NICET Concrete Testing Certificate Preparatory Course

NICET Certification is one of the most prestigious and extensive vocational tests conducted across the United States of America for professionals in the Construction Industry. Certification often influences hiring, retention, promotion, and contracting decisions. It is equally beneficial for employers as it is for employees.

The National Institute of Certified Engineering Technicians (NICET) offers certifications in multiple areas at a different level of academic/experience levels related to a Civil Engineering Technology Program; The following are the major work areas where certification programs are offered:

Construction Materials Testing:
Asphalt, Concrete & Soils

Transportation Construction Inspection:
Highway Construction Inspection

NICET Certified Technicians are defined as “hands-on” members of the engineering team who work under the direction of Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists. They have knowledge of the components, operating characteristics, and limitations of engineering systems and processes particular to their area of specialization.

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• Develop a broad knowledge and understanding of means and methods employed in construction and the significance of concrete’s role
• Identify issues and propose mitigation measures
• Inspect to ensure the suitability of the material
• Determine the quality of materials used through testing
• Recognize an inspector's duties for providing quality and safe products

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Personal and Worksite Safety:

• Determine and wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Identify and report task-specific hazards

Plans and Specifications:

• Identify locations on-site from locations on plans
• Identify test frequencies and requirements

Sampling of Concrete Mixes and Components:

• Collect samples of plastic concrete
• Collect samples of mixed components (including labeling)
• Collect masonry units (e.g., block or brick)
• Document source of samples (e.g., aggregates or plastic concrete)
• Document placement location for plastic concrete
• Document mix information

Concrete Mix Sample Preparation, Storage and Transportation:

• Prepare samples for strength testing
• Transport samples of plastic concrete to on-site testing location
• Wet sieve plastic concrete
• Site cure samples
• Transport hardened concrete samples to the laboratory
• Lab cure prepared specimens
• Reduce samples to testing size

Field and Laboratory Testing of Concrete Mixes and Components:

• Determine temperature of plastic concrete
• Perform slump tests
• Determine air content pressure method
• Determine air content volumetric method
• Determine air content gravimetric method
• Determine unit weight
• Cast strength specimens
• Perform aggregates gradation tests
• Perform moisture content tests
• Perform compressive strength tests of concrete cylinders

Communication of Results:

• Collect required test data for reports
• Document field observations
• Complete test forms and related reports
• Report results to supervisor
• Assess reasonableness of results

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance:

• Verify lab testing equipment is calibrated for Level I tests
• Verify field testing equipment is calibrated for Level I tests
• Verify dimensions of field equipment
• Verify equipment operation for Level I tests

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