Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package brings together the three 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, equipment operations, shoring, blasting, estimating, plan reading, and construction safety.

Sitework is one of the most fundamental parts of construction because the quality of the finished project often depends on how well the ground is prepared. Contractors may be responsible for clearing and excavation, establishing grades, placing and compacting fill, preparing building pads, working around underground utilities, managing soil conditions, using heavy equipment, and performing specialty work such as shoring. The Alabama Sitework Contractor exam reflects these responsibilities through questions focused on estimating, equipment, compaction, soils, specialty operations, and safety.

This package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and the International Building Code, 2021. All three books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation, giving candidates a more organized reference library for study and open-book navigation.

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may use approved references under PSI's examination rules, which makes familiarity with the books an important part of preparation. Highlighting helps important information stand out, while permanent tabs provide convenient navigation points for major subjects and sections.

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

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

This focused three-book package covers the major knowledge areas needed for sitework preparation. OSHA supports construction safety and excavation-related safety requirements. Pipe and Excavation Contracting provides practical information on excavation, equipment, soils, grading, pipe work, and site construction. The 2021 International Building Code supports applicable code requirements related to building sites, soils, foundations, excavation, and related construction conditions.

Exam Details

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates pursuing the applicable contractor 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 contains six subject areas. Estimating and Plan Reading contains 4 questions. Equipment and Technique contains 6 questions. Compaction contains 10 questions. Soil Types contains 10 questions. Specialty Work, including Blasting and Shoring, contains 6 questions. Safety contains 4 questions.

Compaction and Soil Types are the two largest sections of the exam, with 10 questions each. Together, they account for half of the 40-question examination. Candidates should devote substantial preparation time to soil identification, soil behavior, moisture, density, compaction methods, fill placement, testing concepts, and the relationship between soil conditions and successful site preparation.

Equipment and Technique contains 6 questions and focuses on practical sitework methods and the equipment used to perform excavation, grading, placement, and related operations. Specialty Work also contains 6 questions and includes topics such as blasting and shoring. These areas require candidates to understand both construction methods and safety considerations.

Estimating and Plan Reading contains 4 questions. Candidates should be comfortable interpreting project information, dimensions, grades, elevations, quantities, and other sitework details. Safety contains another 4 questions and should be reviewed alongside every other section rather than treated as a completely separate topic.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Sitework Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI allows the approved reference materials identified for the examination to be used in the testing center.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are permitted. The books 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 allowed.

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

All books in this package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. The prepared references can help candidates build a consistent navigation system and become familiar with where important topics are located before test day.

With 40 questions and 120 minutes available, candidates have an average of approximately three minutes per question. That gives time to use the books, but efficient navigation is still important. Candidates should avoid searching randomly through every reference for each question.

OSHA should be the first reference considered for safety-related topics, particularly excavation hazards, protective systems, access, equipment safety, personal protective equipment, and other construction-site requirements. Pipe and Excavation Contracting is useful for practical sitework topics such as soil handling, excavation, equipment, grading, compaction, and construction techniques.

The 2021 International Building Code can support applicable code questions involving site conditions, excavation, soils, foundations, and related building requirements. Candidates should practice identifying which reference applies before beginning a lookup.

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 matches 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. Provide the information and supporting documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate work experience that supports the Sitework classification requested.
5. Provide required project references. The Board evaluates documented work history and project experience when determining classification eligibility.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Applicants must complete the applicable Board 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 required examinations associated with their licensing path.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Final classification and license approval are determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Passing the Sitework Contractor exam is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also provide qualifying experience and satisfy the application, documentation, and other requirements established by the Board.

State Requirements

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

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors classifies contractors according to the types of work they are qualified to perform. Applicants must provide documented commercial or industrial experience supporting the classification requested.

Current Alabama licensing materials require applicants to provide work and project references that demonstrate experience in the requested classification. Classification eligibility is based on the Board's review of those qualifications and supporting documents.

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 use separate application processes.

Sitework contractors should make sure their documented experience reflects the work associated with the requested classification. Relevant experience may include excavation, grading, fill placement, compaction, site preparation, equipment operations, shoring, and related construction work.

