New Jersey Soils Code Module (ICC - SI - ECCY) Exam Book Package

New Jersey Soils Code Module (ICC - SI - ECCY) Exam Book Package

The New Jersey Soils Code Module (ICC - SI - ECCY) Exam Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the ICC Soils Codes Module. This package brings together the key code book, soils reference text, and ASTM standards used to study soil classification, earthwork inspection, foundation-related code requirements, field density testing, moisture content testing, laboratory compaction testing, and construction-site verification procedures.

Soils inspection is a critical part of construction quality control and special inspection. Before a structure can perform as intended, the ground supporting that structure must be evaluated, prepared, compacted, tested, and documented according to approved plans, specifications, geotechnical recommendations, and applicable code requirements. Candidates preparing for the Soils Codes Module need to understand the relationship between the building code, geotechnical reports, grading plans, fill placement, compaction testing, moisture-density relationships, soil classification, and inspection documentation.

This exam book package is useful for New Jersey candidates working toward ICC Soils Special Inspector certification, as well as construction materials testing technicians, field inspectors, laboratory personnel, quality control staff, geotechnical support personnel, and contractors who want to strengthen their understanding of soils, earthwork, and foundation-related inspection requirements.

The ICC Soils Special Inspector path includes the Special Inspector General Requirements module, the Soils Codes module, and the Soils Plans module. This product focuses on the codes module and the reference books used to prepare for code-based soils questions. Candidates pursuing the full credential should also prepare for the plans module and any additional ICC requirements tied to the certification path.

The Soils Code Module rewards candidates who can work efficiently with technical references. It is not enough to understand soils in a general way. Candidates must be able to locate requirements, interpret ASTM test methods, understand how the International Building Code addresses soils and foundations, and connect field observations to the correct testing or inspection procedure. This package gives candidates the reference foundation needed to build that skill.

What You Get

• Included Book: Soils, Earthwork and Foundations: A Practical Approach; Based 2015 IRC and IBC
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
• Included Book: ASTM D698-12(2021)
• Included Book: ASTM D1556/D1556M-24
• Included Book: ASTM D1557-12(2021)
• Included Book: ASTM D2487-17(2025)
• Included Book: ASTM D2488-26
• Included Book: ASTM D4318-17e1
• Included Book: ASTM D6938-23
• Included Book: ASTM D7557/D7557M-09(2021)
• Included Book: ASTM D4718/D4718M-15(2023)
• Included Book: ASTM D4959-24
• Exam-Focused Reference Package: A study-ready book and standards package for candidates preparing for the ICC Soils Codes Module.
• Soils Inspection Study Support: References covering earthwork, foundations, compaction, soil classification, field density testing, laboratory procedures, and moisture content testing.

Exam Details

The ICC Soils Codes Module is part of the Soils Special Inspector certification path. ICC identifies the Soils Special Inspector route as including the Special Inspector General Requirements module, the Soils Codes module, and the Soils Plans module. This product is for the Soils Codes Module and is intended to help candidates prepare with the code book and ASTM standards connected to soils inspection and testing.

The codes module focuses on reference-based knowledge. Candidates should be prepared to work with the International Building Code and ASTM standards that apply to soils, earthwork, compaction, classification, moisture-density relationships, field density testing, and inspection documentation. The plans module is separate and focuses more heavily on interpreting drawings, grading information, elevations, details, and project documents.

Soils inspection can involve reviewing geotechnical recommendations, verifying site preparation, observing fill placement, checking lift thickness, monitoring moisture conditioning, reviewing compaction test results, confirming soil classifications, and documenting work performed in the field. Candidates should understand the inspector’s role in verifying work against approved documents and applicable standards.

The 2021 International Building Code includes Chapter 18, Soils and Foundations, which addresses geotechnical and structural considerations related to foundation systems, site preparation, soil investigations, and foundation support. Candidates preparing for the Soils Codes Module should become familiar with how Chapter 18 is organized and how it connects to special inspection responsibilities and project requirements.

The ASTM standards in this package support practical exam preparation because they represent the methods and terminology used in soil testing and classification. Candidates should understand the purpose of each ASTM standard, when it is used, what type of information it produces, and how results may be applied to inspection decisions.

Open Book Test

The ICC Soils Codes Module is an open book computer-based exam. Open book testing gives candidates access to approved references, but it still requires strong preparation. The exam is timed, and candidates who have not practiced using the books and standards may spend too much time searching for definitions, tables, procedures, or code requirements.

Open book success depends on reference familiarity. Candidates should know where major topics are located in the International Building Code, the soils reference text, and the ASTM standards. A good study routine includes reviewing the table of contents, scope sections, terminology, apparatus sections, procedural steps, calculation requirements, reporting requirements, and common limitations of each test method.

Candidates should review ICC’s current test site regulations before exam day. Rules for tabs, markings, notes, loose pages, and book condition can affect what is allowed in the testing environment. Books and standards should be organized for study while remaining compliant with current exam rules.

