New Jersey UST Decommissioning (ICC - U2) Exam Book Package Guide

Preparing for the New Jersey UST Decommissioning (ICC - U2) examination requires more than general excavation, plumbing, environmental, or fuel-system experience. Underground storage tank decommissioning involves regulatory notifications, system identification, temporary closure, permanent closure, tank cleaning, vapor control, removal or closure in place, piping and equipment, waste handling, site assessment, release reporting, worker safety, documentation, and coordination with environmental professionals and government agencies.

The New Jersey UST Decommissioning - ICC U2 collection from 1 Exam Prep includes the New Jersey UST Decommissioning - ICC U2 Exam Book Package. The package is listed at a sale price of $1,545.00, compared with a regular price of $1,645.00.

The package is designed for candidates who want an organized reference set for UST decommissioning exam preparation. Instead of relying on scattered notes or outdated field practices, candidates can study the regulatory requirements, industry standards, safety procedures, closure methods, environmental responsibilities, and documentation concepts associated with the examination.

ICC currently lists U2 - UST Decommissioning as a national examination with 60 questions and a testing period of one hour and 30 minutes. Candidates should confirm the current exam title, testing method, approved references, registration details, and candidate information in the ICC Exam Catalog and their myICC account before purchasing or scheduling.

Understanding the ICC U2 UST Decommissioning Examination

The ICC U2 examination focuses on the knowledge needed to decommission underground storage tank systems safely and in accordance with applicable standards. Decommissioning can include temporary closure, permanent removal, closure in place, changes in service, system cleaning, excavation, disposal, site assessment, and release response.

The exam is national in scope. Passing the ICC U2 exam does not automatically create a New Jersey UST contractor certification, business-firm certification, environmental license, or authorization to perform tank closure work. New Jersey administers its own UST certification and enforcement program through the Department of Environmental Protection.

Candidates should separate three issues: passing the ICC U2 examination, meeting New Jersey certification requirements, and obtaining the project-specific permits, notices, approvals, contracts, and environmental support required for a particular closure.

Current ICC U2 Exam Format

ICC currently lists the U2 UST Decommissioning examination with 60 questions and a 90-minute time limit. This gives candidates an average of approximately one minute and 30 seconds per question.

The examination is reference-based, but the short time limit makes random searching ineffective. Candidates must recognize the subject, select the correct reference, locate the applicable requirement, read the complete section, and apply it to the scenario quickly.

ICC states that exam purchases must be made through the candidate's myICC account. Candidates should verify the exam title, testing method, candidate name, and current reference information before completing the purchase. The current ICC Exam Catalog should be treated as the final source for testing details.

New Jersey UST Decommissioning Exam Book Package

The New Jersey UST Decommissioning - ICC U2 Exam Book Package is listed at a sale price of $1,545.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,645.00. It provides an organized reference option for candidates who prefer self-directed study.

The package may help candidates learn where important information is located before exam day. Repeated use of the books can improve navigation speed, understanding of regulatory terminology, recognition of closure procedures, and the ability to connect a field condition with the proper standard or requirement.

Candidates should review the live collection page for the exact books, editions, availability, shipping information, and current package terms. The official ICC Exam Catalog controls the approved references used to develop examination questions.

An exam book package does not guarantee a passing score or New Jersey certification. The candidate remains responsible for study, exam registration, experience requirements, applications, fees, firm certification, project notices, environmental obligations, and compliance with current laws and rules.

Who Should Use This Exam Book Package?

The package may be useful for UST closure contractor candidates, environmental contractors, excavation professionals, petroleum-equipment personnel, tank installers, site-remediation staff, inspectors, engineers, environmental consultants, safety personnel, and business owners who work with underground storage tank systems.

It may also help experienced field personnel who understand excavation and tank work but need more practice with formal closure terminology, regulatory responsibilities, reference navigation, environmental documentation, release reporting, and examination questions.

The package is best suited for candidates comfortable with independent study. A person seeking live instruction, application assistance, practice examinations, certification filing, or business setup support should confirm whether those services are included or available separately.

New Jersey UST Certification and Contractor Requirements

New Jersey regulates underground storage tanks through N.J.A.C. 7:14B. The rules cover registration, construction, operation, release detection, release reporting, out-of-service systems, closure, contractor certification, and financial responsibility.

