Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination with a focused collection of technical references covering sitework, concrete, curbs and gutters, culverts, underground utility notification, heavy equipment and safety, irrigation, excavation, and stormwater management. The Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor Book Package brings together the primary books and reference materials associated with this Alabama specialty contractor examination.

This package is designed for contractors, construction professionals, irrigation specialists, sitework professionals, and other candidates preparing for the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor exam. The examination covers several different areas of construction knowledge, which means candidates need to be comfortable working with references covering excavation, concrete construction, drainage systems, irrigation design, utility-location requirements, and construction safety.

Successful preparation involves more than collecting the required books. Candidates should become familiar with the organization of each reference, including tables of contents, indexes, chapter headings, diagrams, tables, terminology, and technical sections. Because the examination is open book, knowing where information is located can make a significant difference when working through questions under a time limit.

The Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor Book Package supports preparation for the complete examination content outline. Sitework and concrete represent a substantial portion of the test, while irrigation is another major subject area. Candidates must also prepare for questions involving curbs and gutters, culverts, Alabama One Call requirements, heavy equipment, and safety.

The included references support both exam preparation and trade-focused review. Pipe and Excavation Contracting addresses practical excavation and underground construction concepts. Simplified Irrigation Design focuses on irrigation system planning and design principles. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures supports concrete preparation, placement, materials, and performance topics. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 provides construction safety requirements, while the Alabama 1Call material addresses underground utility notification. Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems provides technical information relevant to drainage and stormwater infrastructure.

Exam Details

The Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination contains 45 questions. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70%, or 32 correct answers. The examination allows 120 minutes for completion.

The official examination content outline is divided into the following subject areas:

• Sitework: 11 questions
• Concrete: 10 questions
• Curbs and Gutters: 4 questions
• Culverts: 3 questions
• One Call: 3 questions
• Heavy Equipment/Safety: 4 questions
• Irrigation: 10 questions

Sitework is the largest individual portion of the examination with 11 questions. Concrete and irrigation each account for 10 questions, making those three categories especially important when creating a study schedule. Together, sitework, concrete, and irrigation represent 31 of the 45 scored questions.

Candidates should still prepare for every subject in the outline. Curbs and gutters, culverts, Alabama One Call requirements, and heavy equipment and safety together make up a meaningful portion of the examination and can affect the final score.

The examination may include questions based on the listed references as well as trade knowledge and general industry practices. Preparation should therefore combine reference-book familiarity with practical understanding of drainage, excavation, irrigation, concrete, stormwater, and construction safety concepts.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may bring approved reference materials into the examination center, but the references are not supplied by the testing center. Candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted books they plan to use.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. They must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain additional loose or attached papers. Permanent tabs may be used for indexing and organizing the books. Temporary tabs, including Post-It-style notes, are not allowed and must be removed before the examination begins.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator is also permitted in the examination center.

Because the examination includes 45 questions in 120 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately two minutes and forty seconds per question. Open-book testing does not eliminate the need to study. Searching unfamiliar books from the beginning for every question can consume valuable time.

A stronger preparation method is to learn which reference is most useful for each subject. Candidates should know where to look for excavation and sitework information, where irrigation concepts are discussed, where concrete properties and practices can be located, and which references address safety, utility notification, and stormwater systems. Practicing reference navigation before exam day can help candidates use the books more efficiently.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination is part of the contractor licensing process administered through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Examination eligibility is determined by the Board, while PSI administers the contractor examination.

1. Obtain the appropriate Alabama contractor license application. Applicants begin the process with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
2. Complete the state application. Candidates provide the information and supporting documentation required for the contractor classification being requested.
3. Submit the application to the Board. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors reviews the application and determines examination eligibility.
4. Receive approval to test. Applicants must be approved before proceeding with the examination process.
5. Register with PSI. Eligible candidates register for the required contractor examination through PSI.
6. Schedule the examination. Candidates select an available testing location, date, and time through the PSI scheduling process.
7. Prepare using the examination content outline and approved references. Candidates should study the tested subjects and practice locating information within the books.
8. Take the examination. Candidates must follow PSI testing-center rules, including identification, security, calculator, and reference-material requirements.
9. Continue the licensing process with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Passing an examination is one part of the licensing process and does not by itself issue a contractor license.

