- The CP-1, 41st Edition is the only approved study source for the ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I exam - closed book on exam day.
- The written exam covers 7 ASTM sections; you must score at least 60% on each section AND 70% overall to pass.
- Performance passing requires correctly executing all required steps of 6 ASTM tests plus an oral description of C172 Sampling - no partial credit.
- Exam fees typically run $450-$660+ depending on your Sponsoring Group; a $250 veteran rebate is available through the ACI Foundation.
What Is the ACI CP-1, 41st Edition?
The CP-1, Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I is the official study manual published by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It is the single authoritative source of content for the ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification exam. Every question on the 55-question written exam, and every procedural step evaluated during the performance component, traces back to this document.
The 41st Edition reflects the most current versions of the seven ASTM International test standards that make up the exam. If you are working from an older edition, stop - ACI updates CP-1 periodically to align with revised ASTM standards, and a single changed tolerance value or procedural step can mean the difference between a correct and incorrect answer on exam day.
The CP-1 manual is not a training textbook. ACI states explicitly that certification is not training. The manual documents what a competent field technician must already know and be able to demonstrate. Candidates working in ready-mix, precast, paving, or inspection roles often bring field exposure that fills in context, but the CP-1 still needs to be studied systematically to handle the exam's sectional passing requirements.
The Seven ASTM Domains the CP-1 Covers
The CP-1 is organized around seven ASTM test standards, each of which becomes an independent section on the written exam. This is not just a thematic organization - it has direct scoring consequences. Because you must pass each section at 60% or higher (and the overall exam at 70% or higher), a candidate who knows five domains cold but neglects two can still fail.
Domain 1: ASTM C1064/C1064M - Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
Covers thermometer requirements, insertion depth, and timing for obtaining a valid temperature reading from a fresh concrete sample.
- Minimum immersion time in the concrete mass
- Allowable temperature ranges for placement in hot and cold weather
- Thermometer accuracy requirements
Domain 2: ASTM C172/C172M - Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
This is the only domain tested exclusively through an oral description during the performance exam - not a hands-on demonstration - but it appears on the written exam and is foundational to all other tests.
- Composite sampling: number of increments, time between increments, acceptable sources (truck mixer discharge)
- Sample size minimums based on the intended tests
- Time limits from sampling to starting individual tests
Domain 3: ASTM C143/C143M - Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
One of the most procedurally detailed tests. Candidates must know the exact rodding counts per layer, mold dimensions, and how to measure and report results.
- Three layers, 25 strokes per layer
- Slump cone dimensions and proper placement
- Maximum allowable time from sampling to completing the test
Domain 4: ASTM C138/C138M - Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric)
The most calculation-heavy domain. Candidates must be able to compute density, yield, and gravimetric air content using field measurements.
- Container calibration and volume determination
- Rodding vs. vibration consolidation criteria
- Formulas for yield and relative yield
Domain 5: ASTM C231/C231M - Air Content by the Pressure Method
The pressure meter (Type A or Type B) test. Equipment calibration, aggregate correction factor, and the specific steps for pressurizing and reading the meter are all testable.
- Aggregate correction factor determination and application
- When the pressure method cannot be used (lightweight aggregate, porous aggregate)
- Equipment verification steps
Domain 6: ASTM C173/C173M - Air Content by the Volumetric Method
The Roll-A-Meter test used for lightweight and air-entrained concrete where C231 is not appropriate. The procedural steps differ significantly from the pressure method.
- Filling, rolling, and agitation procedures
- Isopropyl alcohol addition and its purpose
- Reading and recording the air content from the graduated neck
Domain 7: ASTM C31/C31M - Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
The most expansive domain. Covers cylinder and beam fabrication, initial curing requirements, and transportation - all with specific tolerances and timeframes.
- Cylinder sizes, layers, and rodding/vibration counts
- Initial curing temperature ranges and duration
- Capping and transportation requirements
- Standard curing vs. field curing distinctions
How the Written Exam Uses CP-1 Content
The written exam is 55 multiple-choice questions delivered in 60 minutes. ACI allocates 5 to 10 questions per ASTM section, though exact allocations are not published. Understanding this structure changes how you should study: you cannot afford to treat any domain as low priority.
