NICET Soils Level 1 2026/2027 | Study Guide, Practice Questions & Verified Answers
Overview & Exam Structure
The NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level I certification is an entry-level
credential for field and laboratory technicians responsible for testing and inspection of
construction soil. Candidates must meet experience requirements and pass a written exam.
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum of 6 months of direct involvement in construction
materials testing activities, with at least 3 months full-time experience specifically in soils
testing. Up to 3 months may be in concrete, asphalt, or other related construction materials
testing.
Exam Content Distribution:
• Soil Sampling: 15–25%
• Field Density Testing: 18–28%
• Laboratory Testing: 17–27%
• Plans and Specifications: 5–15%
• Safety and Communication: 1–9% each
The exam covers key ASTM standards including C117 (materials finer than No. 200 sieve by
washing), C136 (sieve analysis), D75 (sampling aggregates), D698 (Standard Proctor), D1557
(Modified Proctor), D1140 (wash fines in soils), D1556 (sand cone), D2216 (moisture
content), D2488 (visual-manual soil description), D4318 (Atterberg limits), and D6938
(nuclear gauge density).
Section 1: Safety & Worksite Practices (Questions 1–8)
1. What is the primary purpose of wearing appropriate PPE during soil testing?
A. To improve test accuracy
B. To reduce exposure to workplace hazards
C. To increase soil density
D. To shorten testing time
Answer: B. PPE protects personnel from identified hazards such as dust, chemicals, moving
equipment, and flying particles.
2. Before using a soil-testing device, what should the technician do first?
A. Increase the test load
B. Inspect the equipment
C. Record the final result
D. Change the test method
,Answer: B. Equipment should be inspected before use to identify damage, contamination,
missing components, or other conditions that could affect safety or test results.
3. Which document is most useful for identifying the required testing location on a
construction project?
A. Safety manual
B. Construction plans
C. Equipment log
D. Purchase order
Answer: B. Construction plans identify locations, elevations, dimensions, and other
information needed to relate testing activities to the project.
4. What percentage of the NICET Soils Level I exam is related to personal and worksite
safety?
A. 1–9%
B. 5–15%
C. 15–25%
D. 18–28%
Answer: A. Questions related to personal and worksite safety tasks make up 1–9% of the
exam.
5. When should PPE be determined and worn?
A. Only when the supervisor is present
B. Before entering the work area
C. After testing begins
D. Only during laboratory work
Answer: B. PPE must be determined based on task-specific hazards and worn before
entering the work area.
6. What is the first step when identifying unsafe conditions on a job site?
A. Continue working and report later
B. Recognize and document the hazard
C. Ignore if minor
D. Ask another technician to verify
Answer: B. Identifying unsafe conditions requires recognizing hazards and taking
appropriate action, including documentation.
7. What does a job safety analysis (JSA) accomplish?
A. Determines soil classification
B. Identifies task-specific hazards and controls
C. Calculates compaction percentages
D. Measures moisture content
, Answer: B. A JSA systematically identifies hazards associated with specific tasks and
establishes controls to mitigate risk.
8. How often should soil testing equipment be inspected?
A. Once per year
B. Before each use
C. Only after failures
D. Monthly
Answer: B. Equipment should be inspected before use to ensure proper functioning and
safety.
Section 2: Sampling of Soils (Questions 9–20)
9. What practice is used for sampling aggregate according to ASTM D75?
A. C117
B. D75
C. D698
D. C136
Answer: B. ASTM D75/D75M is the Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates.
10. After a sample is obtained, what shall NOT be done unless required for testing
purposes?
A. Further crushing or manual reduction
B. Transportation to laboratory
C. Documentation of location
D. Storage in sealed container
Answer: A. ASTM D75 specifies that further crushing or manual reduction shall not be done
unless required for testing purposes.
11. What should a stockpile be visually inspected for?
A. Color only
B. Discernible variations
C. Moisture content
D. Temperature
Answer: B. Stockpiles should be visually inspected for discernible variations to ensure
homogeneity.
