ACI Aggregate Level 2
ACI Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 2
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The ACI Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 2 is one of the certification programs administered by the American Concrete Institute, listed on ACI's Certification Programs page under the Aggregate Testing category alongside Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1. ACI describes its certification offerings as "designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry," and examinations are delivered through an international network of sponsoring groups. This page is an independent study resource; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACI. The credential targets technicians and laboratory personnel who already perform aggregate sampling and testing and want documented evidence of their competence. Because this is the second tier of the aggregate testing track, candidates should be comfortable with routine aggregate test procedures, careful specimen handling, and accurate recording and reporting of results before attempting it. ACI's site groups its testing programs around the ability to "perform, record, and report the results of concrete field/laboratory tests," which is a fair description of what a Level 2 candidate is expected to demonstrate. Preparation should combine hands-on practice under supervision, close reading of the governing ASTM test methods, and repeated rehearsal of calculation and reporting steps. ACI does not publish exam duration, question count, passing score, fee, or retake terms on the page cited here, so confirm those details with your local sponsoring group before scheduling.
What you'll study
About ACI Aggregate Level 2 preparation
Who administers the Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 2 exam?
ACI lists the program on its Certification Programs page and states that certification examinations and optional training courses "are conducted through an international network of over 135 sponsoring groups." You register and test through a sponsoring group rather than directly with ACI, so contact the group nearest you for scheduling.
How much does the exam cost?
The ACI page used for this guide does not state a fee for the Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 2 program. Fees are typically set by the sponsoring group delivering the exam and may bundle optional training. Ask your sponsoring group for a written quote covering exam, training, and any retest charges before you commit.
How long is the exam and how many questions does it have?
ACI does not publish the duration or item count for this program on the certification programs page. Length and format are set by the sponsoring group administering the session. Request the current exam outline and time allowance in writing when you register so you can plan your pacing and any travel.
What score do I need to pass?
No passing score is stated on the ACI page cited here. Passing criteria are established by ACI and applied by the sponsoring group, and they can differ between the written and performance portions. Confirm the current requirement with your sponsoring group rather than relying on secondhand numbers from other candidates.
If I fail, can I retake it?
The source page does not describe a retake policy for this program. Retake eligibility, waiting periods, and any additional fees are handled by the sponsoring group. Ask specifically whether a failed portion can be retested alone or whether the full exam must be repeated, and get the answer before you test.
How is Level 2 different from Level 1?
ACI lists Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1 and Level 2 as separate programs in the same Aggregate Testing category, with Level 2 positioned as the higher tier. The public page does not enumerate the technical differences. Obtain both exam outlines from your sponsoring group and compare the test methods covered before deciding which to attempt.
Is the certification valid for a set number of years?
The ACI page cited here does not state a validity period for this program. ACI does report that over 120,000 certifications are currently maintained, which indicates an ongoing maintenance requirement of some kind. Ask your sponsoring group about expiration and renewal before your certification lapses.
What should I study first?
Start with the specific ASTM test methods named in your sponsoring group's exam outline, since the program is built around performing, recording, and reporting laboratory test results. Then drill the calculations and reporting conventions, because arithmetic and transcription errors are common failure points even for experienced technicians.
What causes most failures on performance-based aggregate exams?
Experienced technicians usually lose points on procedure discipline rather than knowledge: skipping required sample reduction steps, using out-of-tolerance equipment, recording data to the wrong precision, or omitting a required observation. Rehearse each method end to end exactly as written, out loud, with someone checking your sequence against the standard.
Does ACI offer training to go with the exam?
ACI states that "certification examinations and optional training courses are conducted through an international network of over 135 sponsoring groups," so training is optional and arranged locally. Whether a course is offered, its length, and its cost vary by sponsoring group. Ask whether the training is recommended or required for your session.