Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO

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2026 Aggregate Base Scheduling Change: ADVANCED LAB

In an effort to maximize our available space, to more efficiently utilize our Supplemental Examiners, and to better accommodate testing needs, all ACI Aggregate Base exam sessions will occur in tandem with other exams. These sessions will be referred to as Advanced Lab sessions and will have a shared capacity across five (5) exams: Aggregate Level 2 (Agg 2), Aggregate Base ASTM (Agg Base ASTM), Aggregate Base AASHTO (Agg Base AASHTO), Laboratory Level 2 (Lab 2), and Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC). Examinees will be allowed to register for up to 2 different exams on the same date if desired.

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2026 Advanced Lab Dates [Not Yet Open for Registration]:

PLEASE NOTE: While we do aim to open registrations at the start of the day they’re scheduled to be opened, there may be times where this isn’t possible and registration won’t open until later in the day. This is most likely to happen when the date falls on a Monday or immediately after a Holiday or large CRMCA event. We appreciate your patience and understanding when these situations arise.

*This is the anticipated schedule for 2026. Dates and locations are not expected to change, but may be adjusted if needed.*

Exam Date	Location	Exam Capacity	Registration Opens	Notes
12.04.2026	Denver	30 Total	10.15.2026	Advanced Lab Shared Session

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Certification Split:

The Aggregate Base Testing Technician certification program is now offered in two separate certification designations:

• Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods
• Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods

An Aggregate Base Testing Technician 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 or AASHTO standards, depending on the certification designation selected.

Candidates should register for the certification designation required by their employer, agency, owner, or project specifications.

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 and vice versa.

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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

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Certification Requirements:

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

1. Both the written and performance examinations for Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods must be passed within a one-year period.
2. A candidate who is certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods may become certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods by passing the written examination (only) for Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods within one year of having achieved the Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods certification.

 

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

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Certification Designation Usages:

Certification Designation	Typical CO Usage
ASTM Methods	Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bureau of Reclamation Airports & Aviation Authorities U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Federal Facilities & Infrastructure Projects ASTM-Based Project Specifications National Specifications Commercial Development Projects Private-Sector Projects
AASHTO Methods	State DOT Specifications Transportation Agency Projects Highway & Roadway Projects CDOT-Related Work (when specified) AASHTO-Based Project Specifications Public Transportation Infrastructure Projects Owner Specifications Requiring AASHTO Procedures

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