This synthesis will be of interest to materials and construction engineers, and others interested in the use of rapid test methods for asphalt concrete and portland cement concrete. Information is provided on the various test methods in use for process control and acceptance of these materials, as well as methods under development. State experience with these procedures, as well as discussions from the literature, are presented. There is growing use of rapid test methods for asphalt concrete and portland cement concrete in highway construction. This report of the Transportation Research Board describes the current state of the practice with respect to the use of rapid test methods for these materials. Experience with short-cut and rapid test procedures for process control and acceptance is summarized, and a general description of the methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and their time and labor requirements are discussed based on a review of the literature and a survey of the states.