Alabama Pipelines Contractor Exam Book Package

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor Exam Book Package brings together the technical references used to prepare for the Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination administered by PSI. This package is designed for contractors working with underground piping, fuel systems, excavation, tanks and vaults, pumps, controls, gas distribution, leak detection, stormwater management, fire prevention, and underground utility locating requirements.

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination covers a broad range of pipeline construction and petroleum-system subjects. Candidates need working knowledge of excavation, tanks, piping systems, pumps and controls, troubleshooting and maintenance, fire prevention, leak detection, erosion and sedimentation control, Alabama One Call requirements, estimating, surveying and layout, and gas systems.

This package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299; Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992; NFPA 30; NFPA 30A; RP100 UST Installation; RP200; RP400; ASME B31.8; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; and the Petroleum Equipment Lexicon.

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination is open book. PSI allows approved references in the examination center under its testing rules, making familiarity with the books an important part of exam preparation. Candidates should know which reference covers each major subject and practice locating information efficiently before test day.

Contractor licensing is overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, while PSI administers the applicable examinations. Alabama applicants subject to testing must complete the applicable Trade examination as well as Business and Law.

What You Get

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
• Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2015 or earlier
• NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, 2015 or earlier
• RP100 UST Installation: Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems (RP100), 2017
• Recommended Practices for Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems for Motor-Vehicle Fueling (RP200), 2013
• Recommended Procedure for Testing Electrical Continuity of Fuel-Dispensing Hanging Hardware (RP400), 2002
• ASME Code for Pressure Piping - B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, 2014
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Petroleum Equipment Lexicon: The Definitive Dictionary of Terms Used in Petroleum Marketing Operations, 1995

The references cover both general construction practices and specialized pipeline and petroleum equipment subjects. Candidates can use them to strengthen technical knowledge while building the reference-navigation habits needed for a timed open-book contractor examination.

Exam Details

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates approved through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin identifies the examination as a 60-question test with 150 minutes allowed for completion. A score of 70%, or 42 correct answers, is required to pass.

• Exam: Alabama Pipelines Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 60
• Time Allowed: 150 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%, or 42 correct answers
• Exam Type: Open book

The current examination content outline includes 8 questions in Excavation, 12 in Tank and Vaults, 12 in Piping, Pumps, and Controls, 2 in Troubleshooting and Maintenance, 8 in Safety and Fire Prevention, 3 in Leak Detection and Monitoring Systems, 3 in Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 3 in One Call, 2 in Estimating, 1 in Survey and Layout, and 6 in Gas.

Tanks and Vaults and Piping, Pumps, and Controls are the two largest sections of the examination, with 12 questions each. Excavation and Safety and Fire Prevention each contain 8 questions. Together, these areas account for a substantial portion of the test, so candidates should devote significant preparation time to underground construction, storage systems, piping components, controls, and safety requirements.

The remaining categories are also important. Gas contains 6 questions, while leak detection, erosion and sedimentation control, and Alabama One Call each contain 3. Troubleshooting and Maintenance, Estimating, and Survey and Layout complete the examination outline.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI permits the approved references identified in its Candidate Information Bulletin to be used during the examination.

PSI states that approved references may be tabbed or indexed using permanent tabs. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted and must be removed before the examination begins. The approved references are not provided in the examination center, so candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted materials they intend to use.

With 60 questions and 150 minutes available, candidates have an average of approximately two and a half minutes per question. Efficient navigation can therefore be important. A candidate who knows which book contains a particular subject can move directly to the most likely reference instead of searching randomly through multiple publications.

OSHA can support excavation and construction safety questions. NFPA 30 and NFPA 30A address flammable and combustible liquids and motor fuel dispensing facilities. RP100 and RP200 address underground and aboveground liquid storage system installation, while RP400 focuses on electrical continuity testing of fuel-dispensing hanging hardware.

