NICET Level II – Soil Certification Preparatory Course

 

NICET Construction Materials Testing (CMT) – Soils Level II certification is designed for technicians who have intermediate knowledge and experience in soil testing and quality control. Individuals at this level are expected to perform tests independently and ensure compliance with engineering standards for earthwork projects. Level II builds on the foundational knowledge from Level I but focuses more on independent field operations, problem-solving, and reporting. 

(free 8 day workshop) 

Key Responsibilities for NICET Soils Level II: 

  • Independent Field and Laboratory Testing: 
    • Conducting in-situ density and moisture tests using sand cone or nuclear gauges without supervision. 
    • Performing soil classification and proctor tests (Standard and Modified Proctor) to determine optimal compaction levels. 
  • Site Inspection and Monitoring: 
    • Inspecting earthworks, grading, and backfill operations to ensure they meet project specifications. 
    • Monitoring and documenting subgrade preparation and foundation compaction for structures. 
  • Data Interpretation and Reporting: 
    • Analyzing test results to determine whether soil properties comply with project requirements. 
    • Preparing detailed reports for engineers, contractors, or site supervisors, including recommendations for corrective action when necessary. 
  • Compliance with Standards and Specifications: 
    • Applying industry standards such as ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor Test) and AASHTO T180 during testing procedures. 
    • Ensuring compliance with state and local codes and specific project requirements. 
  • Communication and Coordination: 
    • Working closely with contractors, project managers, and engineers to address on-site issues and ensure project deadlines are met. 
    • Providing guidance to Level I technicians and ensuring they follow testing protocols. 

Who Needs NICET Soil Certification – Level II 

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  

This certification is ideal for individuals in construction, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure projects who want to advance their careers by taking on independent responsibilities. It is also highly relevant to workforce development programs, such as your collaboration with the IRC, where participants can leverage this credential to enter mid-level roles in the industry. 

Prerequisites for NICET Soils Level II: 

  • Experience: 
    • At least 1 year of work experience performing soil testing and inspections. 
    • Experience documenting test results and interacting with engineers or supervisors on projects. 
  • Certification: 
    • NICET Level I certification is usually recommended (though not always mandatory) to proceed to Level II. 

Exam Structure for NICET Soils Level II: 

  • Multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of field tests, soil behavior, standards, and troubleshooting. 
  • Candidates must demonstrate an ability to: 
    • Identify non-conforming work and suggest corrections. 
    • Communicate effectively with project stakeholders regarding test results and recommendations. 

Skills Gained at NICET Soils Level II: 

  • Advanced Testing Techniques: 
    • Ability to perform more complex tests (e.g., moisture-density relationships, soil compaction verification) independently. 
  • Problem-solving in the Field: 
    • Identifying problems with soil quality or compaction and proposing practical solutions. 
    • Recognizing when environmental conditions (e.g., moisture changes) require adjusting field procedures. 
  • Supervisory Capabilities: 
    • Mentoring Level I technicians and ensuring their tasks are completed to standards. 
    • Supporting project engineers by providing accurate, real-time data for decision-making. 

Industries and Employers Seeking NICET Soils Level II Certification: 

  • Construction Materials Testing Firms: Terracon, Intertek, PSI. 
  • General Contractors: Turner Construction, Skanska, Bechtel. 
  • Government Agencies: State DOTs (NJDOT, Caltrans), municipal public works. 
  • Geotechnical Engineering Firms: AECOM, WSP, Geosyntec. 
  • Utilities and Infrastructure Companies: PSE&G, Con Edison, American Water. 

Career Growth and Benefits of NICET Soils Level II: 

  • Independence: Level II technicians are trusted to work with minimal supervision. 
  • Career Progression: Provides a pathway to Level III and IV certification, which involve supervisory and managerial roles. 
  • High Demand: Companies and public agencies often require Level II certification for senior field roles and quality control positions. 
  • Higher Pay: Certified Level II technicians can command higher salaries and are more likely to be promoted to supervisory positions. 

Preparatory Course Outlines (All study material will be provided by the instructor) 

Day1:  Personal and Worksite Safety  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)  

  • Determine and wear personal protective equipment (PPE)  
  • Identify unsafe conditions. 
  • Inspect equipment. 
  • Apply job safety analyses. 

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 5-15% of the exam.)  

  • Determine sampling locations. 
  • Document sampling locations.  
  • Obtain samples. 

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 Testing of Soils  

 (Questions related to these tasks make up 10-20% of the exam.)  

  • Determine density test method. 
  • Determine number of tests. 
  • Document test locations. 
  • Document results.  
  • Document limitations. 
  • Perform assigned field density tests. 
  • Perform dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests. 

Day 6:  Laboratory Testing of Soils  

 (Questions related to these tasks make up 10-20% of the exam.)  

  • Perform particle size analyses. 
  • Perform specific gravity tests. 
  • Perform unconfined compressions. 
  • Perform organic content tests. 
  • Perform laboratory California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. 
  • Perform pH tests.  
  • Perform testing for soil stabilization mix trials.  
  • Perform shrinkage tests. 
  • Perform R-Value tests.  

Day 7: Field Observation of Soils Construction Operations  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)  

  • Observe basic fill placement operations. 
  • Observe basic shallow foundations installations. 
  • Observe basic installations of deep foundation.  
  • Observe soil stabilization (e.g., cement, fly ash, lime). 
  • Observe proof-rolling.  

Day 8: Evaluation of Soils Test Results  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)  

  • Determine whether results meet specifications.  
  • Recognize suspect test results. 8, 11, 18, 24, 

Day 9: Communication of Results  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)  

  • Prepare written reports for supervisors. 
  • Give verbal reports to field representatives, consultants, and contractors. 

Day 10:  Equipment Calibration and Maintenance  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)  

  • Perform verification/calibration of test equipment. 

The course will take place on Saturdays and Sundays for four week 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