NJDEP states that the closure of an underground storage tank, whether the tank is removed or abandoned in place, must be performed by a contractor certified for UST closure. New Jersey distinguishes between certification for closure of any UST and a more limited heating-oil-tank closure category.

A closure contractor may not automatically perform subsurface evaluation or remediation work. NJDEP explains that a contractor must also hold the appropriate subsurface-evaluation certification to perform those services. When the closure contractor lacks that certification, a separate qualified environmental professional may be needed.

Passing ICC U2 can support exam preparation or qualification, but candidates should confirm how the score is used in the current NJDEP certification process. The Department controls the final certification decision.

Regulated and Unregulated Tanks

Not every underground tank follows the same New Jersey process. A regulated UST may be subject to facility registration, operating requirements, release detection, financial responsibility, formal closure requirements, and site-remediation obligations.

Some heating-oil tanks are treated as unregulated heating oil tank systems under a different program. Gasoline and diesel tanks are not included in the unregulated heating-oil category. The tank contents, capacity, property use, number of tanks, and regulatory definitions can change the applicable process.

Candidates should learn to identify the type of tank before applying a closure rule. Never assume that a residential heating-oil tank, commercial fuel tank, emergency-generator tank, waste-oil tank, or hazardous-substance tank follows the same notification and remediation procedure.

What to Study for the ICC U2 Examination

Regulatory Scope and Definitions

Begin with the definitions used in federal and state UST rules. Study underground storage tank, UST system, owner, operator, regulated substance, petroleum, hazardous substance, temporary closure, permanent closure, change in service, release, suspected release, excavation zone, and ancillary equipment.

Definitions determine whether a tank is regulated and which requirements apply. A question may turn on the tank's use, capacity, location, contents, piping, or percentage below ground.

Planning the Closure

Closure planning should identify the tank system, contents, capacity, piping, dispensers, vents, fill connections, electrical equipment, nearby structures, utilities, groundwater, access, excavation limits, waste streams, and potential contamination.

The contractor should review facility records, registration information, previous testing, release history, site plans, permits, and environmental reports. A complete plan reduces unexpected conditions and helps the team coordinate regulatory, safety, and disposal requirements.

Required Notices and Approvals

Study the notification requirements that apply before closure, removal, change in service, or related work. The responsible party may need to notify the implementing agency, local construction or fire officials, utility-locating services, waste facilities, environmental professionals, and other authorities.

Notice periods and submission methods vary by jurisdiction and tank type. New Jersey maintains a dedicated UST compliance program and a contact channel for closure-related notices. Candidates should verify the current rule rather than relying on an older form or informal instruction.

Temporary Closure

Temporary closure does not mean that every regulatory responsibility ends. Study continued corrosion protection, release detection when required, financial responsibility, operator responsibilities, security, venting, product removal, and inspection.

Federal UST rules generally require vent lines to remain open and functioning when a tank has been temporarily closed for three months or more, while other lines, pumps, manways, and ancillary equipment are capped and secured.

A tank that remains temporarily closed beyond the allowed period may require permanent closure unless it meets applicable standards and an extension is approved. Candidates should understand the difference between an empty tank and a tank that still contains regulated material.

Permanent Closure

Permanent closure generally requires the tank to be emptied and cleaned by removing liquids and accumulated sludge. The tank is then removed from the ground or closed in place using an approved inert material and procedure.

Closure work should address connected piping, dispensers, fill lines, vent lines, sumps, leak-detection components, cathodic-protection equipment, and other ancillary parts. The entire UST system should be evaluated rather than treating the tank shell as the only component.

Change in Service

A change in service occurs when a regulated UST is converted to store a nonregulated substance. The tank generally must be emptied and cleaned, and the site must be assessed for a release before the change is completed.

Candidates should understand that a change in product is not always a simple operational decision. Compatibility, previous contents, cleaning, regulatory status, registration, and environmental assessment must be considered.

Product Removal and Cleaning

Study safe product removal, sludge removal, residue management, line draining, pumping, container selection, labeling, transport, disposal, and documentation. Materials removed from a tank may be regulated waste or recyclable product depending on their condition and destination.

Cleaning methods should follow recognized procedures and account for the substance previously stored. The contractor should prevent spills, uncontrolled vapors, incompatible mixing, and exposure to hazardous residues.

