Important 2026 PSI update: the April 3, 2026 New Mexico PSI bulletin lists the GS-21 Roofing exam at 75 questions, 200 minutes and 57 points to pass. Some older 1 Exam Prep product descriptions still display the previous 60-question, 150-minute format. Use the current PSI bulletin as your exam-day authority.
What Is the New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor License?
GS-21 is New Mexico's specialty roofing contractor classification. It covers installing, altering and repairing roof systems on new or existing roof decks to create weatherproof and waterproof protective roofing systems.
The classification can include roofing with or without insulation and covers materials such as asphalt, pitch, tar, sealants, felt, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate, urethane and other approved roofing materials.
GS-21 also includes the preparatory work needed to bring a roof deck or an existing roof into condition for roofing installation or repair.
Experience requirement: two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience.
Roofing scope: steep-slope and low-slope roofing, weatherproofing, waterproofing, roof preparation and related roofing systems.
Incidental sheet metal: the classification can include roofing-related cornices, flashing, skylights that do not alter structural framing, roof coatings, gutters, leaders, downspouts, pans, prefabricated chimneys and metal flues at or near roof lines.
For structured preparation, use the New Mexico PSI GS-21 Roofing Contractor Online Exam Prep Course alongside the exact references in the current PSI bulletin.
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor Licensing Path
New Mexico licenses contractor businesses through the Construction Industries Division while the qualifying individual becomes the certified Qualifying Party.
| Stage | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Experience | Two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience | Experience must satisfy the GS-21 classification rules |
| Experience Recency | Required experience within the 10 years immediately before application | Employment dates and Work Experience Affidavits |
| Qualifying Party Application | Submit application and Work Experience Affidavit to PSI | Use enough affidavits to document the required experience |
| Preapproval | Required before examination scheduling | PSI eligibility notice and six-month eligibility window |
| GS-21 Trade Exam | 75 questions • 200 minutes • 75% passing | Current approved references and PSI examination rules |
| Business and Law | Pass PSI Business and Law or complete an approved Business and Law course | Which route you are using before completing the company-license application |
| Company License | Qualifying business entity applies after QP requirements are completed | Bond, tax registration, business documents, QP certificate and Business and Law documentation |
| Insurance / Workers Compensation | Applicable licensing and employment coverage | Current New Mexico requirements for your business and workforce |
Research Authority and Verification Snapshot
Current PSI, New Mexico licensing and 1 Exam Prep information was checked separately so older product-page exam details do not replace the current official bulletin.
| Verified Point | Authority | Current Result |
|---|---|---|
| Current PSI bulletin | PSI Services LLC | New Mexico contractor bulletin updated April 3, 2026 |
| GS-21 exam format | Current PSI content outline | 75 questions, 200 minutes, open book and 75% passing |
| GS-21 topic outline | Current PSI bulletin | Five subject areas totaling 75 questions |
| GS-21 references | Current PSI reference list | 2021 New Mexico codes, 2021 IBC/IRC, OSHA and current roofing manuals |
| Classification scope | 14.6.6 NMAC | Roof systems, waterproofing, weatherproofing and incidental roofing-related sheet metal |
| Experience | 14.6.6 NMAC | Two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience |
| Licensing workflow | New Mexico RLD Construction Industries Division | Qualifying Party approval, trade requirement, Business and Law, then company licensing |
| 1 Exam Prep resources | Direct 1 Exam Prep product listings | Online course, book package, all-inclusive package and Business and Law preparation |
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor Exam Breakdown
The current PSI GS-21 Roofing examination contains 75 questions. Candidates receive 200 minutes and need 57 points, or 75 percent, to pass.
The biggest section by far is Steep and Low Slope Roofing with 34 questions. That section alone represents about 45.3 percent of the examination.
Estimating and Plan Reading contains 13 questions. Roofing Components contains 11. Surface Preparation and Planning contains 10, and Safety contains seven.