Examination eligibility is valid for one year from the date the application is received by the state. During that eligibility period, candidates may retake the examination as allowed under the testing program. Applicants who do not pass within the one-year eligibility period must reapply with the state.

State Requirements

Alabama general contractor licensing is regulated by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The Board determines whether an applicant meets the requirements to proceed with the examination and ultimately determines licensing eligibility.

Candidates cannot use the trade examination by itself as a substitute for the state licensing process. Applicants first complete the appropriate contractor application and obtain approval from the Board. PSI handles examination registration, scheduling, testing, and score reporting after the candidate becomes eligible.

The Alabama Business and Law examination is required of general contractors in addition to the applicable trade examination. Candidates pursuing the Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor classification should therefore plan their licensing preparation around both the applicable trade examination and Alabama Business and Law requirements.

Once approved for testing, candidates are responsible for registering and scheduling their examinations. PSI provides computer-based examinations at testing centers, and candidates are expected to comply with the security and identification rules in effect on the scheduled examination date.

Applicants should maintain accurate application information and follow instructions issued by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors throughout the licensing process. Passing the Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination demonstrates successful completion of the trade examination requirement but does not, by itself, constitute the issuance of an Alabama contractor license.

Reference Books

• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
  This Alabama-specific reference addresses underground utility notification and safe excavation responsibilities. It supports preparation for the One Call portion of the examination and helps candidates review requirements associated with locating underground facilities before excavation work begins.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This Portland Cement Association reference provides detailed information on concrete materials, mixture proportioning, properties, durability, production, placement, and performance. It supports preparation for the concrete portion of the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination. The official PSI reference list identifies the 16th Edition and states that later editions of non-code references may be used as they become available.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference contains OSHA requirements applicable to construction work. It supports review of excavation safety, trenching, protective systems, equipment, workplace hazards, personal protection, and other safety topics that may apply to drainage, irrigation, and flood-control construction.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Written by Dave Roberts, this reference focuses on practical excavation and underground utility construction. It supports preparation involving sitework, excavation, grading, pipe installation, field procedures, equipment, soil conditions, and underground construction practices.
• Simplified Irrigation Design
  Written by Pete Melby, this irrigation reference covers principles associated with irrigation system planning and design. It supports preparation for the irrigation portion of the examination by helping candidates review irrigation layouts, components, system concepts, water delivery, and practical design considerations.
• Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems, 1992
  This American Society of Civil Engineers reference addresses urban stormwater management systems and supports preparation involving drainage, runoff, conveyance, stormwater infrastructure, and technical concepts related to drainage and flood-control construction.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are approved for use during the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor open-book examination:

• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
  Used for Alabama underground utility notification and excavation-related requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Used for construction safety and OSHA requirements relevant to excavation, equipment, and jobsite operations.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Used for excavation, sitework, pipe construction, and underground contracting concepts.
• Simplified Irrigation Design
  Used for irrigation-system design principles and irrigation-related trade knowledge.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
  The official reference list identifies the 16th Edition. Later editions of this non-code reference may be used as they become available.
• Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems, 1992
  Used for drainage, stormwater, runoff, and flood-control system concepts.

Candidates must bring their own permitted references. The books are not supplied at the examination center. Reference materials should be prepared in accordance with PSI rules before arriving for the exam.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should follow the official examination outline and give additional attention to the categories carrying the greatest number of questions.

Sitework contains 11 questions and is the largest section of the examination. Candidates should review excavation, grading, site preparation, soil and trench considerations, pipe installation, elevations, slopes, drainage concepts, and related underground construction practices. Pipe and Excavation Contracting is an important reference for developing familiarity with this portion of the test.

Concrete contains 10 questions. Candidates should become familiar with concrete materials, mixture characteristics, placement, curing, durability, proportioning, and other concrete fundamentals. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures provides extensive technical coverage for this part of the examination.

Irrigation also contains 10 questions, making it one of the most important areas to prepare for. Simplified Irrigation Design should receive significant study attention. Candidates should review irrigation principles, system components, design considerations, water distribution, and terminology used in irrigation planning and installation.

