ICRI CSRT Grade 1 study guide
ICRI CSRT Grade 1 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ICRI Concrete Surface Repair Technician (CSRT) Grade 1 credential is an entry-level certification for people who perform or supervise hands-on repair of concrete surfaces - typically field technicians, apprentices, inspection helpers, and junior quality-control staff working on bridges, parking structures, industrial floors, and water infrastructure. It signals that a candidate understands why concrete deteriorates, how to prepare a substrate correctly, how to select and place repair materials, and how to work safely and document the job. The ICRI CSRT Grade 1 study guide has 6 sections and about 2,015 words.
01Concrete Fundamentals and Deterioration Mechanisms
This domain tests how concrete behaves as a composite and why repairs fail when deterioration mechanisms are misdiagnosed. Expect questions on transport, corrosion, freeze-thaw, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), sulfate attack, and physical damage.
343 words, about 2 min02Repair Materials and Material Selection
This domain tests whether you can select a repair material that is compatible with the substrate, exposure, and structural role, and whether you know the governing specifications and failure modes. Selection starts with substrate condition, exposure class, repair geometry, and whether the repair is structural.
360 words, about 2 min03Surface Preparation and Removal Techniques
This domain tests how to produce a sound, clean, rough, and properly conditioned concrete surface without damaging the substrate. Expect questions on ICRI CSP profiles, removal methods, edge geometry, and verification.
333 words, about 2 min04Repair Methods, Placement, and Curing
This domain tests correct execution: forming, bonding, placing, consolidating, finishing, and curing repairs in horizontal, vertical, and overhead orientations. Repair methods include formed repairs, shotcrete, hand placement, and proprietary systems.
336 words, about 2 min05Quality Control, Inspection, and Testing
This domain tests inspection and testing across pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases, including acceptance criteria and investigation of failed results. Pre-construction QC includes substrate evaluation, chloride and carbonation testing, moisture testing, mockups, and approval of materials and procedures.
322 words, about 2 min06Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Documentation
This domain tests jobsite safety during concrete removal and repair, environmental controls, and the documentation that proves the work complied with the specification. Crystalline silica is a major hazard in grinding, sawing, blasting, and demolition.
321 words, about 2 min