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Question 1

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What is the primary purpose of post-tensioning in concrete structures?

To add decorative features to the concrete surface

To introduce compressive forces that counteract tensile stresses from applied loads

To eliminate the need for formwork during construction

To increase the weight of the structure for stability

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Exam

~50

Exam Questions

PTI

70%

Passing Score

PTI

2 days

Workshop Length

PTI

$800-$1.2K

Workshop + Exam Fee

PTI

4 years

Certification Validity

PTI

Closed

Book Policy

PTI

The PTI Level 1 exam is a closed-book test given at the end of a 2-day workshop with a 70% passing score. Key topics: Tendon Layout (25%), Stressing Operations (20%), Materials & Components (15%), Safety (15%), Concrete Placement (10%), Quality Control (10%), and Codes (5%). No prerequisites beyond workshop attendance.

Sample PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of post-tensioning in concrete structures?

A.To add decorative features to the concrete surface

B.To introduce compressive forces that counteract tensile stresses from applied loads

C.To eliminate the need for formwork during construction

D.To increase the weight of the structure for stability

Explanation: Post-tensioning introduces compressive forces into concrete members to counteract tensile stresses that develop under service loads. Since concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, the pre-compression allows the member to carry greater loads with thinner cross-sections. Exam tip: Remember that PT puts concrete into compression before loads are applied, which is the fundamental concept behind all prestressed concrete.

2In an unbonded post-tensioning system, what distinguishes the tendon from a bonded system?

A.Unbonded tendons use larger diameter strands than bonded tendons

B.Unbonded tendons are free to move independently within their sheathing and are not grouted to the concrete

C.Unbonded tendons are always straight while bonded tendons are always curved

D.Unbonded tendons do not require anchorages at the ends

Explanation: In an unbonded system, the strand is coated with corrosion-inhibiting grease and enclosed in a plastic sheath, allowing it to move freely relative to the surrounding concrete. In a bonded system, the tendon is grouted inside a duct, creating a bond between the strand and the concrete. Exam tip: The key distinction is bond — unbonded strands slide within their sheathing, while bonded strands are locked to the concrete via grout.

3What type of steel strand is most commonly used in unbonded single-strand post-tensioning systems?

A.3/8-inch diameter, 150 ksi seven-wire strand

B.1/2-inch diameter, 270 ksi seven-wire strand

C.1-inch diameter, 200 ksi solid bar

D.5/8-inch diameter, 250 ksi three-wire strand

Explanation: The standard strand for unbonded single-strand PT is 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter, 270 ksi (Grade 270) seven-wire strand conforming to ASTM A416. This strand has a guaranteed ultimate tensile strength (GUTS) of 270 ksi and a cross-sectional area of 0.153 square inches. Exam tip: Memorize that standard unbonded PT uses 1/2-inch, 270 ksi, seven-wire strand — these numbers appear frequently on the exam.

4What is the primary function of the corrosion-inhibiting coating (grease) applied to unbonded tendons?

A.To increase the tensile strength of the strand

B.To reduce friction and protect the strand from corrosion

C.To bond the strand permanently to the sheathing

D.To make the strand easier to cut during installation

Explanation: The PT coating (typically a lithium-based grease conforming to PTI specifications) serves two critical functions: it reduces friction between the strand and the sheathing during stressing, and it provides long-term corrosion protection for the steel strand. Without proper coating, the strand would corrode and lose its load-carrying capacity. Exam tip: The coating serves dual purposes — friction reduction AND corrosion protection. Both are tested on the exam.

5What material is typically used for the sheathing (extruded casing) on unbonded single-strand tendons?

A.Galvanized steel tubing

B.High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene

C.Copper pipe

D.Fiberglass-reinforced plastic

Explanation: Unbonded tendon sheathing is typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene that is extruded directly over the coated strand at the fabrication plant. The sheathing must be continuous, watertight, and free from holes or damage to maintain the corrosion protection system. Exam tip: Inspect all sheathing for cuts, punctures, or damage before concrete placement — compromised sheathing leads to corrosion failure.

6If damaged sheathing is discovered on a tendon prior to concrete placement, what is the appropriate repair method?

A.Ignore minor damage as the concrete will protect the strand

B.Wrap the damaged area with compatible repair tape and seal both ends

C.Remove the entire tendon and replace it with a new one regardless of damage size

D.Apply standard electrical tape over the damaged area

Explanation: Damaged sheathing should be repaired by wrapping the area with compatible repair tape (typically a self-adhering polyethylene tape) that seals tightly around the sheathing. Both ends of the tape wrap must be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion. The repair must restore the watertight integrity of the sheathing system. Exam tip: The repair tape must be compatible with the sheathing material and must seal completely — a half-hearted wrap will allow moisture entry.

7What is the function of a stressing-end (live-end) anchor in an unbonded PT system?

A.It permanently bonds the strand to the concrete at one end

B.It allows the strand to be tensioned by a hydraulic jack and locks in the force with wedges

C.It prevents the strand from being stressed beyond its capacity

D.It connects two separate tendon segments together

Explanation: The stressing-end (live-end) anchor provides the connection point where the hydraulic jack grips the strand, applies the jacking force, and seats the wedges to lock in the prestress force. It consists of an anchor casting embedded in the concrete and a set of two-piece wedges that grip the strand. Exam tip: The stressing end is where all the action happens — the jack pulls the strand, and the wedges lock it in place when the jack is released.