Licensing Steps

Candidates preparing for the New Jersey Soils Code Module should begin by confirming that the ICC Soils Special Inspector path matches their professional goal, employer requirement, inspection agency requirement, project specification, or jurisdictional requirement. ICC’s soils path includes the Special Inspector General Requirements module, Soils Codes, and Soils Plans.

A practical preparation path starts with confirming the correct exam module. Candidates should make sure they are preparing for the ECCY Soils Codes Module and not the separate ECPY Soils Plans Module. Candidates should also verify the current exam listing, testing method, reference requirements, and account information before purchasing or scheduling an ICC exam.

After confirming the correct module, candidates should gather the reference books and standards and create a study schedule. Preparation should include the International Building Code, soils and earthwork fundamentals, field density testing methods, laboratory compaction standards, soil classification procedures, moisture content testing, and correction methods related to oversized particles.

Candidates pursuing the full Soils Special Inspector credential should also prepare for the Soils Plans module and Special Inspector General Requirements module. The codes module is one part of the complete certification path.

State Requirements

This exam book package is written for New Jersey candidates preparing for the ICC Soils Codes Module. New Jersey candidates should confirm how the ICC Soils Special Inspector credential is recognized or required for their specific job role, employer, inspection agency, project type, or jurisdiction.

ICC states that its Special Inspector certification program provides a designation used by building officials when evaluating special inspector qualifications. Approval as a special inspector for a specific project is determined by the applicable jurisdiction’s building official. For New Jersey candidates, that means certification can be an important credential, but project approval and inspection authority may also depend on the authority having jurisdiction, approved plans, geotechnical report, statement of special inspections, employer requirements, and inspection agency procedures.

Candidates should keep records of passed exam modules, active credentials, and any experience documentation required by their employer or jurisdiction. On New Jersey projects, candidates should also review the approved construction documents, soil report, earthwork specifications, compaction requirements, testing frequency requirements, and inspection reporting procedures before performing soils inspection work.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Soils, Earthwork and Foundations: A Practical Approach; Based 2015 IRC and IBC
  This reference supports study of soil behavior, earthwork procedures, foundation concepts, grading, compaction, inspection practices, and practical field issues related to soils and foundations.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 IBC provides building code requirements used to evaluate soils and foundations, including provisions related to soil investigations, site preparation, foundation support, and related construction requirements.
• Included Book: ASTM D698-12(2021)
  This ASTM standard covers laboratory compaction characteristics of soil using standard effort. It supports study of moisture-density relationships and standard Proctor compaction concepts.
• Included Book: ASTM D1556/D1556M-24
  This ASTM standard covers field density and unit weight of soil using the sand-cone method. It supports study of field density testing and compacted fill verification.
• Included Book: ASTM D1557-12(2021)
  This ASTM standard covers laboratory compaction characteristics of soil using modified effort. It supports study of modified Proctor compaction, maximum dry density, and optimum moisture content.
• Included Book: ASTM D2487-17(2025)
  This ASTM standard covers soil classification for engineering purposes using the Unified Soil Classification System. It supports study of group symbols, soil descriptions, gradation, plasticity, and classification procedures.
• Included Book: ASTM D2488-26
  This ASTM standard supports visual-manual soil description and identification procedures. It helps candidates study field identification of soil types, soil components, plasticity, particle characteristics, and descriptive terminology.
• Included Book: ASTM D4318-17e1
  This ASTM standard covers liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils. It supports study of Atterberg limits and the classification of fine-grained soils.
• Included Book: ASTM D6938-23
  This ASTM standard covers in-place density and water content of soil and soil-aggregate by nuclear methods. It supports study of nuclear gauge testing used in field compaction verification.
• Included Book: ASTM D7557/D7557M-09(2021)
  This ASTM standard supports study of field density and moisture measurement using the drive cylinder method. It is useful for candidates reviewing alternative field density testing procedures.
• Included Book: ASTM D4718/D4718M-15(2023)
  This ASTM standard covers correction of unit weight and water content for soils containing oversized particles. It supports study of how large particles can affect compaction test results and field comparisons.
• Included Book: ASTM D4959-24
  This ASTM standard covers determination of water content of soil by direct heating. It supports study of moisture content testing and rapid field or laboratory moisture determination methods.

Test Information and Study Materials

The Soils Codes Module requires candidates to understand how soils behave and how soil testing standards are used in construction inspection. Candidates should study the purpose of each test method, the type of result it produces, and how that result is used to determine whether earthwork complies with project requirements.

Compaction is one of the most important study areas. Candidates should understand maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, relative compaction, field density, wet density, dry density, moisture content, and the difference between standard and modified compaction effort. ASTM D698 and ASTM D1557 are especially important for understanding laboratory moisture-density relationships.

Field density testing is another core topic. ASTM D1556/D1556M addresses the sand-cone method, while ASTM D6938 addresses nuclear density gauge testing. Candidates should understand the general purpose of each method, how field results are compared with laboratory compaction data, and why proper test location, soil conditions, and equipment procedures matter.

