NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 75%
NATIONAL HIGHWAY INSTITUTE
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES
FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027
BRIDGE SAFETY INSPECTION - Official Exam 2026/2027
147 75% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Bridge Inspection Organization and Administration Q1-Q30
Section 2 Bridge Materials and Deterioration Q31-Q60
Section 3 Inspecting Bridge Superstructures Q61-Q93
Section 4 Bridge Substructure and Waterway Inspection Q94-Q122
Section 5 Bridge Deck Inspection and Condition Rating Q123-Q147
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NHI Safety Inspection of
In-Service Bridges certification preparation. Passing score: 75% (110 questions correct).
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 1 of 79
,SECTION 1 | BRIDGE INSPECTION ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION | Q1-Q30 | NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE
BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027
Question 1
A state DOT bridge inspector with 3 years of experience is assigned to lead a routine inspection of
a 45-year-old reinforced concrete bridge on an interstate highway. The inspector holds a current
NBIS certification but has not completed any fracture-critical inspection training. What is the most
appropriate action regarding the inspector's assignment to this bridge?
A. Assign the inspector to the routine inspection but ensure a fracture-critical trained inspector
supervises any fracture-critical member evaluation
B. Proceed with the routine inspection since NBIS certification alone satisfies all requirements for in-service
bridge inspection under federal regulations
C. Remove the inspector from the assignment entirely because fracture-critical training is mandatory for all
bridge inspections
D. Allow the inspector to conduct the full inspection independently because the bridge is reinforced
concrete and has no fracture-critical members
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NBIS requires that routine inspections be performed by qualified inspectors, but fracture-critical members require
inspectors with specific fracture-critical training. The inspector can perform the routine inspection but needs supervision
or support for any fracture-critical evaluations. Assigning the inspector without any oversight would violate
requirements for fracture-critical member assessment.
Question 2
A bridge owner is developing its annual bridge inspection program and must prioritize bridges
based on NBIS frequency requirements. A 20-year-old steel girder bridge carrying US Route 50
was last inspected 22 months ago and received a sufficiency rating of 62 with a structural
evaluation of 5. When is the next inspection due?
A. Within 2 months because the bridge must be inspected every 24 months and the deadline is
approaching
B. Within 10 months because bridges with sufficiency ratings below 65 must be inspected every 12 months
C. Within 14 months because the standard 24-month cycle has not yet elapsed since the last
inspection
D. Immediately because a structural evaluation of 5 triggers an emergency inspection requirement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
NBIS mandates routine inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months. Since only 22 months have elapsed, the
bridge has approximately 2 months remaining before the 24-month deadline. A sufficiency rating of 62 and structural
evaluation of 5 do not trigger reduced inspection intervals unless specific conditions warrant it. The standard 24-month
cycle still applies.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 2 of 79
,Question 3
During a bridge inspection, the team leader discovers that a previous inspection report for the
bridge contains significant errors in the load rating calculations. The bridge was rated by a licensed
professional engineer who is no longer with the agency. What is the team leader's most appropriate
course of action?
A. Ignore the errors because the original engineer was licensed and the report has already been accepted
by the bridge owner
B. Recalculate the load rating independently during the current inspection and substitute the new values in
the report
C. Document the errors in the current inspection report and notify the bridge owner that the load
rating should be reevaluated by a qualified engineer
D. File a formal complaint against the original engineer with the state licensing board before proceeding
with the current inspection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When errors are discovered in previous inspection or rating documents, the team leader must document the
discrepancy and notify the bridge owner. Recalculating the rating independently is beyond the scope of a routine
inspection and should be performed by a qualified engineer. Filing a complaint may be premature without further
review.
Question 4
A county transportation department has 340 bridges in its inventory. Under NBIS, the department
must ensure that all bridges are inspected at regular intervals not to exceed 24 months. The
department requests permission from FHWA to extend the inspection cycle to 36 months for certain
bridges. Under what condition would FHWA most likely approve this request?