8What is the function of a dead-end (fixed-end) anchor in an unbonded PT system?

A.It allows the strand to be stressed from either end of the tendon

B.It is a factory-installed anchor that holds the strand in place without field stressing

C.It serves as a temporary support during concrete placement

D.It is used only when the tendon must be de-tensioned later

Explanation: The dead-end anchor is fabricated at the plant by swaging or pressing a fitting onto the strand end. It is cast into the concrete and does not require access for stressing. The dead end simply anchors the non-stressing end of the tendon so that tensioning force applied at the stressing end is resisted. Exam tip: Dead ends are factory-made and require no field access — they get embedded in the concrete during the pour.

9What is the purpose of a pocket former in an unbonded PT system?

A.To create a recess in the concrete at the stressing end for jack access

B.To form the drip edge at the bottom of the slab

C.To create holes for rebar placement

D.To provide drainage channels within the slab

Explanation: A pocket former is a temporary plastic or metal form attached to the stressing-end anchor that creates a recess (pocket) in the concrete. This recess provides clearance for the hydraulic stressing jack nosepiece to access and grip the strand for tensioning. After stressing, the pocket is filled with non-shrink grout or capping material. Exam tip: No pocket former means no access for the jack — pocket formers must be properly positioned and secured before the concrete pour.

10What are tendon chairs (support bars or bolsters) used for in unbonded PT installation?

A.To anchor the tendon to the formwork at each end

B.To support and maintain the tendon at the correct vertical profile within the slab

C.To stress the tendon during installation

D.To connect multiple tendons together at their midpoints

Explanation: Tendon chairs (also called support bars, bolsters, or high-point chairs) hold the tendons at the proper height within the slab to achieve the designed tendon profile. The chair height determines the tendon eccentricity, which directly affects the balancing force the tendon provides. Exam tip: Incorrect chair heights change the tendon profile and can significantly reduce the structural capacity of the PT slab.

About the PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Exam

The PTI Level 1 Unbonded PT Installation certification validates foundational competency in single-strand unbonded post-tensioning systems. The exam covers tendon layout and placement, stressing operations, materials and components, safety practices, concrete placement, and quality control. This entry-level credential is essential for PT field personnel working on elevated structures and building construction.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

End of 2-day workshop

Passing Score

70% correct

Exam Fee

$800-$1,200 (workshop + exam) (Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI))

PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Exam Content Outline

25%

Tendon Layout and Placement

Tendon profiles, draping, chair placement, harping points, profile tolerances

20%

Stressing Operations

Stressing procedures, jack calibration, elongation calculations, stressing sequences

15%

Materials and Components

Strand types, anchorages, sheathing, corrosion protection, encapsulated systems

15%

Safety Practices

PPE, stressing safety zones, strand handling, OSHA requirements, hazard awareness

10%

Concrete Placement

Concrete placement around tendons, vibration practices, minimum cover requirements

10%

Quality Control

Pre-pour inspections, tendon damage prevention, documentation, field records

Code Requirements

ACI 318, PTI standards, building code requirements for PT construction

How to Pass the PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% correct
Exam length: 50 questions
Time limit: End of 2-day workshop
Exam fee: $800-$1,200 (workshop + exam)

Keys to Passing

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

PTI Level 1 Unbonded Installer Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the PTI workshop manual before attending — it covers all exam content

2Memorize typical tendon profiles for beams, slabs, and band beams

3Understand elongation calculations and the relationship between force and elongation

4Know the stressing safety zone distances and PPE requirements

5Review ACI 318 minimum cover requirements for unbonded tendons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PTI Level 1 Unbonded PT Installation certification?

The PTI Level 1 certification validates foundational knowledge of unbonded post-tensioning installation. It covers tendon layout, stressing, materials, safety, and quality control for single-strand PT systems used in buildings and elevated structures.

What is the passing score for the PTI Level 1 exam?

You need a score of 70% or higher on the closed-book exam to earn Level 1 certification. Scoring 80% or higher on the Level 1 & 2 combined workshop exam qualifies you for Level 2 with documented field experience.

How long is PTI certification valid?

PTI field personnel certification is valid for 4 years. You can renew every 4 years by taking a renewal exam. If you score 70-79% on a Level 2 renewal, you receive Level 1 certification instead.

What are the prerequisites for PTI Level 1?

There are no formal prerequisites. You must attend the full PTI Level 1 Unbonded PT Installation workshop (2 days). A government-issued photo ID is required to take the exam.

Is the PTI exam open-book or closed-book?

The PTI certification exam is closed-book. While workshop manuals are provided during the course, you cannot reference them during the exam. Studying the manual before the workshop is strongly recommended.

What is post-tensioning and why does it require certification?

Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing concrete by tensioning steel strands after the concrete is placed. Improper installation can cause structural failure, so PTI certification ensures field personnel have the knowledge to install PT systems safely and correctly.