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, heavy equipment, material handling, and other workplace safety requirements encountered during sitework operations.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This trade-focused reference provides practical information related to excavation, soil handling, grading, equipment, underground construction, compaction, estimating, layout, and field techniques. It is an important study resource for several of the major Sitework examination categories.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 International Building Code provides applicable requirements involving building sites, soils, foundations, excavation, grading relationships, and other code topics connected with building construction and site preparation.

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

Order Processing: Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

Exam Room Approved Books

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

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Used for construction safety, excavation safety, equipment-related hazards, and employee protection topics.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Used for excavation, equipment, soils, grading, compaction, estimating, and practical sitework preparation.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The specific code edition identified for applicable code questions on the Sitework Contractor examination.

These references may be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and permanently tabbed in accordance with PSI's reference-material rules. Temporary tabs are not permitted, and the references cannot contain handwritten notes or additional loose or attached papers.

The highlighted and tabbed preparation included with this package is designed to make study more organized. Candidates should still spend time working with the books so that the tab locations and major sections become familiar before the examination.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should begin with Compaction and Soil Types because these two areas account for 20 of the 40 examination questions. Understanding soils is fundamental to successful sitework because different soil conditions affect excavation, stability, drainage, fill placement, compaction, and construction performance.

For Soil Types, review soil identification, characteristics, moisture behavior, granular and cohesive soils, and how different soil conditions influence construction methods. Become comfortable recognizing terminology and understanding how soil properties affect sitework decisions.

For Compaction, review moisture, density, compaction methods, equipment selection, lift placement, fill preparation, and the relationship between proper compaction and long-term site stability. Pipe and Excavation Contracting is particularly useful for practical preparation in these areas.

Equipment and Technique should include review of earthmoving and excavation equipment, construction sequencing, grading methods, and the relationship between equipment selection and job conditions. Candidates should understand why different machines and techniques are used for different types of sitework.

Specialty Work includes Blasting and Shoring. These activities require special attention because they can involve significant safety risks and technical considerations. OSHA should be used alongside trade material when reviewing these subjects.

Estimating and Plan Reading should include quantities, dimensions, grades, elevations, site information, and the interpretation of construction documents. Candidates should practice connecting plans and measurements with the equipment, materials, and work required in the field.

Safety should be incorporated throughout preparation. Sitework can involve heavy equipment, unstable excavation walls, underground hazards, moving vehicles, changing ground conditions, and other risks. OSHA provides the federal construction-safety framework that supports this section.

Use the highlighted and tabbed books while working through practice questions. Identify the subject first, determine which reference is most likely to contain the answer, and use the prepared tabs to reach the relevant area. This approach helps build both technical knowledge and open-book 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 exam combines soil knowledge, compaction, equipment, estimating, plan reading, specialty operations, and safety. Organizing preparation around these published content areas can make the study process more manageable and keep candidates focused on the subjects that matter most.

The highlighted and tabbed references help create a more efficient navigation system. Candidates can become familiar with major sections in OSHA, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and the 2021 International Building Code while practicing exam-oriented questions.

Practice-oriented preparation can also reveal weaker areas. A contractor with extensive excavation experience may need more review of soil classification or estimating, while someone with strong grading experience may benefit from additional preparation involving shoring, blasting, or OSHA.

Reference navigation is especially valuable during an open-book examination. Candidates who understand the subject of a question and know which reference to use can avoid unnecessary searching and make better use of the 120-minute testing period.

The Alabama Sitework Contractor Exam Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides a focused three-book library prepared to support candidates as they review sitework knowledge and build familiarity with the references associated with the PSI examination.

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 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 the approved references 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 half of the examination.

Are the books in this package highlighted and tabbed?

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

How long should I allow for my highlighted and tabbed book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

Which books are included?

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

Can the exam references be highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and fitted with permanent tabs. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.

Does PSI provide the books at the testing center?

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

Is Sitework an Alabama contractor classification?

Yes. Sitework is recognized within Alabama's contractor classification system, including Building Construction and Municipal & Utility specialty classifications.

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.