ASME B31.8 is a key reference for gas transmission and distribution piping. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports underground piping and excavation topics, while Alabama 1Call provides the state-specific reference for underground utility notification requirements.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees contractor licensing for classifications subject to Alabama general contractor law. Applicants must complete the appropriate state licensing process before the required examinations and final license issuance.

1. Identify the appropriate classification. Determine that the Pipelines classification matches the type of construction work you intend to perform.
2. Select the appropriate application. Alabama maintains separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
3. Complete the application. Provide the information and supporting documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience supporting the classification requested.
5. Receive examination eligibility. The Board reviews the application and determines whether the applicant may proceed with testing.
6. Schedule the Pipelines Contractor examination. Approved candidates can schedule the applicable trade examination through PSI.
7. Pass the trade examination. The Pipelines Contractor examination requires a minimum passing score of 70%.
8. Complete the Business and Law examination. Alabama applicants subject to testing must complete both the applicable trade examination and Business and Law.
9. Complete the remaining licensing requirements. Final licensing approval is determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Prime contractor applicants and subcontractor applicants use different application processes. The Board currently lists a $300 prime contractor application fee and a $150 subcontractor application fee. Prime applications must be on file 30 days before a quarterly Board meeting, and all prime applicants must take the Business and Law examination administered by PSI.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates covered general contracting activity throughout the state. Under current Alabama law, a general contractor is subject to the licensing requirement when undertaking covered construction work valued at $100,000 or more, including labor and materials. The current threshold became effective October 1, 2024.

Subcontractors performing covered work valued at $100,000 or more under contract to a licensed prime contractor are also subject to Alabama contractor licensing requirements.

The Board determines licensing classifications and examination eligibility. PSI administers the examinations after the applicant has entered the applicable Alabama licensing process. Applicants should make sure the classification requested corresponds with the actual pipeline and related utility work their business intends to perform.

Because pipelines work may involve excavation, underground utilities, petroleum equipment, fuel systems, storage tanks, gas piping, environmental controls, and construction safety, contractors should prepare across the full examination outline rather than concentrating on only one specialty.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal reference contains OSHA construction safety standards and supports preparation involving excavation, trenching, personal protective equipment, equipment, fire prevention, electrical hazards, and other construction-site safety requirements.
• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
  This Alabama-specific reference supports preparation for the One Call portion of the examination and addresses underground utility notification requirements associated with excavation work.
• Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992
  This environmental reference supports preparation involving erosion, sedimentation, stormwater runoff, and construction-site pollution prevention practices.
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2015 or Earlier
  NFPA 30 addresses safeguards related to flammable and combustible liquids, including storage and handling concepts applicable to petroleum facilities and pipeline-related construction.
• NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, 2015 or Earlier
  NFPA 30A addresses motor fuel dispensing facilities and related equipment, systems, fire protection, and safety requirements.
• RP100 UST Installation: Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems (RP100), 2017
  This reference provides recommended practices for underground liquid storage system installation and supports preparation involving tanks, piping, excavation, installation, and related petroleum equipment.
• Recommended Practices for Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems for Motor-Vehicle Fueling (RP200), 2013
  RP200 provides installation practices for aboveground storage systems used for motor-vehicle fueling and supports preparation involving tanks, dispensing systems, and associated equipment.
• Recommended Procedure for Testing Electrical Continuity of Fuel-Dispensing Hanging Hardware (RP400), 2002
  RP400 addresses procedures for testing electrical continuity in fuel-dispensing hanging hardware and supports specialized petroleum equipment preparation.
• ASME Code for Pressure Piping - B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, 2014
  ASME B31.8 addresses gas transmission and distribution piping systems and supports preparation for the Gas portion of the Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This trade reference provides practical information related to underground piping, excavation, trenching, pipe installation, equipment, estimating, layout, and related contracting methods.
• Petroleum Equipment Lexicon: The Definitive Dictionary of Terms Used in Petroleum Marketing Operations, 1995
  This petroleum industry reference provides terminology and definitions used in petroleum marketing operations and can help candidates recognize specialized equipment, system components, and industry language.

