• 119 questions

NICET Highway Construction Practice Test

Unofficial Level I practice, not affiliated with NICET; our own questions from the public references its outline points to.

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Which FP-24 division holds the material requirements?

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Plans and specifications 28

  • A cross-section is a vertical section of the ground or a structure taken how, relative to the centerline? Answer: At right angles to it. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • A dimension written on a plan sheet differs from the distance scaled off the drawing. Which governs under FP-24? Answer: The dimension shown. Source: FP-24, Subsection 104.07
  • A lane next to open traffic has a shoulder drop-off of more than 3 inches. What does FP-24 call for? Answer: A 1V:3H fillet with "Shoulder Drop-Off" warning signs. Source: FP-24, Subsection 156.06(c)
  • A plan sheet calls for a 1:3 slope. In FP-24 slope notation, what does that mean? Answer: 1 vertical to 3 horizontal. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.03(c)
  • A Special Contract Requirement and the plans disagree. Under FP-24, which governs? Answer: The Special Contract Requirement. Source: FP-24, Subsection 104.07
  • A structure under the roadway has an opening of 16 feet measured along the center of the roadway. Under the FP-24 definitions it is a: Answer: Culvert. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • At least how long before the control strip are written job-mix formulas submitted for verification under FP-24 Section 401? Answer: 30 days. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.03(d)
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Plans and specifications, continued

  • In FP-24 Table 401-1, how is the nominal maximum size aggregate (NMSA) found? Answer: One size greater than the first sieve to retain more than 10 percent. Source: FP-24, Table 401-1
  • In FP-24, who furnishes the plans and who submits drawings? Answer: The Government furnishes the plans; the Contractor submits drawings. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • In the FP-24 definitions, what is the subgrade? Answer: The top surface of a roadbed, on which the pavement structure is built. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Loads of asphalt mix arrive from a second plant. When may that mix be used under FP-24 Section 401? Answer: Only if it is produced to the same JMF from the same material sources and is approved. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.13
  • The plans and the Standard Specifications disagree about a detail. Under FP-24, which governs? Answer: The plans. Source: FP-24, Subsection 104.07
  • The traffic control plan reroutes public traffic onto other existing roads to avoid the work. In FP-24 terms this is a: Answer: Detour. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • What do the first three digits of a pay item number in the bid schedule identify? Answer: The Section under which the work is performed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.02
  • What does FP-24 mean by a lift? Answer: A single, continuous layer, uniformly compacted. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • What is a Notice to Proceed (NTP) in FP-24? Answer: Written notice to the Contractor to start the contract work. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • What is a Special Contract Requirement? Answer: An addition or revision to the Standard Specifications for one project. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • What is the most reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), by mass, that a job-mix formula under FP-24 Section 401 may contain? Answer: 20 percent. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.03(a)
  • When does FP-24 permit an inspector to stop work? Answer: In circumstances of imminent and substantial risk of death or injury. Source: FP-24, Subsection 104.03
  • When the roadway is open to public traffic, what minimum lane width does FP-24 have the Contractor provide? Answer: 10 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 156.06(d)
  • Where is the profile grade usually located? Answer: Along the longitudinal centerline of the roadbed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which contract document lists the estimated quantities of the pay items? Answer: The bid schedule. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which FP-24 division holds the material requirements? Answer: Division 700. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.02
  • Which FP-24 term means the graded portion of a highway prepared as a foundation for the pavement structure and shoulders? Answer: Roadbed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which layers make up the pavement structure in FP-24? Answer: Subbase, base, paving geotextiles and surface courses. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which line on the plans marks the area beyond which no disturbance is allowed? Answer: The construction limits. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which of these is stated in a job-mix formula submitted under FP-24 Section 401? Answer: The target asphalt binder content. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.03(d)
  • Which of these may an inspector do under FP-24? Answer: Identify non-conforming work until the Contracting Officer decides the issue. Source: FP-24, Subsection 104.03

