate size of 37.5 mm (1-1/2 in.), what is the minimum required field sample mass per ASTM D75?

A.15 kg (35 lb)

B.10 kg (25 lb)

C.25 kg (55 lb)

D.2 kg (5 lb)

Explanation: Per ASTM D75 Table 1, a coarse aggregate with a nominal maximum size of 37.5 mm (1-1/2 in.) requires a minimum field sample mass of 15 kg (35 lb). Required sample mass scales with nominal maximum size to ensure enough particles of the largest size fraction are represented.

9Which container or device is commonly used to transport aggregate samples from the field to the lab to prevent loss of moisture?

A.Sealed moisture-proof container or heavy-duty bag

B.Open mesh sack

C.Perforated metal pan

D.Open cardboard box

Explanation: When samples are being tested for moisture content or other parameters affected by drying, ASTM D75 and related standards require that samples be sealed in moisture-proof containers or heavy-duty plastic bags and transported immediately to prevent moisture loss during transport.

10What is the primary purpose of obtaining a representative aggregate sample per ASTM D75?

A.To ensure lab test results reflect the true properties of the material being evaluated

B.To satisfy paperwork requirements for the project

C.To make sieve analysis faster

D.To reduce the cost of testing

Explanation: The purpose of representative sampling is to ensure that results from laboratory testing accurately represent the aggregate material being supplied or placed. A biased or non-representative sample leads to incorrect conclusions about acceptance, rejection, or mix proportioning — potentially impacting concrete quality.

About the ACI Aggregate Level 1 Exam

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 certification validates that a lab technician can correctly perform fundamental aggregate tests used in concrete mix design and quality control. The program covers sampling, sample reduction, sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, moisture content, organic impurities, and the material finer than No. 200 sieve.

Assessment

Written exam (~100 open-book multiple-choice questions, 8-12 per standard) plus a closed-book performance examination

Time Limit

2 hours (written) + performance exam

Passing Score

60% per standard and 70% overall (written); pass/fail (performance)

Exam Fee

~$275-$550 (varies by ACI chapter) (American Concrete Institute)

ACI Aggregate Level 1 Exam Content Outline

16%

ASTM C136 — Sieve Analysis

Gradation, fineness modulus, sieve series, mass check, sieving endpoints per ASTM C136 / AASHTO T27

12%

ASTM C127 — Coarse Aggregate Specific Gravity & Absorption

Bulk, SSD, and apparent relative density; wire basket method; absorption formulas per ASTM C127 / AASHTO T85

12%

ASTM C128 — Fine Aggregate Specific Gravity & Absorption

Pycnometer procedure, cone test for SSD, relative density calculations per ASTM C128 / AASHTO T84

12%

Fundamentals & Definitions

Moisture states, NMAS, sieve sizes, ACI certification rules, ASTM C33 aggregate requirements

10%

ASTM D75 — Sampling of Aggregates

Field sampling from stockpiles, conveyor belts, transportation units per ASTM D75 / AASHTO T2

10%

ASTM C702 — Sample Reduction

Riffle splitter, quartering, and miniature stockpile methods per ASTM C702 / AASHTO T248

10%

ASTM C117 — Materials Finer Than No. 200 by Washing

Washing procedure, formula A=((B-C)/B)*100, ASTM C33 fines limits per ASTM C117 / AASHTO T11

10%

ASTM C566 — Total Evaporable Moisture by Drying

Total moisture formula, free surface moisture vs absorption, batch water adjustment per ASTM C566 / AASHTO T255

ASTM C40 — Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates

NaOH color test, Gardner color standards, follow-up with ASTM C87 per ASTM C40 / AASHTO T21

How to Pass the ACI Aggregate Level 1 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% per standard and 70% overall (written); pass/fail (performance)
Assessment: Written exam (~100 open-book multiple-choice questions, 8-12 per standard) plus a closed-book performance examination
Time limit: 2 hours (written) + performance exam
Exam fee: ~$275-$550 (varies by ACI chapter)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACI Aggregate Level 1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the exact ASTM/AASHTO designations for all 8 required standards — the exam requires knowing which method applies to which test

