Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Book Package

The Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Book Package brings together the primary technical references used to prepare for the Alabama Sitework Contractor examination administered by PSI. This package is designed for contractors and construction professionals preparing for work involving excavation, grading, compaction, soil identification, heavy equipment, shoring, estimating, plan reading, construction safety, and related site-development activities.

Sitework is one of the foundational phases of construction. Before structures, utilities, pavements, or other major project components can be installed, the site often must be cleared, excavated, graded, compacted, and prepared to the required elevations and conditions. Contractors may need to evaluate soil, move large quantities of material, establish grades, manage fill, protect excavations, coordinate equipment, and work safely around changing site conditions.

This book package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and the International Building Code, 2021. Together, these three references support preparation across construction safety, excavation practices, soil and compaction concepts, sitework methods, estimating, equipment, and applicable building-code requirements.

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may use approved references during testing under PSI's examination rules. Preparing directly with the books is therefore important for more than memorizing technical information. Candidates should learn where major subjects are located, which reference applies to different types of questions, and how to navigate efficiently during a timed examination.

Sitework is recognized within Alabama's contractor classification system. Candidates pursuing this specialty must satisfy the applicable requirements of the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, document qualifying experience, complete required examinations, and meet the remaining state licensing requirements applicable to their contractor license.

What You Get

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• International Building Code, 2021

This three-book package provides a focused technical library for Alabama Sitework Contractor exam preparation. OSHA supports construction-safety and excavation-related safety topics. Pipe and Excavation Contracting provides practical trade knowledge involving excavation, soils, equipment, grading, compaction, and underground construction. The 2021 International Building Code supports applicable requirements involving sites, soils, excavation, foundations, and related construction conditions.

Exam Details

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates pursuing the applicable classification through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

• Exam: Alabama Sitework Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 40
• Time Allowed: 120 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%, or 28 correct answers
• Exam Type: Open book

The examination content outline includes Estimating and Plan Reading, Equipment and Technique, Compaction, Soil Types, Specialty Work including Blasting and Shoring, and Safety.

Compaction and Soil Types are the two largest sections of the examination, with 10 questions each. Together, these categories account for 20 of the 40 questions. Candidates should devote significant preparation time to understanding soil behavior, soil identification, moisture, density, fill placement, compaction methods, equipment selection, and the relationship between proper soil preparation and long-term project performance.

Equipment and Technique contains 6 questions. Candidates should be familiar with the types of equipment used in excavation, grading, hauling, compaction, and other site-development operations. Understanding when and why specific equipment is used is an important part of practical sitework knowledge.

Specialty Work, including Blasting and Shoring, also contains 6 questions. These activities require attention to construction methods, site conditions, stabilization, protection, and safety. Estimating and Plan Reading contains 4 questions, while Safety contains another 4.

Because the examination contains 40 questions and allows 120 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately three minutes per question. This provides time for reference use, but efficient navigation can still make a significant difference during the test.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is an open-book test. Approved reference materials may be used during the examination under PSI's testing rules.

Permitted references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are allowed for navigation. References must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain handwritten notes or additional loose or attached papers. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.

The approved references are not supplied at the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing the permitted books they intend to use during the test.

Each reference in this package has a different role during preparation. OSHA should be the first reference considered for safety questions, especially topics involving excavations, protective systems, heavy equipment, personal protective equipment, access and egress, and other construction hazards.

Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports practical trade topics such as soil handling, excavation methods, grading, underground construction, equipment, fill placement, and compaction. The International Building Code, 2021 supports applicable code questions involving site conditions, soils, foundations, excavation, and related building requirements.

Candidates should practice identifying the subject of a question before opening a book. When the topic is clearly safety, begin with OSHA. When the issue involves excavation technique or equipment, Pipe and Excavation Contracting may be the better starting point. When a question concerns a code requirement, the International Building Code may be the appropriate reference.

Timed reference practice can help build this skill. Select a subject, determine which book most likely contains the answer, locate the relevant section, and review the surrounding material. Repeated practice can improve both technical knowledge and exam-room efficiency.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates contractor classifications subject to Alabama general contractor law. Sitework is recognized within Alabama's classification structure, including Building Construction and Municipal & Utility specialty classifications.

1. Identify the appropriate classification. Determine that Sitework corresponds with the type of construction work your business intends to perform.
2. Select the appropriate application type. Alabama maintains separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
3. Complete the contractor application. Submit the information and supporting documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate relevant construction experience supporting the Sitework classification requested.
5. Provide required project information and references. The Board evaluates documented construction history when reviewing classification requests.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Candidates must complete the applicable state licensing process before proceeding with PSI testing.
7. Schedule the Sitework Contractor examination. Eligible candidates can register for the trade exam through PSI.
8. Pass the trade examination. Candidates must achieve at least 70%, or 28 correct answers out of 40 questions.
9. Complete applicable Business and Law testing. Applicants subject to Alabama contractor testing requirements must complete the examinations required for their licensing path.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Final classification and license approval are determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

The Sitework examination is one part of the overall licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy the Board's experience, documentation, classification, and other requirements applicable to their license type.

State Requirements

Alabama recognizes Sitework within its contractor classification system. Sitework appears as an available specialty under Building Construction and Municipal & Utility, allowing applicants with qualifying experience to pursue the classification supported by their documented work history.

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors classifies contractors according to the types of work they are qualified to perform. Applicants requesting a Sitework classification must document experience related to the work they intend to perform.

Relevant experience may include excavation, grading, site preparation, fill placement, compaction, equipment operations, shoring, blasting, and related construction work. The Board evaluates the applicant's documented projects and qualifications when determining classification eligibility.

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

Subcontractors performing covered work at the applicable statutory threshold are also subject to Alabama contractor licensing requirements. Prime contractors and subcontractors follow separate application processes.

Applicants should make sure their documented project history matches the Sitework specialty they are requesting. Final classification and licensing decisions are made by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction-safety reference supports preparation involving excavation, trenching, protective systems, access and egress, personal protective equipment, material handling, heavy equipment, and other workplace safety requirements relevant to sitework operations.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This trade-focused reference provides practical information related to excavation, grading, underground construction, soil handling, compaction, equipment, estimating, layout, and field techniques. It supports several of the major subject areas represented on the Alabama Sitework Contractor exam.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 International Building Code provides applicable requirements involving building sites, soils, foundations, excavation, and related construction conditions. It supports code-based preparation connected with site development and building construction.

Exam Room Approved Books

The PSI reference list for the Alabama Sitework Contractor examination identifies the following references included in this package:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Used for construction safety, excavation safety, equipment hazards, and employee protection topics.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Used for excavation, soils, equipment, grading, compaction, estimating, and practical sitework preparation.
• International Building Code, 2021
  Used for applicable code requirements involving site conditions, soils, foundations, excavation, and related construction topics.

Candidates should work directly with these references before the examination rather than relying only on summaries or practice questions. Familiarity with the books can make it easier to identify where information is located and reduce time spent searching during the exam.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive preparation plan should begin with Compaction and Soil Types because these two categories account for half of the examination. Sitework contractors regularly deal with changing soil conditions, fill materials, moisture, density, and compaction requirements, making these subjects important both for the test and for practical construction work.

For Soil Types, study soil identification, cohesive and granular soils, moisture behavior, stability, and how different soil conditions affect excavation and construction decisions. Candidates should understand why soil type influences equipment selection, compaction methods, and site performance.

For Compaction, review fill placement, moisture control, density, compaction equipment, lift thickness, and methods used to achieve stable site conditions. Pipe and Excavation Contracting is especially useful for practical preparation in these areas.

Equipment and Technique should include review of excavation and earthmoving equipment, hauling, grading, compaction machinery, and construction sequencing. Candidates should understand how jobsite conditions affect the selection and use of equipment.

Specialty Work includes Blasting and Shoring. Review the basic construction considerations associated with these activities and pair the trade material with OSHA safety requirements. Shoring is particularly important where excavation stability and worker protection are involved.

Estimating and Plan Reading should include dimensions, quantities, grades, elevations, slopes, site plans, and construction details. Candidates should practice connecting information shown on plans to the equipment, materials, labor, and site operations required to complete the work.

Safety should be incorporated throughout preparation. Sitework can involve heavy moving equipment, unstable excavation walls, underground conditions, changing grades, traffic, and other hazards. OSHA provides the federal construction-safety framework used to address many of these risks.

Practice open-book questions using the actual references. First identify the subject, then select the most likely book, locate the supporting information, and review the surrounding section. This builds a stronger understanding of the material while improving reference-navigation skills.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Alabama Sitework Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, sitework-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The Alabama Sitework Contractor exam combines soil knowledge, compaction, equipment, estimating, plan reading, specialty construction operations, and safety. Organizing preparation around the published exam categories can help candidates focus study time on the subjects that matter most.

Working directly with the three reference books helps candidates connect trade knowledge with the materials used during the open-book test. OSHA supports safety, Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports practical sitework methods, and the International Building Code supports applicable code requirements.

Practice-oriented preparation can help identify weaker areas. A contractor with extensive excavation experience may need additional study of soil classification or estimating, while a contractor with strong grading experience may benefit from more review of shoring, compaction, or OSHA requirements.

Reference navigation is an important part of open-book preparation. Candidates who understand where subjects are located and which reference applies can use the 120-minute testing period more effectively.

The Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Book Package provides a focused three-book reference library for candidates who want to strengthen sitework knowledge, prepare for the PSI examination, and work toward the applicable Alabama contractor classification.

How many questions are on the Alabama Sitework Contractor exam?

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination contains 40 questions. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass the Alabama Sitework Contractor exam?

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

Is the Alabama Sitework Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The examination is open book and allows approved reference materials under PSI's testing rules.

What subjects are covered on the Sitework Contractor exam?

The examination covers Estimating and Plan Reading, Equipment and Technique, Compaction, Soil Types, Specialty Work including Blasting and Shoring, and Safety.

What are the largest sections of the exam?

Compaction and Soil Types are the two largest sections, with 10 questions each. Together, they account for 20 of the 40 questions.

Which books are included in the Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Book Package?

The package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and the International Building Code, 2021.

Which book should I use for excavation and compaction preparation?

Pipe and Excavation Contracting is the primary trade-focused reference for excavation, grading, compaction, equipment, soils, and related sitework methods.

Which reference covers construction safety?

Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) supports preparation involving excavation safety, protective systems, equipment hazards, personal protective equipment, and other construction-safety topics.

Why is the 2021 International Building Code included?

The International Building Code, 2021 supports applicable code questions involving building sites, soils, foundations, excavation, and related construction conditions.

Can approved exam references be highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and fitted with permanent tabs, subject to its testing-center rules.

Does PSI provide the reference books at the testing center?

No. Candidates are responsible for bringing the approved reference materials they intend to use during the examination.

Who administers the Alabama Sitework Contractor examination?

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