Vapor Control and Inerting

Tank vapors can create fire, explosion, toxicity, and oxygen-deficiency hazards. Study vapor testing, purging, inerting, ventilation, bonding and grounding, ignition-source control, monitoring instruments, and verification before cutting, handling, or entry.

A tank should never be assumed safe because the liquid product has been removed. Residual vapors and sludge may remain hazardous. Safety procedures should be based on testing and recognized standards.

Confined Spaces

Underground storage tanks and excavations can involve confined-space hazards. Study entry permits, atmospheric testing, ventilation, attendant duties, communication, rescue planning, personal protective equipment, isolation, and contractor responsibilities.

Tank entry should be avoided when the work can be completed safely without entry. When entry is necessary, the applicable confined-space program and rescue arrangements must be in place before work begins.

Excavation Safety

Study soil conditions, protective systems, sloping, benching, shoring, shielding, spoil placement, equipment access, utility protection, water accumulation, ladders, inspections, and competent-person responsibilities.

Tank removal may create a large excavation with changing soil and groundwater conditions. Nearby foundations, roadways, utilities, and structures can add risk. Excavation safety must be planned separately from tank cleaning and environmental assessment.

Utility Locating and Site Control

Before excavation, identify underground electrical, gas, water, sewer, communication, fuel, and other utilities. Review utility-marking requirements, tolerance zones, hand-digging procedures, private utility locating, and protection of active systems.

Site control may include traffic management, barricades, exclusion zones, fire extinguishers, spill-response materials, equipment staging, public protection, and coordination with facility operations.

Tank Removal

Study excavation, exposure, disconnection, lifting, rigging, tank condition, handling, transportation, scrap acceptance, holes or openings, residue control, and documentation.

The tank should be handled according to its actual condition. Corrosion, perforation, sludge, vapor, structural weakness, and attached piping can affect the lifting and removal method.

Closure in Place

Closure in place generally involves cleaning the tank and filling it with an approved inert solid material. Study when closure in place is permitted, structural concerns, fill materials, complete filling, piping, venting, documentation, and future property records.

Closure in place may require additional approval when removal is practical or when site conditions, contamination, redevelopment, utilities, or structural loads create concerns. Candidates should follow the applicable jurisdictional procedure.

Tank and Piping Disposal

Study preparation for disposal or recycling, transport documentation, waste characterization, facility acceptance, residue removal, vapor verification, and destruction methods required by the receiving facility.

Disposal records help demonstrate that the tank, piping, liquids, sludge, contaminated water, soil, and other materials were managed properly. Keep receipts, manifests, weight tickets, certificates, and photographs when required.

Site Assessment at Closure

Federal closure requirements call for assessment of the excavation zone before permanent closure or a change in service is completed. The purpose is to determine whether a release has occurred.

Study sampling locations, field observations, soil staining, odors, groundwater, corrosion holes, product lines, dispenser areas, laboratory analysis, chain of custody, environmental-professional responsibilities, and reporting.

A clean-looking excavation does not prove that no release occurred. Assessment should follow the applicable regulatory and technical requirements.

Release Recognition and Reporting

Study suspected-release indicators, free product, stained soil, odors, damaged tanks, failed lines, contaminated groundwater, inventory discrepancies, and unusual monitoring results.

New Jersey requires certified closure contractors to report a discovered discharge to the NJDEP Hotline. A release can change the project from a straightforward closure into a remediation case requiring additional environmental investigation and oversight.

Remediation Responsibilities

Tank closure and site remediation are related but separate activities. A closure-certified contractor can perform the closure, but remediation or subsurface evaluation may require additional certification or a Licensed Site Remediation Professional.

Candidates should understand when work must stop, when a discharge must be reported, who is qualified to direct the investigation, and how contaminated soil, groundwater, free product, and waste are managed.

Backfilling and Site Restoration

After the tank is removed and environmental requirements are satisfied, the excavation may be backfilled and restored. Study acceptable fill, placement, compaction, settlement prevention, utilities, pavement, slabs, landscaping, drainage, and documentation.

Backfilling too early can conceal contamination, prevent required sampling, or complicate regulatory review. Confirm that the environmental professional and applicable authorities have completed required observations before restoration.

Closure Records

Closure records may include notices, permits, registration updates, contracts, site plans, photographs, cleaning records, vapor readings, disposal documents, excavation observations, sample results, laboratory reports, release notifications, remediation documents, and final certifications.

