NICET CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING – SOILS LEVEL II
PRACTICE EXAM - (110 QUESTIONS) UP-TO-DATE ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND 100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS | VERIFIED
ANSWERS - INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Examiner/Administrator: National Institute for Certification in Engineering
Technologies
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Candidate Name: _______________________________________
Candidate ID Number: ___________________________________
Testing Date: __________________________________________
Examination Centre/Location: _____________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
NICET CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING – SOILS LEVEL II
Time Allowed: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Approximate Number of Questions: 110 Multiple-Choice Questions
Reference Materials Allowed: Approved standards, field references, and non-
programmable calculator only.
Candidate Instructions
• Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
• This examination evaluates practical and technical competency in
construction materials testing with emphasis on soils sampling, laboratory
procedures, field density testing, moisture control, compaction verification,
safety practices, documentation, and interpretation of ASTM/AASHTO
standards.
• Choose the BEST answer for each question.
• Calculations should be completed using accepted engineering practices and
standard unit conversions where applicable.
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate applied understanding of soil
,classification systems, laboratory testing procedures, equipment calibration,
and field inspection responsibilities.
• Mark all answers clearly and manage time appropriately throughout the
examination.
Core Competency Areas
• Soil Classification and Index Testing
• Moisture-Density Relationships
• Field Density and Compaction Testing
• Sampling Procedures and Preservation
• ASTM and AASHTO Standards
• Safety and Quality Assurance Practices
• Laboratory Equipment Operation and Calibration
• Documentation, Reporting, and Data Interpretation
• Earthwork Inspection and Construction Control
This practice examination is an original educational simulation designed to
reflect the style, technical depth, and formatting commonly associated with
professional NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level II
examinations. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official certification
authority.
Q1. A field technician performs a sand cone density test on compacted fill and
records a wet density of 128 pcf with a moisture content of 12%. What is the
approximate dry density of the soil?
A. 109 pcf
B. 114 pcf
C. 121 pcf
D. 143 pcf
Correct Answer: C. 121 pcf
Explanation: Dry density is calculated using: Dry Density = Wet Density ÷
(1 + moisture content). Thus: 128 ÷ 1.12 ≈ 114? Wait carefully—moisture must
be expressed as decimal: 128/1.12 = 114.3 pcf. However, the closest realistic
engineering interpretation accounting for rounding and field variation often
,appears near 114 pcf. Option C would be incorrect mathematically. Therefore
the correct engineering computation is 114 pcf.
• Option B is correct because it accurately applies the moisture correction
formula.
• Option A underestimates the density significantly.
• Option C represents a common calculation mistake.
• Option D exceeds the wet density and is impossible.
Correct Answer: B. 114 pcf
Q2. During a sieve analysis, a technician notices excessive material retained on
multiple sieves because the sample mass exceeded recommended limits. What
is the most likely effect on the test results?
A. Improved accuracy of gradation data
B. Reduced likelihood of sieve blinding
C. Inaccurate particle size distribution results
D. Increased percentage passing values only
Correct Answer: C. Inaccurate particle size distribution results
Explanation: Excessive sample mass overloads the sieves, preventing
particles from properly separating according to size. This causes inaccurate
gradation results and poor reproducibility.
• Option C is correct because overloading affects particle movement and
retention.
• Option A is incorrect because excessive material decreases accuracy.
• Option B is incorrect because overloaded sieves are more prone to blinding.
• Option D is incorrect because errors may affect both retained and passing
percentages.
Q3. A moisture-density Proctor curve shows a maximum dry density of 121 pcf
at an optimum moisture content of 14%. If field compaction specifications
require 95% compaction, what minimum dry density must be achieved?
A. 102 pcf
B. 109 pcf
C. 115 pcf
D. 126 pcf
, Correct Answer: C. 115 pcf
Explanation: Required density = 0.95 × 121 = 114.95 pcf, rounded to 115
pcf.
• Option C correctly applies the specification percentage.
• Option A and B are below required acceptance criteria.
• Option D exceeds maximum laboratory density and is unrealistic.
Q4. Which soil classification symbol under the Unified Soil Classification
System represents a low-plasticity clay?
A. CH
B. CL
C. ML
D. SM
Correct Answer: B. CL
Explanation: In USCS terminology, “C” indicates clay and “L” indicates
low plasticity.
• Option B is correct.
• Option A represents high-plasticity clay.
• Option C represents low-plasticity silt.
• Option D represents silty sand.
Q5. A technician performing a nuclear density test fails to properly seat the
probe into the prepared hole. What is the most likely consequence?
A. Artificially high moisture readings only
B. Reduced exposure time to radiation
C. Inaccurate density measurement due to air gaps
D. Improved correlation with sand cone results
Correct Answer: C. Inaccurate density measurement due to air gaps
Explanation: Poor probe seating leaves voids around the source rod,
interfering with radiation transmission and causing inaccurate density
readings.
• Option C is correct because intimate soil contact is essential.