With 200 minutes for 75 questions, your average pace is about 2 minutes and 40 seconds per question. That gives you time to use the books, but not enough time to begin a personal relationship with every page in the NRCA manuals.
Classification GS-21 Roofing
Licensing Authority New Mexico RLD Construction Industries Division
Testing Provider PSI
Questions 75
Passing Score 75% / 57 points
Time Allowed 200 minutes
Format Computer-based and open book
Largest Topic Steep and Low Slope Roofing • 34 questions
Experience Two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience
Experience Window Required experience must be within the 10 years immediately preceding application
Main Building Codes 2021 New Mexico Commercial and Residential Building Codes + 2021 IBC and IRC
Calculator Silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator permitted
Business & Law PSI exam or approved Business and Law course
Exam Prep View New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam Prep
How to Study for the New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam
Build your study plan around the current PSI question distribution. Almost half of the trade exam is devoted to steep-slope and low-slope roofing, so that subject deserves the largest share of your preparation time.
Start with steep and low slope roofing. This category contains 34 of 75 current questions.
Practice estimating and plan reading. Thirteen questions can involve quantities, dimensions, plans, roof areas and material calculations.
Know roofing components. Flashings, underlayments, insulation, drainage, accessories and related details account for another 11 questions.
Do not treat safety as an afterthought. OSHA construction safety contributes seven current questions and also matters every day on a roof.
Roofing Calculations and Plan-Reading Strategy
Roofing exam math is usually practical. You should be comfortable turning dimensions into roof areas, converting square feet into roofing squares, adjusting for slope and waste, and estimating material quantities.
Simplified New Mexico GS-21 roofing exam prep illustration for roof area, slope and material estimating.
Use a repeatable process for roofing calculations. Sketch the roof if needed, split complicated plans into simple shapes, calculate each area, apply slope or waste adjustments where required, and then convert the result into the units requested by the question.
- Roof Area: length × width for simple roof planes, then add individual sections
- Roofing Squares: 100 square feet equals one roofing square
- Slope: understand rise, run and roof pitch relationships
- Waste: account for cuts, laps, roof complexity and installation requirements
- Flashing: measure valleys, walls, penetrations, edges and related linear footage
- Drainage: understand slope, drainage paths, gutters and roof-drainage components
Your New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor Licensing Roadmap
Build qualifying experience, become an approved Qualifying Party, complete the testing requirements and then finish the company licensing process.
1
Build two years of qualifying roofing experience
Develop the foreman-level practical or related roofing experience required for GS-21.
2
Document your experience
Collect employer information and Work Experience Affidavits covering the required experience within the applicable 10-year period.
3
Apply to become the Qualifying Party
Submit the current QP application and experience documentation through the process identified by New Mexico RLD and PSI.
4
Receive examination preapproval
You must be approved before scheduling the GS-21 trade examination. PSI currently gives eligible candidates six months to test.
5
Pass the GS-21 Roofing trade examination
Prepare for 75 questions, 200 minutes, open-book reference use and a 75 percent passing requirement.
6
Satisfy Business and Law
Pass the PSI Business and Law examination or complete an approved Business and Law course under the current New Mexico process.
7
Complete the company license application
Submit the required company application, bond, tax registration, business documentation, QP certification and Business and Law documentation.
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam Topic Weighting
These question counts follow the current April 2026 PSI content outline. Bar lengths compare each category with the largest 34-question Steep and Low Slope Roofing section.
Estimating and Plan Reading 13 questions • 17.3%
Surface Preparation and Planning 10 questions • 13.3%
Steep and Low Slope Roofing 34 questions • 45.3%
Roofing Components 11 questions • 14.7%
Safety 7 questions • 9.3%
Study priority: Steep and Low Slope Roofing alone represents about 45.3 percent of the current exam. Do not spend five weeks memorizing safety definitions and then introduce yourself to membrane roofing on the night before your test.