Federal regulations require owners and operators to maintain records demonstrating compliance with closure requirements, including the excavation-zone assessment. New Jersey may require additional records and submissions depending on the tank and case.

New Jersey Written Contract Requirements

NJDEP explains that certified UST individuals and business firms must enter into a written contract with the client. The contract should clearly describe the work, materials, equipment, personnel, maximum price, estimated schedule, and services that exceed minimum regulatory requirements.

A detailed contract helps separate tank closure, subsurface evaluation, remediation, waste disposal, permits, paving, landscaping, laboratory analysis, and other services. This reduces misunderstandings when contamination or unexpected site conditions are discovered.

Candidates preparing for UST work should understand that regulatory compliance includes business practices and documentation, not only technical tank procedures.

Difference Between Closure and Subsurface Evaluation

Closure includes the physical work needed to remove or close the tank system properly. Subsurface evaluation focuses on determining whether a discharge occurred and evaluating soil or groundwater conditions.

A New Jersey firm certified only for closure cannot automatically provide every environmental service. NJDEP advises owners to verify the firm's certification category. A separate subsurface evaluator or Licensed Site Remediation Professional may be required.

This distinction is important for exam candidates and business owners. Offering work outside the firm's certification can create compliance, liability, and enforcement problems.

Using the Exam Books Effectively

Begin by creating a reference map. Assign each subject to the correct book, code, rule, or standard. Include definitions, temporary closure, permanent closure, cleaning, vapor control, confined spaces, excavation, removal, closure in place, site assessment, releases, disposal, and records.

Review the scope and organization of every reference. Learn where definitions, safety procedures, regulatory notices, technical steps, checklists, tables, and documentation requirements are located.

Practice formal terminology. A field crew may use informal terms such as tank pull, abandonment, gas-freeing, or foam fill, while the reference may use permanent closure, inerting, vapor-freeing, or closure in place.

Read complete sections. Do not stop after finding one sentence. Check definitions, exceptions, state-specific requirements, federal minimums, and related safety standards.

Use highlighting and permanent tabs only when permitted by current ICC testing rules. Keep labels short and consistent. A crowded book can slow navigation during a 90-minute exam.

Building an Eight-Week Study Plan

Week One: Learn the Exam and Reference Set

Review the ICC U2 exam listing, confirm the testing method, inspect every book, create a reference map, and learn the table of contents, indexes, definitions, and major closure sections.

Week Two: Regulatory Scope and Planning

Study definitions, regulated tanks, exemptions, owner and operator duties, contractor responsibilities, notices, permits, contracts, and project planning.

Week Three: Temporary and Permanent Closure

Review temporary closure, empty-tank criteria, venting, securing equipment, 12-month requirements, permanent closure, removal, closure in place, and changes in service.

Week Four: Cleaning, Vapor Control, and Safety

Study product removal, sludge, tank cleaning, vapor testing, inerting, ignition control, confined spaces, personal protective equipment, and emergency planning.

Week Five: Excavation and Tank Removal

Review utility locating, excavation protection, equipment, rigging, lifting, tank condition, piping, site control, transport, disposal, and recycling.

Week Six: Site Assessment and Releases

Study excavation-zone assessment, field observations, sampling, laboratory analysis, release recognition, reporting, subsurface evaluation, remediation, and environmental-professional roles.

Week Seven: Records and New Jersey Requirements

Review NJDEP certification categories, written contracts, registration updates, notices, disposal records, closure reports, site-investigation reports, and final documentation.

Week Eight: Timed Practice

Complete 60-question practice sessions within 90 minutes. Use only the references and tools permitted for the examination. Review every wrong answer, slow search, and correct guess.

Open-Book Exam Strategy

The U2 exam contains 60 questions and allows 90 minutes. Answer familiar questions first and mark difficult items for review. Avoid spending several minutes on one search while easier questions remain unanswered.

Before opening a book, identify the subject. Determine whether the question concerns temporary closure, permanent closure, cleaning, vapor control, excavation, site assessment, release reporting, disposal, or records.

Use the index and table of contents together. When a common field term does not appear, search for the formal regulatory or technical term.

Pay attention to jurisdiction. A federal minimum requirement may differ from a New Jersey notice, certification, or reporting rule. Read the question carefully before selecting the applicable reference.

