Career roadmap
How to Become a Concrete Finisher
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a concrete finisher, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a concrete finisher: (1) start as a laborer, (2) learn finishing basics, (3) master troweling, (4) get certified, (5) advance. Most people need about 3–12 months on the job. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a concrete finisher
Start as a laborer
Help with forms, placing and cleanup.
Learn finishing basics
Practice screeding, floating and edging.
Master troweling
Learn hand and power troweling and timing.
Get certified
Earn ACI flatwork and safety certifications.
Advance
Become a lead finisher, foreman or concrete contractor.
Education and training requirements
No formal education is required. Most finishers learn on the job. Apprenticeships last about three years and include classroom training on concrete properties, blueprints and safety.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | No formal educational credential |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 3–12 months on the job |
Certifications and licenses
- ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher: American Concrete Institute certification for finishers.
- ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I: Certification to perform field tests such as slump and air content.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction: Basic construction safety training.
- Silica safety training: Training on controlling silica dust when cutting and grinding.
Skills to build now
Start with screeding and floating, hand and power troweling, and reading concrete set times, and practice teamwork and timing and judgment. Learning the concrete finisher vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Concrete Laborer: Help place and spread concrete.
- Concrete Finisher: Screed, float and trowel slabs.
- Lead Finisher or Foreman: Run pours and finishing crews.
- Superintendent or Concrete Contractor: Manage projects or own a concrete business.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Concrete Finisher training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do concrete finishers need certification?
Not always, but ACI certifications are often required on commercial and public projects.
How long does it take to become a concrete finisher?
Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Most finishers learn on the job. Apprenticeships last about three years and include classroom training on concrete properties, blueprints and safety.
Do you need a degree to be a concrete finisher?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
What certifications are available for concrete finishers?
Common credentials include ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I, OSHA 10-Hour Construction, and Silica safety training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2051 (Cement masons and concrete finishers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cement masons and concrete finishers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.