Aggregate Base Testing Technician - ASTM Methods
July 13, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Terracon (Wichita)
1815 South Eisenhower Avenue
Wichita, KS 67209
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ATTENTION - this exam has changed. The Aggregate Base Testing Technician Exam is now split into two different certifications, one for AASHTO methods and one for ASTM methods. If you need to be certified in both methods (AASHTO and ASTM), you will need to pass both written exams within one year as well as ONE of the performance exams. You DO NOT need to pass a performance exam for each method to be certified in both methods.
This is a two-day session. The first day consists of written material review and hands-on practice of performance exams, while the second day are the written exams and the performance exams. Attendees receive their study workbook the first day of the session. Please visit the website for further details and to register:
More information and REGISTRATION LINK
Registration is through Seth O'Brien, contact him for questions at 620-717-2203 or by email.
Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods
Definition:
An Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO 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 AASHTO standards.
Scope and Knowledge:This program requires demonstration of the knowledge covered on the Job Task Analysis (JTA):
JTA for ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician Certification—AASHTO Methods
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 AASHTO and/or ASTM standards:
- AASHTO R 90-18—Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregate Products
- AASHTO R 76-23—Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
- AASHTO R 58-22—Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil-Aggregate Samples for Test
- AASHTO T 89-22—Standard Method of Test for Determining the Liquid Limit of Soils
- AASHTO T 90-22—Standard Method of Test for Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils
- AASHTO T 88-22—Standard Method of Test for Particle Size Analysis of Soils
- AASHTO T 265-22—Standard Method of Test for Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils
- AASHTO T 180-22—Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg (10-lb) Rammer and a 457-mm (18-in.) Drop
- AASHTO T 99-22—Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in.) Drop
Certification Requirements:
ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both of the following requirements:
- A passing grade on the ACI written examination, and
- 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:
- At least 60% correct for each of the required standards, and
- 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.
Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods
Definition:
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.
Scope and Knowledge: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:
- A passing grade on the ACI written examination, and
- 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:
- At least 60% correct for each of the required standards, and
- 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.