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor Exam References
The April 2026 PSI bulletin updated several roofing reference editions. Use this current list instead of older product-page reference years.
| Reference | Primary Study Use | Current PSI Edition |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA | Construction safety, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds and jobsite practices | Latest available amendments or PSI selections |
| New Mexico Commercial Building Code | State commercial roofing requirements and amendments | NMAC 14.7.2, 2021 |
| New Mexico Residential Building Code | State residential roofing requirements and amendments | NMAC 14.7.3, 2021 |
| International Building Code | Commercial roof assemblies, coverings, materials and code provisions | 2021 |
| International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings | Residential roof coverings, underlayment, flashing and roof construction | 2021 |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | Estimating, quantities, roof systems, construction methods and planning | Daniel Atcheson, 2022 |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems | Shingles, tile, slate, steep-slope assemblies and installation details | 2025 |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems | Low-slope and membrane roofing systems | 2023 |
| Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual | Concrete and clay roof tile installation | 2015 |
Edition warning: older New Mexico GS-21 product descriptions may still mention the 1995 edition of Roofing Construction and Estimating and older exam numbers. The April 3, 2026 PSI bulletin currently lists the 2022 edition, plus the 2025 Steep Slope and 2023 Membrane Roofing NRCA manuals.
How to Prepare for the Open-Book New Mexico GS-21 Exam
Do this
- Bring the exact current PSI-approved references
- Make sure every exam book is properly bound
- Highlight and underline important material before the exam
- Use permanent tabs for important sections
- Practice timed lookups in all major roofing references
- Know which book covers steep slope, membranes, tile, safety and estimating
- Practice with a silent non-programmable calculator
Do not do this
- Write handwritten notes inside exam references
- Write in references during the examination
- Use Post-it notes or other temporary tabs
- Bring loose or attached papers inside your books
- Depend on one roofing manual for every question
- Use old reference editions without checking PSI
- Assume open book means unlimited lookup time
New Mexico Qualifying Party vs Contractor Company License
New Mexico separates the person who qualifies the license from the business entity that receives the contractor license.
The Qualifying Party, or QP, is the individual who proves the required trade experience and satisfies the trade and Business and Law requirements.
The licensed contractor company is the qualifying business entity that employs or is owned by one or more certified Qualifying Parties and completes the business licensing requirements.
Qualifying Party: proves GS-21 experience and completes the applicable examination and Business and Law requirements.
Company: submits the contractor license application with the required bond, registrations, business documents and QP information.
Do not mix the steps: passing GS-21 does not by itself create an active roofing contractor company license.
GS-21 Roofing vs New Mexico Business and Law
The trade requirement tests roofing knowledge. Business and Law tests the legal and business side of contracting.
| Requirement | Current Format | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-21 Roofing | 75 questions • 200 minutes • 75% passing | Roof systems, preparation, estimating, roofing components and safety |
| Business and Law Exam | 50 questions • 130 minutes • 75% passing | Licensing, bidding, finance, taxes, labor, project management, liens, contracts, risk and safety |
| Approved Business and Law Course | Alternative route permitted by current New Mexico process | May satisfy the Business and Law requirement instead of PSI's Business and Law examination |
| Trade + Business Timing | Exam-based requirements must be completed within the required validity period | Do not let a passing trade score expire while finishing Business and Law |
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor License Requirements
Roofing Experience
Two Years
- Foreman-level practical or related trade experience
- Experience within the required recent period
- Work Experience Affidavits
- Roof installation and repair knowledge
- Steep-slope and low-slope familiarity
- Roofing preparation and waterproofing experience
GS-21 Trade Examination
Current PSI Format
- 75 questions
- 200 minutes
- 75% passing
- 57 points required
- Open book
- Approved bound references
- Permanent tabs permitted
Business and Company Licensing
Complete the Contractor Path
- PSI Business and Law or approved course
- Qualifying Party certification
- Company license application
- Required license bond
- Tax registration
- Applicable business-entity documentation
- Workers Compensation where required
Six-Week New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam Prep Plan
Give the 34-question steep and low slope section the most study time while keeping estimating, components and OSHA safety active every week.
