While "hot, black and sticky" were used to define quality bituminous concrete of the past, "Superpave, smoothness, polymer additives, restricted zones, fine aggregates, angularity, pay factors ...

to Testing Size Exempt if qualified in Asphalt Module, taken within one year (doesn't apply for written exam) AASHTO T310-22 In-Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear ...