Flatwork Finisher & Technician
Definition
A Concrete Flatwork Finisher is a craftsman who has demonstrated knowledge about and the ability to place, consolidate, finish, edge, joint, cure, and protect concrete flatwork.
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 lacks sufficient work experience to qualify as a Concrete Flatwork Finisher.
Scope & Knowledge
The primary technical resource for this program is ACI's Concrete Craftsman Series, Slabs on Grade, CCS-1. The program requires knowledge in the following areas of concrete construction:
- 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
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Finishing problems and possible solutions
Certification Requirements
For Concrete Flatwork Finisher:
- Possess one year (1500 hours) of approved work experience and successfully complete the ACI performance examination
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Possess three 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.
Click here for work-experience forms & instructions.
Exam Details:
- Written Examination: Two-hour closed-book exam consisting of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions.
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Passing Grade: 70%.
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 techniques used and record passing or failing grades.
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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."
Alternative Performance Affidavit (Form D16):
- Instead of the performance examination, applicants may submit a signed affidavit(s) from current and/or previous employers verifying that their abilities match those in the ACI performance examination checklist.
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Optional forms and procedures are available for self-employed finishers.
Recertification: Required every five years and involves successful completion of a written examination.
For 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 status upon:
- Submittal and approval of sufficient work experience.
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Successful completion of the ACI performance evaluation.
Recertification: Required every five years and involves successful completion of a written examination.
