100+ Free ACI Shotcrete Inspector Practice Questions

The ACI Shotcrete Inspector is a certification administered by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for individuals who inspect structural shotcrete placement. It satisfies the special inspector qualification required under IBC Chapter 17 for shotcrete and covers both wet-mix and dry-mix processes. The inspector verifies compliance with the project specifications, ACI 506.2, and applicable ACI 506 series documents during preconstruction mock-ups, shooting, and evaluation.

A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the ACI Shotcrete Inspector written examination. The exam is open-book and contains approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. The time limit is typically 2 hours, and candidates may reference the printed reference package including ACI 506.2, ACI 506R, ACI 506.4R, and related ASTM standards during testing.

Candidates must pass the written exam and currently hold or pass the ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I examination within one year. They must also demonstrate satisfactory work experience in at least two of: testing, inspection, and quality control of shotcrete; supervision of shotcrete construction; design of shotcrete structures; or placement of shotcrete as a certified ACI Shotcreter. ACI recommends five years of concrete or shotcrete experience.

Yes. The written exam is open-book. Candidates typically bring printed copies of ACI 506.2 Specification for Shotcrete, ACI 506R Guide to Shotcrete, ACI 506.4R Evaluation of Shotcrete, and the relevant ASTM standards (C1140, C42, C1604, C1385). Electronic devices are not permitted — only printed, bound references.

The certification is valid for 5 years from the date of completion of all requirements. Recertification requires passing the current written examination again and maintaining current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification. Continuing education credits are not currently accepted in lieu of retesting.

IBC Chapter 17 Section 1705.3 requires special inspection of structural concrete, which includes shotcrete placed as a structural element. The special inspector verifies nozzleman qualification, preconstruction mock-ups and test panels, materials and proportions, placement techniques, reinforcement encapsulation, curing, and acceptance testing. Continuous inspection is required during actual shotcrete placement per Table 1705.3.

Wet-mix shotcrete is premixed with water at the batch plant and pumped to the nozzle, where compressed air propels it. Inspectors check slump or flow, delivery time, and accelerator dosage. Dry-mix shotcrete (gunite) is delivered dry and water is added at the nozzle by the nozzleman, so inspectors focus heavily on nozzleman skill, water control, and consistency. Wet-mix typically has less rebound; dry-mix allows starts and stops more easily but is more nozzleman-dependent.