Illinois Concrete Finishing Contractor
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A
1. Workability of fresh concrete refers to its:
A. Compressive strength
B. Ease of placement and finishing
C. Color
D. Cure rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Workability measures how easily concrete can be placed, consolidated, and finished.
2. The slump test measures:
A. Air content
B. Water absorption
C. Consistency/workability
D. Compressive strength
Answer: C
3. Excess water in a concrete mix generally:
A. Increases strength
B. Improves durability
C. Weakens the finish
D. Helps curing
Answer: C
Rationale: Too much water increases porosity and reduces strength and finish quality.
4. Air-entrained concrete improves resistance to:
A. Fire
B. Abrasion
,C. Freeze-thaw cycles
D. Color fade
Answer: C
5. A typical structural concrete mix has a target compressive strength of:
A. 1,000 psi
B. 4,000 psi
C. 10,000 psi
D. 20,000 psi
Answer: B
6. Cement hydration is the chemical process by which:
A. Water evaporates
B. Concrete hardens
C. Slump increases
D. Rebar corrodes
Answer: B
7. Silica fume added to concrete:
A. Decreases strength
B. Reduces permeability
C. Slows curing
D. Increases weight
Answer: B
8. Concrete temperature affects:
A. Coloring only
B. Setting time and finishing window
C. Only curing
D. Nothing
Answer: B
9. Segregation in concrete refers to:
A. Color separation
B. Aggregate separating from paste
C. Air mixing
, D. Proper finish
Answer: B
10. “Bleeding” in concrete is:
A. Color change
B. Water rising to the surface
C. Formation of cracks
D. Aggregate settlement
Answer: B
11–20: Tools & Equipment
11. A bull float is used to:
A. Apply curing compound
B. Smooth and level concrete after screeding
C. Mix concrete
D. Test compressive strength
Answer: B
12. Power trowels are used for:
A. Rough finishing
B. Producing a smooth, dense surface
C. Curing water application
D. Screening soil
Answer: B
13. A screed board’s main purpose is to:
A. Decorate the slab
B. Remove excess concrete and establish grade
C. Measure air content
D. Test slump
Answer: B
14. Edgers are used to:
A. Cure concrete
B. Round slab edges
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A
1. Workability of fresh concrete refers to its:
A. Compressive strength
B. Ease of placement and finishing
C. Color
D. Cure rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Workability measures how easily concrete can be placed, consolidated, and finished.
2. The slump test measures:
A. Air content
B. Water absorption
C. Consistency/workability
D. Compressive strength
Answer: C
3. Excess water in a concrete mix generally:
A. Increases strength
B. Improves durability
C. Weakens the finish
D. Helps curing
Answer: C
Rationale: Too much water increases porosity and reduces strength and finish quality.
4. Air-entrained concrete improves resistance to:
A. Fire
B. Abrasion
,C. Freeze-thaw cycles
D. Color fade
Answer: C
5. A typical structural concrete mix has a target compressive strength of:
A. 1,000 psi
B. 4,000 psi
C. 10,000 psi
D. 20,000 psi
Answer: B
6. Cement hydration is the chemical process by which:
A. Water evaporates
B. Concrete hardens
C. Slump increases
D. Rebar corrodes
Answer: B
7. Silica fume added to concrete:
A. Decreases strength
B. Reduces permeability
C. Slows curing
D. Increases weight
Answer: B
8. Concrete temperature affects:
A. Coloring only
B. Setting time and finishing window
C. Only curing
D. Nothing
Answer: B
9. Segregation in concrete refers to:
A. Color separation
B. Aggregate separating from paste
C. Air mixing
, D. Proper finish
Answer: B
10. “Bleeding” in concrete is:
A. Color change
B. Water rising to the surface
C. Formation of cracks
D. Aggregate settlement
Answer: B
11–20: Tools & Equipment
11. A bull float is used to:
A. Apply curing compound
B. Smooth and level concrete after screeding
C. Mix concrete
D. Test compressive strength
Answer: B
12. Power trowels are used for:
A. Rough finishing
B. Producing a smooth, dense surface
C. Curing water application
D. Screening soil
Answer: B
13. A screed board’s main purpose is to:
A. Decorate the slab
B. Remove excess concrete and establish grade
C. Measure air content
D. Test slump
Answer: B
14. Edgers are used to:
A. Cure concrete
B. Round slab edges
