A Concrete Flatwork Technician is a person who is knowledgeable about proper procedures to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete flatwork, but who lacks sufficient work experience to qualify as a concrete flatwork finisher.
 

The primary technical resource for this program is ACI's Concrete Craftsman Series, Slabs on Grade, CCS-1.

Other supplemental technical resource materials used in these programs include the following:

Concrete Primer, SP-1, American Concrete Institute

Guide to Finishing and Related Problems, Concrete Construction Publications

The programs require knowledge in the following areas of concrete construction:

1) Basic concrete technology

2) Concrete materials and mix proportioning

3) Concrete control tests

4) Proper use of finishing tools

5) Placing, consolidation, and finishing

6) Edging, jointing, curing, and protection
 

Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician

ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who obtain a passing grade on the written examination, and either a) possess one year (1500 hours) of approved work experience and successfully complete the ACI performance examination or b) possess 3 years (4500 hours) of approved work experience and successfully complete the Alternative Performance Affidavit (Form D16).

The work experience must include placing, consolidation, finishing, edging, jointing, curing, and protection of concrete flatwork. Verification of the amount and range of work experience by the applicant's employer(s) is required.

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%.

During the performance examination each examinee must place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, begin curing and provide initial protection for a concrete slab. The examiner will observe and evaluate the techniques used and record passing or failing grades on the various individual procedures. A passing grade is defined as "no significant variation from proper procedure and no more than two variations from proper technique in the use of the tools."

The Alternative Performance Affidavit (Form D16) is a possible alternative to the performance examination. It requires each applicant to submit a signed affidavit(s) from current and/or previous employers verifying that the applicant's proven abilities are equivalent to those listed in the ACI performance examination checklist.

Note: Optional forms and procedures are available for self-employed finishers.

Recertification is necessary every five (5) years, and requires successful completion of a written examination.

Concrete Flatwork Technician

ACI will grant certification to those examinees who obtain a passing grade on the written examination. Individuals with Flatwork Technician certification can upgrade to full Flatwork Finisher & Technician status upon submittal and approval of sufficient work experience, and successful completion of the ACI performance evaluation.

Recertification is necessary every five (5) years, and requires successful completion of a written examination.
 

Go to the ACI Bookstore on this website to order and/or obtain current pricing on any items listed below.

Title: Craftsman Workbook for ACI Certification of Concrete Flatwork Technician / Finisher

Description: A study guide that orients the examinee to the certification program and contains directions on how to prepare for the written examination and performance evaluation. Included are sample examination checklists, practice exams, study questions, and all technical resources. These include ACI's Slabs on Grade (CCS-1), and ACI's Concrete Primer (SP-1).

Title: Spanish Language Version of Craftsman Workbook for ACI Certification of Concrete Flatwork Technician / Finisher

Title: Video Tape - Finishing Concrete Flatwork

Description: Basic procedures are demonstrated for finishing concrete flatwork, using proper tools and finishing techniques as recommended by ACI and expert finishers. The video also covers subgrade and formwork preparation, concrete placement, jointing, curing, and special finishes, and emphasizes important do’s and don’ts.