100+ Free NICET CMT Soils Practice Questions

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Question 1

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The standard Proctor compaction test (AASHTO T 99) uses a rammer of what weight and drop height?

5.5 lb rammer, 12-inch drop

10 lb rammer, 18-inch drop

15 lb rammer, 24-inch drop

2.5 kg rammer, 0.5 m drop

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NICET CMT Soils Exam

Certification Levels

NICET CMT-Soils

90-165

Published Question Counts

By level

230-410 min

Published Exam Times

NICET CMT-Soils

$230-$425

2026 NICET CMT Exam Fees

NICET fee schedule

3 years

Recertification Cycle

NICET CPD

Pearson VUE

Test Delivery

NICET scheduling

6-120 mo

Experience Range

Level I to IV

AASHTO / ASTM

Reference Families

CMT-Soils outline

NICET's CMT-Soils program centers on AASHTO T 99 and T 180 (Proctor compaction), T 193 CBR, T 88 hydrometer, T 89/T 90 Atterberg limits, T 265 oven-dry moisture, T 191 sand cone, and T 310/D6938 nuclear density, with field methods like SPT (T 206) and CPT (D5778) growing in importance at higher levels. The 2026 exams at Pearson VUE are published as 110 questions in 230 minutes (Level I), 165 in 395 minutes (Level II, includes a 30-minute break), 138 in 410 minutes (Level III), and 90 items in 315 minutes (Level IV). Candidates should drill USCS/AASHTO classification, density math, field safety, and NICET ethics.

Sample NICET CMT Soils Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NICET CMT Soils exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The standard Proctor compaction test (AASHTO T 99) uses a rammer of what weight and drop height?

A.5.5 lb rammer, 12-inch drop

B.10 lb rammer, 18-inch drop

C.15 lb rammer, 24-inch drop

D.2.5 kg rammer, 0.5 m drop

Explanation: AASHTO T 99 (standard Proctor) uses a 5.5 lb (2.495 kg) rammer dropped 12 in. (305 mm) in 3 or 5 layers. It represents moderate compaction effort typical of older earthwork specifications.

2Modified Proctor (AASHTO T 180) uses what rammer weight and drop height?

A.5.5 lb, 12 in.

B.10 lb, 18 in.

C.8 lb, 12 in.

D.15 lb, 24 in.

Explanation: AASHTO T 180 (modified Proctor) uses a 10 lb rammer dropped 18 in. in 5 layers. The higher energy produces higher maximum dry density and lower optimum moisture than standard Proctor.

3The moisture-density curve from a Proctor test is used to determine:

A.Maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC)

B.Specific gravity of soils

C.Shear strength

D.California Bearing Ratio

Explanation: Proctor results plot dry density vs. moisture content, peaking at OMC with MDD. Field compaction is controlled to a percentage of MDD at moisture content in a defined band around OMC.

4If field dry density is 115 pcf and MDD (T 99) is 120 pcf, relative compaction is:

A.90 percent

B.94 percent

C.96 percent

D.100 percent

Explanation: Relative compaction = 115/120 = 0.958 or about 96 percent. Most earthwork specs require 95 percent standard Proctor (or 92-95 percent modified) depending on project type.

5California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is determined per:

A.AASHTO T 193 / ASTM D1883

B.AASHTO T 99

C.AASHTO T 209

D.ASTM C39

Explanation: AASHTO T 193 / ASTM D1883 is the CBR test. A piston is driven into a prepared, soaked or unsoaked specimen; the ratio of load at 0.1 in. penetration to that of standard crushed stone defines CBR.

6Atterberg limits for a soil are determined per:

A.AASHTO T 89 (LL) and T 90 (PL), and plasticity index (PI = LL - PL)

B.AASHTO T 27

C.AASHTO T 11

D.AASHTO T 85

Explanation: Liquid limit is determined by Casagrande cup (T 89) or fall cone methods. Plastic limit (T 90) is the moisture at which a 1/8-in. thread crumbles. PI = LL - PL describes clay plasticity.

