100+ Free ACI Aggregate Level 2 Practice Questions

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Under ASTM C88, what is the maximum allowable weighted percent loss for coarse aggregate tested with sodium sulfate after five cycles as commonly specified for concrete aggregates?

12%

18%

25%

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACI Aggregate Level 2 Exam

~100

Written Exam Questions

ACI CP-18 workbook

70%

Overall Pass Mark

ACI exam policy

60%

Per-Standard Minimum

ACI exam policy

$360+

Typical Chapter Fee

2026 ACI chapter pricing

5 yrs

Certification Validity

ACI recertification rules

Level 1

Prerequisite

ACI eligibility requirements

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 2 uses an open-book written exam (~100 MC, 2 hours) plus a closed-book performance exam. Pass = 70% overall AND 60% per standard. Fee typically $360–$420 via ACI chapters. Prerequisite: current Level 1. Content: C88 soundness, C131/C535 L.A. abrasion, C123 lightweight, C142 clay lumps, C1252 voids, D4791 flat/elongated, D5821 fractured faces, D2419 sand equivalent, and ASR/ACR (C1260, C1567, C227, C586, C1105). Certification valid 5 years.

Sample ACI Aggregate Level 2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACI Aggregate Level 2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under ASTM C88, what is the maximum allowable weighted percent loss for coarse aggregate tested with sodium sulfate after five cycles as commonly specified for concrete aggregates?

A.5%

B.12%

C.18%

D.25%

Explanation: ASTM C88 evaluates the soundness of aggregates by immersion in sodium sulfate (or magnesium sulfate) solution for five cycles of soaking and oven drying. For concrete coarse aggregate, most specifications (including AASHTO M 80) limit the weighted sodium sulfate loss to 12% maximum. Magnesium sulfate limits are typically 18% because magnesium sulfate is more aggressive than sodium sulfate.

2In the ASTM C131 Los Angeles abrasion test for small-size coarse aggregate, how many revolutions does the drum complete at 30 to 33 rpm before the sample is removed for sieving?

A.100 revolutions

B.500 revolutions

C.1,000 revolutions

D.5,000 revolutions

Explanation: ASTM C131 specifies that the Los Angeles machine rotate at 30 to 33 rpm for 500 revolutions for small-size coarse aggregate. After 500 revolutions, the sample is sieved over the No. 12 (1.70 mm) sieve and the percent loss (mass passing No. 12 divided by original mass) is calculated. ASTM C535 for large-size coarse aggregate uses 1,000 revolutions.

3According to ASTM C1260 (accelerated mortar bar test for ASR), a 16-day expansion greater than what threshold is generally considered indicative of potentially deleterious alkali-silica reactivity?

A.0.04%

B.0.10%

C.0.20%

D.0.50%

Explanation: ASTM C1260 (AMBT) immerses mortar bars in 1 N NaOH solution at 80 °C and measures length change. Per the interpretation guidance in the standard and ASTM C33, expansions of less than 0.10% at 16 days are considered innocuous, expansions between 0.10% and 0.20% are potentially deleterious (inconclusive), and expansions greater than 0.20% indicate potentially deleterious expansion. The commonly cited fail threshold is 0.20%.

4ASTM C123 uses a heavy liquid with which specific gravity to separate chert (less dense) particles from normal-weight coarse aggregate?

A.1.00

B.1.95

C.2.40

D.3.15

Explanation: ASTM C123 specifies two heavy liquid specific gravities: 1.95 for separating coal and lignite (lightweight pieces) from any aggregate, and 2.40 for separating chert (less dense than normal sound aggregate) from normal-weight aggregate. The 2.40 liquid is typically a sodium polytungstate or zinc chloride solution adjusted with a hydrometer.

5ASTM C666 Procedure A evaluates freezing and thawing resistance of concrete under what exposure condition?

