1.3 Written Exam Format and Dual Passing Rule
Key Takeaways
- The written exam is closed book, one hour, and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions.
- ACI states that the written exam has between five and ten questions on each required ASTM test method or practice.
- Passing requires at least 60% correct on each required method or practice and at least 70% overall.
- A high overall score cannot compensate for falling below 60% in one method or practice category.
The Written Exam Is Timed and Closed Book
The ACI written examination for Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I is closed book, one hour, and has 55 multiple-choice questions. ACI states that there are between five and ten questions on each required ASTM test method or practice. That structure rewards balanced preparation more than narrow strength in one favorite method.
The written passing rule has two parts. First, the candidate must score at least 60% correct for each required test method and practice. Second, the candidate must score at least 70% overall. Both conditions must be met. The word both is the key idea for exam strategy.
A common mistake is to think the overall score controls everything. It does not. A candidate could be strong enough overall but still fail the written exam by dropping below 60% in one method or practice category. The reverse can also matter: meeting the per-method minimums does not remove the 70% overall requirement.
| Written exam fact | Study consequence |
|---|---|
| Closed book | Memorize key requirements, values, sequence concepts, and reporting duties |
| One hour | Practice steady pacing and avoid spending too long on one question |
| 55 questions | Expect concise multiple-choice questions, not long essays |
| Five to ten per method or practice | Study every standard in the program list |
| 60% each category | Weak standards must be repaired before exam day |
| 70% overall | Balanced competence still needs enough total correct answers |
The one-hour time limit means average pacing is a little over one minute per question. Some questions will be quick recognition questions. Others may require careful reading, a calculation concept, or a distinction between similar procedures. A good pacing plan marks uncertain items and keeps moving, then returns if time remains.
Closed book also changes how to study. Passive reading is not enough. Candidates should practice recall of equipment requirements, timing relationships, major procedure sequence points, result-recording responsibilities, and definitions that appear in the JTA. Flashcards, self-quizzing, and method-by-method summaries are useful because they force retrieval without notes.
The category scoring rule should shape diagnostic practice. After a practice quiz, do not only compute the total percentage. Sort errors by standard. If most misses cluster in C138 density calculations, C231 pressure air steps, or C31 specimen curing requirements, that category needs targeted repair even if the overall practice score looks acceptable.
Candidates should also avoid treating the written exam as separate from performance practice. Procedure sequence questions are easier after physically practicing the method. Result-recording questions make more sense after completing a trial and writing the result. Hands-on repetition can strengthen written recall because the steps become organized in memory.
For final review, build a one-page control sheet for each method or practice. Include purpose, equipment, sample control, timing, sequence, invalid-test cues, result reporting, and common traps. The goal is not to bring the sheet into the exam. The goal is to create a closed-book memory structure before the exam starts.
What is the official written exam format for this certification?
Which written passing rule is correct?
A candidate earns 75% overall but below 60% on one required ASTM category. What is the written result?