PRACTICE EXAM - (110 QUESTIONS) UP-TO-DATE ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND 100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS | VERIFIED
ANSWERS - INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Examiner/Administrator: National Institute for Certification in Engineering
Technologies
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Candidate Name: _______________________________________
Candidate ID Number: ___________________________________
Testing Date: __________________________________________
Examination Centre/Location: _____________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
NICET CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING – SOILS LEVEL II
Time Allowed: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Approximate Number of Questions: 110 Multiple-Choice Questions
Reference Materials Allowed: Approved standards, field references, and non-
programmable calculator only.
Candidate Instructions
• Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
• This examination evaluates practical and technical competency in
construction materials testing with emphasis on soils sampling, laboratory
procedures, field density testing, moisture control, compaction verification,
safety practices, documentation, and interpretation of ASTM/AASHTO
standards.
• Choose the BEST answer for each question.
• Calculations should be completed using accepted engineering practices and
standard unit conversions where applicable.
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate applied understanding of soil
,classification systems, laboratory testing procedures, equipment calibration,
and field inspection responsibilities.
• Mark all answers clearly and manage time appropriately throughout the
examination.
Core Competency Areas
• Soil Classification and Index Testing
• Moisture-Density Relationships
• Field Density and Compaction Testing
• Sampling Procedures and Preservation
• ASTM and AASHTO Standards
• Safety and Quality Assurance Practices
• Laboratory Equipment Operation and Calibration
• Documentation, Reporting, and Data Interpretation
• Earthwork Inspection and Construction Control
This practice examination is an original educational simulation designed to
reflect the style, technical depth, and formatting commonly associated with
professional NICET Construction Materials Testing – Soils Level II
examinations. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official certification
authority.
Q1. A field technician performs a sand cone density test on compacted fill and
records a wet density of 128 pcf with a moisture content of 12%. What is the
approximate dry density of the soil?
A. 109 pcf
B. 114 pcf
C. 121 pcf
D. 143 pcf
Correct Answer: C. 121 pcf
Explanation: Dry density is calculated using: Dry Density = Wet Density ÷
(1 + moisture content). Thus: 128 ÷ 1.12 ≈ 114? Wait carefully—moisture must
be expressed as decimal: 128/1.12 = 114.3 pcf. However, the closest realistic
engineering interpretation accounting for rounding and field variation often
,appears near 114 pcf. Option C would be incorrect mathematically. Therefore
the correct engineering computation is 114 pcf.
• Option B is correct because it accurately applies the moisture correction
formula.
• Option A underestimates the density significantly.
• Option C represents a common calculation mistake.
• Option D exceeds the wet density and is impossible.
Correct Answer: B. 114 pcf
Q2. During a sieve analysis, a technician notices excessive material retained on
multiple sieves because the sample mass exceeded recommended limits. What
is the most likely effect on the test results?
A. Improved accuracy of gradation data
B. Reduced likelihood of sieve blinding
C. Inaccurate particle size distribution results
D. Increased percentage passing values only
Correct Answer: C. Inaccurate particle size distribution results
Explanation: Excessive sample mass overloads the sieves, preventing
particles from properly separating according to size. This causes inaccurate
gradation results and poor reproducibility.
• Option C is correct because overloading affects particle movement and
retention.
• Option A is incorrect because excessive material decreases accuracy.
• Option B is incorrect because overloaded sieves are more prone to blinding.
• Option D is incorrect because errors may affect both retained and passing
percentages.
Q3. A moisture-density Proctor curve shows a maximum dry density of 121 pcf
at an optimum moisture content of 14%. If field compaction specifications
require 95% compaction, what minimum dry density must be achieved?
A. 102 pcf
B. 109 pcf
C. 115 pcf
D. 126 pcf
, Correct Answer: C. 115 pcf
Explanation: Required density = 0.95 × 121 = 114.95 pcf, rounded to 115
pcf.
• Option C correctly applies the specification percentage.
• Option A and B are below required acceptance criteria.
• Option D exceeds maximum laboratory density and is unrealistic.
Q4. Which soil classification symbol under the Unified Soil Classification
System represents a low-plasticity clay?
A. CH
B. CL
C. ML
D. SM
Correct Answer: B. CL
Explanation: In USCS terminology, “C” indicates clay and “L” indicates
low plasticity.
• Option B is correct.
• Option A represents high-plasticity clay.
• Option C represents low-plasticity silt.
• Option D represents silty sand.
Q5. A technician performing a nuclear density test fails to properly seat the
probe into the prepared hole. What is the most likely consequence?
A. Artificially high moisture readings only
B. Reduced exposure time to radiation
C. Inaccurate density measurement due to air gaps
D. Improved correlation with sand cone results
Correct Answer: C. Inaccurate density measurement due to air gaps
Explanation: Poor probe seating leaves voids around the source rod,
interfering with radiation transmission and causing inaccurate density
readings.
• Option C is correct because intimate soil contact is essential.
