100+ Free ACT Membranes Practice Questions
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Before initiating a flood test on a liquid-applied membrane, the installer must:
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Key Facts: ACT Membranes Exam
84%
Written Passing Score
ACT consortium
85%
Hands-On Passing Score
ACT consortium
25
Written Questions
ACT Membranes exam
24 hr
Flood Test Minimum
TCNA Handbook / ASTM D5957
1/16 in
A118.12 Standard
ANSI A118.12 crack-isolation
1/8 in
A118.12 High-Performance
ANSI A118.12 crack-isolation
ACT Membranes requires a 25-question written exam at 84%+ and a hands-on field test at 85%+. Master ANSI A118.10 (load-bearing waterproof, 6-inch hydrostatic test) and ANSI A118.12 (standard 1/16-inch vs high-performance 1/8-inch crack isolation). Know TCNA Handbook flood-test procedure (24-hour minimum, 2 inches of water, monitor at seams/drains), drain-flange seating, reinforcing fabric at change-of-plane, primer requirements, and ANSI A118.4/A118.11/A118.15 mortar compatibility.
Sample ACT Membranes Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ACT Membranes exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which membrane category is typically applied with a notched trowel and roller, then allowed to cure to form a continuous seamless film?
2A bonded-sheet membrane is adhered to the substrate using which material?
3Which of the following is an advantage of liquid-applied membranes over sheet membranes?
4Which membrane category provides waterproofing protection in the form of a pre-manufactured fabric that is laminated to polyethylene?
5A 'fabric-reinforced' liquid-applied membrane uses reinforcing fabric primarily to:
6Which application method is correct for most liquid-applied waterproofing membranes?
7Thinset-applied sheet membranes differ from trowel-on liquid membranes in that:
8Which membrane is most often used in steam showers where vapor pressure is a primary concern?
9Two-part urethane waterproofing membranes typically:
10Which is NOT a valid type of membrane recognized by ANSI/TCNA for thin-set tile installation?
About the ACT Membranes Exam
ACT Membranes is the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers credential for waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane installation. It validates competence with liquid-applied and sheet-applied membranes, ANSI A118.10 (waterproof) and ANSI A118.12 (crack-isolation) standards, TCNA Handbook installation methods, substrate preparation, flood testing, and manufacturer system compatibility. Candidates must already hold CTI (Certified Tile Installer) or BAC journeyman status (finishers also eligible).
Assessment
25-question online written exam plus hands-on field assessment
Time Limit
Half/full-day field test
Passing Score
84% written + 85% hands-on
Exam Fee
Contact CTEF/IMI for current fee (ACT Consortium (CTEF/TCNA/IMI/IUBAC/NTCA/TCAA))
ACT Membranes Exam Content Outline
Membrane Types
Liquid-applied, sheet membranes, bonded-sheet, fabric-reinforced; trowel-on vs thinset-applied
ANSI A118.10 Waterproofing
Load-cycling, hydrostatic 6-inch water-column test, breaking strength, elongation, fungus resistance
ANSI A118.12 Crack-Isolation
Standard performance (1/16-inch / 1.5 mm) vs high performance (1/8-inch / 3 mm) crack-bridging
Substrate Preparation
Crack repair, primer use per manufacturer, vacuumed/sound/contaminant-free substrate
Installation Details
Corners, penetrations, drain flange seating, weep holes, reinforcing fabric at change-of-plane
Flood Testing
24-48 hour TCNA/ASTM D5957 procedure, 2-inch depth, monitoring at seams and drain flanges
System Compatibility
ANSI A118.4/A118.11/A118.15 mortars; manufacturer system pairing (Schluter/Laticrete/Ardex)
How to Pass the ACT Membranes Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 84% written + 85% hands-on
- Assessment: 25-question online written exam plus hands-on field assessment
- Time limit: Half/full-day field test
- Exam fee: Contact CTEF/IMI for current fee
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ACT Membranes Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACT Membranes certification?
ACT Membranes is one of seven Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers offered by the ACT consortium (CTEF, TCNA, IMI, IUBAC, NTCA, TCAA). It validates competence in installing liquid-applied and sheet-applied waterproofing and crack-isolation membranes per ANSI A118.10 and A118.12 and TCNA Handbook methods. Candidates must hold CTI or BAC journeyman status (finishers are also eligible since membrane work is often performed by finishers).
What does the exam cover?
The exam covers liquid-applied vs sheet membranes (including bonded-sheet and fabric-reinforced), ANSI A118.10 waterproofing testing (load cycling, 6-inch hydrostatic water column), ANSI A118.12 crack-isolation performance levels (standard 1/16-inch vs high-performance 1/8-inch), substrate preparation (crack repair, priming, contaminant removal), installation details (corners, penetrations, drain flange seating, weep holes, fabric at change-of-plane), 24-48 hour flood testing, and ANSI A118 mortar compatibility.
What are the prerequisites?
Candidates must be a Certified Tile Installer (CTI), a BAC journeyman tile setter, or a finisher (membranes are often installed by finishers). The hands-on field test is conducted by trained third-party evaluators at ACT-accredited sites.
What is the passing score?
Candidates must score 84% or higher on the 25-question written online exam AND 85% or higher on the hands-on field assessment to earn ACT Membranes certification. Both components must be passed.
How much does ACT Membranes cost?
Fees vary by accredited training site and consortium member organization. Contact CTEF (1-864-222-2131), IMI, NTCA, or TCAA for current pricing at the site nearest you. Visit tilecertifications.com to find ACT-accredited evaluators.
How long is the flood test?
The TCNA Handbook and ASTM D5957 recommend flood testing all new shower waterproofing installations for a minimum of 24 hours with at least 2 inches of standing water. Steam showers and complex installations may require 48-72 hours. Monitor for water-level drop at seams, drain flanges, and curbs; document any loss.
What is the difference between A118.10 and A118.12?
ANSI A118.10 covers load-bearing bonded waterproof membranes (used in wet areas — showers, tubs, pools) and includes a hydrostatic 6-inch water-column test plus shear/load cycling. ANSI A118.12 covers crack-isolation membranes (not necessarily waterproof) that bridge in-plane substrate cracks: standard performance bridges 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) cracks and high performance bridges 1/8-inch (3 mm) cracks.