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100+ Free NICET CMT Concrete Practice Questions

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Which ASTM standard governs sampling freshly mixed concrete at the point of placement?

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B
C
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NICET CMT Concrete Exam

4

Certification Levels

NICET CMT-Concrete

88-165

Published Question Counts

By level

170-380 min

Published Exam Times

NICET CMT-Concrete

$230-$425

2026 NICET CMT Exam Fees

NICET fee schedule

3 years

Recertification Cycle

NICET CPD

Pearson VUE

Test Delivery

NICET scheduling

6-120 mo

Experience Range

Level I to IV

ASTM / ACI

Reference Families

CMT-Concrete outline

NICET's CMT-Concrete program covers ASTM C31, C39, C138, C143, C172, C231/C173, C1064, and related standards at Level I, expanding through mix design, batch plant inspection, non-destructive testing, and masonry/prestress inspections at Levels II-IV. The 2026 exams are delivered at Pearson VUE with published lengths of 110 questions in 170 minutes (Level I), 165 questions in 350 minutes (Level II, includes a 30-minute break), 138 questions in 380 minutes (Level III), and 88 items in 230 minutes (Level IV). Candidates should drill ASTM test procedures, ACI 301/318 acceptance rules, inspector ethics, and chain-of-custody practice.

Sample NICET CMT Concrete Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NICET CMT Concrete 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 governs sampling freshly mixed concrete at the point of placement?
A.ASTM C31
B.ASTM C39
C.ASTM C172
D.ASTM C143
Explanation: ASTM C172 is the standard practice for sampling freshly mixed concrete. It specifies how composite samples are taken from a mixer or delivery unit so that test results represent the concrete actually being placed.
2Per ASTM C172, within what maximum elapsed time should a composite sample of fresh concrete be obtained?
A.Within 5 minutes
B.Within 15 minutes
C.Within 30 minutes
D.Within 60 minutes
Explanation: ASTM C172 requires that the composite sample from the first and last portions of the discharge be obtained within 15 minutes. Keeping the window short prevents slump loss, temperature change, and segregation from biasing the tests.
3What fresh concrete property does the slump test (ASTM C143) primarily measure?
A.Air content
B.Consistency or workability
C.Compressive strength
D.Unit weight
Explanation: The slump cone test measures consistency, a component of workability. A higher slump indicates wetter, more flowable concrete; a lower slump indicates stiffer concrete.
4In the ASTM C143 slump test, how many layers is the slump cone filled in, and how many rod strokes per layer are required?
A.2 layers, 15 strokes per layer
B.3 equal layers by volume, 25 strokes per layer
C.3 equal layers by depth, 25 strokes per layer
D.4 layers, 20 strokes per layer
Explanation: ASTM C143 requires the slump cone to be filled in three equal layers by volume, with each layer rodded uniformly 25 times using the hemispherical-tipped tamping rod. Filling by volume (not depth) is important because the cone is narrower at the top.
5After the slump cone is lifted, per ASTM C143 the raising motion should be completed in approximately what time?
A.1 second
B.3 to 7 seconds, with no lateral or torsional motion
C.15 seconds
D.30 seconds
Explanation: ASTM C143 specifies the cone be raised a distance of 12 in. in 5 +/- 2 seconds by a steady upward lift with no lateral or torsional motion. An inconsistent lift disturbs the slump and invalidates the result.
6Which ASTM standard covers determining air content of fresh concrete by the pressure method?
A.ASTM C138
B.ASTM C173
C.ASTM C231
D.ASTM C1064
Explanation: ASTM C231 covers the pressure method using a Type A or Type B air meter. It is typically used for normal-weight concrete where aggregates are not highly porous.
7Why is ASTM C173 (volumetric method) preferred over C231 (pressure method) for lightweight concrete?
A.It is faster and uses less equipment
B.Porous lightweight aggregate absorbs pressure and causes erroneous readings in the pressure method
C.It measures only entrapped air
D.It requires no calibration
Explanation: Lightweight aggregates have porous interiors that compress under the pressure method, making the measured air appear higher than the actual air in the paste. The volumetric method rolls the concrete with water and directly measures displaced air, giving a correct result.
8Which ASTM test method determines the unit weight (density) and yield of freshly mixed concrete?
A.ASTM C31
B.ASTM C138
C.ASTM C143
D.ASTM C39
Explanation: ASTM C138 covers density (unit weight), yield, and gravimetric air content of fresh concrete. The fresh concrete is consolidated in a measure of known volume and weighed.
9Yield of a concrete batch is defined as:
A.The total mass of the batch divided by its unit weight
B.The ratio of coarse to fine aggregate
C.The compressive strength at 28 days
D.The volume of cement used
Explanation: Yield is the total batch mass divided by the measured fresh unit weight, giving the actual volume of concrete produced. A batch yielding less than design indicates overyield issues such as air loss or material proportioning errors.
10Per ASTM C1064, within what time after obtaining the sample should concrete temperature be measured?
A.Within 1 minute
B.Within 5 minutes
C.Within 30 minutes
D.Within 60 minutes
Explanation: ASTM C1064 requires that the temperature be measured within 5 minutes after obtaining the sample. Concrete temperature affects setting time, slump, and air content, so it must be recorded close to placement time.

