Definition:

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.

A Concrete Flatwork Finisher (formerly Concrete Flatwork Tradesman) is a craftsman who has demonstrated the skills (via a hands-on performance exam) necessary to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect concrete flatwork.

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.

Scope and Knowledge:

The primary technical resource for these programs is ACI “Concrete Craftsman Series” CCS-1, Slabs on Ground. These programs require the demonstration of knowledge and/or hands-on skills in the following areas of concrete construction and as listed on the Job Task Analysis (JTA):

• Planning for slab-on-ground placement
• Concrete materials, mixture proportioning, and control tests
• Preparation before placing concrete
• Floor flatness and levelness
• Placing equipment
• Finishing tools and equipment
• Procedures for finishing slabs-on-ground
• Jointing
• Curing and protection of concrete
• Finishing problems and possible solutions

The JTA is a detailed list of specific points of knowledge and/or skills that may be included in the examinations for this ACI Certification program. ACI urges candidates to use the JTA to prepare for the certification exams.

JTA for ACI Certification of Concrete Flatwork Associate, Finisher, and Advanced Finisher

Certification Requirements:

Concrete Flatwork Associate: 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.

Concrete Flatwork Finisher: ACI will grant certification to those candidates who:

• Possess 1,500 hours of actual on-the-job finishing* experience (approximately one year of regular full-time work) AND 
• Successfully pass the performance examination**

Recertification is necessary every five years and requires successful completion of either a performance examination OR a combination of 10 hours documented continuing education from an approved source and 1500 additional hours of verified continuing work experience attained within the previous 5 years. Individuals with Concrete Flatwork Finisher certification can upgrade to Advanced Finisher status upon successful completion of the written examination. Certification at the Advanced Finisher level is valid for the remainder of the original Finisher certification period.

Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher: ACI will grant certification to those candidates who obtain a passing grade on the written examination PLUS either:

• 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**, OR 
• Possess 4,500 hours of actual on-the-job finishing* experience (approximately three years of regular full-time work) 

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. 

**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.