7A soil with LL = 40 and PL = 20 has a plasticity index of:

A.0

B.10

C.20

D.60

Explanation: PI = LL - PL = 40 - 20 = 20. Clays with higher PI are more compressible and have lower shear strength at high moisture. USCS and AASHTO classification rely on PI and gradation.

8Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) group symbol 'SW' represents:

A.Well-graded sand

B.Poorly graded silty clay

C.Highly organic soil

D.Well-graded gravel

Explanation: SW is well-graded sand (>50 percent retained on the No. 200 sieve, >50 percent of coarse fraction passes No. 4, well-graded with Cu >= 6 and 1 <= Cc <= 3).

9AASHTO soil classification A-7-6 indicates:

A.Silty sand

B.Clay soil with plasticity index affecting subgrade rating (typically poor to fair)

C.Coarse granular soil

D.Rock fragments

Explanation: AASHTO M 145 group A-7-6 is a clay soil with LL >= 41 and PI >= 11, where PI > LL-30. A-7-6 soils are generally poor as subgrade.

10The nuclear density gauge for soils uses direct transmission to measure density at depth typically up to:

A.2 in.

B.4 in.

C.12 in. (using probe insertion)

D.36 in.

Explanation: Nuclear density gauges in direct transmission mode commonly measure to depths of about 12 in. via a probe inserted into a pre-pilot hole. This is the usual mode for soil lift density.

About the NICET CMT Soils Exam

NICET Construction Materials Testing - Soils is a four-level field and laboratory certification for technicians who sample soils, run Proctor and index tests, operate nuclear density gauges, and - at higher levels - design sampling programs, interpret geotechnical data, resolve field problems, train lower-level technicians, and manage lab accreditation.

Assessment

4 level-specific exams (Levels I-IV)

Time Limit

230 min (Level I) up to 410 min (Level III, includes 30-min break)

Passing Score

Scaled score; NICET reports 'Pass' when the level-specific threshold is met

Exam Fee

$230 Level I, $315 Level II, $370 Level III, $425 Level IV (2026 NICET CMT fees) (NICET / Pearson VUE)

NICET CMT Soils Exam Content Outline

1-9% across levels

Personal and Worksite Safety

OSHA 1926 Subpart P trenching and excavation protection, Competent Person duties, confined space entry, overhead utility approach distances, nuclear gauge radiation safety, and DOT 49 CFR source transport.

1-15% across levels

Sampling of Soils and Stockpiles

Composite stockpile sampling, borehole sample handling, labeling and chain of custody, sampling program design at Level III and complex program design at Level IV.

1-15%

Soil Sample Preparation

Splitting samples for multiple tests, moisture preservation, oversight of Level I/II preparation at Level IV, and lab reception procedures per R 18 / D3740.

Field testing across levels

Field Testing of Soils

Nuclear density gauge (D6938), sand cone (T 191), rubber balloon (T 205), Speedy moisture (T 217), SPT (T 206 / D1586), CPT (D5778), proof rolling, pile load tests (D1143/D3966), and shear tests at higher levels.

Lab testing across levels

Laboratory Testing of Soils

Proctor (T 99 standard, T 180 modified), CBR (T 193), sieve analysis (T 27), hydrometer (T 88), Atterberg limits (T 89, T 90), specific gravity (T 100), unconfined compression (T 208), triaxial (UU/CU/CD), consolidation (D2435), permeability, swell (D4546), and min/max index density (D4253/D4254).

1-9%

Field Observation of Soils Construction

Lift thickness control, moisture conditioning, roller selection (sheepsfoot, pad-foot, vibratory smooth drum), proof rolling, test strips, compaction near retaining walls, and stabilization (lime, cement, fly ash).

10-20% (Level IV)

Evaluation of Soils Test Results

Preliminary interpretation, comparison to design assumptions, identification of suspect/outlier data, reconciliation of moisture bias, control charts, and recommendations to the Engineer in Charge.

