NICET Soils Level 1 – Actual Exam Practice
Questions and Correct ANSWERs Plus Rationales
2026 ACTUAL!!!
Domain 1: ASTM C117 – Materials Finer than No. 200 Sieve by Washing (Questions 1-30)
1. Define 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 covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a No.
200 (75-µm) sieve in mineral aggregates by washing. This test is critical for assessing the cleanliness of
aggregates used in construction.
2. What is the significance of performing ASTM C117?
A. To determine the maximum dry density of soil
,B. To determine the amount of clay, silt, and dust particles in aggregates
C. To measure the moisture content of soil samples
D. To determine the specific gravity of soil particles
ANSWER✔✨-: B. To determine the amount of clay, silt, and dust particles in aggregates
Rationale: ASTM C117 is performed to determine the amount of material finer than a No. 200 sieve,
which includes clay, silt, and dust particles. These fine materials can affect the performance of
aggregates in construction applications by reducing adhesion between particles and increasing water
demand.
3. What sieve size is used in ASTM C117?
A. No. 40 sieve
B. No. 100 sieve
C. No. 200 sieve
D. No. 50 sieve
ANSWER✔✨-: C. No. 200 sieve
Rationale: ASTM C117 specifically uses the No. 200 sieve (75-µm opening) to separate fine materials
from the aggregate sample. This is the standard sieve size for determining materials finer than this
specified dimension.
,4. What is the minimum sample size required for ASTM C117 when testing fine aggregate?
A. 100 g
B. 300 g
C. 500 g
D. 1000 g
ANSWER✔✨-: B. 300 g
Rationale: According to ASTM C117, the minimum sample size for fine aggregate testing is 300 g. This
sample size ensures adequate representation of the aggregate being tested while being manageable for
laboratory procedures.
5. What is the minimum sample size required for ASTM C117 when testing coarse aggregate?
A. 500 g
B. 1000 g
C. 2000 g
D. The sample size depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate
ANSWER✔✨-: D. The sample size depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate
, Rationale: For coarse aggregate testing using ASTM C117, the sample size is dependent on the nominal
maximum size of the aggregate being tested. Larger aggregates require larger sample sizes to ensure
representative testing.
6. What is the drying temperature requirement for the sample in ASTM C117?
A. 100 ± 5°C
B. 110 ± 5°C
C. 120 ± 5°C
D. 140 ± 5°C
ANSWER✔✨-: B. 110 ± 5°C
Rationale: ASTM C117 requires that the aggregate sample be dried to constant mass at a temperature of
110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F). This temperature is sufficient to remove moisture without altering the aggregate
particles.
7. What is the purpose of washing the sample in ASTM C117?
A. To remove organic matter
B. To separate fine particles from coarse particles
C. To dissolve soluble salts
D. To remove particles finer than the No. 200 sieve
Questions and Correct ANSWERs Plus Rationales
2026 ACTUAL!!!
Domain 1: ASTM C117 – Materials Finer than No. 200 Sieve by Washing (Questions 1-30)
1. Define 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 covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a No.
200 (75-µm) sieve in mineral aggregates by washing. This test is critical for assessing the cleanliness of
aggregates used in construction.
2. What is the significance of performing ASTM C117?
A. To determine the maximum dry density of soil
,B. To determine the amount of clay, silt, and dust particles in aggregates
C. To measure the moisture content of soil samples
D. To determine the specific gravity of soil particles
ANSWER✔✨-: B. To determine the amount of clay, silt, and dust particles in aggregates
Rationale: ASTM C117 is performed to determine the amount of material finer than a No. 200 sieve,
which includes clay, silt, and dust particles. These fine materials can affect the performance of
aggregates in construction applications by reducing adhesion between particles and increasing water
demand.
3. What sieve size is used in ASTM C117?
A. No. 40 sieve
B. No. 100 sieve
C. No. 200 sieve
D. No. 50 sieve
ANSWER✔✨-: C. No. 200 sieve
Rationale: ASTM C117 specifically uses the No. 200 sieve (75-µm opening) to separate fine materials
from the aggregate sample. This is the standard sieve size for determining materials finer than this
specified dimension.
,4. What is the minimum sample size required for ASTM C117 when testing fine aggregate?
A. 100 g
B. 300 g
C. 500 g
D. 1000 g
ANSWER✔✨-: B. 300 g
Rationale: According to ASTM C117, the minimum sample size for fine aggregate testing is 300 g. This
sample size ensures adequate representation of the aggregate being tested while being manageable for
laboratory procedures.
5. What is the minimum sample size required for ASTM C117 when testing coarse aggregate?
A. 500 g
B. 1000 g
C. 2000 g
D. The sample size depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate
ANSWER✔✨-: D. The sample size depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate
, Rationale: For coarse aggregate testing using ASTM C117, the sample size is dependent on the nominal
maximum size of the aggregate being tested. Larger aggregates require larger sample sizes to ensure
representative testing.
6. What is the drying temperature requirement for the sample in ASTM C117?
A. 100 ± 5°C
B. 110 ± 5°C
C. 120 ± 5°C
D. 140 ± 5°C
ANSWER✔✨-: B. 110 ± 5°C
Rationale: ASTM C117 requires that the aggregate sample be dried to constant mass at a temperature of
110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F). This temperature is sufficient to remove moisture without altering the aggregate
particles.
7. What is the purpose of washing the sample in ASTM C117?
A. To remove organic matter
B. To separate fine particles from coarse particles
C. To dissolve soluble salts
D. To remove particles finer than the No. 200 sieve
