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NICET Soils Level 1 Exam Complete Practice
Question Bank 300 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
NICET Soils Level 1 – Complete 300 Practice Questions with Rationales
Exam Coverage Summary
The NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level I certification exam is designed for entry-
level technicians who perform field and laboratory testing of soils and aggregates under direct
supervision. The exam consists of 110 questions with a 230-minute time limit and is
administered on computer at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
The exam covers the following content domains with approximate weighting:
Domain Approximate Weight
Personal and Worksite Safety 1-9%
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Domain Approximate Weight
Plans and Specifications 5-15%
Sampling of Soils 15-25%
Soils Sample Preparation 5-15%
Field Density Testing 18-28%
Laboratory Testing of Soils 17-27%
Key ASTM Standards Referenced: C117, C136, D75, D698, D1140, D1556, D1557, D2216,
D2487, D2488, D4318
Core Topics: Soil classification (USCS and AASHTO), soil properties (plasticity, compressibility,
shear strength, permeability), field sampling procedures, moisture content determination,
Proctor compaction testing, field density testing (nuclear gauge and sand cone), sieve analysis,
Atterberg limits, and visual-manual soil description.
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300 Randomized Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1: ASTM C117 is the standard test method for:
A) Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
B) Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C) Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
D) Sampling Aggregates
Answer: B
ASTM C117 specifically covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a No. 200
(75-µm) sieve in mineral aggregates by washing.
Question 2: What is the significance of performing ASTM C117?
A) To determine the maximum dry density of soil
B) To accurately determine the amount of material finer than 75-µm in mineral aggregate by
washing
C) To measure the liquid limit of fine-grained soils
D) To determine the in-place density of compacted soils
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Answer: B
C117 provides an accurate determination of fine material (passing No. 200 sieve) in aggregates.
Excessive fines can affect the performance of concrete, asphalt, and base courses.
Question 3: Which procedure should always be used unless otherwise specified in ASTM C117?
A) Procedure A
B) Procedure B
C) Procedure C
D) Procedure D
Answer: A
Procedure A is the standard washing procedure specified in C117. Procedure B is used only under
special conditions when specified.
Question 4: What is an appropriate wetting agent to use for sieving through a No. 200 sieve in
ASTM C117?
A) Mineral oil
B) Water or any suitable wetting agent
4
SUCCESS!
NICET Soils Level 1 Exam Complete Practice
Question Bank 300 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
NICET Soils Level 1 – Complete 300 Practice Questions with Rationales
Exam Coverage Summary
The NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level I certification exam is designed for entry-
level technicians who perform field and laboratory testing of soils and aggregates under direct
supervision. The exam consists of 110 questions with a 230-minute time limit and is
administered on computer at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
The exam covers the following content domains with approximate weighting:
Domain Approximate Weight
Personal and Worksite Safety 1-9%
1
SUCCESS!
,Page 2 of 157
Domain Approximate Weight
Plans and Specifications 5-15%
Sampling of Soils 15-25%
Soils Sample Preparation 5-15%
Field Density Testing 18-28%
Laboratory Testing of Soils 17-27%
Key ASTM Standards Referenced: C117, C136, D75, D698, D1140, D1556, D1557, D2216,
D2487, D2488, D4318
Core Topics: Soil classification (USCS and AASHTO), soil properties (plasticity, compressibility,
shear strength, permeability), field sampling procedures, moisture content determination,
Proctor compaction testing, field density testing (nuclear gauge and sand cone), sieve analysis,
Atterberg limits, and visual-manual soil description.
2
SUCCESS!
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300 Randomized Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1: ASTM C117 is the standard test method for:
A) Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
B) Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C) Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
D) Sampling Aggregates
Answer: B
ASTM C117 specifically covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a No. 200
(75-µm) sieve in mineral aggregates by washing.
Question 2: What is the significance of performing ASTM C117?
A) To determine the maximum dry density of soil
B) To accurately determine the amount of material finer than 75-µm in mineral aggregate by
washing
C) To measure the liquid limit of fine-grained soils
D) To determine the in-place density of compacted soils
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Answer: B
C117 provides an accurate determination of fine material (passing No. 200 sieve) in aggregates.
Excessive fines can affect the performance of concrete, asphalt, and base courses.
Question 3: Which procedure should always be used unless otherwise specified in ASTM C117?
A) Procedure A
B) Procedure B
C) Procedure C
D) Procedure D
Answer: A
Procedure A is the standard washing procedure specified in C117. Procedure B is used only under
special conditions when specified.
Question 4: What is an appropriate wetting agent to use for sieving through a No. 200 sieve in
ASTM C117?
A) Mineral oil
B) Water or any suitable wetting agent
4
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