A.Rapid freezing and thawing in air

B.Rapid freezing and thawing in water

C.Slow freezing in air and thawing in water

D.Freezing in sodium chloride solution

Explanation: ASTM C666 has two procedures: Procedure A is rapid freezing and thawing in water (specimens remain surrounded by water throughout both cycles), and Procedure B is rapid freezing in air and thawing in water. Procedure A is more severe because saturated concrete freezes in direct water contact. The test runs up to 300 cycles or until the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity drops to 60%, whichever occurs first.

6In ASTM C142, clay lumps and friable particles are identified in the fine aggregate size fraction by which procedure?

A.Dissolving in dilute hydrochloric acid

B.Soaking in water for 24 hours and then attempting to break particles with fingers

C.Heating to 500 °C and weighing the residue

D.Crushing in the Los Angeles machine for 100 revolutions

Explanation: ASTM C142 identifies clay lumps and friable particles by soaking the test sample in distilled water for 24 ± 4 hours, then rolling and squeezing particles between the fingers to break any that can be broken. Broken material is then wet-sieved and the loss is reported as a percentage. The test is performed on each size fraction separately.

7ASTM D4791 measures which characteristic of coarse aggregate particles?

A.Specific gravity and absorption

B.Flat particles, elongated particles, or flat and elongated particles

C.Organic impurities content

D.Soundness under sulfate attack

Explanation: ASTM D4791 is the standard test method for flat particles, elongated particles, or flat and elongated particles in coarse aggregate. Using a proportional caliper device, particles are classified based on thickness-to-width, length-to-width, or length-to-thickness ratios (commonly 3:1 or 5:1). High percentages of elongated particles can impair workability and compaction of concrete or asphalt.

8Under ASTM C535, the L.A. abrasion test for large-size coarse aggregate uses how many revolutions of the drum?

A.250

B.500

C.1,000

D.2,000

Explanation: ASTM C535 tests large-size coarse aggregate (containing particles larger than 19.0 mm / 3/4 in.) in the Los Angeles machine for 1,000 revolutions at 30 to 33 rpm. After 1,000 revolutions, the sample is sieved over the 1.70 mm (No. 12) sieve to determine percent loss. The larger sample mass (10,000 g) and longer test reflect the coarser gradation.

9ASTM C87 measures the effect of organic impurities in fine aggregate on which concrete property?

A.Workability of fresh mortar

B.Compressive strength of mortar at 7 days

C.Air content of fresh concrete

D.Chloride ion penetration resistance

Explanation: ASTM C87 evaluates the effect of organic impurities in fine aggregate by comparing the 7-day compressive strength of mortar cubes made with the suspect sand to the strength of cubes made with the same sand after washing with 3% sodium hydroxide (to remove organics). If the ratio of suspect-to-washed strength is less than roughly 95%, the organic material may be harmful to concrete.

10ASTM C1252 measures uncompacted void content of fine aggregate as an indirect indicator of which property?

A.Organic impurity content

B.Particle shape, angularity, and surface texture

C.Soundness against freeze-thaw

D.Moisture content at saturation

Explanation: ASTM C1252 (equivalent to AASHTO T 304) measures the uncompacted void content of fine aggregate by allowing a standardized volume of sand to fall through a funnel into a calibrated 100 mL cylinder. Higher void content correlates with more angular, rough particles, which improve aggregate interlock in HMA but may increase water demand in concrete. Rounded, smooth natural sands give lower void contents.

About the ACI Aggregate Level 2 Exam

The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician — Level 2 certification validates advanced laboratory competence in aggregate durability, quality, and reactivity testing. The written exam is open-book with roughly 8–12 questions per ASTM standard, and the closed-book performance exam requires hands-on demonstration of selected test procedures. Level 1 certification is a prerequisite. Covered standards include ASTM C88 soundness, C131/C535 L.A. abrasion, C123 lightweight pieces, C142 clay lumps, C1252 uncompacted void content, D2419 sand equivalent, D4791 flat/elongated particles, D5821 fractured faces, and ASR/ACR evaluation (C1260, C1567, C227, C586, C1105).