A. The department demonstrates that all bridges in the inventory have sufficiency ratings above 80 and no
critical findings
B. The department provides evidence that budget constraints prevent compliance with the standard
24-month cycle
C. The department submits a risk-based inspection methodology showing that specific bridges
qualify for extended intervals based on condition and performance data
D. The department proves that all bridges in question are less than 10 years old and carry low average
daily traffic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
FHWA allows extended inspection intervals up to 48 months when a state demonstrates a risk-based methodology that
justifies longer intervals for specific bridges. The methodology must consider condition, age, traffic, and environmental
factors. Budget constraints alone do not justify extensions, and age or sufficiency rating alone are insufficient criteria.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 3 of 79
, Question 5
A newly hired bridge inspector is completing the required training to qualify as a team leader under
NBIS. The inspector has a civil engineering degree and has completed the NHI course on Safety
Inspection of In-Service Bridges. Which additional requirement must the inspector fulfill before
serving as a team leader?
A. Complete a minimum of 40 hours of field inspection experience under the direct supervision of a
qualified team leader
B. Pass the state-specific bridge inspector licensing examination and obtain professional engineer
registration
C. Accumulate at least 6 months of bridge inspection experience and complete the NHI Engineering
Concepts for Bridge Inspectors course
D. Obtain certification from the American Society of Civil Engineers as a qualified bridge inspector
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
NBIS requires team leaders to meet specific qualification criteria including a combination of education, training, and
experience. For an inspector with an engineering degree and the core NHI course, the additional requirement includes
completing supplementary training such as Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors and accumulating the requisite
field experience. A PE license is not required for all team leaders.
Question 6
An inspection team is preparing for an underwater inspection of a bridge with substructure units in
25 feet of water. The bridge was last inspected underwater 58 months ago. Under NBIS
requirements, what type of inspection is required and when should it have been performed?
A. A routine underwater inspection should have been performed within 60 months of the last underwater
inspection, so the team is still within the allowable window
B. An underwater inspection is not required because routine inspections from the deck surface satisfy
NBIS for all bridge types
C. A special inspection is required immediately because the 48-month maximum interval for underwater
inspections has been exceeded by 10 months
D. An underwater inspection should have been performed within 48 months of the last inspection,
and the current inspection is overdue
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
NBIS requires underwater inspections at intervals not exceeding 60 months for bridges with underwater members that
cannot be visually evaluated during routine inspections. Since 58 months have elapsed and the maximum is 60
months, the inspection window is nearly closed. The standard maximum is 60 months, not 48. The team is still
technically within the window but barely.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 4 of 79
NATIONAL HIGHWAY INSTITUTE
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES
FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027
BRIDGE SAFETY INSPECTION - Official Exam 2026/2027
147 75% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Bridge Inspection Organization and Administration Q1-Q30
Section 2 Bridge Materials and Deterioration Q31-Q60
Section 3 Inspecting Bridge Superstructures Q61-Q93
Section 4 Bridge Substructure and Waterway Inspection Q94-Q122
Section 5 Bridge Deck Inspection and Condition Rating Q123-Q147
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NHI Safety Inspection of
In-Service Bridges certification preparation. Passing score: 75% (110 questions correct).
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 1 of 79
,SECTION 1 | BRIDGE INSPECTION ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION | Q1-Q30 | NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE
BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027
Question 1
A state DOT bridge inspector with 3 years of experience is assigned to lead a routine inspection of
a 45-year-old reinforced concrete bridge on an interstate highway. The inspector holds a current
NBIS certification but has not completed any fracture-critical inspection training. What is the most
appropriate action regarding the inspector's assignment to this bridge?
A. Assign the inspector to the routine inspection but ensure a fracture-critical trained inspector
supervises any fracture-critical member evaluation
B. Proceed with the routine inspection since NBIS certification alone satisfies all requirements for in-service
bridge inspection under federal regulations
C. Remove the inspector from the assignment entirely because fracture-critical training is mandatory for all
bridge inspections
D. Allow the inspector to conduct the full inspection independently because the bridge is reinforced
concrete and has no fracture-critical members
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NBIS requires that routine inspections be performed by qualified inspectors, but fracture-critical members require
inspectors with specific fracture-critical training. The inspector can perform the routine inspection but needs supervision
or support for any fracture-critical evaluations. Assigning the inspector without any oversight would violate
requirements for fracture-critical member assessment.
Question 2
A bridge owner is developing its annual bridge inspection program and must prioritize bridges
based on NBIS frequency requirements. A 20-year-old steel girder bridge carrying US Route 50
was last inspected 22 months ago and received a sufficiency rating of 62 with a structural
evaluation of 5. When is the next inspection due?
