NICET Level III – Highway Construction Inspection Preparatory Course


NICET Highway Construction Inspection Level III is an advanced certification that demonstrates expertise in highway construction inspection. Level III inspectors are expected to have significant field experience and technical knowledge to manage complex inspection tasks. They often supervise other inspectors, act as project leads, and ensure that all work meets regulatory, safety, and quality standards. This level focuses heavily on independent decision-making and project coordination. 

(FREE 8 day workshop)

Scope of Highway Construction Inspection Level III 

At this level, inspectors are entrusted with substantial responsibilities, including managing inspections and overseeing contractor compliance. Key tasks include: 

  • Supervision of Inspection Teams: Assigning tasks to junior inspectors and mentoring Level I and II personnel. 
  • Project Oversight: Monitoring overall project progress to ensure that construction activities align with schedules and budgets. 
  • Problem Resolution: Identifying and resolving non-compliance issues by working directly with contractors and engineers. 
  • Advanced Quality Control: Ensuring all materials, such as asphalt, concrete, and aggregates, comply with standards through in-depth testing and analysis. 
  • Compliance and Documentation: Preparing detailed reports that meet regulatory and contractual requirements. 
  • Coordination with Stakeholders: Facilitating communication between contractors, project managers, state agencies, and engineers. 
  • Safety Management: Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations on-site. 

Who Needs NICET Highway Certification – Level III? 

  • 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 earn NICET Highway Construction Inspection Level III, candidates must meet the following: 

  • Work Experience: 
    • 5+ years of experience in highway construction inspection or a related field. 
    • Must include supervisory or independent work experience. 
  • Exams: 
    • Pass a written examination focused on: 
    • Construction techniques and standards for roads, bridges, and highways. 
    • Material properties and advanced testing methods. 
    • Contract management and conflict resolution. 
    • Regulatory compliance and safety protocols. 
  • Performance Measures: 
    • Submit a validated work history showing leadership roles in inspection projects. 
    • Provide supervisor recommendations verifying the candidate’s ability to oversee projects and solve complex problems. 

Key Responsibilities at Level III 

  • Leadership: Often serves as the lead inspector, coordinating multiple aspects of the project. 
  • Decision-Making: Exercises independent judgment and provides solutions to on-site issues. 
  • Stakeholder Management: Acts as the primary point of contact between contractors and regulatory bodies. 
  • Risk Management: Identifies potential risks and enforces corrective actions to maintain project integrity. 

Benefits of Level III Certification 

  • Leadership Opportunities: Qualification for supervisory and project management roles. 
  • Increased Employability: Many state departments of transportation and contractors require Level III inspectors for large-scale projects. 
  • Path to Level IV Certification: Level III is a prerequisite for Level IV, which involves strategic oversight and high-level management responsibilities. 
  • Higher Earnings: Advanced certification can lead to better compensation and senior roles. 

Preparatory Course Outlines

All study material will be provided by the instructor.

Soil and Slope Stabilization (All study material will be provided by the instructor)

(Questions related to these tasks make up 12-22% of the exam.)  

  • Inspect roadway soil stabilization.  
  • Inspect steep slopes and slope stabilization, both temporary and permanent, including support of excavation. 
  • Inspect water retention and channeling features.  
  • Inspect installation of permanent geosynthetics and geogrids. 
  • Inspect reinforced earth and mechanically stabilized embankments and walls.  
  • Evaluate field conditions relative to core borings. 
  • Inspect ground improvement procedures. 

Roadway Construction  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 14-24% of the exam.)  

  • Inspect pavement preservation applications for concrete and asphalt roadways.  
  • Inspect grade tie-ins, drainage, elevations, and transitions for proper functionality through all phases of construction. 
  • Inspect sanitary sewer lines.  
  • Inspect water lines.  
  • Identify potential improvements to work zone traffic control implementation.  

Structure Construction  

(Questions related to these tasks make up 31-41% of the exam.)  

  • Inspect drilled shafts, caissons, and deep and shallow foundations. 
  • Inspect steel structural components for conformance with erection plans.  
  • Verify size and type of structural steel connections.  
  • Inspect implementation of thermal control plans for mass concrete.  
  • Inspect the delivered condition and handling of pre-stressed concrete beams, boxes, and piles. 
  • Inspect post-tensioning of concrete components. 
  • Inspect demolition of structures to verify conformance with plans, specifications, and procedures. 
  • Inspect construction and removal of falsework to verify conformance with plans, specifications, and  procedures. 
  • Inspect bridge deck construction, including pre-pour inspection.  
  • Inspect application of paint and coatings.  
  • Inspect structure preservation treatments.  

Traffic Signals, Lighting, and ITS 

 (Questions related to these tasks make up 8-18% of the exam.)  

  • Inspect erection of structures for signals, signage, and lighting. 
  • Inspect loops and other detection devices for traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems. 
  • Inspect installation of components and wiring for signals and other traffic management systems, and verify functionality. 
  • Inspect installation of components and wiring for lighting, and verify functionality.  

Reporting and Compliance  

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

  • Review inspection reports from staff for completeness and content, and report work, results, nonconformances, and actions taken. 
  • Prioritize and coordinate inspection activities of available inspection personnel. 
  • Verify that temporary erosion and sediment controls and storm water management components are functioning adequately. 
  • Inspect project activities for conformance with basic OSHA safety requirements. 

 

Review of selected topics

Review of selected topics

Preparation for the exam (practice test)

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

Total Hours: 32

8 days, 4 hours a day
Days: Saturdays & Sundays
Dates: January 25- February 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: Online

Register

Contact Information 

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