Aggregate Base Testing Technician - AASHTO Methods

OVERVIEW

An Aggregate Base Testing Technician - AASHTO Methods is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates and soils using AASHTO standards.

SCOPE AND KNOWLEDGE

The program requires a working knowledge of the following AASHTO standards:

• AASHTO R 90-18—Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregate Products
• AASHTO R 76-23—Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
• AASHTO R 58-22—Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil-Aggregate Samples for Test
• AASHTO T 89-22—Standard Method of Test for Determining the Liquid Limit of Soils
• AASHTO T 90-22—Standard Method of Test for Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils
• AASHTO T 88-22—Standard Method of Test for Particle Size Analysis of Soils
• AASHTO T 265-22—Standard Method of Test for Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils
• AASHTO T 180-22—Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg (10-lb) Rammer and a 457-mm (18-in.) Drop
• AASHTO T 99-22—Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in.) Drop

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both of the following requirements:

1. A passing grade on the ACI written examination, and

2. Successful completion of the ACI performance examination.

The two-hour written examination is open-book and consists of approximately 75 multiple-choice questions. There are 8 to 12 questions on each of the standards.

To pass the written examination, both of the following conditions must be met:

1. At least 60% correct for each of the required standards, and
2. A minimum score of 70% overall.

The performance examination is closed-book and requires actual demonstration of the required standards. The examinee is judged on his/her ability to correctly perform or describe all of the required procedures for each standard.

Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of successfully completing all requirements.

Recertification requires successful completion of both the written and performance examinations.

A candidate who is certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods may become certified as Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods by passing the written examination (only) for Aggregate Base Testing Technician—AASHTO Methods within one year of having achieved the Aggregate Base Testing Technician—ASTM Methods certification.

RECORDING DEVICES

ALL cell phones and other recording devices such as Smart Glasses (Meta, Google, Apple, Samsung, Snap, XREAL, Rokid, Viture, RayNeo, Vizix, Microsoft, Epson RealWear, etc.) are NOT allowed to be accessed/worn during any ACI Examination.  All such devices must either be surrendered to the examiner for return following the exam or stowed out of arm's reach during the examination and set to silent (in the case of cell phones).

NO WEAPONS

No weapons are permitted at any ACI Certification session.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT

Individuals requesting special accommodations enabling them to participate in ACI certification examinations must submit a letter from their primary physician to the Kansas Chapter ACI describing the physical challenge and providing a proposed solution (i.e. more time, a reader for the questions, physical assistance, etc.).  The Kansas Chapter ACI will forward the request and physician’s letter to ACI for direction.  Since the notification and formulation of appropriate accommodations takes time, candidates must make their request and submit the physician letter to the Kansas Chapter ACI at least three weeks prior to a certification examination session to formulate appropriate accommodations, arrange for their availability at the session, and accept the registration.