NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils
Level II Study Guide | Practice Exam
Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Explanations
Block 1 – Sampling & Sample Preparation
Q1. The primary reason for following a standard soils sampling procedure on a construction
site is to:
A. Make sampling as fast as possible
B. Ensure test results are representative of in-place soil conditions
C. Reduce lab workload
D. Eliminate the need for documentation
Answer: B
Representative samples are essential because all lab test results and acceptance decisions
depend on accurately reflecting the in-place soil properties.
Q2. When obtaining a bulk soil sample for laboratory testing, the technician should:
,A. Take soil only from the surface crust
B. Collect soil from several locations in the test area at the specified depth
C. Sample only right next to the excavation edge
D. Use soil from stockpiles regardless of origin
Answer: B
Sampling multiple points at the correct depth reduces bias caused by localized variations
and better reflects the average soil condition in the test area.
Q3. Disturbed soil samples are typically used for:
A. Density and strength tests requiring intact structure
B. Grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, and classification
C. In-situ permeability tests
D. Direct shear of undisturbed strata
Answer: B
Tests that rely on particle size and plasticity do not require intact structure, so disturbed
samples are acceptable and easier to obtain.
Q4. Undisturbed soil samples are required when the test depends on:
A. Natural structure and in-place density
B. Color only
C. Moisture content only
D. Grain size distribution only
, Answer: A
Tests like unconfined compression or consolidation need the soil’s fabric and structure
preserved because those directly affect strength and deformation behavior.
Q5. To obtain an undisturbed sample in a cohesive soil, the technician commonly uses:
A. A shovel and bucket
B. A thin-walled Shelby tube or similar sampler
C. A sieve set
D. A nuclear gauge
Answer: B
Thin-walled tube samplers minimize disturbance by cutting smoothly into cohesive soils and
retaining the sample with little remolding.
Q6. After collecting a soil sample for moisture content determination, it should be:
A. Spread out and allowed to dry before weighing
B. Placed in a sealed container promptly to avoid moisture loss
C. Left in an open bag in the sun
D. Mixed with water to saturate
Answer: B
Moisture content measurement depends on the original water in the sample, so sealing the
container prevents evaporation and preserves accuracy.
Level II Study Guide | Practice Exam
Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Explanations
Block 1 – Sampling & Sample Preparation
Q1. The primary reason for following a standard soils sampling procedure on a construction
site is to:
A. Make sampling as fast as possible
B. Ensure test results are representative of in-place soil conditions
C. Reduce lab workload
D. Eliminate the need for documentation
Answer: B
Representative samples are essential because all lab test results and acceptance decisions
depend on accurately reflecting the in-place soil properties.
Q2. When obtaining a bulk soil sample for laboratory testing, the technician should:
,A. Take soil only from the surface crust
B. Collect soil from several locations in the test area at the specified depth
C. Sample only right next to the excavation edge
D. Use soil from stockpiles regardless of origin
Answer: B
Sampling multiple points at the correct depth reduces bias caused by localized variations
and better reflects the average soil condition in the test area.
Q3. Disturbed soil samples are typically used for:
A. Density and strength tests requiring intact structure
B. Grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, and classification
C. In-situ permeability tests
D. Direct shear of undisturbed strata
Answer: B
Tests that rely on particle size and plasticity do not require intact structure, so disturbed
samples are acceptable and easier to obtain.
Q4. Undisturbed soil samples are required when the test depends on:
A. Natural structure and in-place density
B. Color only
C. Moisture content only
D. Grain size distribution only
, Answer: A
Tests like unconfined compression or consolidation need the soil’s fabric and structure
preserved because those directly affect strength and deformation behavior.
Q5. To obtain an undisturbed sample in a cohesive soil, the technician commonly uses:
A. A shovel and bucket
B. A thin-walled Shelby tube or similar sampler
C. A sieve set
D. A nuclear gauge
Answer: B
Thin-walled tube samplers minimize disturbance by cutting smoothly into cohesive soils and
retaining the sample with little remolding.
Q6. After collecting a soil sample for moisture content determination, it should be:
A. Spread out and allowed to dry before weighing
B. Placed in a sealed container promptly to avoid moisture loss
C. Left in an open bag in the sun
D. Mixed with water to saturate
Answer: B
Moisture content measurement depends on the original water in the sample, so sealing the
container prevents evaporation and preserves accuracy.