Curbs and Gutters accounts for four questions. Preparation should connect concrete knowledge with site drainage and construction practices. Candidates should understand the role of grading, slopes, elevations, concrete placement, and drainage in curb-and-gutter construction.

Culverts accounts for three questions. Review culvert function, excavation and installation considerations, drainage flow, bedding and backfill concepts, and the relationship between culverts and surrounding site conditions.

One Call contains three questions. Candidates should become familiar with the Alabama 1Call material and responsibilities associated with excavation near underground facilities. Because these questions involve Alabama-specific information, direct familiarity with the reference can be valuable.

Heavy Equipment/Safety contains four questions. Candidates should review construction safety topics applicable to excavation, trenching, heavy equipment, site conditions, protective measures, and worker safety. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is a key reference for this section.

Practice should include timed reference navigation. Choose topics from each category and locate them in the appropriate book using the index or table of contents. Repeated searches help candidates build familiarity with terminology and book organization. The objective is not necessarily to memorize exact page numbers, but to develop a reliable sense of where different types of information can be found.

Candidates can also improve preparation by associating each exam subject with a primary reference. Irrigation questions should immediately suggest Simplified Irrigation Design. Concrete questions should direct attention toward Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. Excavation and sitework questions often point toward Pipe and Excavation Contracting, while jobsite safety questions may require OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates build an organized study approach around the subjects found on their specific licensing examination. For the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor exam, preparation should combine sitework, concrete, irrigation, drainage, culvert, utility-notification, equipment, and safety knowledge with efficient use of the approved references.

Trade-focused review helps candidates spend study time on the areas represented in the official examination outline. Rather than reading technical books without a plan, students can organize their preparation according to the number of questions assigned to each category and identify subjects requiring additional attention.

Reference navigation is especially important for this open-book examination. 1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to become familiar with indexes, tables of contents, diagrams, terminology, and major sections in each approved book. Knowing where to begin searching for a topic can make reference use more efficient when working against the examination clock.

Practice-oriented preparation also helps reinforce knowledge and reveal weaker areas. Candidates who struggle with irrigation questions can spend additional time in Simplified Irrigation Design, while students who need more practice with sitework can concentrate on Pipe and Excavation Contracting. Concrete, OSHA safety, stormwater management, and Alabama One Call topics can be approached the same way.

By combining organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference navigation, 1 Exam Prep helps candidates build a more structured approach to preparing for the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination.

What books are included in the Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor Book Package?

The package includes Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition, Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Simplified Irrigation Design, and Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems, 1992.

How many questions are on the Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor exam?

The examination contains 45 questions. Candidates must score at least 70%, which equals 32 correct answers.

How much time is allowed for the examination?

Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the Alabama Drainage, Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor examination.

Is the Alabama Drainage Irrigation and Flood Control Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The examination is open book, and approved reference materials may be brought into the examination center when they comply with PSI testing rules.

Are the books provided at the testing center?

No. The permitted reference materials are not supplied at the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing the approved references they intend to use.

Can the books be highlighted and tabbed?

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs such as Post-It notes are not allowed, and reference materials cannot contain additional loose or attached papers.

What are the largest sections of the exam?

Sitework is the largest section with 11 questions. Concrete and irrigation each contain 10 questions. These three subject areas account for 31 of the 45 questions on the examination.

Which book covers irrigation?

Simplified Irrigation Design by Pete Melby is the reference specifically associated with irrigation preparation. The official examination outline assigns 10 questions to irrigation.

Which book covers excavation and sitework?

Pipe and Excavation Contracting by Dave Roberts is an important reference for excavation, sitework, pipe installation, and underground construction concepts.

Which reference should I use for construction safety?

Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) is the primary construction safety reference listed for the examination. It covers federal safety requirements relevant to construction operations.

Can I use Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition?

The official PSI reference list identifies the 16th Edition. PSI states that, except for code books, candidates may base their answers on later editions of listed references as those editions become available. The 17th Edition is a later edition of this non-code reference.

Does passing the exam automatically issue an Alabama contractor license?

No. Passing the trade examination is one part of the Alabama licensing process. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors determines licensing eligibility and issuance.