NICET Level II – Highway Construction Inspection Preparatory Course

NICET Highway Construction Inspection Level II is an intermediate certification designed for individuals with some experience in highway construction inspection. This level signifies that the inspector possesses practical knowledge, can work more independently, and performs inspections with limited supervision. It builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Level I and prepares individuals for more responsibility in ensuring that highway construction projects meet specifications and regulatory standards. 

(FREE 12 day workshop) 

Scope of Highway Construction Inspection Level II 

Level II inspectors take on a broader role, performing tasks that involve greater technical understanding and independent judgment. Responsibilities include: 

• On-Site Inspections: Inspecting construction elements such as grading, drainage, paving, and bridge components. 
• Monitoring Contractor Performance: Ensuring contractors follow project specifications, plans, and safety standards. 
• Quality Assurance Testing: Performing or overseeing field tests (e.g., compaction or material sampling) to verify that materials meet standards. 
• Documentation and Reporting: Creating detailed daily reports on work progress, materials used, and any project issues. 
• Problem Solving: Identifying and reporting non-conforming work and suggesting corrective actions. 
• Communication: Acting as a liaison between contractors, engineers, and project managers to address issues and ensure smooth project flow. 

Who Needs NICET Highway Certification – Level II ? 

• State Departments of Transportation (DOTs): Many DOTs require NICET-certified inspectors for public highway projects. 

• Construction Management Firms: Contractors and consultants involved in road, highway, and bridge construction projects. 

• Government Agencies: Regulatory bodies involved in public infrastructure development. 

• Engineers and Inspectors: Professionals responsible for inspecting and documenting public works projects. 

Certification Requirements 

To obtain NICET Highway Construction Inspection Level II, candidates must meet the following criteria: 

• Work Experience:
  • 2+ years of experience in highway construction or a related field.
  • Direct involvement with inspection tasks such as material testing, safety compliance, and reporting.
• Exams:
  • Pass a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as:
    • Construction materials (asphalt, concrete, soil, aggregates)
    • Inspection procedures for highway structures (e.g., roads, bridges)
    • Safety standards and environmental considerations
    • Project documentation and report preparation
• Performance Measures:
  • Submit a validated work history, showing exposure to relevant tasks.
  • Provide recommendations from a supervisor confirming field experience. 

Key Differences Between Level I and Level II 

• Level I: Focuses on basic tasks under supervision (e.g., assisting with inspections).
• Level II: Involves independent work, with some supervisory and problem-solving responsibilities. 

Benefits of Level II Certification 

• Greater Responsibility: Qualified to take on more independent inspection roles.
• Employability: Recognized by state departments of transportation and private contractors.
• Career Advancement: Level II certification is a stepping stone toward Level III and IV certifications, which involve more leadership and project management.
• Higher Earning Potential: Certification can result in better job opportunities and salaries. 

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

Day 1: Earthwork   

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

• Visually identify soil and aggregate types and their properties. 
• Identify and differentiate between limits of disturbance, rights-of-way, and easements. 
• Inspect clearing and grubbing. 
• Inspect temporary erosion and sediment controls and storm water management components. 
• Recognize materials testing, certification, and acceptance requirements. 
• Monitor field procedures for soils compaction testing, and determine the acceptability of the results. 
• Inspect placement and grading of embankments, including compaction and finish tolerances. 
• Inspect placement and grading of subgrades, undercuts, and aggregate subbase and base courses, including compaction and finish tolerances. 
• Calculate excavation and embankment quantities.  

Day 2: Asphalt Pavement Construction   

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

• Inspect existing surface preparation as required. 
• Inspect the application of tack coats. 
• Conduct preplacement inspection, including grade control, equipment pre-checks, and paving plan review.  
• Visually identify asphalt mixes and properties. 
• Identify the requirements for materials sampling for testing and verify conformance.   
• Inspect delivery, placement, compaction, and finishing of asphalt. 
• Calculate and interpret yield. 

Day 3: Concrete Pavement Construction    

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

• Inspect surface preparation, forms, reinforcing steel, and load-transfer assemblies for pavements. 
• Verify that concrete for pavement meets testing and certification requirements.  
• Verify that correct procedures are followed for sampling fresh concrete; measuring temperature; determining slump, air content, unit weight, and yield; and making and curing test specimens.  
• Inspect delivery, placement, and consolidation of concrete for pavements. 
• Inspect finishing and surface tolerances. 
• Inspect pavement curing, and saw-cutting and sealing of joints.   

Day 4: Concrete Structure Construction   

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

• Inspect delivered precast box culverts, box beams, and other precast items.  
• Inspect bedding and installation of footings and basic driven pile. 
• Inspect forms and reinforcing steel for structures, and calculate pay weight. 
• Inspect delivery and method of placement of concrete for structures.  
• Inspect cast-in-place structural components. 
• Verify that concrete for structures meets testing and certification requirements. 

Day 5: Drainage   

(Questions related to these tasks make up 8-12% of the exam.)  

• Identify drainage system components. 
• Inspect excavation for drainage. 
• Inspect bedding and backfilling.  
• Inspect installation of drainage components. 

Day 6: Utilities and Incidental Construction   

(Questions related to these tasks make up 10-15% of the exam.)  

• Identify utility facilities affected by construction. 
• Inspect signage, striping, and message marking. 
• Inspect guardrails, safety systems, and fencing. 
• Inspect basic foundations for lighting, traffic signals, ground-mounted signs, and sound walls. 
• Inspect underground electrical conduit. 
• Inspect sidewalks, curbs and gutters, curb ramps, medians/median barriers, and driveways. 
• Inspect landscaping and environmental mitigation. 

Day 7: Site Layout and Controls   

(Questions related to these tasks make up 4-8% of the exam.)  

• Use survey notes and data to verify elevations. 
• Inspect placement of work zone traffic controls, including lane shifts, closures, detours, and construction access points and routes.  

Day 8: Responsibilities and Documentation   

(Questions related to these tasks make up 5-12% of the exam.)  

• Generate and maintain project documentation related to work within the inspector’s scope of responsibility. 
• Identify project roles, hierarchies, and responsibilities, including the authority of the inspector. 
• Identify project activities from a project schedule. 
• Identify and inspect required work-site postings. 

Day 9: Review of selected topics

Day 10: Review of selected topics

Day 11: Review of selected topics

Day 12: Preparation for the exam (practice test)

The course will take place on Saturdays and Sundays for four weeks online, with a Certificate of Completion provided upon completion of the course. 

Contact Information 

Dr. Azhar Mahmood 
Coordinator 
263 Academy Street, Room S605C  
Jersey City, NJ 07306 
(201) 360-4259 
amahmoodFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE