1
NICET LEVEL 3 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ACTUAL EXAM
WITH 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(2026-27 JUST RELEASED VERSION
The contractor claimed underpayment for imported borrow based on
load count. The engineer informed the contractor that the basis of
payment was in place in the pit. Which basis should be valid in
considering the claim? - ANSWER--Proof of improper measurement by
the engineer.
Subcontractors are involved in the construction of rest areas. Who is
legally responsible for ensuring proper payment to workers on the
subcontract? - ANSWER--The prime contractor.
How soon after installation may anchor rods be subjected to service
loads? - ANSWER--When concrete reaches 28 day specified strength.
True or False? Single-nut joints are generally not recommended for
large cantilevered structures. - ANSWER--True.
,2
Which method is primarily relied upon to achieve a certain pretension
between the double nuts of the anchor rods? - ANSWER--"Turn-of-the-
nut" method.
If threads of anchor rods were lubricated more than 24 hours before
placing the leveling nut or have been wet since they were lubricated,
what should be done? - ANSWER--The threads should be re-lubricated.
How often should the torque on anchor nuts be checked? - ANSWER--
Every 4 years
When curing prestressed concrete on a bridge, what should the
temperature limits be? - ANSWER--100 degrees F for the first 2 hours
and then increase the temperature no more than 40 degrees F per
hour to a maximum of 160 degrees F
When pouring girder concrete, what temperature do you need to
keep the concrete above until the girder reaches release strength? -
ANSWER--60 degrees.
Which tool is used to tension prestressing steel? - ANSWER--Hydraulic
jacks are used to tension prestressing steel. Use a pressure gauge or
load cell for measuring jacking force.
,3
How often do you need to calibrate hydraulic jacks and measuring
devices? - ANSWER--Every 6 months or if they're giving erratic results.
What is a Skidmore Wilhelm device used for? - ANSWER--Skidmore
Wilhelm's hydraulic tension calibrator, or bolt tension calibrator, has
been the industry standard for testing high-strength bolts since the
1950's. The units are required to be used on steel buildings, bridges
and other structures using fasteners in tension critical joints.
On sign support posts, how far above the base are handholes?
- ANSWER--Handholes are usually located 3 feet above the
base.
What are the different types of non destructive testing for inspection
for ancillary structures? - ANSWER--1. Ultrasonic meter testing 2. Dye
penetrant test 3. Magnetic particle test (detects surface and near
surface cracks) 4. Eddy current test (detects weld cracks where
magnetic test fails)
What is one main reason for longitudinal splits and cracks in overhead
sign trusses? - ANSWER--Longitudinal splits and cracks generally
develop due to freezing of trapped water or build up of packout
corrosion in slip joints. They can also occur due to excessive bending
stresses.
Who is responsible for preparing and maintaining all records kept on
the project? - ANSWER--The Project Engineer
, 4
In an electrical cabinet, how is a signal bus connected to an incoming
AC Line? - ANSWER--Through a signal bus contactor and an
overcurrent protection device. The signal bus contactor shall be
energized to provide power to the signal bus.
What do Inspectors have the authority to do? - ANSWER--1. Inspect all
work 2. Reject work until the issue can be resolved by the Project
Engineer.
What do inspectors NOT have the authority to do? - ANSWER--1. Alter
or waive contract requirements 2. Issue instruction contrary to the
contract 3. Act as foreman for the Contractor 4. Direct the Contractor's
operations
True or False, Project Engineers can deal with the Subcontractors? -
ANSWER--False. Project Engineers shall deal with the Prime contractor
only. Subs deal with the Prime for any contract issues.
Which 3 components make up an osha-required safety program? -
ANSWER--OSHA believes a safety and health program must have the
three basic elements of management leadership, worker
participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards
to be effective.