New Jersey Compliance Reminders

New Jersey's UST program enforces N.J.A.C. 7:14B requirements for registration, operation, release detection, release reporting, closure, contractor certification, and financial responsibility. The chapter was readopted in December 2025, so candidates should use current rules and guidance.

NJDEP requires certified closure personnel and firms for underground tank closure work. Owners can verify certified firms through the Department's DataMiner reports and should review the certification category before signing a contract.

When a discharge is discovered, it must be reported through the proper NJDEP process. Closure certification alone may not authorize remediation or subsurface evaluation.

Current forms and online services can change. New Jersey moved regulated UST registration services online, and updated remediation forms are published through the NJDEP forms library. Verify the current submission method before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the ICC U2 UST Decommissioning exam?

A. It is a national ICC examination covering temporary and permanent closure, tank cleaning, safety, removal, closure in place, site assessment, release response, disposal, and closure documentation.

Q. How many questions are on the ICC U2 exam?

A. ICC currently lists 60 questions and a testing period of one hour and 30 minutes.

Q. What does the New Jersey UST Decommissioning Exam Book Package include?

A. The package is intended to provide the reference materials used for focused ICC U2 preparation. Review the live product page for the exact titles, editions, availability, and package terms.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study regulations, temporary closure, permanent closure, tank cleaning, vapor control, confined spaces, excavation, removal, closure in place, disposal, site assessment, release reporting, remediation roles, and records.

Q. Is the ICC U2 exam open book?

A. The exam is reference-based, but candidates must follow current ICC rules for approved books, markings, tabs, and testing methods.

Q. Does passing ICC U2 automatically certify me in New Jersey?

A. No. NJDEP controls individual and business-firm certification and may require applications, experience, fees, insurance, examination evidence, and other qualifications.

Q. Who can close an underground storage tank in New Jersey?

A. NJDEP states that underground tank closure must be conducted by a certified closure individual working for an appropriately certified UST firm.

Q. Can a closure contractor also perform remediation?

A. Only when the contractor or firm also holds the required subsurface-evaluation qualification or works with an appropriately qualified environmental professional. Closure certification alone does not authorize every remediation service.

Q. What happens when contamination is discovered?

A. The discharge must be reported through the required NJDEP process, and additional investigation or remediation may be required under a qualified environmental professional.

Q. Can a tank be closed in place?

A. Closure in place may be permitted when the tank is properly emptied, cleaned, assessed, and filled with an approved inert material under the applicable rules and approvals.

Q. How long can a UST remain temporarily closed?

A. Federal rules generally require permanent closure after more than 12 months when the system does not meet applicable new-tank or upgrade standards, unless the implementing agency approves an extension after the required assessment.

Q. Where can I purchase the package?

A. The package is available through the 1 Exam Prep New Jersey UST Decommissioning - ICC U2 collection.

Conclusion

The New Jersey UST Decommissioning - ICC U2 Exam Book Package provides an organized reference option for candidates preparing for the national UST decommissioning examination. The package is listed at a sale price of $1,545.00, compared with a regular price of $1,645.00.

ICC currently lists the U2 examination with 60 questions and a 90-minute testing period. The short time limit makes reference familiarity and fast navigation essential.

Strong preparation should cover regulatory scope, temporary closure, permanent closure, changes in service, tank cleaning, vapor control, confined spaces, excavation, removal, closure in place, site assessment, releases, remediation roles, disposal, and documentation.

New Jersey separately requires certified closure personnel and business firms. Passing the ICC exam does not automatically authorize a candidate to perform UST closure, subsurface evaluation, or remediation work in the state.

Use the actual references during every study session. Build a subject map, practice formal terminology, read complete requirements, and complete full timed practice sessions. Review every wrong answer and slow search.

With current books, organized preparation, accurate registration, and a clear understanding of New Jersey certification and environmental responsibilities, candidates can approach the U2 exam and UST closure process with greater confidence.

Key Takeaways

• The Exam Book Package is listed at $1,545.00, reduced from $1,645.00.
• ICC currently lists the U2 exam with 60 questions and a 90-minute limit.
• Study temporary closure, permanent closure, cleaning, vapor control, excavation, removal, site assessment, releases, disposal, and records.
• New Jersey requires certified closure personnel and firms for UST closure work.
• Closure certification does not automatically authorize subsurface evaluation or remediation.
• Verify current ICC references and NJDEP requirements before purchasing or scheduling.