NICET Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils Level II
Certification Exam Bank: Newest Comprehensive Practice
Questions, Step-by-Step Math Calculations, ASTM/AASHTO
References, and Detailed Answer Explanations (2026
Edition)
Overview
Pass your NICET Level II Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils certification exam on
your first attempt with this complete Question All-In-One Practice Exam Bank.
Engineered specifically to align with the latest NICET Work Element and Content Outlines,
this study guide provides rigorous preparation across all core technical domains, laboratory
testing protocols, field inspection practices, and safety regulations.
Key Features:
High-Yield Multiple-Choice Questions: Structured into 8 sequential parts (25 questions
each) covering realistic exam scenarios.
Full Answer Explanations: Every question includes a detailed breakdown explaining
why the correct answer is right and why distractors are incorrect.
Worked-Out Engineering Calculations: Complete step-by-step math derivations for
phase relationships, dry density, relative compaction, sieve analysis ($C_u$ and $C_c$),
Atterberg limits ($PI$, $LI$), and strain calculations.
Standard-Aligned: Grounded in active ASTM, AASHTO, and OSHA standards (e.g.,
ASTM D698, D1557, D6938, D2487, D4318, and OSHA 1926 Subpart P).
Coverage
This question bank delivers complete coverage across the following key domains:
1. Field Testing & Inspection (30% of Exam Bank)
Nuclear Density & Moisture Gauges (ASTM D6938): Direct transmission vs.
backscatter modes, standard counts, trench corrections, depth limits, and radiological
safety/US DOT transport rules.
Sand-Cone & Drive-Cylinder Testing (ASTM D1556 / D2937): Calibration of Ottawa
sand, cone correction factors, and field density determinations.
Compaction Control & Subgrade Inspection: Proof-rolling procedures, lift thickness
limits, moisture-density evaluation, and recognizing non-conforming fills.
,2. Laboratory Testing & Material Characterization (35% of Exam Bank)
Moisture-Density Relationships (Proctor Tests): Standard Proctor (ASTM D698) vs.
Modified Proctor (ASTM D1557), rammer drop heights/weights, blow counts, and
oversized particle corrections (ASTM D4718).
Soil Classification & Index Properties (ASTM D2487 / AASHTO M145): Unified
Soil Classification System (USCS) charts, A-line rules, dual symbols, and AASHTO
group index calculations.
Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318): Liquid Limit (Casagrande cup vs. fall cone), Plastic
Limit, Plasticity Index ($PI$), and Liquidity Index ($LI$).
Particle Size Analysis (ASTM C136 / D6913 / D1140): Sieve analysis, wash loss over
No. 200 sieve, hydrometer testing, and gradational parameters ($D_{10}, D_{30},
D_{60}, C_u, C_c$).
3. Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Fundamentals (20% of Exam Bank)
Phase Relationships: Void ratio ($e$), porosity ($n$), degree of saturation ($S$), water
content ($w$), wet density ($\gamma_{\text{wet}}$), and dry density ($\gamma_d$).
Permeability & Consolidation: Constant-head vs. falling-head permeameters,
preconsolidation pressure ($\sigma'_p$), and rate of consolidation ($c_v$).
Shear Strength & Bearing Capacity: Unconfined compression ($q_u$), direct shear,
triaxial testing (UU, CU, CD), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) mechanics.
4. Safety, Standards & Site Operations (15% of Exam Bank)
Excavation & Trenching Safety (OSHA Subpart P): Soil classification (Type A, B,
C), maximum allowable slope ratios, benching, and protective systems.
Sampling Protocols (ASTM D75 / D1587 / D1586): Disturbed vs. undisturbed
sampling, Shelby tubes, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-value execution, and sample
preservation.
Q1
According to ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor), what is the weight of the rammer and
the drop height used to compact the soil specimen?
A) 5.5 lb rammer, 12-inch drop
B) 10.0 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
C) 10.0 lb rammer, 12-inch drop
, D) 5.5 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
Correct Answer: B) 10.0 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
Explanation: ASTM D1557 (Modified Effort) requires a 10.0 lb (4.54 kg) rammer dropping
from a height of 18 inches (457 mm), delivering an energy of $56,000 \text{ ft-lbf/ft}^3$
($2,700 \text{ kN-m/m}^3$). ASTM D698 (Standard Effort) uses a 5.5 lb rammer with a 12-
inch drop ($12,400 \text{ ft-lbf/ft}^3$).