About the NICET CMT Concrete Exam

NICET Construction Materials Testing - Concrete is a four-level field and laboratory certification for technicians who sample and test fresh and hardened concrete, aggregates, masonry, and mix components, and who at higher levels supervise programs, manage quality, and inspect post-tensioned, precast, and structural concrete work.

Assessment

4 level-specific exams (Levels I-IV)

Time Limit

170 min (Level I) up to 380 min (Level III, with 30-min break)

Passing Score

Scaled score; candidates passing are reported as Pass with level-specific thresholds set by NICET

Exam Fee

$230 Level I, $315 Level II, $370 Level III, $425 Level IV (2026 NICET CMT fees) (NICET / Pearson VUE)

NICET CMT Concrete Exam Content Outline

5-15% (Level I)

Personal and Worksite Safety

PPE selection, hazard identification, OSHA 1926 awareness, and safe handling of fresh concrete caustic exposure and cylinder handling.

5-15% (Level I)

Plans, Specifications, and Documentation

Reading contract plans and specifications, delivery ticket verification, sampling and test frequency, field notes, and daily reports.

10-20% (Level I); managed programs at Level III

Sampling of Concrete Mixes and Components

ASTM C172 composite sampling, documentation of source and placement location, aggregate and masonry unit sampling, and sampling program design at higher levels.

5-15% (Level I)

Sample Preparation, Storage, and Transportation

Casting cylinders per ASTM C31, initial curing temperature ranges, transport to the lab, lab curing, and specimen-size reduction.

35-45% (Level I); 4-15% mix testing at Level III

Field and Laboratory Testing of Concrete and Components

Slump (C143), air content (C231/C173/C138), unit weight/yield (C138), temperature (C1064), aggregate gradation (C136), compressive strength (C39), flexural (C78), splitting tensile (C496), shrinkage (C157), rapid chloride (C1202), and SCC slump flow (C1611).

10-20% (Level III)

Concrete Mix Design and Production

ACI 211 proportioning, cementitious and SCM selection, admixtures, w/cm, air-entrainment targets, batch plant inspection, and ASTM C94 delivery tolerances.

10-20% (Level III)

Concrete Inspections and Nondestructive Testing

Post-tensioning, pre-stress, precast, and structural masonry inspections; rebound hammer (C805), pullout (C900), maturity (C1074), pulse velocity (C597), and core evaluation (C42 / ACI 318).

10-20% (Level III)

Quality System, Supervision, and Reporting

Equipment calibration per ASTM E329/C1077, control charts, proficiency testing, training records, CPD, NICET Code of Ethics, chain of custody, and senior-level reporting.

