NICET Geotech study guide
NICET Geotech · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
CMT-Soils is one of the Civil Engineering Technology certification programs listed by NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, a nonprofit based in Alexandria, Virginia. It sits alongside CMT-Asphalt, CMT-Concrete and optional CMT-Performance Examinations in NICET's construction materials testing (CMT) family, so it is aimed at engineering technicians who sample, classify and test soils in the field and laboratory and who support earthwork and foundation quality control on construction projects. NICET organizes these programs by level, with work experience and training forming part of the qualification path; the public program pages describe exams, work experience and training as separate tracks, and NICET also publishes practice tests and a list of allowed reference materials. Candidates typically progress from supervised field testing toward independent, responsible charge of soils testing and inspection work. Preparation should combine hands-on laboratory and field practice with a review of standard soils test methods and earthwork acceptance procedures, then a check of NICET's current program details, policies and allowed references before scheduling. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NICET; always confirm requirements, fees and scheduling directly with NICET. Topics on this exam: Civil Engineering Technology - Soils (CMT-Soils). The NICET Geotech study guide has 1 section and about 374 words.
01Civil Engineering Technology - Soils (CMT-Soils)
This domain, Civil Engineering Technology - Soils (CMT-Soils), tests soil classification, index testing, compaction, and field density. Expect ASTM-based procedures, calculation checks, and specification comparisons. Gradation and classification. Sieve analysis (D6913) separates gravel ( 4.75 mm, No.
374 words, about 2 minMore study resources for NICET Geotech
- Practice questionsA technician obtains a moist soil sample and oven-dries it.
- FlashcardsLiquid limit (LL). Water content at which a remolded soil closes a 12.7 mm groove over 25 blows in the Casagrande cup (ASTM D4318); a key input for USCS and AASHTO classification.
- Cheat sheetSieve analysis applies to particles retained on the No.
- Key termsAtterberg limits. Water content boundaries that mark changes in the consistency of fine-grained soil: the liquid limit, plastic limit, and shrinkage limit.
- Study planDefine soil phase relationships (void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, water content, unit weight) and derive the relationships among them from first principles.
- Common mistakesCandidates study classification by memorizing the USCS chart visually and never practice the arithmetic under time pressure, so they misplace borderline soils (e.g., PI just above or below the A-line) and miss that a soil with LL = 50 exactly is 'L' not 'H'.
- Exam-day guideBring the original, unexpired ID with a signature and photo (driver's license or passport).