NICET Construction Materials Testing - (Soils Certification)
NICET Level I – Soil Certification Preparatory Course
(free 8 day workshop)
NICET Construction Materials Testing (CMT) – Soils Level I is an entry-level certification for technicians responsible for performing basic soil sampling, testing, and inspection
tasks in construction projects. This certification ensures that individuals have foundational
knowledge and skills required to support quality assurance efforts in earthwork and soil-related construction activities.
Key Areas Covered in NICET Soil - Level I Certification:
- Field Sampling Procedures:
- Properly collecting soil samples from field sites following ASTM and AASHTO standards.
- Understanding how to label, transport, and handle samples to avoid contamination or
loss of material.
- Basic Soil Testing Methods:
- Performing in-situ tests such as:
- Sand Cone Test: Measures soil density at construction sites.
- Nuclear Density Test: Uses nuclear gauges to check soil compaction.
- Testing moisture content and compaction to meet project specifications.
- Documentation & Recordkeeping:
- Recording test results and site conditions accurately.
- Completing test reports, daily logs, and quality control forms required by engineers
or site supervisors.
- Safety Procedures:
- Following proper safety protocols when working with testing equipment like nuclear density gauges.
- Understanding environmental and site-specific hazards.
- Communication and Reporting:
- Working under the supervision of senior technicians or engineers.
- Reporting findings promptly and communicating test results to ensure timely project
decisions.
Who Needs NICET Soil Certification – Level I
Many companies across construction, engineering, infrastructure, and environmental sectors rely on employees with NICET Soils certification to ensure the quality of earthwork, compaction, and site preparation. Below is a breakdown of the types of companies that typically require or benefit
from having NICET-certified soil technicians.
- Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Firms
- General Contractors and Builders
- Geotechnical and Civil Engineering Firms
- State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Public Agencies
- Utilities and Infrastructure Companies
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- Independent Testing Laboratories
- Real Estate Developers
- Construction Management Firms and Consulting Companies
- Workforce Development and Trade Union Partners
Prerequisites for NICET Soils Level I:
- No specific educational requirements, though a background in construction, engineering,
or related fields is beneficial.
- Work experience of at least 6 months performing soil-related tasks under supervision may be required.
- Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM D1556 for the Sand Cone Test) is helpful.
Exam Format and Requirements:
- Multiple-choice exam covering practical knowledge, testing procedures, safety protocols, and documentation.
- Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:
- Perform tasks accurately under direct supervision.
- Understand soil test results and ensure compliance with relevant specifications.
Career Benefits of NICET Soils Level I:
- Credential validation: Employers recognize NICET certification as a mark of competency and reliability.
- Career growth opportunities: Level I certification serves as a foundation for progressing to Level II and beyond, where technicians take on more independent and supervisory roles.
- Job roles: Suitable for entry-level soil technicians, field inspectors, and construction management
assistants.
Preparatory Course Outlines (All study material will be provided by the instructor)
Day 1: Personal and Worksite Safety
(Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Determine and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Inspect equipment.
- Identify unsafe conditions.
- Apply job safety analysis.
Day 2: Plans and Specifications
(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)
- Relate plans to the field (e.g., find location on plan, establish relative elevation).
Day 3: Sampling of Soils
(Questions related to these tasks make up 15-25% of the exam.)
- Obtain samples.
- Document sample locations.
- Transport samples back to lab.
- Identify type of materials of samples.
- Log sample or I.D. the sample for lab testing (i.e., tracking).
Day 4: Soils Sample Preparation
(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)
- Reduce sample to test size.
- Dry the sample.
- Weigh the sample.
- Process through sieve.
- Moisture-condition the sample.
Day 5: Field Density Testing
(Questions related to these tasks make up 18-28% of the exam.)
- Identify where to take the test.
- Determine the number of tests.
- Identify type of material.
- Document test location.
- Document results.
- Document limitations.
- Perform assigned field density test.
Day 6: Laboratory Testing of Soils
(Questions related to these tasks make up 17-27% of the exam.)
- Perform Atterberg limit tests.
- Perform Proctor tests.
- Perform sieve analysis.
- Perform Washed -No. 200 sieve.
- Perform moisture content test.
Day 7: Communication of Results
(Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Inform client of presence.
- Give verbal report of observations to supervisor.
- Complete test forms.
Day 8: Equipment Calibration and Maintenance
(Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Verify equipment calibration.
The course will take place on Saturdays and Sundays for four weeks online, with a
Certificate of Completion provided upon completion of the course.
Days: Saturday and Sunday
Dates: TBA
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT
Price:
Location: Online
Registration link coming soon.
Contact Information
Dr. Azhar Mahmood
Coordinator
263 Academy Street, Room S605C
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4259
amahmoodFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE