Practice Exam Questions And Correct

ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary purpose of finishing concrete?
• To increase its compressive strength
• To produce a smooth, level, and uniform surface
• To reduce water-cement ratio
• To speed up curing

Rationale: Finishing is performed to achieve a flat, smooth, and

uniform surface suitable for its intended use.

• What is the ideal slump range for a typical flatwork slab using a normal

concrete mix?

• 0–1 inch
• 1–2 inches
• 3–4 inches 1 / 4

• 5–6 inches

Rationale: A slump of 3–4 inches provides good workability for

placement and finishing without excessive bleeding.

• Which tool is typically used for screeding freshly placed concrete?
• Trowel
• Straightedge
• Bull float
• Edger

Rationale: A straightedge is used to strike off excess concrete and

create a level surface.

• What is the purpose of using a bull float?
• Compact concrete
• Smooth the surface and embed aggregate
• Measure slab thickness
• Apply curing compound

Rationale: Bull floating helps to smooth the concrete surface and

bring fine material to the top.

• Which finishing technique helps reduce the likelihood of surface

cracking?

• Using high water content
• Delaying finishing operations
• Proper timing of finishing and control joints
• Excessive troweling 2 / 4

Rationale: Timely finishing and placement of control joints relieve

shrinkage stress and reduce cracking.

• What is the typical spacing of contraction joints in a concrete slab?
• 2–4 feet
• 5–7 feet
• 8–12 feet
• 15–20 feet

Rationale: Contraction joints are typically spaced 8–12 feet apart to

control cracking due to shrinkage.

• Which of the following is used to create a smooth, hard, and dense

surface after floating?

• Screed
• Edger
• Steel trowel
• Shovel

Rationale: Steel troweling densifies the surface, producing a smooth

and hard finish.

• When is hand troweling typically performed on a slab?
• Immediately after placement
• After initial set and floating
• Before screeding
• After curing 3 / 4

Rationale: Hand troweling is done after the concrete has stiffened

enough to support the trowel without leaving marks.

• What is the primary function of a concrete edger?
• Screed the concrete
• Compact the concrete
• Round the edges of a slab
• Apply curing compound

Rationale: Edgers create a rounded edge to prevent chipping and

improve durability.

• What is a common cause of surface scaling on concrete?
• Low cement content
• High air content
• Freezing and thawing of saturated surface
• Excessive troweling

Rationale: Scaling occurs when water in the surface layer freezes,

causing surface flaking.

• Which type of concrete finish is typically applied to driveways

for slip resistance?

• Smooth trowel finish
• Exposed aggregate finish
• Broom finish
• Steel trowel finish
• / 4