ACI CLTT-2 study plan
ACI CLTT-2 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Laboratory Concrete Testing
Map the full CLTT-2 domain outline and weight each task by exam percentage
Define the vocabulary of fresh concrete testing: slump, air content, unit weight, yield, temperature
List the ASTM standards governing each core fresh-concrete test and state what each standard controls
Set up a study log with one page per test method for later recall drills
Your checkpoint
A one-page standards crosswalk table listing each fresh-concrete test, its governing standard, and the property it measures
Laboratory Concrete Testing
Describe the procedure for slump testing step by step from memory
Explain how to prepare and condition a sample before testing
Identify the common procedural errors that invalidate a slump result
Practice interpreting non-standard slump outcomes (shear, collapse, segregation)
Your checkpoint
A written procedure for slump testing with a checklist of at least eight procedural pitfalls
Laboratory Concrete Testing
Explain the pressure method and volumetric method for air content and when each applies
Calculate unit weight, yield, and relative yield from given batch data
Describe temperature and sampling requirements for field and lab specimens
Work through at least ten numerical practice problems on yield and air content
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of ten yield/unit-weight/air-content calculations with answers and method notes
Laboratory Concrete Testing
Outline the procedure for casting, curing, and breaking compressive strength specimens
Explain cylinder end preparation, cap requirements, and specimen conditioning
Describe how to evaluate a break result against acceptance criteria
Review all Domain 1 notes and close gaps flagged in the study log
Your checkpoint
A Domain 1 self-test scored at 75% or higher, with an error log of every missed item
Aggregate Testing
Map the aggregate testing domain and rank methods by exam weight
Define key aggregate properties: gradation, fineness modulus, absorption, specific gravity, moisture content
Explain sampling and reduction of aggregate field samples to test size
List the governing standards for each aggregate test in the domain
Your checkpoint
A standards crosswalk table for aggregate tests paralleling the Domain 1 table
Aggregate Testing
Describe the sieve analysis procedure and how to build a gradation curve
Calculate fineness modulus from a completed sieve analysis
Explain the difference between oven-dry, saturated-surface-dry, and as-received moisture states
Compute absorption and specific gravity from given mass data
Your checkpoint
A completed sieve analysis with gradation curve, fineness modulus, and absorption/specific gravity calculations
Aggregate Testing
Explain moisture content determination and its effect on batch water adjustment
Describe tests for aggregate durability, soundness, and deleterious materials at a conceptual level
Work through aggregate calculation problems under time pressure
Review all Domain 2 notes and close gaps flagged in the study log
Your checkpoint
A Domain 2 self-test scored at 80% or higher, with an error log of every missed item
Laboratory Concrete Testing & Aggregate Testing
Re-drill every item in both error logs until each is answered correctly twice
Take two full-length timed practice exams and score each
Review the standards crosswalk tables for both domains end to end
Identify and shore up the two weakest subtopics before exam day
Your checkpoint
Two completed timed practice exams with scores, reviewed error logs, and a final one-page weak-spot summary
Milestones
Week 2: Can recite the slump procedure and list its pitfalls without notes
Week 4: Domain 1 self-test at 75% or higher with error log complete
Week 6: Can compute fineness modulus, absorption, and specific gravity from raw data without reference
Week 8: Both timed practice exams completed at 80% or higher overall