Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor Exam Book Package

The Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor Exam Book Package brings together the key technical codes, safety regulations, metal building references, concrete guidance, ASTM standards, insulation standards, energy-design guidance, and structural bolting specifications used to prepare for the Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor examination. This package is built for contractors who want to study directly from the reference materials associated with the PSI trade exam while developing stronger book-navigation skills for an open-book testing environment.

The Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor examination covers more than structural steel assembly alone. Candidates are tested across sitework, concrete, formwork, reinforcement, masonry, structural metal framing, insulation, metal siding and roofing, and construction safety. Preparing for these subjects requires familiarity with building codes as well as specialized publications addressing metal building systems, steel framing, concrete construction, high-strength bolted connections, exterior insulation and finish systems, and energy considerations.

The package includes the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926, Metal Building Systems Manual, ASTM C 754, ASTM C 1007, The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017, Energy Design Guidelines for Metal Building Systems, and Specifications for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts.

Because this is an open-book examination, effective preparation should include both technical study and repeated practice locating information inside the references. Candidates who understand how the books are organized can move more efficiently between code chapters, structural requirements, safety regulations, installation standards, tables, and technical specifications during the timed examination.

Alabama contractor licensing is administered by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, while PSI administers the applicable examinations. Applicants pursuing this classification must satisfy the Board's application and qualification requirements and complete both the required trade examination and the Alabama Business and Law examination.

What You Get

• International Building Code, 2021
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• Metal Building Systems Manual, 2012
• ASTM C 754 - Standard Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members to Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum Panel Products, 2011
• ASTM C 1007 - Standard Specification for Installation of Load Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs and Related Accessories, 2011
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
• ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
• Energy Design Guidelines for Metal Building Systems, 2010
• Specifications for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, Research Council on Structural Connections, 2009

These references allow candidates to prepare across multiple areas of the exam rather than relying on a single general construction manual. The combination of codes and specialty standards is especially useful for a test that moves between structural framing, concrete, safety, insulation, siding, roofing, and related metal-building construction topics.

Exam Details

The Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor examination is administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Eligibility to sit for the examination is determined through the Alabama Board's licensing process.

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

The current examination content outline assigns 3 questions to Sitework, 4 to Concrete, 4 to Concrete - Formwork, 4 to Concrete - Reinforcement, 4 to Masonry, 10 to Metal - Structural Framing, 3 to Insulation, 4 to Metal - Siding and Roofing, and 4 to Safety.

Structural framing is the largest single subject area, accounting for 10 of the 40 questions. However, the remaining questions are spread across multiple construction disciplines. Candidates should therefore avoid preparing only for steel erection. Knowledge of foundations, reinforcement, concrete practices, insulation systems, exterior building components, and OSHA construction safety is also important.

Alabama also requires applicants subject to the general contractor licensing examination program to complete the Business and Law examination in addition to the trade examination. The Business and Law test is separate from the Metal Building Erection Contractor trade exam and uses its own examination content and reference materials.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI permits the approved reference materials identified for the examination to be brought into the examination center under its current reference-material rules.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. The books must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain handwritten notes or additional papers, whether loose or attached. References may be organized with permanent tabs. Temporary tabs such as removable Post-it-style tabs are not permitted and must be removed before testing.

The reference materials are not supplied at the examination center, so candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted books. PSI also permits a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator.

Open-book testing makes reference navigation a major part of preparation. With 40 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately three minutes per question. Spending too much time searching through an unfamiliar code or technical manual can make time management difficult.

During study sessions, practice identifying which reference is most likely to answer a particular type of question. Building-code questions may direct you toward the International Building Code or International Residential Code, while occupational safety questions belong in 29 CFR Part 1926. Questions involving metal building systems, steel framing installation, concrete, EIFS, energy design, or high-strength bolting may require a specialized reference.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates the licensing process for contractors covered by Alabama's general contractor laws. Metal Building Erection appears within Alabama's Building Construction Specialty Construction classifications.