What is a Steel Erection Contractor? - ANSWER--Contractor engaged in
the erection of structural steel connected, attached or joined by
riveting, welding, rigging, or fastening devices, for buildings and other
NICET LEVEL 3 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ACTUAL EXAM
WITH 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(2026-27 JUST RELEASED VERSION
The contractor claimed underpayment for imported borrow based on
load count. The engineer informed the contractor that the basis of
payment was in place in the pit. Which basis should be valid in
considering the claim? - ANSWER--Proof of improper measurement by
the engineer.
Subcontractors are involved in the construction of rest areas. Who is
legally responsible for ensuring proper payment to workers on the
subcontract? - ANSWER--The prime contractor.
How soon after installation may anchor rods be subjected to service
loads? - ANSWER--When concrete reaches 28 day specified strength.
True or False? Single-nut joints are generally not recommended for
large cantilevered structures. - ANSWER--True.
,2
Which method is primarily relied upon to achieve a certain pretension
between the double nuts of the anchor rods? - ANSWER--"Turn-of-the-
nut" method.
If threads of anchor rods were lubricated more than 24 hours before
placing the leveling nut or have been wet since they were lubricated,
what should be done? - ANSWER--The threads should be re-lubricated.
How often should the torque on anchor nuts be checked? - ANSWER--
Every 4 years
When curing prestressed concrete on a bridge, what should the
temperature limits be? - ANSWER--100 degrees F for the first 2 hours
and then increase the temperature no more than 40 degrees F per
hour to a maximum of 160 degrees F
When pouring girder concrete, what temperature do you need to
keep the concrete above until the girder reaches release strength? -
ANSWER--60 degrees.
Which tool is used to tension prestressing steel? - ANSWER--Hydraulic
jacks are used to tension prestressing steel. Use a pressure gauge or
load cell for measuring jacking force.
,3
How often do you need to calibrate hydraulic jacks and measuring
devices? - ANSWER--Every 6 months or if they're giving erratic results.
What is a Skidmore Wilhelm device used for? - ANSWER--Skidmore
Wilhelm's hydraulic tension calibrator, or bolt tension calibrator, has
been the industry standard for testing high-strength bolts since the
1950's. The units are required to be used on steel buildings, bridges
and other structures using fasteners in tension critical joints.
On sign support posts, how far above the base are handholes?
- ANSWER--Handholes are usually located 3 feet above the
base.
What are the different types of non destructive testing for inspection
for ancillary structures? - ANSWER--1. Ultrasonic meter testing 2. Dye
penetrant test 3. Magnetic particle test (detects surface and near
surface cracks) 4. Eddy current test (detects weld cracks where
magnetic test fails)
What is one main reason for longitudinal splits and cracks in overhead
sign trusses? - ANSWER--Longitudinal splits and cracks generally
develop due to freezing of trapped water or build up of packout
corrosion in slip joints. They can also occur due to excessive bending
stresses.
Who is responsible for preparing and maintaining all records kept on
the project? - ANSWER--The Project Engineer
, 4
In an electrical cabinet, how is a signal bus connected to an incoming
AC Line? - ANSWER--Through a signal bus contactor and an
overcurrent protection device. The signal bus contactor shall be
energized to provide power to the signal bus.
What do Inspectors have the authority to do? - ANSWER--1. Inspect all
work 2. Reject work until the issue can be resolved by the Project
Engineer.
What do inspectors NOT have the authority to do? - ANSWER--1. Alter
or waive contract requirements 2. Issue instruction contrary to the
contract 3. Act as foreman for the Contractor 4. Direct the Contractor's
operations
True or False, Project Engineers can deal with the Subcontractors? -
ANSWER--False. Project Engineers shall deal with the Prime contractor
only. Subs deal with the Prime for any contract issues.
Which 3 components make up an osha-required safety program? -
ANSWER--OSHA believes a safety and health program must have the
three basic elements of management leadership, worker
participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards
to be effective.
What is a Steel Erection Contractor? - ANSWER--Contractor engaged in
the erection of structural steel connected, attached or joined by
riveting, welding, rigging, or fastening devices, for buildings and other