The questions are factual and procedural. Expect questions that present a scenario - a technician performs a step incorrectly, or a measurement falls outside tolerance - and ask what should be done. Other questions ask for specific numerical values: the required minimum diameter of a tamping rod, the maximum time allowed between sampling and starting the slump test, or the temperature range for standard initial curing.
A simple four-function calculator with square root capability is permitted. You will use it for C138 density and yield calculations. Memorize the formulas before exam day - the CP-1 shows them, but you need to apply them quickly under time pressure with the book closed.
For the best simulation of real exam conditions, use ACI Exam Prep's practice tests organized by domain, so you can identify which ASTM sections are pulling your score down before test day.
For more detail on how the written component differs from the performance evaluation, see ACI Exam Written vs Performance: Key Differences 2026.
How CP-1 Connects to the Performance Component
The performance exam evaluates six hands-on tests and an oral description of C172 Sampling. A proctor scores each required procedural step as either correctly performed or not - there is no partial credit, and there is no "close enough." The passing standard is pass/fail across all required steps.
The CP-1 is the source document for every step the proctor is checking. This means studying CP-1 for the written exam and preparing for the performance exam are not separate tasks - they are the same task. A candidate who truly internalizes the procedural sequences from the CP-1 is simultaneously preparing for both components.
PPE is required for the performance exam: safety-toe shoes, long pants, a sleeved shirt, and safety glasses. Arriving without proper PPE can disqualify you from the performance component. This is spelled out in ACI guidelines and worth confirming with your Sponsoring Group in advance.
| Component | Format | Passing Standard | CP-1 Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | 55 multiple-choice, 60 minutes | ≥60% per section, ≥70% overall | All 7 ASTM domains tested |
| Performance Exam | 6 hands-on tests + oral C172 | Pass/fail on all required steps | Procedural steps sourced directly from CP-1 |
| Reference Material Allowed | None (closed book) | N/A | Must be memorized from CP-1 |
| Calculator | Simple 4-function + √ | N/A | Used for C138 calculations |
Domain-by-Domain: What to Actually Study
Temperature (C1064) - Simpler Than It Looks, but Don't Skip It
Candidates often underestimate C1064 because the procedure is short. But exam questions probe the precise immersion requirements, the temperature range tolerances, and what constitutes an invalid reading. Every question in this section is winnable with focused review.
Sampling (C172) - The Foundation of Everything Else
C172 governs how you obtain a valid sample. If sampling is done incorrectly, every subsequent test is invalid. The exam will test you on the composite sampling requirement (minimum two increments from different portions of the batch), the time window from first increment to composite completion, and minimum sample volumes. The oral performance description of C172 makes this domain doubly important.
Slump (C143) - Procedural Precision Under Time Pressure
The slump test is one of the most procedurally exact in the manual. Know the 25-stroke-per-layer rule, the meaning of a "shear slump" versus a "true slump," and when to retest. The time limit from sampling to completing the test is a common exam question.
Density and Yield (C138) - Practice the Math
This is the only domain where calculation errors can cost you on the written exam. Work through the density formula (mass of concrete divided by volume of measure), the yield formula, and the relative yield formula until you can execute them quickly. Errors in consolidation method selection - when to rod versus when to vibrate - are also frequently tested.
Pressure Method (C231) vs. Volumetric Method (C173) - Know When Each Applies
A major exam focus is knowing which air content test method is appropriate for a given concrete mix. The pressure method (C231) cannot be used with lightweight or porous aggregates. The volumetric method (C173) works universally but is more procedurally complex. Candidates who confuse these application rules tend to miss multiple questions across both sections.
Cylinder and Beam Making (C31) - The Longest Domain
ASTM C31 is the most detailed standard in the CP-1. Standard curing versus field curing, initial curing temperature ranges (60°F to 80°F for standard), transportation timing, and capping procedures all appear on the written exam and the performance component. Allocate more study time here than any other domain.
After working through each domain in CP-1, reinforce your retention with domain-specific questions at ACI Exam Prep before moving to the next section.
A CP-1-Anchored Study Schedule
Because the exam has seven independent scoring sections, the most effective study approach sequences domains by complexity and weight rather than reading CP-1 cover to cover once and calling it done.
C172 Sampling + C1064 Temperature
- Read both sections in CP-1 completely; mark all time limits, numerical tolerances, and equipment requirements
- Write out the C172 oral description from memory - this prepares both for the written questions and the performance oral
- Quiz yourself on thermometer accuracy and insertion requirements daily
C143 Slump + C138 Density and Yield
- Diagram the slump cone procedure from memory; check against CP-1
- Work at least 10 C138 calculation problems using sample data; verify with the CP-1 formulas
- Practice deciding when to rod versus vibrate based on slump values given in the standard
C231 Pressure Method + C173 Volumetric Method
- Create a side-by-side comparison of the two methods: when to use each, equipment differences, aggregate correction factor for C231
- Memorize the isopropyl alcohol steps in C173
- Focus on application scenarios - given a mix description, select the correct method
C31 Specimen Making + Full Review
- Map all curing requirements in a table: temperature ranges, duration, storage conditions
- Run timed full-length practice exams tracking score by domain
- Identify any section below 70% and return to CP-1 for that specific standard
- Physically walk through performance procedures with borrowed or rented equipment if possible
Registration, Fees, and What to Bring
The ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I exam is administered in person by one of ACI's 135+ Sponsoring Groups - local ACI chapters, concrete associations, state transportation agencies, and universities. There is no online or computer-based testing option. You must find an upcoming exam session through a Sponsoring Group in your area.
Fees are set by each Sponsoring Group individually. As a benchmark, ACI SoCal charges $610 for members and $660 for non-members. Budgeting $450 to $660 or more is reasonable depending on your region. If you are an eligible veteran, the ACI Foundation offers a $250 rebate, and the certification is GI Bill reimbursable - contact your Sponsoring Group for documentation requirements.
The certification is valid for five years. Recertification requires passing both the written and performance exams again - there is no continuing education pathway to renew. A one-year grace period exists after expiration, but the exam must be retaken either way. Plan your recertification timeline accordingly, and start reviewing CP-1 well before your expiration date.
For a complete breakdown of how the two exam components differ in format, scoring, and preparation strategies, ACI Exam Written vs Performance: Key Differences 2026 covers both in detail. And for ongoing domain-specific practice, ACI Exam Prep's practice question bank is organized by ASTM section so you can target your weakest domains before exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the only official source for exam content, and both exam components are based entirely on it. Supplementing with domain-specific practice questions helps you apply the material under timed, closed-book conditions - but the CP-1 is where all correct answers originate. Do not rely on older editions, as ASTM standards are updated periodically.
Both components must be passed to earn the certification. If you pass one and fail the other, you will need to retake the failed component. Specific retake policies - including whether you must retake both or only the failed component - vary by Sponsoring Group, so confirm this with your local testing site before exam day.
Yes, but only a simple calculator capable of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root. Scientific calculators, programmable calculators, and phone-based calculators are not permitted. The calculation requirement is primarily for C138 density, yield, and gravimetric air content formulas.
ASTM C31 (Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens) is the most expansive domain and the one candidates most frequently underestimate. It covers cylinder and beam fabrication, multiple curing scenarios, transportation requirements, and capping procedures. After C31, prioritize C138 if calculation-based questions are a weakness, and C172 because it underpins every other test and is also evaluated orally in the performance component.
The certification is widely required or preferred by ready-mix concrete producers, construction materials testing laboratories, state departments of transportation, general contractors on public works projects, and special inspection firms. Many public infrastructure and commercial construction projects specify ACI-certified field technicians in their quality control plans, making the credential a practical requirement for field inspection and QC roles in the concrete industry.