ACI Craftsman Certification Program: Concrete Flatwork
Finisher/Technician
Certification Program:
ACI Craftsman Certification Program
Certification Level:
Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician
Definition
A Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician is a craftsman who has demonstrated
the ability to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete
flatwork.
A Concrete Flatwork Technician is a person who is knowledgeable about proper
procedures to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete
flatwork, but who lacks sufficient work experience to qualify as a concrete
flatwork finisher.
Scope and Knowledge
The primary technical resource for this program is ACI's Concrete Craftsman
Series, Slabs on Grade, CCS-1.
Other supplemental technical resource materials used in these programs include
the following:
Concrete Primer, SP-1, American Concrete Institute
Guide to Finishing and Related Problems, Concrete Construction Publications
The programs require knowledge in the following areas of concrete construction:
1) Basic concrete technology
2) Concrete materials and mix proportioning
3) Concrete control tests
4) Proper use of finishing tools
5) Placing, consolidation, and finishing
6) Edging, jointing, curing, and protection
Certification Requirements
Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician
ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who obtain a passing grade on
the written examination, and either a) possess one year (1500 hours) of
approved work experience and successfully complete the ACI performance
examination or b) possess 3 years (4500 hours) of approved work experience
and successfully complete the Alternative Performance Affidavit (Form D16).
The work experience must include placing, consolidation, finishing, edging,
jointing, curing, and protection of concrete flatwork. Verification of the amount
and range of work experience by the applicant's employer(s) is required.
The two-hour written examination is "closed book" and consists of
approximately 50 multiple choice questions. The passing grade for the
written examination is 70%.
During the performance examination each examinee must place, consolidate,
finish, edge, joint, begin curing and provide initial protection for a concrete slab.
The examiner will observe and evaluate the techniques used and record
passing or failing grades on the various individual procedures. A passing
grade is defined as "no significant variation from proper procedure
and no more than two variations from proper technique in the use of the tools."
The Alternative Performance Affidavit (Form D16) is a possible alternative to the
performance examination. It requires each applicant to submit a signed affidavit
(s) from current and/or previous employers verifying that the applicant's proven
abilities are equivalent to those listed in the ACI performance examination
checklist.
Note: Optional forms and procedures are available for self-employed finishers.
Recertification is necessary every five (5) years, and requires successful
completion of a written examination.
Concrete Flatwork Technician
ACI will grant certification to those examinees who obtain a passing grade on
the written examination. Individuals with Flatwork Technician certification can
upgrade to full Flatwork Finisher & Technician status upon submittal and
approval of sufficient work experience, and successful completion of the
ACI performance evaluation.
Recertification is necessary every five (5) years, and requires successful
completion of a written examination.
Study Material
Go to the ACI Bookstore on this website to order and/or obtain current
pricing on any items listed below.
Title: Craftsman Workbook for ACI Certification of Concrete Flatwork
Technician / Finisher
Description: A study guide that orients the examinee to the certification program
and contains directions on how to prepare for the written examination and
performance evaluation. Included are sample examination checklists, practice
exams, study questions, and all technical resources. These include ACI's
Slabs on Grade (CCS-1), and ACI's Concrete Primer (SP-1).
Title: Spanish Language Version of Craftsman Workbook for ACI Certification
of Concrete Flatwork Technician / Finisher
Title: Video Tape - Finishing Concrete Flatwork
Description: Basic procedures are demonstrated for finishing concrete flatwork,
using proper tools and finishing techniques as recommended by ACI and expert
finishers. The video also covers subgrade and formwork preparation, concrete
placement, jointing, curing, and special finishes, and emphasizes important do’s
and don’ts.