APWA CERTIFIED PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
INSPECTOR (CPII) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1
inspector's role in jobsite safety
Correct Answer
To observe, report unsafe conditions, and ensure that contractors are following
safety regulations and the project's safety plan.
Question 2
primary role of OSHA
Correct Answer
To enforce workplace safety standards and regulations to prevent injuries, illnesses,
and deaths.
Question 3
Fatal Four
Correct Answer
Falls, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between.
Question 4
Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector
Correct Answer
To ensure that public infrastructure projects meet design specifications, safety
standards, and regulatory requirements.
Page 1 of 108
,Question 5
SWPPP
Correct Answer
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan outlines how stormwater runoff will be
managed and controlled during the project.
Question 6
types of trench protection systems
Correct Answer
Sloping, shoring, and shielding (trench boxes).
Question 7
station numbers
Correct Answer
To mark distances along a linear alignment—typically in 100-ft increments (e.g.,
Station 10+00 = 1,000 feet).
Question 8
Work order in public works
Correct Answer
A written directive authorizing work to be performed under specified conditions.
Question 9
Compaction test purpose
Correct Answer
To ensure soil or base material is properly compacted to prevent settlement and
failure of roads or structures.
Page 2 of 108
,Question 10
OSHA
Correct Answer
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Question 11
Purpose of a sewer system
Correct Answer
To collect and transport wastewater from buildings to treatment facilities.
Question 12
Tools for Infrastructure Inspectors
Correct Answer
Measuring tapes, levels, GPS devices, soil compaction meters, cameras, and tablets
or logbooks for documentation.
Question 13
inspector's responsibilities regarding environmental protection
Correct Answer
Ensure that BMPs are in place and functioning, report any violations or spills, and
verify compliance with permits and regulations.
Question 14
Potable water system function
Correct Answer
To deliver clean, treated water for public use including residential, commercial, and
fire protection services.
Page 3 of 108
, Question 15
Purpose of manholes in sewer and storm drain systems
Correct Answer
To provide access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
Question 16
Minimum Compaction Requirement for Road Subgrade
Correct Answer
95% of the maximum dry density, as determined by a Proctor test (unless otherwise
specified).
Question 17
minimum allowable trench depth
Correct Answer
5 feet or more, unless the soil is known to be stable.
Question 18
Materials used in sanitary sewer construction
Correct Answer
PVC, vitrified clay pipe (VCP), ductile iron, and reinforced concrete pipe (RCP).
Question 19
SWPPP
Correct Answer
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan—required for projects that disturb 1 acre or
more of land.
Page 4 of 108
INSPECTOR (CPII) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1
inspector's role in jobsite safety
Correct Answer
To observe, report unsafe conditions, and ensure that contractors are following
safety regulations and the project's safety plan.
Question 2
primary role of OSHA
Correct Answer
To enforce workplace safety standards and regulations to prevent injuries, illnesses,
and deaths.
Question 3
Fatal Four
Correct Answer
Falls, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between.
Question 4
Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector
Correct Answer
To ensure that public infrastructure projects meet design specifications, safety
standards, and regulatory requirements.
Page 1 of 108
,Question 5
SWPPP
Correct Answer
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan outlines how stormwater runoff will be
managed and controlled during the project.
Question 6
types of trench protection systems
Correct Answer
Sloping, shoring, and shielding (trench boxes).
Question 7
station numbers
Correct Answer
To mark distances along a linear alignment—typically in 100-ft increments (e.g.,
Station 10+00 = 1,000 feet).
Question 8
Work order in public works
Correct Answer
A written directive authorizing work to be performed under specified conditions.
Question 9
Compaction test purpose
Correct Answer
To ensure soil or base material is properly compacted to prevent settlement and
failure of roads or structures.
Page 2 of 108
,Question 10
OSHA
Correct Answer
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Question 11
Purpose of a sewer system
Correct Answer
To collect and transport wastewater from buildings to treatment facilities.
Question 12
Tools for Infrastructure Inspectors
Correct Answer
Measuring tapes, levels, GPS devices, soil compaction meters, cameras, and tablets
or logbooks for documentation.
Question 13
inspector's responsibilities regarding environmental protection
Correct Answer
Ensure that BMPs are in place and functioning, report any violations or spills, and
verify compliance with permits and regulations.
Question 14
Potable water system function
Correct Answer
To deliver clean, treated water for public use including residential, commercial, and
fire protection services.
Page 3 of 108
, Question 15
Purpose of manholes in sewer and storm drain systems
Correct Answer
To provide access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
Question 16
Minimum Compaction Requirement for Road Subgrade
Correct Answer
95% of the maximum dry density, as determined by a Proctor test (unless otherwise
specified).
Question 17
minimum allowable trench depth
Correct Answer
5 feet or more, unless the soil is known to be stable.
Question 18
Materials used in sanitary sewer construction
Correct Answer
PVC, vitrified clay pipe (VCP), ductile iron, and reinforced concrete pipe (RCP).
Question 19
SWPPP
Correct Answer
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan—required for projects that disturb 1 acre or
more of land.
Page 4 of 108