12. Where shall a sample be obtained where practicable?
A. From the bottom of the pile
B. From the finished product
Overview & Exam Structure
The NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level I certification is an entry-level
credential for field and laboratory technicians responsible for testing and inspection of
construction soil. Candidates must meet experience requirements and pass a written exam.
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum of 6 months of direct involvement in construction
materials testing activities, with at least 3 months full-time experience specifically in soils
testing. Up to 3 months may be in concrete, asphalt, or other related construction materials
testing.
Exam Content Distribution:
• Soil Sampling: 15–25%
• Field Density Testing: 18–28%
• Laboratory Testing: 17–27%
• Plans and Specifications: 5–15%
• Safety and Communication: 1–9% each
The exam covers key ASTM standards including C117 (materials finer than No. 200 sieve by
washing), C136 (sieve analysis), D75 (sampling aggregates), D698 (Standard Proctor), D1557
(Modified Proctor), D1140 (wash fines in soils), D1556 (sand cone), D2216 (moisture
content), D2488 (visual-manual soil description), D4318 (Atterberg limits), and D6938
(nuclear gauge density).
Section 1: Safety & Worksite Practices (Questions 1–8)
1. What is the primary purpose of wearing appropriate PPE during soil testing?
A. To improve test accuracy
B. To reduce exposure to workplace hazards
C. To increase soil density
D. To shorten testing time
Answer: B. PPE protects personnel from identified hazards such as dust, chemicals, moving
equipment, and flying particles.
2. Before using a soil-testing device, what should the technician do first?
A. Increase the test load
B. Inspect the equipment
C. Record the final result
D. Change the test method
,Answer: B. Equipment should be inspected before use to identify damage, contamination,
missing components, or other conditions that could affect safety or test results.
3. Which document is most useful for identifying the required testing location on a
construction project?
A. Safety manual
B. Construction plans
C. Equipment log
D. Purchase order
Answer: B. Construction plans identify locations, elevations, dimensions, and other
information needed to relate testing activities to the project.
4. What percentage of the NICET Soils Level I exam is related to personal and worksite
safety?
A. 1–9%
B. 5–15%
C. 15–25%
D. 18–28%
Answer: A. Questions related to personal and worksite safety tasks make up 1–9% of the
exam.
5. When should PPE be determined and worn?
A. Only when the supervisor is present
B. Before entering the work area
C. After testing begins
D. Only during laboratory work
Answer: B. PPE must be determined based on task-specific hazards and worn before
entering the work area.
6. What is the first step when identifying unsafe conditions on a job site?
A. Continue working and report later
B. Recognize and document the hazard
C. Ignore if minor
D. Ask another technician to verify
Answer: B. Identifying unsafe conditions requires recognizing hazards and taking
appropriate action, including documentation.
7. What does a job safety analysis (JSA) accomplish?
A. Determines soil classification
B. Identifies task-specific hazards and controls
C. Calculates compaction percentages
D. Measures moisture content
, Answer: B. A JSA systematically identifies hazards associated with specific tasks and
establishes controls to mitigate risk.
8. How often should soil testing equipment be inspected?
A. Once per year
B. Before each use
C. Only after failures
D. Monthly
Answer: B. Equipment should be inspected before use to ensure proper functioning and
safety.
Section 2: Sampling of Soils (Questions 9–20)
9. What practice is used for sampling aggregate according to ASTM D75?
A. C117
B. D75
C. D698
D. C136
Answer: B. ASTM D75/D75M is the Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates.
10. After a sample is obtained, what shall NOT be done unless required for testing
purposes?
A. Further crushing or manual reduction
B. Transportation to laboratory
C. Documentation of location
D. Storage in sealed container
Answer: A. ASTM D75 specifies that further crushing or manual reduction shall not be done
unless required for testing purposes.
11. What should a stockpile be visually inspected for?
A. Color only
B. Discernible variations
C. Moisture content
D. Temperature
Answer: B. Stockpiles should be visually inspected for discernible variations to ensure
homogeneity.
12. Where shall a sample be obtained where practicable?
A. From the bottom of the pile
B. From the finished product