A. Within 2 months because the bridge must be inspected every 24 months and the deadline is
approaching
B. Within 10 months because bridges with sufficiency ratings below 65 must be inspected every 12 months
C. Within 14 months because the standard 24-month cycle has not yet elapsed since the last
inspection
D. Immediately because a structural evaluation of 5 triggers an emergency inspection requirement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
NBIS mandates routine inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months. Since only 22 months have elapsed, the
bridge has approximately 2 months remaining before the 24-month deadline. A sufficiency rating of 62 and structural
evaluation of 5 do not trigger reduced inspection intervals unless specific conditions warrant it. The standard 24-month
cycle still applies.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 2 of 79
,Question 3
During a bridge inspection, the team leader discovers that a previous inspection report for the
bridge contains significant errors in the load rating calculations. The bridge was rated by a licensed
professional engineer who is no longer with the agency. What is the team leader's most appropriate
course of action?
A. Ignore the errors because the original engineer was licensed and the report has already been accepted
by the bridge owner
B. Recalculate the load rating independently during the current inspection and substitute the new values in
the report
C. Document the errors in the current inspection report and notify the bridge owner that the load
rating should be reevaluated by a qualified engineer
D. File a formal complaint against the original engineer with the state licensing board before proceeding
with the current inspection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When errors are discovered in previous inspection or rating documents, the team leader must document the
discrepancy and notify the bridge owner. Recalculating the rating independently is beyond the scope of a routine
inspection and should be performed by a qualified engineer. Filing a complaint may be premature without further
review.
Question 4
A county transportation department has 340 bridges in its inventory. Under NBIS, the department
must ensure that all bridges are inspected at regular intervals not to exceed 24 months. The
department requests permission from FHWA to extend the inspection cycle to 36 months for certain
bridges. Under what condition would FHWA most likely approve this request?
A. The department demonstrates that all bridges in the inventory have sufficiency ratings above 80 and no
critical findings
B. The department provides evidence that budget constraints prevent compliance with the standard
24-month cycle
C. The department submits a risk-based inspection methodology showing that specific bridges
qualify for extended intervals based on condition and performance data
D. The department proves that all bridges in question are less than 10 years old and carry low average
daily traffic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
FHWA allows extended inspection intervals up to 48 months when a state demonstrates a risk-based methodology that
justifies longer intervals for specific bridges. The methodology must consider condition, age, traffic, and environmental
factors. Budget constraints alone do not justify extensions, and age or sufficiency rating alone are insufficient criteria.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 3 of 79
, Question 5
A newly hired bridge inspector is completing the required training to qualify as a team leader under
NBIS. The inspector has a civil engineering degree and has completed the NHI course on Safety
Inspection of In-Service Bridges. Which additional requirement must the inspector fulfill before
serving as a team leader?
A. Complete a minimum of 40 hours of field inspection experience under the direct supervision of a
qualified team leader
B. Pass the state-specific bridge inspector licensing examination and obtain professional engineer
registration
C. Accumulate at least 6 months of bridge inspection experience and complete the NHI Engineering
Concepts for Bridge Inspectors course
D. Obtain certification from the American Society of Civil Engineers as a qualified bridge inspector
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
NBIS requires team leaders to meet specific qualification criteria including a combination of education, training, and
experience. For an inspector with an engineering degree and the core NHI course, the additional requirement includes
completing supplementary training such as Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors and accumulating the requisite
field experience. A PE license is not required for all team leaders.
Question 6
An inspection team is preparing for an underwater inspection of a bridge with substructure units in
25 feet of water. The bridge was last inspected underwater 58 months ago. Under NBIS
requirements, what type of inspection is required and when should it have been performed?
A. A routine underwater inspection should have been performed within 60 months of the last underwater
inspection, so the team is still within the allowable window
B. An underwater inspection is not required because routine inspections from the deck surface satisfy
NBIS for all bridge types
C. A special inspection is required immediately because the 48-month maximum interval for underwater
inspections has been exceeded by 10 months
D. An underwater inspection should have been performed within 48 months of the last inspection,
and the current inspection is overdue
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
NBIS requires underwater inspections at intervals not exceeding 60 months for bridges with underwater members that
cannot be visually evaluated during routine inspections. Since 58 months have elapsed and the maximum is 60
months, the inspection window is nearly closed. The standard maximum is 60 months, not 48. The team is still
technically within the window but barely.
NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL EXAM | 147 QUESTIONS | WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS!! 2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 | Passing
Score: 75% | Page 4 of 79