Measurement and surveys 22

  • A coating is specified at 15 mils. How thick is that in inches? Answer: 0.015 inch. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(l)
  • A dimension on a shop drawing reads 6 meters. Using the FP-24 conversion factor, about how many feet is that? Answer: 19.7 feet. Source: FP-24, conversion factors table
  • A flagger works 6 hours 10 minutes as ordered. How many hours are measured for payment under FP-24? Answer: 6.5 hours. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(h)
  • A lift of asphalt mix is 12 feet wide, 1,000 feet long and 2 inches thick, at a density of 145 pounds per cubic foot. How many tons is that? Answer: 145. Source: FP-24, Subsections 101.04 and 109.02(r)
  • A pavement patch measures 12 feet by 30 feet. What is its area in square yards? Answer: 40. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(p)
  • A paving run measures 7,920 feet along the centerline. How many miles is that? Answer: 1.5. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(m)
  • A pay item has a contract unit price of $45.00. To how many decimals is its quantity for payment carried under FP-24 Table 109-1? Answer: 1 decimal. Source: FP-24, Table 109-1
  • A sample bag is marked 25 kilograms. Using the FP-24 conversion factor, about how many pounds is that? Answer: 55.1 pounds. Source: FP-24, conversion factors table
  • A slope stake gives a hub elevation of 512.40 feet. Subgrade at the shoulder is to be 509.90 feet. How far below the hub is subgrade? Answer: 2.50 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(d)(2)
  • A trench 3 feet wide, 4 feet deep and 90 feet long is backfilled. How many cubic yards is that, measured in place? Answer: 40. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(d)
  • A water truck log for dust control totals 12,500 gallons. How many M-gallons is that? Answer: 12.5. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(k)
  • A weigh ticket shows a net mass of 46,400 pounds. How many tons is that for payment under FP-24? Answer: 23.2. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(r)
  • An embankment slope of 1V:3H rises 8 feet. How far does it run horizontally? Answer: 24 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.03(c)
  • Before ground is disturbed, at least how often are clearing and grubbing limits set along each side of the centerline? Answer: Every 100 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(e)
  • How many square feet are in one acre, as FP-24 measures it? Answer: 43,560. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(a)
  • On a curve with a centerline radius of 200 feet, what is the greatest longitudinal spacing FP-24 allows between grade finishing stakes? Answer: 25 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(f)(2)
  • Staked grade at a point on the finished roadbed is 431.50 feet. Which check shot is outside the FP-24 finishing tolerance? Answer: 431.62 feet. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.13(c)
  • Two cross-sections 100 feet apart have end areas of 120 and 180 square feet. By the average end area method, what is the volume between them? Answer: 555.6 cubic yards. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.02(d)(1)(a)
  • What vertical tolerance does FP-24 Table 152-1 give for roadway finish grade stakes? Answer: 0.03 foot. Source: FP-24, Table 152-1
  • Where does FP-24 have reference stakes set? Answer: Outside the clearing limits. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(d)(2)
  • With conventional survey methods, what does FP-24 have each slope stake labeled with, at a minimum? Answer: Grade information to subgrade shoulder, station, hub elevation and offset from centerline. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(d)(2)
  • With conventional survey methods, where is a slope stake set? Answer: Where the design slope meets the natural ground-line. Source: FP-24, Subsection 152.05(d)(2)

Tools and equipment 13

  • A 10-foot metal straightedge is laid on new asphalt pavement (Type IV measurement). How large a deviation marks a defective area? Answer: More than 1/4 inch. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.16(d)
  • FP-24 Section 401 calls for at least three rollers. Which type must at least one of them be? Answer: A pneumatic-tire roller. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.14
  • The material transfer vehicle (MTV) breaks down during paving. What does FP-24 Section 401 say? Answer: Suspend paving until the MTV is operational. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.13
  • Platform scales are weighing pay quantities. How often does FP-24 have empty haul units weighed? Answer: At least twice per day. Source: FP-24, Subsection 109.03
  • What does a pocket penetrometer estimate in the field? Answer: The unconfined compressive strength of a soil. Source: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, Appendix A
  • What is automated machine guidance (AMG)? Answer: Onboard computers that use 3D model data and GPS to guide equipment operators in real time. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Where does FP-24 have the temperature of asphalt mix measured at placement? Answer: In the truck just before dumping, or in the windrow just before pickup. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.13
  • Which form does FP-24 name for the daily written record of construction operations? Answer: Form FHWA 1413, Inspector's Daily Record of Construction Operations. Source: FP-24, Subsection 153.08(a)
  • Which instrument does FP-24 Section 401 use to monitor compaction of the asphalt mat during rolling? Answer: A nuclear density gauge. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.14
  • Which of these is an FP-24 method for compacting embankment side slopes? Answer: Walking the slope with a dozer. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.10(a)
  • Which part of an asphalt paver must be heated for its full width under FP-24? Answer: The screed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.05(a)
  • Which sieve does FP-24 use to sort embankment material into its three compaction cases? Answer: No. 4. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.11
  • Which use of an internal concrete vibrator does FP-24 forbid? Answer: Using it to move concrete along the form. Source: FP-24, Subsection 552.08(c)

