OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Free Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate written examination Practice Questions

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

View examination details, outline and sources

Loading selected examination banks…

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate written examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1Before applying a hazardous decorative concrete sealer, a finisher consults its safety data sheet for recommended personal protective measures. Which section addresses that information?

    1. A.Section 2: Hazard Identification
    2. B.Section 4: First-Aid Measures
    3. C.Section 7: Handling and Storage
    4. D.Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal ProtectionCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: OSHA states that Section 8 "indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure." The finisher should consult that section for protective measures.

    Reference: Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets — Section 8, p. 4

  2. 2A finisher is setting forms for a straight accessible walking surface subject to the 2010 ADA Standards. No exception or special turning or passing-space requirement applies. What is the minimum clear width?

    1. A.32 inches
    2. B.36 inchesCorrect answer: B
    3. C.42 inches
    4. D.48 inches

    Explanation: Section 403.5.1 states, "the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum." The specified straight route is subject to the general minimum, not the exceptions.

    Reference: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design — § 403.5.1

  3. 3A finisher reviewing site documents is told to consult the soils report before preparing a decorative slab. Which other name identifies that report?

    1. A.Geotechnical investigation reportCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Environmental site assessment report
    3. C.Construction materials testing report
    4. D.Topographic survey report

    Explanation: ACI's workbook asks "The soils report is also known as the geotechnical investigation report. True or False?" Its answer key gives "A. True" for that question.

    Reference: Craftsman Workbook for Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate (CP-12) — Study Questions, Chapter 3, question 1

  4. 4ACI describes typical dosages for fibers used to control plastic shrinkage cracking in flatwork. For fibrillated synthetic microfibers, what minimum dosage does it identify?

    1. A.0.5 lb/yd³
    2. B.1.5 lb/yd³Correct answer: B
    3. C.3.0 lb/yd³
    4. D.15.0 lb/yd³

    Explanation: ACI describes "at least 1.5 lb/yd³ (0.9 kg/m³) or 0.1 percent by volume for fibrillated fibers." The question asks for that minimum; larger dosages also meet the numerical lower bound but are not the minimum.

    Reference: What is the minimum fiber dosage? Is it possible to use less than the minimum dosage? — Answer, first paragraph

  5. 5A decorative flatwork crew uses integral color in a slab mixture. Through what portion of the slab does the color extend?

    1. A.The surface only
    2. B.The upper quarter
    3. C.The upper half
    4. D.The full depthCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: ACI's study question asks "Integral color extends through ________ of the slab." Its answer key gives "D. The full depth"; the pigment is incorporated throughout the mixture.

    Reference: Craftsman Workbook for Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate (CP-12) — Study Questions, Chapter 5, question 4

  6. 6A crew wants to delay setting at the surface of a newly placed slab so that aggregate can later be exposed. Which material serves that purpose?

    1. A.Curing compound
    2. B.Surface retarderCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Release agent
    4. D.Accelerating admixture

    Explanation: ACI defines a surface retarder as one applied to newly placed concrete "to delay setting of the cement, facilitate construction joint cleanup, or facilitate production of exposed-aggregate finish." This is the crew's intended effect.

    Reference: ACI Concrete Terminology (ACI CT-25) — Surface retarder, p. 69

  7. 7During stamped flatwork production, when does ACI's study material indicate that release agent should be applied?

    1. A.Immediately before color hardener is applied
    2. B.Immediately before the texturing process beginsCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Immediately after the texturing process ends
    4. D.Immediately after the curing process ends

    Explanation: The workbook asks "Release agent should be applied:" and its key answers "C. Right before the texturing process begins". The release agent is applied immediately before stamping.

    Reference: Craftsman Workbook for Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate (CP-12) — Study Questions, Chapter 7, question 5

  8. 8A finisher is considering the deterioration risk of seeded aggregate in decorative concrete. Which aggregate constituent can react with alkali hydroxyl ions and lead to an expansive gel in the presence of moisture?

    1. A.Reactive siliceous mineralsCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Reactive carbonate minerals
    3. C.Iron sulfide minerals
    4. D.Calcium sulfate minerals

    Explanation: FHWA states that ASR is caused by the "reaction between alkali hydroxyl ions in portland cement and certain siliceous minerals found in some aggregates." The resulting gel can expand when moisture is available.

    Reference: FHWA ASR Reference Center — ASR Reference Center, overview

  9. 9A finisher is preparing a concrete mixture for placing decorative stairs. What maximum slump does ACI's study material recommend?

    1. A.2 in. (50 mm)
    2. B.4 in. (100 mm)Correct answer: B
    3. C.6 in. (150 mm)
    4. D.8 in. (200 mm)

    Explanation: ACI asks "The maximum slump for use in the placement of stairs should not exceed:" and identifies "B. 4 in. (100 mm)" in the answer key. Four inches is the stated upper limit.

    Reference: Craftsman Workbook for Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate (CP-12) — Study Questions, Chapter 9, question 5

  10. 10After finishing a decorative slab, a finisher applies a liquid to the newly placed surface to restrict the loss of water during curing. Which material is being used?

    1. A.Release agent
    2. B.Surface retarder
    3. C.Curing compoundCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Penetrating sealer

    Explanation: ACI defines a curing compound as "a liquid applied to the surface of newly placed concrete that retards the loss of water." The liquid is being used to retain curing moisture.

