NICET Transportation/Highway Construction
Inspection – Level III Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of conducting a
subgrade soil inspection before paving?
A. To determine surface drainage
B. To assess compaction and stability
C. To measure asphalt temperature
D. To check striping alignment
B
Proper inspection ensures the subgrade is stable and compacted to
support pavement loads and prevent future failures.
2. The maximum allowable deviation in cross slope for a newly
constructed asphalt pavement should generally not exceed:
A. 0.5%
B. 1%
C. 2%
D. 3%
C
Cross slope ensures proper drainage; most specifications allow up to 2%
deviation from design.
3. When inspecting concrete pavements, what is the minimum
curing period recommended before opening the pavement to
traffic?
, A. 1 day
B. 3 days
C. 7 days
D. 28 days
C
Curing strengthens the concrete; opening traffic before 7 days can
damage pavement integrity.
4. During asphalt placement, what is the primary indicator of
adequate compaction?
A. Temperature readings
B. Density testing results
C. Visual uniformity
D. Surface smoothness
B
Density testing confirms the pavement has been compacted to
specifications, ensuring long-term performance.
5. Which method is commonly used to determine in-place density of
compacted subgrade soil?
A. Nuclear gauge
B. Sand cone test
C. Proctor test
D. Both A and B
D
Both nuclear gauge and sand cone tests are standard methods for
verifying field compaction.
6. The primary reason for performing a proof roll on subgrade is to:
A. Check for settlement and weak areas
B. Verify soil moisture content
, C. Measure cross slope
D. Determine aggregate gradation
A
Proof rolling identifies soft spots or unstable subgrade areas that could
fail under traffic loads.
7. Which type of asphalt mixture is typically used for the top wearing
course of a highway?
A. Dense-graded asphalt
B. Open-graded friction course
C. Base course mix
D. Cold patch mix
B
Open-graded friction courses provide skid resistance and drainage for
the surface layer.
8. When inspecting reinforced concrete pavements, spacing of
contraction joints is typically based on:
A. Pavement thickness
B. Traffic volume
C. Subgrade type
D. Curing method
A
Joint spacing is designed to control cracking and is primarily a function
of pavement thickness.
9. Which of the following is a primary cause of rutting in asphalt
pavements?
A. Poor subgrade compaction
B. Excessive asphalt binder content
, C. Heavy traffic loads
D. All of the above
D
Rutting can result from a combination of weak subgrade, mix design
issues, and traffic stress.
10. When conducting an aggregate gradation test, the purpose
of sieving is to:
A. Determine moisture content
B. Measure particle size distribution
C. Calculate compaction
D. Verify density
B
Gradation testing ensures the aggregate meets specifications for proper
asphalt or concrete mix performance.
11. Which inspector responsibility involves ensuring materials
meet contract specifications before placement?
A. Surveying
B. Materials testing
C. Document control
D. Environmental monitoring
B
Testing ensures that only compliant materials are used, preventing
premature pavement failures.
12. During field inspection of asphalt compaction, which factor
is most critical for achieving proper density?
A. Rolling pattern and equipment
B. Ambient temperature
Inspection – Level III Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of conducting a
subgrade soil inspection before paving?
A. To determine surface drainage
B. To assess compaction and stability
C. To measure asphalt temperature
D. To check striping alignment
B
Proper inspection ensures the subgrade is stable and compacted to
support pavement loads and prevent future failures.
2. The maximum allowable deviation in cross slope for a newly
constructed asphalt pavement should generally not exceed:
A. 0.5%
B. 1%
C. 2%
D. 3%
C
Cross slope ensures proper drainage; most specifications allow up to 2%
deviation from design.
3. When inspecting concrete pavements, what is the minimum
curing period recommended before opening the pavement to
traffic?
, A. 1 day
B. 3 days
C. 7 days
D. 28 days
C
Curing strengthens the concrete; opening traffic before 7 days can
damage pavement integrity.
4. During asphalt placement, what is the primary indicator of
adequate compaction?
A. Temperature readings
B. Density testing results
C. Visual uniformity
D. Surface smoothness
B
Density testing confirms the pavement has been compacted to
specifications, ensuring long-term performance.
5. Which method is commonly used to determine in-place density of
compacted subgrade soil?
A. Nuclear gauge
B. Sand cone test
C. Proctor test
D. Both A and B
D
Both nuclear gauge and sand cone tests are standard methods for
verifying field compaction.
6. The primary reason for performing a proof roll on subgrade is to:
A. Check for settlement and weak areas
B. Verify soil moisture content
, C. Measure cross slope
D. Determine aggregate gradation
A
Proof rolling identifies soft spots or unstable subgrade areas that could
fail under traffic loads.
7. Which type of asphalt mixture is typically used for the top wearing
course of a highway?
A. Dense-graded asphalt
B. Open-graded friction course
C. Base course mix
D. Cold patch mix
B
Open-graded friction courses provide skid resistance and drainage for
the surface layer.
8. When inspecting reinforced concrete pavements, spacing of
contraction joints is typically based on:
A. Pavement thickness
B. Traffic volume
C. Subgrade type
D. Curing method
A
Joint spacing is designed to control cracking and is primarily a function
of pavement thickness.
9. Which of the following is a primary cause of rutting in asphalt
pavements?
A. Poor subgrade compaction
B. Excessive asphalt binder content
, C. Heavy traffic loads
D. All of the above
D
Rutting can result from a combination of weak subgrade, mix design
issues, and traffic stress.
10. When conducting an aggregate gradation test, the purpose
of sieving is to:
A. Determine moisture content
B. Measure particle size distribution
C. Calculate compaction
D. Verify density
B
Gradation testing ensures the aggregate meets specifications for proper
asphalt or concrete mix performance.
11. Which inspector responsibility involves ensuring materials
meet contract specifications before placement?
A. Surveying
B. Materials testing
C. Document control
D. Environmental monitoring
B
Testing ensures that only compliant materials are used, preventing
premature pavement failures.
12. During field inspection of asphalt compaction, which factor
is most critical for achieving proper density?
A. Rolling pattern and equipment
B. Ambient temperature
