Highway Construction Inspection
The Highway Construction Inspection certification program is designed for engineering technicians who are responsible to the engineer-in-charge for inspection functions on highway construction projects. The scope of the program includes field inspection; their applications to various construction activities, equipment, and products, and general work zone operations; interpretation of contract plans and specifications; project record keeping and reporting; and supervisory functions. Four Levels of certification may be awarded to individuals who meet established criteria for knowledge and work experience. Higher levels reflect progressively greater knowledge of and responsibility for inspection work on increasingly complex projects.
Successful candidates must pass an exam or exams, complete a work history description that documents and meets specific industry related experience, successfully perform key role-specific activities, and obtain a personal recommendation (Levels III and IV). Once earned, certification must be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recertified every three years.
The Highway Construction Inspection exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Computer-based testing (CBT) allows NICET to extend several benefits to our customers: more flexible exam dates and appointment times; immediate scheduling and confirmation; and quicker exam scoring.
Certification Requirements
Application Procedures
Performance Measures
Listing of references allowed in testing centers and some books that might be useful in preparing for an exam.
Level I
Level II
Level III
Level IV
Title Page - Edit and print this page with the information about the reference, according to the standard
Standard Model Programs
| Standard Model/CBT Application | |
| Level I | $230 |
| Level II | $310 |
| Level III | $365 |
| Level IV | $420 |
Rescheduling for all NICET tests more than 24 hours before your exam date is complimentary in the same testing window. Please contact PearsonVUE.
Within 24 hours after your scheduled date or for a new testing window, there is an additional fee equal to one half of the original testing fee. For more information on rescheduling, click here.
Rescheduling your NICET exam has never been easier, and in most cases, does not incur any additional fees. Additional fees may apply if rescheduling is attempted within 24 hours of the appointment time, the eligibility window expires, or there is less than 24 hours until the eligibility expires.
The best way to reschedule your exam is to login to your NICET account and click “Schedule" in the left side navigation, then “Schedule with Pearson VUE” for the exam you want to reschedule.
Click the exam name to view the appointment, then “Reschedule” on the right side of the screen.
Caution: Just like the original scheduling process, there are several screens, agreements, and confirmations. The process is not complete until you click the “Confirm Reschedule” button, see the notice “Your Appointment is Rescheduled”, and receive a confirmation email directly from Pearson Vue. Taking a screenshot of this process is not acceptable. Failure to complete the process and missing your appointment does incur a rescheduling fee.
You may also call Pearson VUE at 1-866-880-0048 to reschedule. However, significant wait times can occur.
Candidates who are testing using the online remote proctored (OnVue) option may reschedule their appointment date/time right up until their appointment without incurring additional fees. Just follow the same process as detailed above.
What is the Test Like?
The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. These exams are normally closed book; any exception to this policy will be stated in the test information for that program. The content outline for the program will serve as the guide to what will be covered on the test.
Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process. During the test, you will see one question at a time, but can move forward or backwards to view or review other questions. Some questions include a graphic or document to be viewed by clicking on the exhibit button. Exhibits may be in color. Correct answers will usually be selected by clicking the boxes next to the answers. In a few questions, you may be presented a picture and asked to click on the part of the picture that correctly answers the question. Questions may have more than one correct answer, but in those cases, you will be told how many answers to choose. You will receive your score at the conclusion of your test session.
To apply, click here.
NOTE:
You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your examination. Failure to accept will result in a failed score and fee’s will be forfeited. The NDA that will be displayed is:
“You must accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) below in order to take this exam.
I understand that NICET tests and test questions are owned and copyrighted by NICET and affirm that I will not share the content of any NICET examination with any other person. I acknowledge that divulging the contents of this examination to others in any manner is expressly forbidden and may subject me to sanctions.”
| Highway Construction Inspection Exams | |
| Transportation Construction Inspection Level I Exam |
104 questions, 170 min. |
| Transportation Construction Inspection Level II Exam |
164 questions, 230 min. |
| Highway Construction Inspection Level III Exam |
161 questions, 260 min. |
| Highway Construction Inspection Level IV Exam |
86 questions, 200 min. |
NOTE: Your appointment time will be 10 minutes longer to cover an introductory tutorial section before your exam begins. Any unused time will NOT extend the time allotted for answering exam questions.
Calculators
A calculator is built into the exam. Please see the CBT Calculator Preview for information about the onscreen calculator. Candidates may not bring any additional calculators into the testing room.
Special Testing Accommodations
Applicants with a disability as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act who may be placed at a disadvantage when taking a NICET certification examination may request a testing accommodation by contacting test@nicet.org prior to scheduling testing. Each request will be evaluated individually and every effort will be made to offer reasonable accommodations to qualifying applicants. There will be no additional charges to qualifying applicants for these accommodations. NICET will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually suitable accommodation.