ABSTRACT: A plate load test apparatus, which can be used for direct measurement of bearing capacity andsettlement of natural soils, improved soils and man-made fills, consists of rigid plates located on the ground,a dead load to apply pressure on the soil, a jack to transfer load and dial gauges to measure deflection.Nowadays, this test is preferred for artificial fill compaction control of motorways and airfields morethan the natural soils. The plate load test can also be used on rocks. Besides having simple components and giving results quickly, the test has some limitations. Shallow depth of influence is the most importantlimitation. Test results are affected by humidity and density of the natural soil. In this study; details of theplate load test procedure are given which have advantages especially in determination of bearing capacityand settlement of fill grounds, important aspects which should be attended to interpret test results areemphasized and some sample cases are presented.