2Practice calculating fineness modulus by hand — sum of cumulative % retained on 3/8 in., No. 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, 100 divided by 100

3Know ASTM C127 formulas cold: Bulk RD (SSD) = B/(B−C); Absorption = ((B−A)/A)×100; Apparent RD = A/(A−C)

4Practice the ASTM C128 cone test interpretation: retained cone = wetter than SSD, slight slump = SSD, full collapse = drier than SSD

5Study ASTM D75 sample size table — minimum masses scale with nominal maximum aggregate size

6Understand when ASTM C117 is run relative to C136 — wash first, then sieve the retained material, and add the -200 mass back to gradation calculations

7Know the difference between total moisture (C566) and absorption (C127/C128) — the difference is the free surface moisture used in batch water adjustments

8Tab your CP-44 workbook and ASTM references for quick navigation during the open-book written exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 exam format?

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 certification requires passing two exams: an open-book written examination of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions (8-12 per required standard) completed in 2 hours, and a closed-book performance (hands-on) examination in which the candidate must correctly perform or describe each step of each required ASTM/AASHTO procedure.

What score do I need to pass the ACI Aggregate Level 1 written exam?

You must achieve at least 60% correct on each of the required ASTM/AASHTO standards AND a minimum overall score of 70% on the written examination. Failing any individual standard (below 60% on that standard), or scoring below 70% overall, means you do not pass — even if your other scores are strong. The performance exam is evaluated as pass/fail by an ACI-approved examiner.

Which ASTM standards does the ACI Aggregate Level 1 exam cover?

The exam covers 8 ASTM/AASHTO test methods: D75/T2 (Sampling of Aggregates), C40/T21 (Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates), C117/T11 (Materials Finer than 75 μm Sieve by Washing), C127/T85 (Coarse Aggregate Specific Gravity & Absorption), C128/T84 (Fine Aggregate Specific Gravity & Absorption), C136/T27 (Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates), C566/T255 (Total Evaporable Moisture by Drying), and C702/T248 (Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size).

How much does the ACI Aggregate Level 1 exam cost?

Fees vary by ACI local chapter because ACI delegates exam scheduling and fee-setting to its sponsoring groups. Typical chapter fees in 2026 range from approximately $275 to $400 for members and $325 to $550 for non-members, covering written and/or performance exams. Some chapters bundle workbooks, ASTM standards, and training into higher packages ($700-$800). Contact your local ACI chapter for the exact fee.

What are the prerequisites for the ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 exam?

There are no formal education or experience prerequisites. Anyone can register for the written and performance examinations. However, ACI strongly recommends that candidates review the CP-44 Technician Workbook and have hands-on laboratory experience with the required ASTM/AASHTO standards before attempting the exam, particularly the performance component.

How long is the ACI Aggregate Level 1 certification valid?

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 certification is valid for 5 years. To recertify, you must pass both the written and performance examinations again. ACI does not offer a CEU-based renewal path for this certification — full reexamination is required.

Is the ACI Aggregate Level 1 written exam open book?

Yes. The written examination is open-book. Candidates may reference the ASTM/AASHTO standards and the ACI CP-44 Technician Workbook during the test. The performance (hands-on) examination, however, is closed-book — you must know procedures from memory to demonstrate correct technique to the ACI-approved examiner.

How is the ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1 different from Level 2?

Level 1 covers fundamental lab tests on fine and coarse aggregates: sampling, reduction, sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, organic impurities, moisture content, and fines by washing. Level 2 is a prerequisite-required program (Level 1 certification is required) that covers advanced tests including ASTM C29 (unit weight/voids), C70 (surface moisture), C88 (soundness), C131/C535 (L.A. abrasion), and others. Level 2 certifies more experienced laboratory technicians for advanced QC work.