15-25% (Level IV)

Quality System, Reporting, Training, and Ethics

AASHTO R 18 / ASTM D3740 accreditation, equipment calibration, proficiency testing, corrective action, records retention, Level I-III training, NICET Code of Ethics, chain of custody, and geotechnical report preparation.

How to Pass the NICET CMT Soils Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score; NICET reports 'Pass' when the level-specific threshold is met
Assessment: 4 level-specific exams (Levels I-IV)
Time limit: 230 min (Level I) up to 410 min (Level III, includes 30-min break)
Exam fee: $230 Level I, $315 Level II, $370 Level III, $425 Level IV (2026 NICET CMT fees)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NICET CMT Soils Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize Proctor details: standard (T 99) uses 5.5 lb rammer / 12-in. drop; modified (T 180) uses 10 lb / 18-in. drop. Know layer counts and number of drops per layer.

2Drill density math: gamma_d = gamma_wet / (1 + w); relative compaction = field dry / MDD. These calcs appear on every level.

3Study USCS and AASHTO soil classification flowcharts and the LL/PI thresholds that separate groups like CL vs CH or A-7-5 vs A-7-6.

4Know nuclear gauge modes (backscatter vs direct transmission), daily standard counts, moisture bias in organic/gypsum soils, and site-specific moisture correction factors.

5Understand OSHA 1926 Subpart P trenching rules and Competent Person duties; these underpin many field-safety exam questions.

6For Level III and IV, study sampling program design, test-data evaluation, proof rolling, subgrade acceptance, and lime/cement stabilization.

7Get comfortable with SPT N-value interpretation (loose/medium dense/dense/very dense) and CPT qc/fs readings.

8Practice the NICET Code of Ethics scenarios - pressure to release non-compliant lifts, falsification, chain-of-custody breaks - because they appear at every level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NICET CMT-Soils exam?

NICET publishes the exam as 110 questions in 230 minutes for Level I, 165 in 395 minutes for Level II (includes a 30-minute scheduled break), 138 in 410 minutes for Level III, and 90 items in 315 minutes for Level IV.

How much does the CMT-Soils exam cost in 2026?

Per NICET's standard-model CMT fee schedule, exam fees are $230 (Level I), $315 (Level II), $370 (Level III), and $425 (Level IV). Rescheduling more than 24 hours before the appointment within the testing window is generally free.

Who delivers the CMT-Soils exam?

NICET owns the certification and Pearson VUE delivers the computer-based exam at approved test centers. Register with NICET, receive an eligibility notice, and then schedule the session through Pearson VUE.

What work experience is required for each level?

Per NICET's CMT-Soils certification requirements, Level I needs 6 months of CMT experience (3 in soils), Level II 24 months (12 in soils), Level III 60 months (36 in soils) with a personal recommendation, and Level IV 120 months (60 in soils) with a senior-level recommendation.

Which AASHTO and ASTM standards should I focus on?

High-frequency standards include AASHTO T 99/T 180 (Proctor), T 191 (sand cone), T 193 (CBR), T 89/T 90 (Atterberg), T 265 (oven-dry moisture), T 88 (hydrometer), and ASTM D6938 (nuclear gauge), D2216 (moisture), D4318 (Atterberg), D1883 (CBR), and D1586 (SPT).

How is in-place soil density usually verified?

Most sites use nuclear density gauges in direct-transmission mode for soil lifts, verified periodically by sand cone or oven-dry moisture comparisons to check for moisture bias in soils containing organics or hydrated minerals.

What makes the Level IV soils exam different?

Level IV is a senior engineering technician role: complex sampling programs, test data interpretation, lab accreditation management, safety program ownership, training Level III technicians, and preparing final geotechnical reports under a PE's guidance.

How often do I recertify NICET CMT-Soils?

Every three years through Continuing Professional Development. Technicians accrue CPD points from technical training, industry activity, and supervised experience, then submit the CPD record before the cycle ends.