Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Utility Locator Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of utility locating?
• To improve excavation speed
• To prevent damage to underground facilities
• To reduce labor costs
• To comply with OSHA only

Rationale: Preventing damage and ensuring safety is the core objective of

locating.

• Which law governs utility locating practices in Illinois?
• Federal Excavation Safety Act
• OSHA Subpart P 1 / 3

• Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act
• Illinois Excavation Code

Rationale: Illinois uses the Damage Prevention Act to regulate locating and

excavating.

• How long does an Illinois 811 locate ticket remain valid?
• 7 days after excavation start
• 14 days from the date of issuance
• 30 days
• Only until work begins

Rationale: The Act specifies a 14-day life for most standard tickets.

• Which color indicates electric power lines according to APWA marking

standards?

• Blue
• Green
• Red
• Yellow

Rationale: Red = electric power, per APWA uniform color code.

• What does yellow paint indicate in utility locating?
• Telecommunication
• Water
• Gas, oil, steam, petroleum 2 / 3

• Reclaimed water

Rationale: Yellow is designated for gas and hazardous materials lines.

• Which of the following is considered a “tolerance zone”?
• 12 inches on each side
• 6 inches on each side
• 18 inches on each side of the marked facility
• 24 inches on one side only

Rationale: Illinois requires 18 inches on either side.

• What should be used when hand-digging in the tolerance zone?
• Jackhammer
• Auger
• Non-metallic tools such as a shovel
• Chainsaw

Rationale: Non-mechanical, non-metallic tools prevent utility strikes.

• A locator identifies a weak signal. What is the most likely cause?
• Too much paint applied
• Poor grounding or insufficient return path
• Incorrect APWA color
• Excessive transmitter gain

Rationale: Weak signals often result from insufficient grounding.

9. Inductive locating is best used when:

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