Q2
During a sand-cone field density test (ASTM D1556), the density sand used in the
apparatus must meet which of the following criteria?
A) Clean, dry, uniform, free-flowing sand with a bulk density calibrated regularly
B) Angular, moist, well-graded coarse sand
C) Silty fine sand with a moisture content between 5% and 10%
D) Any local beach sand as long as it passes the No. 4 sieve
Correct Answer: A) Clean, dry, uniform, free-flowing sand with a bulk density
calibrated regularly
Explanation: ASTM D1556 requires silica sand that is clean, dry, unbonded, uniform, and
free-flowing (typically passing the No. 10 sieve and retained on the No. 200 sieve). The bulk
density of the sand must be calibrated periodically to ensure accurate volume
determinations of the test hole.
Q3
A laboratory sample has a Liquid Limit (LL) of 42 and a Plastic Limit (PL) of 18. What
is the Plasticity Index (PI) of this soil?
, A) 60
B) 24
C) 2.33
D) 18
Correct Answer: B) 24
Explanation: The Plasticity Index ($\text{PI}$) is defined by ASTM D4318 as the numerical
difference between the Liquid Limit ($\text{LL}$) and Plastic Limit ($\text{PL}$):
$$\text{PI} = \text{LL} - \text{PL} = 42 - 18 = 24$$
Q4
According to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS / ASTM D2487), a soil with
more than 50% passing the No. 200 sieve, LL = 35, and PI = 15 that plots ABOVE the
"A-line" on the Plasticity Chart is classified as:
A) CL (Lean Clay)
B) CH (Fat Clay)
C) ML (Silt)
D) SC (Clayey Sand)
Correct Answer: A) CL (Lean Clay)
Explanation: With $>50\%$ passing the No. 200 sieve, it is a fine-grained soil. Since
$\text{LL} < 50$, it has low plasticity ($L$). Plotting above the A-line ($\text{PI} = 0.73 \times
(\text{LL} - 20) = 0.73 \times (35-20) = 10.95$; actual $\text{PI}=15 > 10.95$) classifies the
soil as CL (Lean Clay).
Q5
Certification Exam Bank: Newest Comprehensive Practice
Questions, Step-by-Step Math Calculations, ASTM/AASHTO
References, and Detailed Answer Explanations (2026
Edition)
Overview
Pass your NICET Level II Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils certification exam on
your first attempt with this complete Question All-In-One Practice Exam Bank.
Engineered specifically to align with the latest NICET Work Element and Content Outlines,
this study guide provides rigorous preparation across all core technical domains, laboratory
testing protocols, field inspection practices, and safety regulations.
Key Features:
High-Yield Multiple-Choice Questions: Structured into 8 sequential parts (25 questions
each) covering realistic exam scenarios.
Full Answer Explanations: Every question includes a detailed breakdown explaining
why the correct answer is right and why distractors are incorrect.
Worked-Out Engineering Calculations: Complete step-by-step math derivations for
phase relationships, dry density, relative compaction, sieve analysis ($C_u$ and $C_c$),
Atterberg limits ($PI$, $LI$), and strain calculations.
Standard-Aligned: Grounded in active ASTM, AASHTO, and OSHA standards (e.g.,
ASTM D698, D1557, D6938, D2487, D4318, and OSHA 1926 Subpart P).
Coverage
This question bank delivers complete coverage across the following key domains:
1. Field Testing & Inspection (30% of Exam Bank)
Nuclear Density & Moisture Gauges (ASTM D6938): Direct transmission vs.
backscatter modes, standard counts, trench corrections, depth limits, and radiological
safety/US DOT transport rules.
Sand-Cone & Drive-Cylinder Testing (ASTM D1556 / D2937): Calibration of Ottawa
sand, cone correction factors, and field density determinations.
Compaction Control & Subgrade Inspection: Proof-rolling procedures, lift thickness
limits, moisture-density evaluation, and recognizing non-conforming fills.
,2. Laboratory Testing & Material Characterization (35% of Exam Bank)
Moisture-Density Relationships (Proctor Tests): Standard Proctor (ASTM D698) vs.
Modified Proctor (ASTM D1557), rammer drop heights/weights, blow counts, and
oversized particle corrections (ASTM D4718).