Soil classification should also be a major part of exam preparation. ASTM D2487 supports classification using the Unified Soil Classification System, while ASTM D2488 supports visual-manual identification and description. Candidates should become comfortable with soil terms such as gravel, sand, silt, clay, well-graded, poorly graded, plasticity, organic soil, and fines content.

Atterberg limits are important when studying fine-grained soils. ASTM D4318 addresses liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index. These properties help classify fine-grained soils and evaluate behavior related to moisture sensitivity, plasticity, and potential performance in construction applications.

Moisture content testing is a recurring theme in soils inspection. ASTM D4959 addresses water content by direct heating, while other field and laboratory methods may also produce moisture data. Candidates should understand why moisture content matters for compaction, stability, and compliance with project specifications.

The 2021 International Building Code should be studied for soils and foundation requirements. Chapter 18 is particularly important because it addresses soil investigations, foundation support, site preparation, and related geotechnical considerations. Candidates should also understand how special inspection requirements connect to approved construction documents and project specifications.

A strong study plan should include timed reference practice. Candidates can choose a topic such as nuclear density testing, standard Proctor, soil classification, or oversized particle correction, then practice locating the relevant ASTM scope, procedure, calculation, and reporting sections. This helps build speed and reduces exam-day stress.

Candidates should also study the inspector’s role. A soils inspector observes, verifies, tests, documents, and reports. The inspector does not redesign the work or ignore nonconforming conditions. Good preparation includes understanding how field observations, test results, geotechnical recommendations, and approved documents work together.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare for the New Jersey Soils Code Module with organized, trade-focused study support. Soils inspection can be challenging because candidates must work across building code requirements, earthwork procedures, laboratory test standards, field test methods, soil classification systems, and project documentation.

This exam book package gives candidates a clear reference foundation. Instead of studying from scattered materials, candidates can focus on the books and standards connected to the ICC Soils Codes Module. That makes preparation more organized and easier to manage.

1 Exam Prep encourages a practical study process built around reference navigation and topic-based review. Candidates should learn the structure of each standard, practice locating procedures and definitions, review key calculations, and build confidence using the books under timed conditions. This approach is especially important for open book exams because knowing where to find information is just as important as understanding the topic.

For candidates with field experience, this package helps connect jobsite knowledge to written code and ASTM requirements. Many inspectors understand compaction testing and earthwork in practice but need a better system for locating exact reference requirements during an exam. For newer candidates, the package provides a structured starting point for learning soils terminology, test methods, and inspection responsibilities.

The goal is to help candidates prepare with better organization, stronger reference familiarity, and more confidence in soils inspection concepts. 1 Exam Prep does not guarantee exam results, certification approval, jurisdictional acceptance, or project approval, but it supports candidates with focused materials and a realistic study structure.

FAQ: What books and standards are included in this package?

This package includes Soils, Earthwork and Foundations: A Practical Approach; Based 2015 IRC and IBC, the International Building Code, 2021, and ASTM standards D698-12(2021), D1556/D1556M-24, D1557-12(2021), D2487-17(2025), D2488-26, D4318-17e1, D6938-23, D7557/D7557M-09(2021), D4718/D4718M-15(2023), and D4959-24.

FAQ: Is the ICC Soils Codes Module open book?

Yes. The ICC Soils Codes Module is an open book computer-based exam. Candidates should still study carefully because open book exams require fast and accurate use of approved references.

FAQ: Is this product for the codes module or the plans module?

This product is for the Soils Codes Module. The Soils Plans Module is a separate exam module focused on reading and interpreting project plans, grading information, details, and construction documents.

FAQ: What is the ICC Soils Special Inspector certification path?

The ICC Soils Special Inspector path includes the Special Inspector General Requirements module, the Soils Codes module, and the Soils Plans module. Candidates pursuing the full credential should prepare for all required modules.

FAQ: What topics should I study for the Soils Codes Module?

Important topics include soil classification, compaction testing, moisture-density relationships, field density testing, Atterberg limits, soil moisture content, oversized particle correction, earthwork inspection, site preparation, foundation-related code requirements, and inspection documentation.

FAQ: Why are ASTM D698 and ASTM D1557 included?

ASTM D698 covers laboratory compaction using standard effort, while ASTM D1557 covers laboratory compaction using modified effort. These standards help establish maximum dry density and optimum moisture content for compaction control.

FAQ: Why are ASTM D2487 and ASTM D2488 included?

ASTM D2487 supports soil classification using the Unified Soil Classification System. ASTM D2488 supports visual-manual soil description and identification. Together, they help candidates understand soil types and classification terminology.

FAQ: Does passing the ICC exam automatically approve me as a soils special inspector in New Jersey?

No. ICC certification can support qualification, but approval for a specific project is determined by the applicable jurisdiction, building official, employer, inspection agency, project documents, and special inspection requirements.