Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor - Books & Courses Rental Package

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor - Books & Courses Rental Package combines the exam reference books, highlighted and tabbed book preparation, course access, and the NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition reference in one comprehensive rental option. It is designed for contractors preparing for the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Instead of purchasing every examination reference individually, this rental package provides access to the books needed for focused preparation while helping reduce the upfront cost associated with building a permanent contractor exam library. The package also includes 6 months of course access, giving candidates a structured way to combine book navigation with trade-focused exam preparation.

The included references cover the major knowledge areas associated with the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination, including metal stud framing, gypsum systems, installation methods, plan reading, estimating, taping and finishing, special applications, building-code requirements, and OSHA construction safety. The books are prepared with highlighting and permanent tabs to help candidates locate important areas more efficiently while studying and during the open-book examination.

The rental 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. It also includes the NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition, highlighted and tabbed.

Because book preparation is included, please allow up to 15 business days for book & course rental package orders. All books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

This package provides a practical option for candidates who want the benefits of professionally prepared exam books and structured course access without purchasing each book outright. The highlighted and tabbed format is especially useful for an open-book examination where quickly identifying the correct reference and finding the applicable section can help with time management.

Exam Details

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates pursuing the applicable classification through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Applicants must receive examination eligibility through the state's contractor licensing process before scheduling the trade exam.

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

The current examination outline divides the test into five major content areas. Estimating and Plan Reading contains 6 questions. Materials and Installation contains 19 questions. Taping contains 4 questions. Special Applications contains 6 questions. Safety contains 5 questions.

Materials and Installation is the largest part of the examination, accounting for 19 of the 40 scored questions. Candidates should dedicate significant preparation time to metal stud framing systems, gypsum materials, installation procedures, fastening, wall and ceiling assemblies, and related construction methods.

Estimating and Plan Reading requires candidates to interpret construction information and understand how plans, dimensions, details, and material requirements relate to drywall and metal stud work. Special Applications covers additional gypsum and framing situations, while Taping focuses on joint treatment and finishing practices.

Safety accounts for 5 questions and is supported by the OSHA construction regulations contained in 29 CFR Part 1926. Candidates should know how to locate requirements related to common construction hazards and safe work practices.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI allows the approved examination references to be used in the testing center according to its current reference-material rules.

Approved books may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are permitted. References must otherwise remain unmarked and cannot contain handwritten notes or additional papers, whether loose or attached. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.

This rental package includes books that are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. The permanent tabs provide visual reference points for navigating important areas, while highlighting can help draw attention to information candidates may need during preparation and the examination.

The exam allows 120 minutes for 40 scored questions, which means candidates have an average of approximately three minutes per question. Open-book testing can be helpful, but only when candidates know how to use their books efficiently. Searching randomly through hundreds of pages for every question can quickly consume valuable exam time.

A strong study approach is to associate each major topic with the appropriate reference. Safety questions are likely to direct you to OSHA. Commercial building requirements are addressed through the International Building Code. Residential construction provisions can be located in the International Residential Code. Trade-specific drywall, gypsum, metal framing, finishing, and specialty system information can be reviewed through the Gypsum Construction Handbook.

Highlighted and tabbed books are most effective when used repeatedly before the test. Candidates should practice opening directly to major topics, locating supporting information, and returning to commonly tested sections until the reference system feels familiar.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees contractor licensing for classifications regulated under Alabama general contractor law. Drywall and Metal Studs is recognized within the Board's Building Construction classification structure.

1. Identify the appropriate contractor classification. Candidates should apply for the Alabama classification that corresponds to the drywall and metal stud work they intend to perform.
2. Select the appropriate application. Alabama provides separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
3. Provide qualifying project experience. The Board requires applicants seeking applicable classifications to document relevant commercial or industrial work experience.
4. Submit the required application materials. Applicants must provide the information and supporting documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
5. Receive approval to test. Examination eligibility is determined through the Board's application process.
6. Schedule with PSI. Once approved, candidates can schedule the applicable trade examination.
7. Pass the Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor examination. The exam contains 40 scored questions and requires a minimum score of 70%.
8. Complete the Alabama Business and Law examination. Applicants subject to Alabama's contractor examination requirements must also complete the required Business and Law exam.
9. Complete the remaining licensing process. Final licensing approval is handled by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors after all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Passing the trade exam is an important part of the process, but the examination is not the only licensing requirement. Candidates must also satisfy the Board's application, experience, classification, and other applicable requirements.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates covered general contracting and specialty contracting activity in the state. Drywall and Metal Studs is listed as a Building Construction subclassification available to applicants with qualifying experience.

Applicants seeking a specific classification must document experience related to the work they want the license to cover. Alabama application materials require applicants seeking classifications to provide qualifying project information and acceptable work references.

The Alabama general contractor licensing threshold applies to covered construction undertakings with a total cost of $100,000 or more, including labor and materials. The $100,000 threshold became effective October 1, 2024.

Alabama also maintains separate provisions for subcontractors. Because prime contractor and subcontractor applications are not the same, candidates should use the application process that corresponds to the role in which they intend to contract.

