Technician Certification Examination

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

• What is the primary purpose of a road shoulder?
• Increase vehicle speed
• Provide a safe area for stopped vehicles
• Act as a parking lane
• Support landscaping

Rationale: Road shoulders provide a safe area for stopped vehicles and

emergency use, preventing hazards in travel lanes.

• Which material is most commonly used for patching potholes on

asphalt roads?

• Gravel 1 / 4

• Hot mix asphalt
• Sand
• Concrete

Rationale: Hot mix asphalt is commonly used because it bonds well to

existing pavement and provides a durable repair.

• When performing snow and ice removal, which chemical is most

effective at very low temperatures?

• Calcium carbonate
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Calcium chloride
• Magnesium sulfate

Rationale: Calcium chloride is effective at lower temperatures than sodium

chloride, making it ideal for extreme cold conditions.

• Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when

working near moving traffic?

• Gloves
• High-visibility vest
• Safety glasses
• Ear plugs

Rationale: High-visibility vests ensure that workers are visible to drivers,

reducing the risk of accidents. 2 / 4

• What is the minimum slope recommended for a paved road shoulder

to ensure proper drainage?

A. 0.5%

• 1%
• 2%
• 5%

Rationale: A 2% slope is typically recommended to allow water to drain off

the pavement efficiently.

• Which traffic control device is used to warn drivers of upcoming road

work?

• Stop sign
• Yield sign
• Construction warning sign
• Speed limit sign

Rationale: Construction warning signs alert drivers to road work, helping

to prevent accidents.

• When inspecting guardrails, what is a critical aspect to check?
• Paint color
• Post stability and rail damage
• Road alignment
• Pavement markings 3 / 4

Rationale: Guardrail inspections focus on structural integrity and

effectiveness in preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway.

• What is the main purpose of a drainage ditch alongside a highway?
• Enhance aesthetics
• Increase traffic speed
• Remove water from the roadway
• Provide parking areas

Rationale: Drainage ditches prevent water accumulation on the roadway,

reducing hazards and pavement deterioration.

• When mixing asphalt for patching, what is the typical compaction

temperature for hot mix asphalt?

A. 100–120°F

B. 150–180°F

C. 275–300°F

D. 350–400°F

Rationale: Hot mix asphalt must be compacted at high temperatures to

achieve proper density and durability.

• What is the correct procedure for applying deicing chemicals to

a highway?

• Apply heavily in all areas regardless of conditions
• Apply uniformly and sparingly according to conditions
• / 4