What is the ICC Soils Special Inspector exam?

The ICC Soils Special Inspector exam tests your knowledge of soil compaction testing, fill placement, grading operations, and IBC requirements for earthwork, among many other topics. It covers field testing methods, moisture-density relationships, classification of soils, civil plan reading and grading plan reading.

What makes the Soils exam different from other ICC exams?

The Soils exam is unique because it focuses on geotechnical concepts rather than structural elements. You need to understand Proctor tests, nuclear density gauge operation, soil classification (USCS/AASHTO), sand cone testing and calculations, and a host of other items. Because soils observation includes some subjective decision-making, it presents its own unique code-enforcement challenges.

Is the ICC Soils exam open book?

Yes — you may bring the approved reference materials. SI Certs training teaches you exactly where to find critical information so you can answer exam questions efficiently under time pressure.

What's included in the SI Certs Soils course?

Your enrollment includes 45 hours of online instruction including visual/graphical teaching elements, audio playback throughout, targeted practice questions, expert 1-1 coaching available through the site, civil and plan reading training, and a Pass-Support Guarantee at $449. The course is self-paced and fully online.

How long does it take to prepare for the Soils exam?

Most students spend 6–9 weeks preparing with 1–2 hours of daily study. Those with geotechnical field experience may need less time. SI Certs is fully self-paced.

ICC Soils
Online Training Course

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✓ 90%+ Pass Rate✓ Pass-Support Guarantee✓ 1-to-1 Expert Coaching✓ 10,000+ Inspectors Certified

Certification
Soils Special Inspector through ICC (International Code Council)
Prerequisites
Special Inspection General Requirements
Requirements
None
Course Length
45 Hours Online Training
Required References
View Required References
Relevant Industries
All Commercial Construction
Public/Private Projects
Materials Testing
QA/QC Inspection

Preferred

Education

Provider

Soils Code + Plans

45 Hours

4.5 CEUs/PDHs

Full Course Includes

Training Hours

45 Hours

CEU / PDH

4.5 Units

120 Day Course Access

Visual Online Curriculum

Training Plan Sets & Practice Tests

Flashcard Review System

Personal Coaching & Pass-Support Guarantee

Targeted Quizzes & Practice Tests

Insightful Audio Instruction

Photos, Graphics, & Illustrations

Study anywhere — works on all your devices

User Reviews

“

First-Try PASS

Gabe and Chris!

I got them both done – on the first RUN!!!

I can’t thank you and your team enough! Your course was my “golden” ticket!! It was put together in EXACTLY the way I needed to actually put it all together in the fastest way possible! You are all GENIUSES!!!

If you could only put together a course for the Civil PE – I would be in heaven!

Anyway, thanks again! And I’ll push your courses on to my colleagues every chance I have!

George

PS – next I’m eager to do the prestressed, structural steel/bolting and welding courses!

George M.

Gilroy, CA

“

Soils Codes and Plans DONE

Attention Gabe. Passed my ICC SOIL CODE & PLAN. Want to say a big Thank You as your online training was very helpful.

Hamed B.

Roswell, GA

“

Passed Soils Test, and This Course is Phenomenal

I want you guys to know that I would have never passed this exam without this course. It showed me everything I needed to know for the test, and not only that, I now understand why I'm doing the tests and soils analyses I'm doing.

Nelson L.

Media, PA

“

Thanks.

Good morning Matt. I would like to extend my thanks to you for all of your help in achieving my passing score on the soils plans.

Gerald B.

Brooklyn, NY

“

Passed Soils!

Hi, I just wanted to inform you that I passed my ICC Soils Special Inspection Exam. Thank you for your valuable training.

Tesh G.

Las Vegas, NV

“

Passed Soils w/ No Inspection Background

Passed ICC codes Friday. Solid program. Had my doubts it would work for someone who has no background in inspection and hasn’t had to study or test like this in 16 years.

Dylan V.

Costa Mesa, CA

See all reviews →

Pricing Options

SOILS

Codes-Only Training - $249

Code teaching, mastery, and navigation, 2 simulated practice exams

Plans-Only Training - $249

In-depth plan reading instruction, PDF download, simulated test interface

Code + Plans Training

Full training with quizzes, practice tests, code and plan mastery, coaching

Get Started - $449

Bundle Courses and Save Money!

Best Value

FULL ICC TRAINING

Reinforced Concrete
Structural Masonry
Steel & Bolting
Structural Welding
Prestressed Concrete
Spray-Applied Fireproofing
Soils

$2,399

7 courses · $343 per courseSave $744 vs buying separatelyPackage details

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*Our course does not include the required books. You can purchase the books directly from ICC, or from Amazon or eBay.

Bundles: fixed set, lowest price. Credits: any courses, any time.

Need a different mix? Any 7 courses for $2,499 with credits. See credit pricing →

Secure CheckoutFlexible PaymentsPass-Support Guarantee90%+ Pass Rate

Required References

You'll need the following references for your exam. The test is open-book — purchase your references early so you can study with them.

SI Certs Training Plan Sets

(3) Plan Sets are included with this course as digital PDF downloads.

Included with Course

IBC

International Building Code (2018 or 2021)

Purchase Reference →

Soils, Earthwork, and Foundations

Based on 2015 IRC and IBC

Purchase Reference →

Code references are not included with the course. Purchase from the links above, Amazon, or eBay.

Career Tip

Every construction project begins with Soils as the foundation. Knowledge of this discipline makes for a very well-rounded inspector. Our training will prepare you for the test AND give you a strong understanding of the discipline, regardless of your prior soils laboratory experience. This course can be taken with little to no soils construction experience.

Personal Coaching

Matt Owens, Structural Bolting Instructor

Matt Owens, MSI, CWI

Chief Technical Advisor for Special Inspection

"Understanding soils is the key to becoming a well-rounded special inspector. All new construction involves a study and analysis of the on-site soils. When you learn and master soils inspection, your market value shoots up.
We developed this course with the input of 30-year inspection managers, engineers, and other industry experts. It is a strong, well-rounded training with lots of visuals and illustrations teaching the many concepts encompassing soils. After working through our material, you’ll understand soils, know your code references, and be able to pass the Codes test.
The Plans test can also be challenging, which is why we teach using both grading and civil drawings. By taking you through our Soils Training Plan Sets, you’ll have the knowledge and practice you need to pass the Plans test. As with our other ICC special inspection courses, I’m just one click away!"

Course Breakdown

Soils - Code + Plans

45 hours of training | 120 days access

Course Features

Soil Mechanics
Soil Classification
Soil Sampling
Laboratory Testing
The Proctor
Understanding Density
Nuclear Gauge
Learning the Sand Cone
Site Grading
Civil Plan Reading
Grading Plan Reading
Plans Navigation
Digital Plans Delivery Preparation
Test-Taking Preparation
Code/Plans Timed Tests

Topics

Engineering Load Path
Lab/Field Classification
Stockpile
Atterberg Limits, Sieve Analysis
Rock Corrections
Moisture/Density Relationships
Construction Compaction Equipment
Densification
Stake Reading
Civil vs. Grading Plan Reading
Reading Contours
Blueprint Commonalities
PRONTO At-Home Testing
Testing Strategies
Practice Tests

Study Tip

The actual test is made up of 2 separate tests – the Codes and the Plans. You will have 120 minutes to complete 60 code questions, and 90 minutes to complete 30 plans questions. The test is open-book.

Frequently Asked Questions

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