Personal safety 21

  • A crane is working near an energized 13 kV overhead power line. What minimum clearance does Table A of 29 CFR 1926.1408 give? Answer: 10 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1926.1408
  • A dump truck has an obstructed view to the rear and its reverse alarm cannot be heard above the site noise. When may it back up? Answer: Only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so. Source: 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(4)
  • A machine on site does not comply with 29 CFR Part 1926. What does 1926.20(b)(3) require? Answer: Tag it or lock its controls so it cannot run, or remove it from its place of operation. Source: 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(3)
  • A portable ladder gives access to an upper landing. How far must its side rails extend above the landing? Answer: At least 3 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)
  • A worker is chipping concrete and particles are flying. Which protection does 29 CFR 1926.102 call for? Answer: Eye or face protection. Source: 29 CFR 1926.102(a)(1)
  • An employee at an excavation is exposed to public vehicular traffic. What does 29 CFR 1926.651(d) require? Answer: A warning vest or other reflectorized or high-visibility garment. Source: 29 CFR 1926.651(d)
  • At what height above a lower level must an employee on a walking or working surface with an unprotected side or edge be protected from falling? Answer: 6 feet or more. Source: 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)
  • For an 8-hour day, what sound level does Table D-2 of 29 CFR 1926.52 give as the permissible noise exposure? Answer: 90 dBA. Source: 29 CFR 1926.52
  • From what depth must an excavation have a protective system against cave-ins, unless it is made entirely in stable rock? Answer: 5 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1)
  • How far back from the edge of an excavation must excavated material be kept, where no retaining device is used? Answer: At least 2 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2)
  • How must safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals be kept in the workplace? Answer: Readily accessible to employees in their work area during each work shift. Source: 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8)
  • In a trench 4 feet or more deep, how far at most may an employee have to travel laterally to reach a ladder or other means of egress? Answer: 25 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2)
  • On a chemical label under the hazard communication standard, which signal word marks the more severe hazards? Answer: Danger. Source: 29 CFR 1910.1200(c)
  • Under 29 CFR 1926.100, when must employees be protected by protective helmets? Answer: Where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact or falling objects. Source: 29 CFR 1926.100(a)
  • What does 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) require the employer to instruct each employee in? Answer: The recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions. Source: 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)
  • What makes someone a competent person under 29 CFR 1926.32(f)? Answer: They can identify existing and predictable hazards and are authorized to take prompt corrective measures. Source: 29 CFR 1926.32(f)
  • Which background colors does the MUTCD allow for high-visibility safety apparel? Answer: Fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green, or a combination of the two. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6C.05
  • Which class of high-visibility apparel does the MUTCD say a flagger should wear during nighttime activity? Answer: Class 3. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6C.05
  • Which injury record does FP-24 have the Contractor maintain and make available for inspection? Answer: OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. Source: FP-24, Subsection 107.08
  • Which performance class of high-visibility safety apparel must workers within the right-of-way in a TTC zone wear? Answer: Class 2 or 3. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6C.05
  • Who inspects an excavation, and when, under 29 CFR 1926.651(k)? Answer: A competent person, daily before the start of work and as needed through the shift. Source: 29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1)