Soil Classification & Index Properties (ASTM D2487 / AASHTO M145): Unified
Soil Classification System (USCS) charts, A-line rules, dual symbols, and AASHTO
group index calculations.
Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318): Liquid Limit (Casagrande cup vs. fall cone), Plastic
Limit, Plasticity Index ($PI$), and Liquidity Index ($LI$).
Particle Size Analysis (ASTM C136 / D6913 / D1140): Sieve analysis, wash loss over
No. 200 sieve, hydrometer testing, and gradational parameters ($D_{10}, D_{30},
D_{60}, C_u, C_c$).
3. Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Fundamentals (20% of Exam Bank)
Phase Relationships: Void ratio ($e$), porosity ($n$), degree of saturation ($S$), water
content ($w$), wet density ($\gamma_{\text{wet}}$), and dry density ($\gamma_d$).
Permeability & Consolidation: Constant-head vs. falling-head permeameters,
preconsolidation pressure ($\sigma'_p$), and rate of consolidation ($c_v$).
Shear Strength & Bearing Capacity: Unconfined compression ($q_u$), direct shear,
triaxial testing (UU, CU, CD), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) mechanics.
4. Safety, Standards & Site Operations (15% of Exam Bank)
Excavation & Trenching Safety (OSHA Subpart P): Soil classification (Type A, B,
C), maximum allowable slope ratios, benching, and protective systems.
Sampling Protocols (ASTM D75 / D1587 / D1586): Disturbed vs. undisturbed
sampling, Shelby tubes, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-value execution, and sample
preservation.
Q1
According to ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor), what is the weight of the rammer and
the drop height used to compact the soil specimen?
A) 5.5 lb rammer, 12-inch drop
B) 10.0 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
C) 10.0 lb rammer, 12-inch drop
, D) 5.5 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
Correct Answer: B) 10.0 lb rammer, 18-inch drop
Explanation: ASTM D1557 (Modified Effort) requires a 10.0 lb (4.54 kg) rammer dropping
from a height of 18 inches (457 mm), delivering an energy of $56,000 \text{ ft-lbf/ft}^3$
($2,700 \text{ kN-m/m}^3$). ASTM D698 (Standard Effort) uses a 5.5 lb rammer with a 12-
inch drop ($12,400 \text{ ft-lbf/ft}^3$).
Q2
During a sand-cone field density test (ASTM D1556), the density sand used in the
apparatus must meet which of the following criteria?
A) Clean, dry, uniform, free-flowing sand with a bulk density calibrated regularly
B) Angular, moist, well-graded coarse sand
C) Silty fine sand with a moisture content between 5% and 10%
D) Any local beach sand as long as it passes the No. 4 sieve
Correct Answer: A) Clean, dry, uniform, free-flowing sand with a bulk density
calibrated regularly
Explanation: ASTM D1556 requires silica sand that is clean, dry, unbonded, uniform, and
free-flowing (typically passing the No. 10 sieve and retained on the No. 200 sieve). The bulk
density of the sand must be calibrated periodically to ensure accurate volume
determinations of the test hole.
Q3
A laboratory sample has a Liquid Limit (LL) of 42 and a Plastic Limit (PL) of 18. What
is the Plasticity Index (PI) of this soil?
, A) 60
B) 24
C) 2.33
D) 18
Correct Answer: B) 24
Explanation: The Plasticity Index ($\text{PI}$) is defined by ASTM D4318 as the numerical
difference between the Liquid Limit ($\text{LL}$) and Plastic Limit ($\text{PL}$):
$$\text{PI} = \text{LL} - \text{PL} = 42 - 18 = 24$$
Q4
According to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS / ASTM D2487), a soil with
more than 50% passing the No. 200 sieve, LL = 35, and PI = 15 that plots ABOVE the
"A-line" on the Plasticity Chart is classified as:
A) CL (Lean Clay)
B) CH (Fat Clay)
C) ML (Silt)
D) SC (Clayey Sand)
Correct Answer: A) CL (Lean Clay)
Explanation: With $>50\%$ passing the No. 200 sieve, it is a fine-grained soil. Since
$\text{LL} < 50$, it has low plasticity ($L$). Plotting above the A-line ($\text{PI} = 0.73 \times
(\text{LL} - 20) = 0.73 \times (35-20) = 10.95$; actual $\text{PI}=15 > 10.95$) classifies the
soil as CL (Lean Clay).
Q5
