An Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates and soils using ASTM standards.

This program requires demonstration of the knowledge covered on the Job Task Analysis (JTA):

JTA for ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods Certification

The JTA is a detailed list of specific points of knowledge that may be included in the examinations for this ACI Certification program. ACI urges candidates to use the JTA to prepare for the certification exams.

The program requires a working knowledge of the following ASTM standards:

• ASTM D75/D75M-19—Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM C702/C702M-18—Standard Test Method for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
• ASTM D4318-17—Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• ASTM D7928-21e1—Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis
• ASTM D2216-19—Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D1557-12(21)—Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/ m³))
• ASTM D698-12(21)—Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/ m³))

Certification Requirements

ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both of the following requirements: 

1. A passing grade on the ACI written examination, and
2. Successful completion of the ACI performance examination.

The two-hour written examination is open-book and consists of approximately 75 multiple-choice questions. There are 8 to 12 questions on each of the standards.

To pass the written examination, both of the following conditions must be met:

1. At least 60% correct for each of the required standards, and
2. A minimum score of 70% overall.

The performance examination is closed-book and requires actual demonstration of the required standards. The examinee is judged on his/her ability to correctly perform or describe all of the required procedures for each standard.

Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of successfully completing all requirements.

Recertification requires successful completion of both the written and performance examinations.

A candidate who is certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods may become certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods by passing the written examination (only) for Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods within one year of having achieved the Aggregate Base Testing Technician— AASHTO Methods certification.