    Reference: ACI Concrete Terminology (ACI CT-25) — Curing compound

Exam Review

About Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate written examination

Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate written examination · US

Key exam facts

Provider
American Concrete Institute; local sponsoring groups administer sessions
Format
Closed-book multiple-choice written examination; approved verbal administration available
Time limit
2 hours (120 minutes)
Passing score
70%

Topics covered

  • Safety

    • Know the minimum safety equipment required when working with wet concrete.
    • Know the SDS requirements for hazardous materials.
    • Understand the ventilation requirements related to solvent-based materials.
    • Understand when an approved respirator should be worn.
    • Understand the need to barricade the work area and maintain cleanliness.
    • Know the safety recommendations for working with electric tools.

  • Layout Considerations - Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines

    • Understand the acronym ADA.
    • Know the minimum width for an Accessible Route.
    • Know the Cross Slope for Walks and Ramps.
    • Understand the purpose of the ADA.
    • Understand the ramifications of noncompliance with the ADA.

  • Soils, Subgrade, and Base Requirements

    • Understand the purpose and terminology of a soils report.
    • Understand requirements that may be affected by the soils report.
    • Know how the subgrade is prepared.
    • Understand how to handle conflicting requirements from the soils report.

  • Forming, Reinforcement, and Dowels

    • Know the purpose of forming.
    • Understand the need to identify problems or conflicts before concrete is placed.
    • Know the recommended placing strategy for decorative concrete.
    • Understand the typical reinforcement for decorative concrete paving.
    • Understand the disadvantages of welded wire reinforcement.
    • Understand the importance of reinforcement position.
    • Know the proper method to place welded wire reinforcement and steel reinforcement.
    • Know the purposes for dowels.
    • Understand the purpose of microfibers.
    • Know the effects of microfibers on concrete aesthetics.
    • Understand the various names for isolation joints.
    • Understand the various names for contraction joints.
    • Know where isolation joints are placed.
    • Know where contraction joints are placed.
    • Know proper contraction joint spacing.
    • Understand the relationship between water-cementitious materials ratio and shrinkage cracking.
    • Understand the effect of subgrade on shrinkage cracking.
    • Understand how isolation joints function.
    • Understand how contraction joints function.
    • Understand how contraction joints are constructed.
    • Know when joints should be cut with saws.
    • Know how to select the proper form size and stakes.
    • Know welded-wire reinforcement designations.
    • Know the dosage rate of microfibers.
    • Understand the purpose of a contraction joint.
    • Understand the purpose of saw cutting construction joints.
    • Understand how the subgrade affects a concrete slab.
    • Understand how isolation joints are decoratively treated.
    • Understand slope recommendations for paving.

  • Basic Decorative Concrete Components

    • Understand the effect of aggregate size on water requirement.
    • Understand the effect of high water content on cracking.
    • Know the effect of aggregate size on cracking potential.
    • Understand the effect of fly ash on color.
    • Understand the effect of fly ash and slag cement on setting time.
    • Know the mix design criteria for areas that experience cycles of freezing and thawing.
    • Know when air entrainment is and is not needed for decorative concrete.
    • Understand the problems encountered when finishing concrete with entrained air.
    • Know how to minimize the problems encountered when finishing concrete with entrained air.
    • Understand why calcium chloride should not be used.
    • Know the disadvantages of carbon black.
    • Understand release agents.
    • Know release agent removal requirements.
    • Know the levels of exposure for top-surface retarders.
    • Know how to calculate how many stamping mats are needed.
    • Understand the use of flexible stamping mats.
    • Understand the use for tampers.
    • Understand why hand rollers are used after the stamping mats are removed.
    • Know the benefits, disadvantages, and dosage rate of integral color.
    • Know the composition, benefits, and disadvantages of color hardeners.
    • Understand the effects of supplementary cementitious materials on concrete color.
    • Know and be able to use basic tools for decorative flatwork.

  • Concrete Surface Retarders

    • Know when a top surface retarder is applied.
    • Understand why top surface retarders are used for decorative concrete.
    • Know the different aggregate exposure levels.
    • Understand how top surface retarders are applied.
    • Know the guidelines for use of surface retarders.

  • Stamped Concrete

    • Know the appropriate aggregate sizes for stamped concrete.
    • Know the alignment requirements with regards to a specific stamping tool.
    • Know when curing should be applied to decorative concrete.
    • Know which curing methods are appropriate for decorative concrete.
    • Understand the need for curing the mock-up panel.
    • Understand the cleaning requirements with release agent prior to sealer application.
    • Know the application of release agent.
    • Know and be able to perform application of color hardener.

  • Seeding Special Aggregates

    • Know the requirements of ASTM C33 for seeded aggregate.
    • Know what sizes of aggregate are used and at what rate.
    • Know how and be able to construct exposed aggregate concrete using the seeded aggregate method.
    • Know what should be included in a mock up and when to create it.
    • Understand the basic concept of alkali-silica reaction.
    • Understand the effect of aggregate color on albedo.
    • Understand the benefits of dark colors for vehicular paving.

  • Decorative Treatment of Stairs

    • Understand the dimension requirements for stairs.
    • Know the requirements for the radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread on stairs.
    • Know the projection requirements for stair nosings.
    • Know the slope requirement for stair treads.
    • Know the appropriate slump for stairs.
    • Understand the direction of concrete placement for stairs.
    • Understand the direction of concrete finishing for stairs.
    • Understand when a mock-up should be constructed.
    • Understand timing of stair construction.
    • Understand application of color hardener to stairs.

  • Sealing Decorative Concrete

    • Know the difference between curing compounds, sealers, and cure and seal products.
    • Know the different types of sealers.
    • Understand compliance with VOC regulations.
    • Know the major causes of problems when applying sealers to decorative concrete.
    • Know the potential surface contaminants
    • Know the requirements for surface cleanliness prior to sealer application.
    • Know how sealers are applied.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Closed-book multiple-choice written examination; approved verbal administration available

How long is the exam?

2 hours (120 minutes)

What is the passing score?

70%

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.