Why ACI Certification

Concrete provides structures with strength, rigidity, and resilience from deformation. These characteristics, however, result in concrete structures lacking the flexibility to move in response to environmental or volume changes. Cracking is usually the first sign of distress in concrete. Cracking of concrete flatwork is natural, expected, and accepted. However, cracks may affect appearance, performance, and maintenance costs. This presentation will discuss the various types of concrete cracks and how to best minimize their occurrence.  The presenter will be Kim Basham PhD, PE, FACI (KB Engineering LLC)

This webinar was developed cooperatively by concrete-related associations from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The goal of the cooperative effort is to bring a greater awareness of cast-in-place concrete to the design and construction communities via quality continuing education programs.

A Concrete Flatwork Associate (formerly Concrete Flatwork Technician) is a person who has demonstrated knowledge (via a written examination) on proper procedures to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete flatwork.

Certification Requirements:  ACI will grant certification to those candidates who obtain a passing grade on the written examination.  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%.

Recertification is necessary every five years and requires successful completion of a written examination OR 10 hours documented continuing education from an approved source. Individuals with Concrete Flatwork Associate certification can upgrade to Advanced Finisher status upon submittal and approval of sufficient work experience or combination of sufficient work experience and passing the ACI performance examination. Certification at the Advanced Finisher level is valid for the remainder of the original Associate certification period.

An Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher (formerly Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Technician) is a craftsman who has demonstrated the knowledge AND skills and/or experience necessary to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete flatwork.

Certification Requirements:  ACI will grant certification to those candidates who obtain a passing grade on the written examination PLUS either:

Possess 4,500 hours of actual on-the-job finishing* experience (approximately three years of regular full-time work) OR possess 1,500 hours of actual on-the-job finishing* experience (approximately one year of regular full-time work) AND successfully complete the performance examination**.

**MCC will NOT be offering a performance examination at this class, so anyone seeking Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher Certification at this class MUST possess 4,500 hours of actual on-the-job finishing experience.

Recertification is necessary every five years and requires successful completion of either a written examination, or a combination of 10 hours documented continuing education from an approved source and 4500 hours of verified continuing work experience attained within the previous 5 years.

*Finishing experience includes concrete placement, consolidation, jointing, curing and protection, finishing, form setting, prep work, rubbing, patching, and saw cutting. Verification of the work experience by the candidate's employer(s) is required.

JOIN US AT AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING FOR A PRESENTATION AND TOUR.  THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS.

If you work with concrete, you may already be aware of the challenges that come with making, curing and handling concrete test cylinders in the field. In fact, this is the most common problem in concrete construction. How can you do a proper concrete compressive strength test, and why is that so important?  This presentation will discuss how samples should be obtained, cured, handled, and tested as well as what can happen if these rules are not followed.  A discussion on concrete field testing and special inspections will also be covered.  A brief tour of the laboratory facilities will follow the presentation.

Cost to attend is $20.  The event is limited to 50 participants.  Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance for 1.5 AIA CES LU's or 1.5 PDH's