Week 1
Exam Setup and Estimating
- Review the 2026 PSI bulletin
- Organize current references
- Practice roof area calculations
- Review plan symbols and dimensions
- Practice material quantities
Week 2
Surface Preparation and Code Navigation
- Existing roof conditions
- Deck preparation
- Underlayment
- 2021 IBC navigation
- 2021 IRC navigation
Week 3
Steep-Slope Roofing
- Asphalt shingles
- Tile roofing
- Slate and shakes
- Flashing
- Valleys and penetrations
Week 4
Low-Slope and Membrane Roofing
- Membrane systems
- Low-slope assemblies
- Insulation
- Waterproofing
- Drainage and roof details
Week 5
Components and Safety
- Roofing components
- Flashings
- Gutters and downspouts
- OSHA fall protection
- Ladders and scaffolds
Week 6
Full Timed Exam Practice
- 75-question simulation
- 200-minute timer
- Reference-navigation drills
- Review missed questions
- Business and Law review
How Hard Is the New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Contractor Exam?
The exam is demanding because almost half of the current questions are concentrated in steep-slope and low-slope roofing while the rest of the test still expects competence in estimating, planning, components and safety.
You have about two minutes and 40 seconds per question. That is enough time for smart reference use, but not enough time to discover where every book's index is located after the test begins.
The biggest advantage comes from practicing with the exact books. If a question asks about membrane roofing, your first instinct should already point toward the NRCA membrane manual. If it asks about fall protection, OSHA should be calling your name before the timer gets impatient.
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm your PSI appointment and eligibility
- Arrive with the required valid identification
- Bring the current approved roofing references
- Make sure references are bound
- Use permanent tabs only
- Bring an approved silent non-programmable calculator
- Use the 200-minute clock strategically
Do not do this
- Bring books containing handwritten notes
- Write in your books during testing
- Use Post-it notes or temporary tabs
- Bring loose sheets or attached papers
- Rely on outdated exam numbers
- Ignore OSHA safety questions
- Spend ten minutes searching for one roofing detail
New Mexico Roofing Contractor GS-21 Exam Prep Options
GS-21 Online Exam Prep Course
Flexible Online Study
- Roofing contractor exam review
- Reference-navigation practice
- Steep and low slope study
- Estimating review
- Safety preparation
- Practice-oriented study
GS-21 Exam Book Package
Reference-Based Preparation
- OSHA construction reference
- New Mexico building codes
- 2021 IBC and IRC
- Roofing Construction and Estimating
- NRCA roofing manuals
- Concrete and clay tile manual
All-Inclusive GS-21 Package
Exam + Licensing + Business Support
- Trade exam preparation
- Business and Law preparation
- Reference books
- Licensing support
- Business setup support
- Contractor compliance guidance
Do not forget Business and Law: New Mexico contractors must also satisfy the Business and Law requirement. Review the New Mexico Business and Law Online Exam Prep Course for separate contractor business-law preparation.
GS-21 Is New Mexico's Roofing Contractor Specialty Classification
The licensing path combines roofing field experience, an open-book PSI trade examination and New Mexico contractor business requirements.
• GS-21 requires two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience
• Current PSI exam: 75 questions
• Current time limit: 200 minutes
• Current passing requirement: 75% or 57 points
• Steep and Low Slope Roofing contains 34 questions
• The examination is open book
• Current code references include the 2021 New Mexico building codes, 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC
• Contractors must also satisfy New Mexico Business and Law requirements
Use the April 2026 PSI bulletin as the final exam-day authority, especially when older product descriptions show the previous exam format.
New Mexico Roofing Contractor GS-21 Exam Prep FAQ
GS-21 Roofing Examination
The current April 3, 2026 PSI bulletin lists 75 questions on the GS-21 Roofing examination.
Candidates currently receive 200 minutes to complete the 75-question examination.
The current passing requirement is 75 percent, which PSI lists as 57 points.
Yes. PSI currently lists the GS-21 Roofing examination as open book. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references.