1. Select the appropriate Alabama contractor application. The Board maintains separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
2. Complete the application. Applicants must submit the appropriate application and information required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
3. Receive eligibility approval. Examination eligibility is determined by the Board. After approval, candidates can proceed with PSI examination registration and scheduling.
4. Prepare for the trade examination. Study the applicable reference materials and the published examination content areas for Metal Building Erection Contractor.
5. Take the Metal Building Erection Contractor examination. The trade exam contains 40 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a minimum score of 70%.
6. Complete the Business and Law examination. Alabama requires the Business and Law examination in addition to the applicable trade examination for applicants under the Board's testing program.
7. Complete the remaining licensing process. After examination requirements are satisfied, the Board processes the remaining licensing requirements and determines final license approval.

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

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates general contracting and specialty contracting subject to Alabama law. Metal Building Erection is recognized within the Building Construction Specialty Construction classifications established by the Board's administrative rules.

Alabama's statutory definition of a general contractor currently applies to covered construction undertakings of $100,000 or more. The threshold was increased from $50,000 to $100,000 effective October 1, 2024. Contractors should follow the licensing classification and application requirements applicable to the type and value of work they intend to perform.

The Board distinguishes between prime contractor and subcontractor applications. Prime contractors and subcontractors have different application processes, so candidates should use the application type that matches the work and contractual role they intend to perform.

Applicants are required to obtain approval from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors before proceeding through the examination process. The Board determines candidate eligibility, while PSI provides examination registration, scheduling, testing, and score reporting.

For applicants required to test, passing the trade examination alone does not satisfy the full testing requirement. Alabama also requires the Business and Law examination. Candidates preparing for licensure should plan for both examinations as separate components of the licensing process.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 IBC addresses commercial building requirements involving structural systems, materials, loads, fire and life safety provisions, construction types, and other building-code subjects relevant to metal building construction.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 IRC provides code provisions for one- and two-family residential construction. It supports preparation involving residential structural requirements, foundations, building components, and related construction provisions.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  29 CFR Part 1926 contains federal construction safety standards. It is particularly important for examination questions involving worker protection, fall hazards, scaffolds, excavation, personal protective equipment, steel erection, and other construction-site safety requirements.
• Metal Building Systems Manual, 2012
  This Metal Building Manufacturers Association reference addresses technical principles associated with metal building systems. It supports study involving structural framing, building-system components, design considerations, and metal building construction practices.
• ASTM C 754 - Standard Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members to Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum Panel Products, 2011
  This ASTM standard addresses installation requirements for steel framing members intended to receive screw-attached gypsum panel products. It provides specialized guidance for cold-formed steel framing installation.
• ASTM C 1007 - Standard Specification for Installation of Load Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs and Related Accessories, 2011
  ASTM C 1007 covers installation requirements for load-bearing steel studs and related accessories. It supports preparation involving structural steel stud installation and associated framing practices.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  This concrete reference provides practical guidance for producing quality concrete construction. It supports the exam areas addressing concrete, formwork, reinforcement, placement, and construction practices associated with foundations and structural work.
• ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
  This standard covers exterior insulation and finish systems, including EIFS with drainage. It is useful for reviewing installation and performance requirements associated with exterior insulation systems.
• Energy Design Guidelines for Metal Building Systems, 2010
  This Metal Building Manufacturers Association publication addresses energy-related design considerations for metal building systems, including concepts that support preparation involving insulation and building-envelope performance.
• Specifications for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts, Research Council on Structural Connections, 2009
  This structural bolting specification addresses high-strength bolted joints used in structural steel construction. It supports study involving bolted connections, installation requirements, joint conditions, and structural framing practices.

The current PSI examination bulletin also identifies Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites, EPA document 833R06004, as an allowed reference for the Metal Building Erection Contractor examination. That EPA publication is separate from the ten-item book package listed above.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should follow the exam content outline. Because Metal - Structural Framing contains 10 questions, candidates should devote substantial preparation time to structural framing systems, connections, erection concepts, steel members, and related code and specification requirements.