Site operations 35

  • A 12-foot lane is closed where the speed limit is 35 mph. What is the taper length L from the MUTCD formula? Answer: 245 feet. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6B.08
  • A 12-foot lane is closed where the speed limit is 55 mph. What is the taper length L from the MUTCD formula? Answer: 660 feet. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6B.08
  • A batch ticket shows a total mass of 39,150 pounds for a load. The density test reads 145.0 pounds per cubic foot. What volume does the load yield? Answer: 10.0 cubic yards. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04 and Table 552-10
  • A buried utility pipe is non-metallic. How does FP-24 have it located? Answer: By threading a traceable duct rod through the pipe. Source: FP-24, Subsection 632.03
  • A contractor parks a loader and stacks pipe in the buffer space ahead of the work space. What does the MUTCD say? Answer: Neither work nor storage should occur in a buffer space. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6B.06
  • A locator has marked a buried line with yellow paint and flags. Per the 811 site, which utility is it? Answer: Gas. Source: 811 Before You Dig, What is 811
  • A stiff clay stands beside a road whose heavy traffic vibrates it. Can it be classed as Type A soil? Answer: No: traffic vibration rules out Type A. Source: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, Appendix A
  • A tack coat has been sprayed. When may the covering course be placed under FP-24? Answer: After the tack has completely broken, and within 4 hours of placing it. Source: FP-24, Subsection 412.06
  • An area of exposed soil will be inactive for the next 14 days. What does FP-24 Section 157 require? Answer: Stabilize it, no later than 14 days since it was last disturbed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 157.05(d)
  • An embankment is to be built on an existing slope steeper than 1V:3H. How is the foundation prepared? Answer: Horizontal steps are cut into the existing slope. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.09(d)
  • Below what surface temperature does FP-24 say hot mix asphalt is no longer rolled? Answer: 175 °F. Source: FP-24, Subsection 401.14
  • Cones channelize traffic along a tangent where the speed limit is 45 mph. What is the greatest spacing the MUTCD recommends between them? Answer: 90 feet. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6K.01
  • Embankment soil with less than 50 percent retained on the No. 4 sieve is compacted to at least what share of maximum density? Answer: 95 percent. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.11(c)
  • How many 4- by 8-inch cylinders from the same load make one compressive strength test result under FP-24? Answer: 3. Source: FP-24, Table 552-10
  • Immediately before placement in a retaining wall footing, what temperature range must the concrete mixture be in? Answer: 50 to 90 °F. Source: FP-24, Subsection 552.07
  • In FP-24 Table 552-10, how often is fresh structural concrete sampled for slump? Answer: 1 per load, after at least 0.25 cubic yard is discharged. Source: FP-24, Table 552-10
  • In the 811 process, what is the tolerance zone? Answer: The strip beside a marked utility where mechanized equipment is generally prohibited. Source: 811 Before You Dig, For Professionals
  • In which area of a temporary traffic control zone are road users redirected out of their normal path? Answer: The transition area. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6B.05
  • No contract permit applies. How often does FP-24 have erosion and sediment control measures inspected? Answer: Every 7 days, and within 24 hours of a 0.25-inch storm. Source: FP-24, Subsection 157.14
  • Structural concrete is made with Type II cement and no admixture. Within what time after the cement is added must discharge be complete? Answer: 1.00 hour. Source: FP-24, Table 552-4
  • Under Appendix A to Subpart P of 29 CFR Part 1926, which soil type is sand? Answer: Type C. Source: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, Appendix A
  • Under FP-24 Section 632, how long are utility location markings maintained? Answer: For the duration of the project. Source: FP-24, Subsection 632.05
  • Water is added once at the project to bring a truck mixer load to the required slump. How is the load then remixed? Answer: With 30 revolutions at mixing speed. Source: FP-24, Subsection 552.05(a)
  • What does a standard temporary traffic control warning sign look like? Answer: Diamond-shaped, with a black legend and border on an orange background. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6H.01
  • What is the greatest compacted thickness of one lift of an untreated aggregate course under FP-24 Section 301? Answer: 6 inches. Source: FP-24, Subsection 301.04
  • What is the minimum height of a cone used on a freeway, or on any highway at night? Answer: 28 inches. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6K.03
  • Where may an arrow board be used in the arrow or chevron mode? Answer: Only for stationary or moving lane closures on multi-lane roadways. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6L.06
  • Which description fits a granular soil in the OSHA excavation definitions? Answer: Gravel, sand or silt with little or no clay, and no cohesive strength. Source: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, Appendix A
  • Which four properties of the fresh structural concrete mixture does FP-24 Subsection 552.18 name for evaluation? Answer: Slump, air content, density and temperature. Source: FP-24, Subsection 552.18
  • Which of these activities is grubbing? Answer: Removing stumps, roots and buried logs. Source: FP-24, Subsection 201.05
  • Which of these does FP-24 call unsuitable material? Answer: Muck, sod and soils with high organic contents. Source: FP-24, Subsection 101.04
  • Which standard does FP-24 use to classify embankment soil into groups such as A-1 and A-7? Answer: AASHTO M 145. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.11
  • Which three spaces make up the activity area of a temporary traffic control zone? Answer: The work space, the traffic space and the buffer space. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6B.06
  • Which type of barricade should be used to close or partially close a road? Answer: Type 3. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Section 6K.07
  • Within the roadway prism, what is the greatest compacted thickness of an ordinary embankment lift under FP-24? Answer: 12 inches. Source: FP-24, Subsection 204.10(b)

