NICET Level II Soil Testing Certificate Preparatory Course

This course prepares students for the National Institute of Certified Engineers and Technicians (NICET) Level 2 Certification, a nationally recognized and industry-wide accepted program in the field of Soil Testing. The NICET Certifications are most required by local and state jurisdictions and by federal agencies.

The purpose of soil testing for construction is to determine the suitability of the soil for the type of construction to be done. NICET Certification levels outline a career path for advancement from entry to senior level. Level I is for technicians who perform routine inspection and testing tasks under general daily supervision. Level II is for technicians who need to work more independently. These certifications enable the technicians to determine sampling frequencies and procedures, collect samples, conduct a variety of soil tests, observe soil construction operations, follow safe work practices, apply job hazard analyses, perform equipment calibration, and report test results and observations to engineers.

Students attend the class live from home; the course structure is the same as an in-person class. This option provides a classroom experience but benefits from not traveling to and from the campus.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes:

• Develop a broad knowledge and understanding of means and methods employed in construction and the significance of soil's role
• Identify issues and propose mitigation measures
• Inspect to ensure the suitability of the material
• Determine the quality of materials being used through testing
• Recognize an inspector's duties for providing quality and safe products

NICET Level 2 Certification (Preparatory Course)

ONLINE COURSE

No Prerequisites Required

Total Hours: 32

8 Days, 4 hours a day

Saturdays and Sundays

Spring 2025 dates will be announced soon!
Join our waitlist to be the first notified when new classes are scheduled.

$350

For other Construction Management Courses, please visit https://www.hccc.edu/programs-courses/continuing-education/programs/professional-certifications/construction-management/nicet.html or email Chastity Farrell at cfarrell@hccc.edu.

NICET Certification Information

NICET Certification is one of the most prestigious and extensive vocational tests conducted across the United States of America for professionals in the Construction Industry. Certification often influences hiring, retention, promotion, and contracting decisions. It is equally beneficial for employers as it is for employees.

NICET-certified professionals undergo extensive training to identify and remedy deficiencies in the construction process quickly. NICET Level I & II certifications mean that any person certified in Construction Material Testing is guaranteed to have the qualifications necessary to fulfill industry needs. It means that the quality of work—and ultimately the quality of products and services—will be of the highest standards. The value of a NICET certification lies in what it says about the professionalism of the certification holder. The certifications also cover inspection, documentation, testing, work management, and safety.

Certification in Soil Testing helps students understand changing trends in the field of inspection, testing, safety, and environmental aspects of today's modern construction.

The National Institute of Certified Engineering Technicians (NICET) offers certifications in multiple areas at a different level of academic/experience levels related to a Civil Engineering Technology Program; The following are the major work areas where certification programs are offered:

Construction Materials Testing:

Asphalt, Concrete & Soils

Transportation Construction Inspection:

Highway Construction Inspection

NICET Certified Technicians are defined as “hands-on” members of the engineering team who work under the direction of Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists. They have knowledge of the components, operating characteristics, and limitations of engineering systems and processes particular to their area of specialization.

Training and Course Objectives:

Personal and Worksite Safety:

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

Plans & Specifications:

• Relate plans to the field (e.g., find location on plan, establish relative elevation)

Sampling of Soil:

• Determine sampling locations
• Document sampling locations
• Obtain samples

Soil Sample Preparation:

• Reduce sample to test size
• Dry the sample
• Weigh the sample
• Process through sieve
• Moisture-condition the sample

Field Density Testing of Soils:

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

Lab Testing of Soil, Field Observation of Soils:

• 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
• R - Value tests

Field Observation of Soils Construction Operation:

• Observe basic fill placement operations
• Observe basic shallow foundations installations
• Observe basic installation of deep foundation
• Observe soil stabilization
• Observe proof-rolling

Evaluation of Soils Test Results:

• Determine whether results meet specification
• Recognize suspect test results

Communication of Results:

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

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance:

• Perform verification/calibration of test equipment

For more information and a detailed outline of topics please go to: https://www.hccc.edu/programs-courses/continuing-education/programs/professional-certifications/construction-management/nicet.html