PSI administers the contractor examination process for the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Construction Industries Division.
Steep and Low Slope Roofing is the largest current section with 34 questions, or approximately 45.3 percent of the examination.
The current PSI content outline assigns 13 questions to Estimating and Plan Reading.
License and Experience
The current New Mexico classification rule requires two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience.
GS-21 covers installation, alteration and repair of roof systems used to create weatherproof and waterproof protective membranes. It includes roofing materials, preparatory work and specified incidental roofing-related sheet metal work.
The Qualifying Party is the individual who demonstrates the required experience and satisfies the applicable trade and Business and Law requirements for the contractor classification.
No. The qualifying business entity must still complete New Mexico's company-license application requirements, including the required bond, registrations and Qualifying Party documentation.
Yes. New Mexico contractor candidates must be preapproved before scheduling the applicable PSI examination.
The current PSI bulletin states that candidates must test within six months of becoming eligible or reapply with the Division.
The current PSI bulletin states that passing examination scores are valid for one year from the examination date.
Books and Open-Book Rules
Current PSI references include OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2021 New Mexico Commercial and Residential Building Codes, 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, Roofing Construction and Estimating 2022, NRCA Steep Slope Roof Systems 2025, NRCA Membrane Roofing Systems 2023 and the Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual 2015.
Yes. PSI permits approved references to be highlighted and underlined before the examination.
Yes. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited.
No. PSI states that references containing writing will not be allowed, and candidates may not write in the references during the examination.
No. PSI prohibits additional loose or attached papers inside approved exam references.
Yes. PSI currently allows a silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator in the examination center.
Business and Law and 1 Exam Prep
Yes. Contractors must satisfy the Business and Law requirement in addition to the applicable trade requirement.
Yes. The current New Mexico process allows contractors to either pass PSI's Business and Law examination or complete an approved Business and Law course.
The current Business and Law examination contains 50 questions, allows 130 minutes and requires 75 percent, or 38 points, to pass.
Some product descriptions still contain the older 60-question, 150-minute exam format. The newer April 3, 2026 PSI bulletin currently lists 75 questions, 200 minutes and 57 points to pass. Use the current PSI bulletin as the final exam-day authority.
1 Exam Prep offers a New Mexico PSI GS-21 online course, GS-21 exam book packages, a dedicated New Mexico Roofing Contractor GS-21 collection, all-inclusive licensing packages and separate New Mexico Business and Law preparation.
Watch: How to Become a Roofing Contractor
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep roofing-contractor video for general guidance about roofing contractor licensing, building a roofing business and preparing for contractor-level responsibilities.
New Mexico exam prep note: this 1 Exam Prep video provides general roofing-contractor guidance and is not a New Mexico-specific GS-21 exam bulletin. For your New Mexico test, use the current PSI GS-21 question count, topic outline, reference editions and exam-room rules.
New Mexico Roofing Contractor GS-21 Exam Prep Resources
Use current New Mexico RLD and PSI requirements together with structured 1 Exam Prep roofing and Business and Law study resources.
New Mexico PSI GS-21 Roofing Online Course New Mexico GS-21 Exam Book Package New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Collection All-Inclusive GS-21 Package New Mexico Business and Law Online Course New Mexico Business and Law Complete Package New Mexico Business and Law Practice Questions Official New Mexico PSI Contractor Bulletin New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing New Mexico Contractor Classification Rules PSI New Mexico Contractor Exam Portal Contact 1 Exam Prep
Ready for New Mexico Roofing Contractor GS-21 Exam Prep?
Build faster roofing-reference navigation, stronger estimating skills, better steep-slope and low-slope knowledge, confidence with roofing components, stronger OSHA safety recall and a clear plan for New Mexico GS-21 licensing.
Questions? Call 877-775-9400
or email sales@1examprep.com
New Mexico GS-21 Roofing Exam Prep
- Al elegir una selección, se actualiza la página completa.
- Se abre en una nueva ventana.