For applicants required to complete examinations, the applicable trade examination and the Alabama Business and Law examination are separate testing requirements. The Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam addresses technical trade knowledge, while Business and Law addresses contractor business and regulatory subjects.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference contains OSHA requirements applicable to construction work. It supports preparation for the Safety portion of the examination and includes requirements related to fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, electrical hazards, material handling, and other jobsite safety subjects.
• Included Rental Book: International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 International Building Code provides requirements for commercial and other regulated building construction. Metal stud and drywall candidates can use it to review wall systems, fire-resistance requirements, interior construction, materials, structural and nonstructural components, and related building-code topics.
• Included Rental Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 International Residential Code contains requirements applicable to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses within its scope. It supports study involving residential framing, gypsum board, walls, ceilings, interior finishes, and related residential construction requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  This trade-focused handbook covers gypsum products, drywall construction, metal framing, wall and ceiling systems, installation procedures, taping, finishing, joint treatment, and specialty gypsum applications. It is an important study resource for the trade-specific areas of the examination.
• Included Rental Book: NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition
  This package includes the NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition reference highlighted and tabbed as part of the complete books and courses rental package.

Book Preparation: All books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

Processing Time: Please allow up to 15 business days for book & course rental package orders.

Exam Room Approved Books

The trade examination reference books identified for the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam include the following:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Used for OSHA construction safety information.
• International Building Code, 2021
  Used for applicable commercial building-code requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  Used for applicable residential construction provisions.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Used for gypsum construction, metal framing, drywall installation, finishing, and related trade information.

PSI does not provide these books at the testing center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted references. Approved materials may be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and permanently tabbed, but they must otherwise comply with PSI's exam-room rules.

Test Information and Study Materials

The included 6 months of course access gives candidates time to work through exam preparation while using the highlighted and tabbed rental books alongside their study program. Combining course study with direct book navigation can help candidates connect exam topics to the reference where the information is located.

Start with Materials and Installation because it represents 19 questions, the largest portion of the exam. Study metal framing members, gypsum products, installation procedures, fasteners, wall systems, ceilings, material selection, and related construction practices.

For Estimating and Plan Reading, practice interpreting dimensions, construction details, wall layouts, ceiling plans, and information used to determine material requirements. Contractors should be comfortable connecting drawing information with installation decisions.

For Taping, review joint treatment, finishing materials, application sequences, corner treatment, and related gypsum finishing practices. The Gypsum Construction Handbook is particularly useful for reviewing these trade-specific subjects.

Special Applications should also receive dedicated study time. Become familiar with specialty gypsum systems and applications discussed in the approved references, including assemblies designed for particular construction or performance conditions.

Use OSHA regularly when preparing for Safety questions. Learning how 29 CFR Part 1926 is organized can be more effective than trying to memorize every regulation. Practice recognizing which OSHA subject area applies to a question and locating the applicable provision.

The highlighted and tabbed books can support faster navigation, but preparation should still focus on understanding the trade. Use the tabs as navigation tools and the highlighting as a guide while learning why an answer is correct and how the applicable requirement is used in actual construction.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor candidates organize their preparation around the trade subjects and reference materials associated with the examination. This rental package combines prepared books with 6 months of course access, creating a study structure that connects technical review with hands-on reference navigation.

Highlighted and tabbed books can help candidates find major sections more efficiently, while course preparation provides a structured way to review estimating, materials, installation, finishing, special applications, and safety. Together, these resources support a more organized approach than simply reading each book from cover to cover.

Practice-oriented preparation is especially useful for open-book contractor exams. Candidates can review a topic, work through practice questions, locate supporting information in the reference books, and return to difficult areas until both the concept and the book location become familiar.

1 Exam Prep also emphasizes developing confidence with the references. Knowing that a provision exists somewhere in a book is different from being able to locate it efficiently during a timed examination. Regular navigation practice with highlighted and tabbed books can help make the reference process more familiar.

The rental format provides access to the books during the preparation period while the refundable deposit helps protect the rental inventory. The deposit is intended to be returned based on the rental return terms for your order.

With the books, highlighting and tabbing, course access, and NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition included, this package provides a comprehensive preparation option for Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor candidates working toward the applicable contractor licensing examinations.

How much does the Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Books & Courses Rental Package cost?

The rental cost is $1,070. A refundable book deposit of $350 is also required, bringing the total package price to $1,420.

Is the $350 book deposit refundable?

Yes. The $350 book deposit is refundable and helps protect the rental inventory. It is intended to be returned based on the rental return terms for your order.

How long is the course access?

This package includes 6 months of course access.

Are the rental books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. All books in the package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

How long should I allow for my rental package order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for book & course rental package orders.

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

Yes. The examination is open book. PSI permits candidates to use the approved trade references under its examination rules.

How many questions are on the exam?

The Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall Contractor exam contains 40 scored questions. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

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

What books are used for the Metal Stud and Drywall trade exam?

The identified trade exam references include 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2021 International Building Code, the 2021 International Residential Code, and the Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014.

Does the package include NASCLA Alabama?

Yes. The package includes NASCLA Alabama, 3rd Edition, highlighted and tabbed.

Do I need the Alabama Business and Law exam?

Applicants subject to Alabama's contractor examination requirements must complete the applicable trade examination and the separate Business and Law examination as part of the licensing process.

Why rent the books instead of purchasing them individually?

The rental package provides access to the included exam books, highlighted and tabbed preparation, and 6 months of course access in one package. The refundable book deposit is intended to be returned based on the rental return terms for your order.