Exam Room Approved Books

The current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin identifies the listed references for the Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination, including OSHA, Alabama 1Call, Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, NFPA 30, NFPA 30A, petroleum equipment recommended practices, ASME B31.8, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and related pipeline references.

Candidates should prepare with the same editions identified for the examination. PSI notes that later editions may be used for general industry-practice references as they become available, but code questions are based on the specific code edition listed in the bulletin.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should begin with Tanks and Vaults and Piping, Pumps, and Controls because these are the two largest exam categories. Review underground and aboveground storage systems, piping components, installation practices, pumps, controls, dispensing equipment, and the interaction between individual components.

Excavation deserves focused preparation as well. Use OSHA together with Pipe and Excavation Contracting to review trenching, excavation practices, underground piping installation, equipment, and construction safety.

For Safety and Fire Prevention, study OSHA, NFPA 30, and NFPA 30A. Candidates should become comfortable identifying which reference applies to a construction safety question versus a flammable-liquid or motor-fuel facility question.

Gas represents 6 questions, making ASME B31.8 an important reference. Learn the organization of the standard and practice locating provisions associated with gas transmission and distribution piping systems.

Leak Detection and Monitoring Systems should be studied alongside the petroleum equipment references, while erosion and sedimentation control preparation should include Storm Water Management for Construction Activities. Alabama 1Call should be reviewed separately for the state-specific One Call questions.

Practice with the books under timed conditions. Identify the subject, decide which reference applies, locate the information, and move on. Repeating this process can help candidates become more comfortable handling a multi-book open-book exam.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Alabama Pipelines Contractor candidates approach preparation through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The Pipelines examination covers several specialized areas, including petroleum systems, excavation, gas piping, storage tanks, pumps, leak detection, fire prevention, environmental controls, and Alabama underground utility requirements. Organizing study around the published examination categories can make a large reference package more manageable.

Reference navigation is particularly important for this open-book exam. Candidates can practice recognizing whether a question belongs in OSHA, NFPA, ASME B31.8, the petroleum equipment references, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, or another source before beginning the lookup.

Practice-oriented preparation can also reveal weak areas. A candidate with extensive excavation experience may need more review of petroleum dispensing systems or gas piping, while someone experienced with fuel equipment may benefit from additional study of erosion control, Alabama One Call, or excavation safety.

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor Exam Book Package provides the technical reference library needed to prepare systematically across the exam outline and develop stronger book-navigation skills for the PSI open-book examination.

How many questions are on the Alabama Pipelines Contractor exam?

The Alabama Pipelines Contractor examination contains 60 questions. Candidates are allowed 150 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass?

A minimum score of 70% is required, which equals 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Is the Alabama Pipelines Contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI identifies the examination as open book and allows the approved references into the examination center under its testing rules.

What are the largest sections of the exam?

Tanks and Vaults and Piping, Pumps, and Controls are the two largest categories, with 12 questions each. Excavation and Safety and Fire Prevention each contain 8 questions.

Does the exam cover gas piping?

Yes. The current PSI content outline includes 6 Gas questions, and ASME B31.8 is included among the references used for gas transmission and distribution piping preparation.

Does the exam include Alabama One Call questions?

Yes. The current exam outline includes 3 One Call questions, and Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely is included in the reference list.

Can I tab my books for the PSI exam?

PSI permits permanent tabs or indexing in approved references. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.

Does PSI provide the books at the testing center?

No. PSI states that the approved references are not provided in the examination center, so candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted materials they intend to use.

Who administers the Alabama Pipelines Contractor exam?

PSI administers the examination as part of the licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Do Alabama contractor applicants also take Business and Law?

Yes. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors states that applications received under its current testing requirements must take the applicable Trade examination as well as Business and Law.