How this list was compiled: FP-24, Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (Federal Highway Administration, 2024; highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/specs/fp-24.pdf), with its errata of September 15, 2026; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition, December 2023, Part 6 (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/part6.pdf); 29 CFR Part 1926 and 29 CFR 1910.1200, read at ecfr.gov in the text up to date as of October 7, 2026; and two pages of 811beforeyoudig.com. All read October 10, 2026. The five topics follow NICET's Highway Construction Inspection Level I content outline (nicet.org/nicetorg/assets/File/public/HCI_I_Content_Outline.pdf, dated March 9, 2026). Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are our own wording. FP-24, the MUTCD and the Code of Federal Regulations are U.S. government works in the public domain.

How it works

This unofficial NICET highway construction practice test holds 119 Level I questions in the five sections of NICET's published content outline, written from FP-24, the MUTCD and OSHA rules, read October 10, 2026. Each answer names its section.

Read the full guide

What the Level I exam covers

NICET's Level I outline (Technician Trainee, exams updated April 27, 2026) has five sections: Plans and Specifications at 20 to 30 percent of the exam, Measurement and Surveys 15 to 25, Tools and Equipment 6 to 16, Personal Safety 14 to 24 and Site Operations 20 to 30. This bank holds 28, 22, 13, 21 and 35 questions in that order.

Exam mode runs the real length

Exam mode draws 104 questions on a 170-minute clock, the Level I length in NICET's candidate handbook (August 2026), and shows a score with no pass or fail. The real exam lets you bring FP-24 and the MUTCD, so keep them open here too.

  • FP-24 writes slopes vertical to horizontal, so 1V:3H is flatter than 1V:2H.
  • Two taper formulas: L = WS at 45 mph or more, and L = WS squared over 60 at 40 mph or less.
  • The steps of the ASTM, AASHTO and ACI test methods are not asked here, and only one utility color is, so study those outline tasks from your own references.

Questions and answers

Is this NICET Level 1 highway construction practice test the real exam?

No. It is unofficial practice, not affiliated with NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Every question is our own, written from public federal references, and none comes from a NICET exam or from NICET's own practice tests.

How many questions are on the NICET Level 1 highway construction exam?

NICET's candidate handbook (August 2026) gives 104 questions in 170 minutes. The exam is taken on a computer at a Pearson VUE test center, and Level I may also be taken online with a remote proctor.

Is the NICET highway construction exam open book?

Partly. NICET's Level I reference list allows two references in the test center: FP-24 and the MUTCD, 11th Edition. They must be bound or held in a three-ring binder that has a title page, with no handwritten notes or loose pages.

What is the passing score for the NICET highway construction exam?

NICET's handbook prints no pass mark. It says candidates learn whether they passed when the exam ends, and those who do not pass receive the percent correct for each section.

How soon can you retake the NICET highway construction exam?

After 30 days, under NICET's candidate handbook, which limits retesting to a maximum of three attempts in any 12-month span.

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