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Which ACI publication is the primary reference package brought to the open-book ACI CTCI written and plans-reading examinations?
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Key Facts: ACI CTCI Exam
~80
Inspection MC Questions
ACI CTCI Program
3 hours + 1 hour
Total Exam Time
ACI CTCI Program
70%
Passing Score (Each Exam)
ACI CTCI Program
Open book
Exam Format
ACI CTCI Program
5 years
Certification Validity
ACI
$400-$600
Typical Exam Fee
ACI sponsoring groups
The ACI CTCI is the leading credential for DOT and FHWA concrete inspectors working on bridges, decks, and pavement. Candidates must pass two open-book exams: ~80 multiple-choice questions on inspection (3 hours) and ~20 plans-reading questions (1 hour), with 70% required on each. Prerequisites include current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I plus 2-5 years of inspection experience depending on education. Certification is valid for 5 years and recertification requires retesting. The CP-31 Reference Package contains ACI's Manual of Concrete Inspection, ACI 301, ASTM and IBC excerpts, and the CRSI Manual of Standard Practice.
Sample ACI CTCI Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ACI CTCI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which ACI publication is the primary reference package brought to the open-book ACI CTCI written and plans-reading examinations?
2Which existing ACI certification must a candidate hold (or pass within one year) to be eligible for ACI CTCI certification?
3The ACI CTCI certification is valid for how long before recertification is required?
4What is the minimum passing score on each of the two CTCI examinations?
5How long is the CTCI written inspection exam (the ~80-question multiple-choice portion)?
6Which ASTM standard governs sampling freshly mixed concrete in the field for transportation construction acceptance testing?
7According to ASTM C172, what is the maximum elapsed time from obtaining the first portion of a composite sample to its use in molding cylinders or performing field tests?
8Which AASHTO test method is the equivalent of ASTM C143 slump of hydraulic-cement concrete?
9Per ASTM C143, after the slump cone is lifted, the elapsed time from starting to fill the cone to measuring slump must not exceed:
10ASTM C143 specifies how many layers must be placed in the slump cone, and how many rod strokes per layer?
About the ACI CTCI Exam
The ACI Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector (CTCI) credential validates that an inspector can verify cast-in-place concrete on transportation projects — bridges, decks, barrier rails, drilled shafts, and concrete pavement — meets ACI, AASHTO, ASTM, and FHWA requirements. The certification consists of two open-book exams: an ~80-question written inspection exam (3 hours) and an ~20-question plans-reading exam (1 hour), each requiring a 70% minimum score. The CP-31 Transportation Inspector Reference Package is the primary study material and is brought to the exam.
Assessment
80 inspection + ~20 plans-reading
Time Limit
3 hours inspection + 1 hour plans-reading
Passing Score
70% on each exam
Exam Fee
$400-$600 (CP-31 reference separate) (American Concrete Institute (ACI) via local sponsoring groups)
ACI CTCI Exam Content Outline
Materials and Mixture Requirements
Cementitious materials, aggregates, admixtures, and water acceptance per AASHTO M 85, M 80, M 154, M 194 and ASTM C150, C33, C260, C494; mixture proportioning, water-cementitious ratio limits, and DOT minimum strength acceptance.
Batching, Mixing, and Delivery Inspection
Ready-mixed concrete inspection per ASTM C94, batch plant inspection, transit-mixer drum revolutions, mix ticket review, delivery time limits, and on-site water addition limits.
Sampling and Field Testing (ASTM/AASHTO)
Sampling per ASTM C172/AASHTO T 141, slump per ASTM C143/AASHTO T 119, pressure-method air per ASTM C231/AASHTO T 152, volumetric air per ASTM C173/AASHTO T 196, unit weight per ASTM C138/AASHTO T 121, temperature per ASTM C1064, and cylinder fabrication per ASTM C31/AASHTO T 23.
Reinforcement, Embedments, and Post-Tensioning
Rebar grade and identification, bar placement tolerances, splice length, clear cover for transportation structures, epoxy-coated bar handling, post-tensioning duct inspection, and CRSI Manual of Standard Practice.
Formwork and Falsework Inspection
Formwork tolerances per ACI 117, form release agents, shoring and reshoring, formwork removal criteria, and falsework safety considerations for bridge construction.
Placement, Consolidation, and Finishing
Conveying methods (chute, pump, conveyor, bucket), free-fall limits, internal vibration techniques, cold weather placement per ACI 306, hot weather placement per ACI 305, finishing of bridge decks and pavement, and screed types.
Curing, Protection, and Joints
Curing methods (water, wet-burlap, membrane-forming compounds), curing duration on bridge decks and pavement, protection from rapid drying and freezing, construction/contraction/expansion joints, and joint sealants.
Structural Elements: Bridges, Decks, Barriers, Pavement
Bridge deck construction per ACI 345R, barrier rail and parapet placement, drilled shafts and piling, jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP), continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications.
Plans, Specifications, and FHWA Quality Assurance
Reading bridge and pavement plans, reinforcement schedules, section and detail views, dimensioning conventions, specification hierarchy (DOT spec book, special provisions, plans), FHWA 23 CFR 637 quality assurance, and inspector documentation.
How to Pass the ACI CTCI Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70% on each exam
- Assessment: 80 inspection + ~20 plans-reading
- Time limit: 3 hours inspection + 1 hour plans-reading
- Exam fee: $400-$600 (CP-31 reference separate)
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 CTCI Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACI Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector (CTCI) certification?
The ACI CTCI is a certification administered by the American Concrete Institute for inspectors working on transportation concrete construction — bridges, decks, barrier rails, drilled shafts, and concrete pavement. The inspector verifies compliance with the project plans, the DOT specifications, ACI 301, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, and the relevant AASHTO/ASTM test methods. It is widely required by state DOTs and FHWA for inspection personnel on federal-aid transportation projects.
What is the passing score for the ACI CTCI exam?
A minimum score of 70% is required on each of the two CTCI examinations. The written inspection exam contains approximately 80 multiple-choice questions and is 3 hours long. The plans-reading exam contains approximately 20 questions and is 1 hour long. Failing one exam does not require retaking the other; only the failed exam needs to be repeated.
What are the prerequisites for the ACI CTCI exam?
Candidates must hold a current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification (or pass that exam within one year of the CTCI exam) and meet one of three experience options: two years college/technical school plus two years inspection experience; a high school diploma plus three years inspection experience; or five years total work experience without formal education.
Is the ACI CTCI exam open book?
Yes. Both the written inspection exam and the plans-reading exam are open-book. Candidates bring the printed CP-31 Transportation Inspector Reference Package — which contains the ACI Manual of Concrete Inspection (SP-2), ACI 301 excerpts, reprinted ASTM and IBC sections, and the CRSI Manual of Standard Practice. Electronic devices and references are not permitted.
How long is ACI CTCI certification valid?
The certification is valid for 5 years from the date of completion of all requirements. Recertification requires passing both current exams again. Continuing education credits are not accepted in lieu of retesting, and candidates must also maintain a current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.
How is the CTCI different from the ACI Concrete Construction Special Inspector?
The CTCI focuses on transportation construction — bridges, decks, barriers, drilled shafts, and concrete pavement — and references AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, ACI 345R bridge decks, and FHWA quality assurance. The Concrete Construction Special Inspector is the IBC Chapter 17 credential for vertical building construction. Many DOT inspectors hold the CTCI; many building special inspectors hold the CCSI.