Concrete, formwork, and reinforcement account for a combined 12 questions. Review concrete construction practices, forming concepts, reinforcement placement, structural support, and applicable building-code requirements. The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction can help connect field practices with technical concepts.

Safety accounts for 4 questions, making 29 CFR Part 1926 an important reference. Become comfortable navigating OSHA construction standards and locating provisions related to common construction hazards. Steel erection work can involve fall protection, material handling, lifting, access, structural stability, and other safety considerations.

Metal siding and roofing, insulation, sitework, and masonry make up the remainder of the examination. Candidates should review each area rather than concentrating exclusively on structural steel. Metal building projects involve multiple interconnected systems, and the examination reflects that broader construction scope.

Practice reference navigation under timed conditions. Select a subject from the exam outline, locate the governing information, and note which book and section produced the answer. Repeating this process builds familiarity with the books and reduces the amount of time spent deciding where to search during the actual test.

Because PSI allows highlighting, underlining, indexing, and permanent tabs, candidates can organize approved references to make important chapters and subjects easier to locate. Books must remain otherwise unmarked, so prepare them according to the examination-center rules rather than relying on handwritten notes.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor candidates prepare with an organized, trade-focused study approach centered on the references and subject areas associated with the examination. Metal building erection requires knowledge across structural framing, concrete, safety, insulation, exterior systems, and related construction disciplines, so preparation should reflect the full scope of the test.

Using the applicable books during preparation helps candidates become more comfortable with code structure, technical terminology, specifications, tables, indexes, and specialized standards. This is particularly valuable for an open-book examination where the ability to locate information efficiently can influence how effectively testing time is used.

1 Exam Prep emphasizes reference navigation alongside technical review. Candidates can organize study sessions around the published content outline, identify weak areas, practice locating answers in the appropriate books, and revisit difficult subjects until both the concept and its reference location become more familiar.

Practice-oriented preparation can also help with time management. Working through questions while using the books encourages candidates to decide quickly whether an answer comes from the building code, OSHA regulations, a metal building manual, an ASTM standard, a concrete publication, or another specialty reference.

The Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor Exam Book Package gives candidates a focused collection of references for trade exam preparation and creates a foundation for studying structural metal framing, concrete construction, safety, building codes, insulation, siding, roofing, bolted connections, and related metal building subjects.

How many questions are on the Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor exam?

The exam contains 40 questions. Candidates are allowed 120 minutes to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass the Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor exam?

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

Is the Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The examination is open book. Candidates may bring approved reference materials into the testing center in accordance with PSI's reference-material rules.

What subjects are covered on the exam?

The exam covers Sitework, Concrete, Concrete - Formwork, Concrete - Reinforcement, Masonry, Metal - Structural Framing, Insulation, Metal - Siding and Roofing, and Safety. Structural framing is the largest individual category.

Can I highlight and tab my books?

PSI permits approved reference materials to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs are prohibited, and books must otherwise remain unmarked without handwritten notes or additional inserted papers.

Who administers the Alabama Metal Building Erection Contractor exam?

PSI administers the examination for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The Board determines examination eligibility as part of the licensing application process.

Do I also need to take the Alabama Business and Law exam?

Yes. Alabama's general contractor testing requirements include the applicable trade examination as well as the Business and Law examination for applicants required to test.

Does PSI provide the reference books at the testing center?

No. Approved reference materials are not provided at the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted references they plan to use.

Why should I study with the actual exam references?

Studying with the references helps you become familiar with chapters, indexes, tables, specifications, and terminology before test day. For a timed open-book examination, efficient navigation can help you locate relevant information more quickly.

Is the EPA stormwater guide part of this book package?

No. The ten-item package listed above does not include the EPA publication Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites. The current PSI examination bulletin identifies that publication separately as an allowed reference for this exam.