Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package includes the four reference books identified for the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination, with highlighting and permanent tabs added to help candidates navigate important sections more efficiently during study and on exam day.

This package is designed for contractors preparing for the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor trade examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The exam covers estimating and plan reading, materials and installation, taping, special applications, and safety. Candidates are expected to understand both practical trade knowledge and the code and reference material associated with metal stud framing and drywall work.

Because the examination is open book, effective preparation includes more than simply owning the required references. Candidates should know how each book is organized, where major topics are located, and how to move quickly between code chapters, safety requirements, installation guidance, tables, diagrams, and technical information. A highlighted and tabbed book package can support that preparation by making key areas easier to locate without relying on temporary tabs or handwritten notes that are not permitted under PSI's examination rules.

The package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), the 2021 International Building Code, the 2021 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, and the Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014. These references collectively address construction safety, commercial and residential building requirements, gypsum systems, drywall installation, metal framing, finishes, special applications, and related trade topics.

Highlighted and tabbed trade books require additional preparation before shipment. Please allow an additional 15 business days on tabbed and highlighted trade book package orders.

The highlighted and tabbed format is especially useful for an open-book contractor examination. PSI permits approved reference materials to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed, and permanent tabs are allowed. The books must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain additional papers. Temporary tabs, including removable Post-it-style tabs, are not permitted in the examination center.

Exam Details

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination is administered by PSI as part of the contractor licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Eligibility to take the examination is determined by the Board.

• Exam: Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 40
• Passing Score: 70%, or 28 correct answers
• Time Allowed: 120 minutes
• Exam Type: Open book
• Exam Delivery: Computer-administered

The published examination content outline divides the 40 questions into five subject areas. Estimating and Plan Reading includes 6 questions. Materials and Installation includes 19 questions. Taping includes 4 questions. Special Applications includes 6 questions. Safety includes 5 questions.

Materials and Installation is the largest section of the examination, representing nearly half of the scored questions. Candidates should therefore devote substantial preparation time to metal stud systems, gypsum board products, installation techniques, fasteners, framing, application methods, and related technical requirements.

Estimating and Plan Reading requires candidates to interpret project information and understand the relationship between construction documents and metal stud or drywall work. Special Applications and Taping test additional trade-specific knowledge, while the Safety section requires familiarity with applicable construction safety requirements.

PSI may also include a limited number of unscored experimental questions. These questions do not contribute to the final score but may count against the examination time.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI allows candidates to use the approved references identified for this exam while testing.

The current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are allowed. The books must otherwise remain unmarked, which means candidates should not add handwritten notes to the references. Loose papers and attached additional papers are also prohibited.

Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed and must be removed before the examination begins. That distinction is important for candidates preparing their own books because a temporary tab system used while studying may not be accepted in the examination center.

This highlighted and tabbed package is prepared around the type of book organization permitted by PSI. Permanent tabs can make major chapters and subject areas easier to locate, while highlighting can draw attention to useful provisions and information within the references.

An open-book exam still requires strong time management. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete 40 scored questions, giving an average of about three minutes per question before accounting for review time and any experimental items. A candidate who needs to search through an entire reference for every answer can quickly lose valuable time.

Study with the books before test day. Learn which topics are most likely to be found in OSHA, which belong in the International Building Code or International Residential Code, and which are addressed more directly in the Gypsum Construction Handbook. Building this association between subject and reference can make open-book testing more efficient.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees the contractor licensing process associated with this trade examination. Applicants must complete the applicable licensing process and receive examination eligibility before scheduling with PSI.

1. Determine the appropriate contractor license classification. Drywall and Metal Studs is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classifications.
2. Complete the appropriate application. Alabama maintains application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors, depending on the applicant's business role and intended work.
3. Document qualifying work experience. Applicants requesting a classification must provide the work experience and project information required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Submit the application to the Board. The Board reviews the application and determines whether the applicant qualifies for the requested classification and examination.
5. Receive examination eligibility. Once approved, the candidate can proceed with PSI registration and scheduling.
6. Take the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination. The trade examination contains 40 questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70%.
7. Complete the Business and Law examination. Alabama requires applicants subject to the general contractor examination process to pass the trade examination and the Business and Law examination.
8. Complete the remaining licensing requirements. Final license issuance is determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors after applicable requirements are satisfied.

PSI examination eligibility is valid for one year from the date the application is received by the state. Candidates who do not pass the required examination within that one-year period must reapply with the state. During the active one-year eligibility period, PSI permits candidates to retake an examination as necessary.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates contractor licensing for covered commercial and industrial construction work in the state. Drywall and Metal Studs appears as a Building Construction subclassification within the Board's contractor classification system.

Applicants seeking a contractor classification must demonstrate experience in the work for which the classification is requested. Current Alabama application materials require applicants seeking applicable classifications to identify qualifying commercial or industrial projects and provide work references from individuals or professionals accepted by the Board.

The Alabama general contractor licensing threshold applies to covered construction undertakings valued at $100,000 or more. This threshold became effective October 1, 2024. Alabama law also contains separate provisions addressing subcontractor licensing requirements and exemptions.

Applicants should select the license application that matches how they intend to perform contracting work. The Board provides separate prime contractor and subcontractor application processes, and the documentation required can differ based on the application type.

For applications requiring examinations, Alabama requires both the applicable trade examination and the Business and Law examination. Passing the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor trade exam by itself does not replace the separate Business and Law testing requirement.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference contains federal OSHA requirements applicable to construction activities. It supports preparation for the Safety portion of the examination and includes regulations addressing common jobsite hazards, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, and other construction safety subjects.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 International Building Code provides requirements for commercial and other regulated building construction. For metal stud and drywall candidates, it supports study involving interior construction, fire-resistance-rated assemblies, wall systems, structural and nonstructural components, building materials, and related code requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 International Residential Code contains requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses within its scope. It supports preparation involving residential framing, wall construction, gypsum board, interior finishes, fire-resistant construction, and related building provisions.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  The Gypsum Construction Handbook is a trade-focused reference addressing gypsum products, drywall systems, metal framing, installation methods, finishing, joint treatment, ceilings, partitions, special applications, and other gypsum construction topics directly relevant to the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination.

Please allow an additional 15 business days on tabbed and highlighted trade book package orders.

Exam Room Approved Books

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination permits the following references in the examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Allowed as a reference for construction safety requirements. PSI also recognizes its designated OSHA selections as an alternative.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 edition is the code edition identified by PSI for this examination.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 edition is listed as an authorized reference for the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  This USG trade handbook is listed by PSI as an authorized exam reference.

PSI does not provide these references at the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted books they intend to use. Approved materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed and may contain permanent tabs, but they must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain loose or attached additional papers.

Test Information and Study Materials

The published exam outline provides a clear framework for structuring your study plan. Materials and Installation accounts for 19 questions, making it the most heavily tested category. Candidates should spend significant time reviewing metal stud framing, gypsum board selection and application, fastening methods, wall and ceiling systems, installation procedures, and related trade practices.

The Gypsum Construction Handbook is especially useful for this area because it provides trade-specific information on gypsum construction systems. Use it alongside the International Building Code and International Residential Code to understand both practical installation guidance and code requirements.

Estimating and Plan Reading accounts for 6 questions. Preparation in this area should include reading dimensions, interpreting drawings, identifying wall types and assemblies, understanding construction details, and working with information that may be needed to estimate quantities or determine installation requirements.

Special Applications also accounts for 6 questions. This portion may require candidates to understand applications that go beyond basic wallboard installation, making familiarity with the structure and specialty sections of the Gypsum Construction Handbook particularly useful.

Taping accounts for 4 questions. Review joint treatment, finishing procedures, materials, application practices, and related trade terminology. Understanding the sequence of drywall finishing work can help candidates distinguish between similar answer choices.

Safety accounts for 5 questions. Use 29 CFR Part 1926 to review federal construction safety requirements and practice finding provisions quickly. Candidates working in metal stud and drywall construction commonly encounter ladders, scaffolds, elevated work, material handling, power tools, cutting equipment, and other hazards addressed within OSHA construction regulations.

A good open-book study routine combines knowledge review with reference drills. Select a topic, identify the correct book, locate the relevant chapter or section, and practice finding it repeatedly. Highlighting and permanent tabs can help reinforce the location of major subjects, but candidates should still understand the content rather than depending entirely on book markings.

Practice time management as well. With 40 questions in 120 minutes, aim to answer questions you know quickly and use the references efficiently for questions that require confirmation. Spending excessive time on one difficult lookup can reduce the time available for the rest of the exam.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor candidates with an organized approach to trade exam preparation. This package combines the four exam references with highlighted and tabbed preparation designed to make important areas easier to navigate while studying and during the open-book examination.

Metal stud and drywall work combines practical installation skills with code compliance, material knowledge, estimating, plan interpretation, finishing procedures, special applications, and safety. A focused study structure helps candidates connect these subjects to the references where the applicable information can be found.

Highlighted references can help draw attention to important material, while permanent tabs provide faster access to major chapters and subject areas. These tools are most effective when combined with regular practice. Candidates should use the books repeatedly, work through trade-focused questions, review weak areas, and become comfortable moving between OSHA, the building codes, and the Gypsum Construction Handbook.

1 Exam Prep emphasizes practical reference navigation because an open-book examination still demands efficiency. Knowing that a topic is contained somewhere in a book is different from being able to locate it quickly under timed testing conditions. Consistent practice with your prepared books can help build a more confident and structured approach to exam day.

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package gives candidates the authorized trade references in a format intended to support efficient study and book navigation while preparing for Alabama's contractor licensing examination.

How many questions are on the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam?

The examination contains 40 scored questions. Candidates are given 120 minutes to complete the test.

What score do I need to pass?

A minimum score of 70% is required, which equals 28 correct answers out of 40 scored questions.

Is the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI identifies the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination as open book and allows the listed reference materials into the testing center under its current reference rules.

What subjects are covered on the examination?

The exam covers Estimating and Plan Reading, Materials and Installation, Taping, Special Applications, and Safety. Materials and Installation is the largest category with 19 questions.

Are these books allowed in the exam room?

Yes. The package contains the references identified by PSI for the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination: 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2021 International Building Code, the 2021 International Residential Code, and the Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition.

Can highlighted and tabbed books be used during the PSI exam?

Yes. PSI permits approved reference materials to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are allowed. References must otherwise remain unmarked, and temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited.

Can I write notes inside my exam books?

No. PSI states that approved references must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain additional papers, whether loose or attached. Candidates should rely on permitted highlighting, underlining, indexing, and permanent tabs.

How long does a highlighted and tabbed package take to process?

Please allow an additional 15 business days on tabbed and highlighted trade book package orders.

Who administers the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam?

PSI administers the examination for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The Board determines whether an applicant is eligible to take the examination.

Do Alabama contractor applicants also take a Business and Law exam?

Yes. Applicants subject to the Alabama general contractor examination process are required to complete the applicable trade exam as well as the Business and Law examination.

Why are highlighted and tabbed books useful for an open-book exam?

Highlighting and permanent tabs can make frequently used sections easier to locate. When combined with practice and familiarity with each reference, they can support more efficient navigation during a timed open-book examination.