How to Pass the NICET CMT Concrete Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score; candidates passing are reported as Pass with level-specific thresholds set by NICET
  • Assessment: 4 level-specific exams (Levels I-IV)
  • Time limit: 170 min (Level I) up to 380 min (Level III, with 30-min break)
  • Exam fee: $230 Level I, $315 Level II, $370 Level III, $425 Level IV (2026 NICET CMT fees)

Keys to Passing

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

NICET CMT Concrete Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the layer, stroke, and timing details of ASTM C143 slump, ASTM C31 cylinder casting, and ASTM C172 sampling - these are the most tested procedural items at Level I.
2Drill ACI 318 acceptance rules: a test is the average of two 6x12 cylinders (or three 4x8 cylinders), and the 500 psi and 10 percent of f'c margins drive pass/fail decisions.
3Practice w/cm and yield calculations; they recur at every level and are an easy point boost.
4Know each ASTM test number and what property it measures so you can identify them quickly on the exam.
5For Level III study, move beyond test procedures into mix design verification, batch plant inspection (ASTM C94), post-tensioning/precast/masonry inspection, and control charts.
6Study the NICET Code of Ethics and the chain-of-custody expectations - NICET regularly tests inspector ethics and falsification scenarios.
7Review ACI 305 (hot weather) and 306 (cold weather) practices and their fresh concrete temperature thresholds.
8Use mixed timed practice sets to build stamina for Level II and III exams, which run 350-380 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NICET CMT-Concrete exam?

NICET lists CMT-Concrete as 110 questions in 170 minutes at Level I, 165 questions in 350 minutes at Level II (including a 30-minute scheduled break), 138 questions in 380 minutes at Level III, and 88 items in 230 minutes at Level IV. Check the NICET CMT-Concrete program page before scheduling.

How much does the NICET CMT-Concrete exam cost in 2026?

Per the 2026 NICET standard-model CMT fee schedule, Level I is $230, Level II $315, Level III $370, and Level IV $425. Rescheduling more than 24 hours in advance within the testing window is generally free; late changes may trigger fees.

Who administers the CMT-Concrete exam?

NICET owns the certification and Pearson VUE delivers the computer-based test at approved test centers. Candidates register through NICET, receive an eligibility notice, and then schedule with Pearson VUE.

What work experience does NICET require for each CMT-Concrete level?

Per NICET certification requirements, Level I needs 6 months of direct CMT involvement (3 in concrete), Level II 24 months (12 in concrete), Level III 60 months (36 in concrete) plus a personal recommendation, and Level IV 120 months (60 in concrete) plus a senior-level recommendation.

Which standards should I study for CMT-Concrete Level I?

NICET's Level I outline emphasizes ASTM C31 (specimens), C39 (compressive strength), C138 (unit weight/yield), C143 (slump), C172 (sampling), C231/C173 (air content), C1064 (temperature), and C136 (gradation), plus ACI 301/318 basics on acceptance, curing, and placement.

How do Level III and IV differ from Level I/II?

Level III and IV shift from running routine tests to designing sampling programs, reviewing lower-level technicians, running advanced tests (chloride permeability, maturity, freeze-thaw, post-tensioning/prestress inspections), maintaining calibration/training records, and preparing reports.

How often do I need to recertify NICET CMT-Concrete?

NICET certifications are recertified every three years through Continuing Professional Development. Candidates accrue CPD points from technical training, professional activity, and supervised experience, then submit the record before the cycle ends.

What is a practice question that actually trains for the exam?

Expect calculations (w/cm, relative strength, air voids), ASTM procedure details (layer counts for slump and cylinder casting, 5 +/- 2 second cone lift, 35 +/- 7 psi/s load rate), ACI 318 acceptance (average of 3 tests vs. 500 psi rule), inspector ethics, and plant/delivery ticket questions.