Page 1 of 102
NICET Soils Level 1 – Actual Exam
Practice 150 Questions And Correct
Answers Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf.
1. What is the full title of ASTM C117?
A) Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
B) Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No.
200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C) Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil
D) Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
Answer: B) Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-
μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
Rationale: ASTM C117 specifically determines the amount of
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material finer than a No. 200 (75-μm) sieve in mineral
aggregates by washing, which is critical for assessing aggregate
cleanliness for concrete and asphalt .
2. Why is the wash test (C117) significant in construction
materials testing?
A) To determine maximum dry density of soil
B) To accurately determine the amount of fine material (passing
No. 200 sieve) in aggregates
C) To measure the liquid limit of fine-grained soils
D) To determine in-place density of compacted soils
Answer: B) To accurately determine the amount of fine material
(passing No. 200 sieve) in aggregates
Rationale: Excessive fines can negatively affect the performance
of concrete, asphalt, and base courses, making this test essential
for quality control .
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3. Which procedure should always be used unless otherwise
specified in C117?
A) Procedure A
B) Procedure B
C) Procedure C
D) Procedure D
Answer: A) Procedure A
Rationale: Procedure A is the standard washing method
specified in C117; Procedure B is used only under special
conditions when specified .
4. What is an appropriate wetting agent to use for sieving
through a No. 200 sieve in C117?
A) Mineral oil
B) Water or any dispersing agent that promotes separation of
fine materials
, Page 4 of 102
C) Ethanol
D) Acetone
Answer: B) Water or any dispersing agent that promotes
separation of fine materials
Rationale: Water is the standard wetting agent. Dispersing
agents prevent clumping of fine particles during washing,
ensuring accurate separation .
5. What should the temperature of the oven be when drying
samples according to C117?
A) 100 ± 5°C
B) 110 ± 5°C
C) 120 ± 5°C
D) 130 ± 5°C
Answer: B) 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F)
Rationale: The sample must be dried to constant mass at this
temperature range before and after washing .
NICET Soils Level 1 – Actual Exam
Practice 150 Questions And Correct
Answers Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf.
1. What is the full title of ASTM C117?
A) Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
B) Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No.
200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C) Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil
D) Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
Answer: B) Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-
μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
Rationale: ASTM C117 specifically determines the amount of
,Page 2 of 102
material finer than a No. 200 (75-μm) sieve in mineral
aggregates by washing, which is critical for assessing aggregate
cleanliness for concrete and asphalt .
2. Why is the wash test (C117) significant in construction
materials testing?
A) To determine maximum dry density of soil
B) To accurately determine the amount of fine material (passing
No. 200 sieve) in aggregates
C) To measure the liquid limit of fine-grained soils
D) To determine in-place density of compacted soils
Answer: B) To accurately determine the amount of fine material
(passing No. 200 sieve) in aggregates
Rationale: Excessive fines can negatively affect the performance
of concrete, asphalt, and base courses, making this test essential
for quality control .
,Page 3 of 102
3. Which procedure should always be used unless otherwise
specified in C117?
A) Procedure A
B) Procedure B
C) Procedure C
D) Procedure D
Answer: A) Procedure A
Rationale: Procedure A is the standard washing method
specified in C117; Procedure B is used only under special
conditions when specified .
4. What is an appropriate wetting agent to use for sieving
through a No. 200 sieve in C117?
A) Mineral oil
B) Water or any dispersing agent that promotes separation of
fine materials
, Page 4 of 102
C) Ethanol
D) Acetone
Answer: B) Water or any dispersing agent that promotes
separation of fine materials
Rationale: Water is the standard wetting agent. Dispersing
agents prevent clumping of fine particles during washing,
ensuring accurate separation .
5. What should the temperature of the oven be when drying
samples according to C117?
A) 100 ± 5°C
B) 110 ± 5°C
C) 120 ± 5°C
D) 130 ± 5°C
Answer: B) 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F)
Rationale: The sample must be dried to constant mass at this
temperature range before and after washing .