Assessment

Open-book written exam (~100 multiple-choice questions, ~2 hours) plus closed-book hands-on performance examination

Time Limit

2 hours (written)

Passing Score

70% overall AND at least 60% correct on each required standard

Exam Fee

$360–$420 (varies by ACI chapter) (American Concrete Institute)

ACI Aggregate Level 2 Exam Content Outline

20%

Sulfate Soundness (ASTM C88)

Five-cycle sodium/magnesium sulfate soundness, weighted loss calculation, 12%/18% limits, fraction-by-fraction testing procedure

20%

L.A. Abrasion (ASTM C131 / C535)

Small-size vs large-size coarse aggregate, grading A–D charges (6–12 steel spheres), 500 vs 1,000 revolutions, 1.70 mm sieve loss, 40% limits

15%

Lightweight & Composition (C123, C142, C87)

Heavy liquid separation at SG 1.95/2.40, clay lumps and friable particles, effect of organic impurities on mortar strength (C40/C87)

15%

Particle Shape & Fines (C1252, D4791, D5821, D2419)

Uncompacted void content methods A/B/C, flat/elongated ratio 5:1, fractured faces (25% cross-section), sand equivalent value

15%

ASR / ACR Testing & Mitigation (C1260, C1567, C227, C586, C1105, C1293)

AMBT procedures, 0.10%/0.20% thresholds, SCM mitigation (fly ash, slag, silica fume), C1293 CPT 0.04% limit, ACR via C586/C1105

10%

Freeze-Thaw & Petrographic (C666, C295)

Procedure A vs B freezing, 300 cycles, 60% RDM, durability factor, petrographic identification of reactive minerals

Specifications, Safety, & QA (C33, D75, lab QA)

ASTM C33 acceptance limits, AASHTO M 80, sampling per D75, PPE, equipment calibration, chain of custody

How to Pass the ACI Aggregate Level 2 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% overall AND at least 60% correct on each required standard
Assessment: Open-book written exam (~100 multiple-choice questions, ~2 hours) plus closed-book hands-on performance examination
Time limit: 2 hours (written)
Exam fee: $360–$420 (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 2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on numerical limits: C88 12%/18% weighted loss, C131/C535 40% abrasion, C1260 0.10%/0.20% expansion, C1293 0.04% expansion, C666 60% RDM termination

2Know the differences between C131 (500 revs, 6–12 spheres) and C535 (1,000 revs, 12 spheres for large-size aggregate)

3Memorize C123 heavy liquid densities: 1.95 for coal/lignite, 2.40 for chert

4Practice the weighted loss calculation for C88 across multiple size fractions

5Understand ASR vs ACR: SCMs mitigate ASR effectively; ACR typically requires avoidance

6Review ACI CP-18 workbook and practice each performance demonstration hands-on before the exam day

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prerequisite for ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 2?

Candidates must hold current ACI Aggregate Testing Technician — Level 1 certification (or equivalent documented experience accepted by ACI) before taking the Level 2 examinations.

What is the passing score for the Level 2 written exam?

You must score at least 70% overall AND at least 60% correct on each individual ASTM standard covered. A strong overall score cannot compensate for failing a single standard.

Is the written exam open-book?

Yes — the written exam is open-book with approximately 100 multiple-choice questions over about two hours, with roughly 8–12 questions per covered standard. The performance exam, however, is closed-book.

What does the performance exam involve?

The performance exam is a closed-book, hands-on demonstration where you perform selected ASTM test procedures (equipment setup, execution, calculations, and safety) in front of a certified ACI examiner.

How much does the Level 2 exam cost?

Fees are set by individual ACI sponsoring group chapters and commonly range from approximately $360 to $420 in 2026, depending on location and whether review materials are included. Verify current pricing with your local ACI chapter.

How long is the certification valid?

ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 2 certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires passing both the written and performance examinations again within the renewal window.