Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor Exam Book Package

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor Exam Book Package brings together the technical references identified for candidates preparing for the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor examination administered by PSI. This focused package supports preparation involving waterproofing systems, damp proofing, drainage, excavation, fill, site evaluation, estimating, residential code requirements, underground utility notification, and construction safety.

Special coatings and waterproofing work requires contractors to understand how water affects structures and how construction systems are evaluated, prepared, protected, and drained. Contractors may work with foundations, below-grade walls, drainage systems, excavation, waterproofing products, damp-proofing materials, and related site conditions. The Alabama examination reflects these responsibilities by testing candidates across problem assessment, waterproofing, excavation, drainage, estimating, structural evaluation, and OSHA safety.

This package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2000; and Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299.

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates are permitted to use approved references during the examination according to PSI's testing rules. Because the exam includes both construction knowledge and specialized waterproofing subjects, candidates should prepare directly with the references and become familiar with where important information is located.

Special Coatings & Waterproofing is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classification structure under Finishes. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees contractor licensing and classification, while PSI administers the applicable trade examination.

What You Get

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2000
• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299

These references support preparation across the major subjects represented on the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor exam. Candidates can use the package to review waterproofing systems, residential construction requirements, drainage, excavation, soils and fill, safety, estimating, and Alabama underground utility notification requirements.

Exam Details

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates pursuing the applicable specialty classification through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

• Exam: Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 50
• Time Allowed: 120 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%, or 35 correct answers
• Exam Type: Open book

The examination content outline includes 5 questions in Assess Problem, 12 questions in Damp Proofing and Waterproofing, 5 questions in Excavation and Fill, 5 questions in Identify Resources Needed and Prepare Estimate, 7 questions in Install Drainage System, 5 questions in Perform Site and Structural Evaluation, and 11 questions in Safety and Employee Protection/OSHA.

Damp Proofing and Waterproofing is the largest technical specialty section with 12 questions. Candidates should devote significant study time to waterproofing materials, system selection, application methods, below-grade protection, membranes, joints, drainage relationships, and the conditions that can cause water intrusion.

Safety and Employee Protection/OSHA contains 11 questions, making it another major portion of the examination. Special coatings and waterproofing work can involve excavation, confined work areas, chemicals, tools, ladders, personal protective equipment, and other construction hazards. OSHA should therefore be a regular part of the preparation process rather than a final review topic.

Install Drainage System contains 7 questions. Drainage and waterproofing are closely connected because controlling water around foundations and structures can be an important part of moisture protection. Candidates should understand drainage principles, excavation practices, piping, backfill, and installation considerations.

The remaining sections—Assess Problem, Excavation and Fill, Identify Resources Needed and Prepare Estimate, and Perform Site and Structural Evaluation—each contain 5 questions. Together, these subjects represent a substantial portion of the exam and reinforce the importance of evaluating conditions before selecting or installing a waterproofing solution.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor examination is an open book test. PSI identifies the listed references as materials permitted in the examination center.

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

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

With 50 questions and 120 minutes available, candidates have an average of approximately two minutes and twenty-four seconds per question. Efficient reference navigation can therefore be important. Candidates should practice identifying the subject of a question first and then selecting the reference most likely to contain the answer.

OSHA should be familiar for construction-safety topics. The International Residential Code supports applicable one- and two-family dwelling requirements. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports excavation, drainage, piping, backfill, and related sitework. Construction Waterproofing Handbook is the central specialty reference for damp proofing and waterproofing topics. Alabama 1Call supports state-specific underground utility notification requirements.

A useful study method is to practice timed reference lookups. Choose a waterproofing, drainage, excavation, or safety question, identify the applicable reference, locate the supporting information, and then review the surrounding material. This builds familiarity with both the trade subject and the organization of the books.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates contractor classifications subject to Alabama general contractor law. Special Coatings & Waterproofing is recognized within the Building Construction specialty classification structure under Finishes.

1. Identify the appropriate classification. Determine that Special Coatings & Waterproofing corresponds with the 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 licensing 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 relevant to the classification requested.
5. Provide required project information and references. The Board evaluates documented construction experience when determining classification eligibility.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Applicants must complete the applicable Board process before proceeding with PSI testing.
7. Schedule the trade examination. Eligible candidates can register for the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor exam through PSI.
8. Pass the trade examination. Candidates must achieve the required passing score of 70%, or 35 correct answers out of 50 questions.
9. Complete Business and Law. Alabama general contractor applicants subject to testing must complete the applicable Trade examination as well as the Business and Law examination.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Final classification and license approval are determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Passing the examination is one component of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy the Board's experience, classification, application, and other requirements applicable to their contractor license type.

State Requirements

Special Coatings & Waterproofing is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classifications under Finishes. Other specialties within the same broader category include Painting & Wall Coverings, Sandblasting, Terrazzo, Hard Tile & Stone, and other finish-related construction work.

Applicants seeking the Special Coatings & Waterproofing classification must support their request with relevant documented experience. Alabama evaluates project history and work references when determining whether an applicant qualifies for the requested classification.

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.

Special coatings and waterproofing contractors should make sure their documented experience reflects the type of work associated with the requested specialty. That experience may involve waterproofing systems, damp proofing, coatings, drainage, excavation, foundation protection, structural evaluation, and other moisture-control work.

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors determines final classification eligibility and license approval. PSI administers the applicable examination after the candidate has entered the state licensing process and received testing eligibility.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction-safety reference supports preparation involving excavation, personal protective equipment, ladders, tools, access, material handling, employee protection, and other jobsite safety requirements relevant to coatings and waterproofing work.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 International Residential Code provides requirements applicable to one- and two-family dwellings, including foundations, drainage, damp proofing, waterproofing, site conditions, and related residential construction topics.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This trade reference supports preparation involving excavation, trenching, fill, drainage systems, piping, backfill, equipment, sitework, and practical underground construction methods.
• Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2000
  This specialty reference by Michael T. Kubal provides technical information related to waterproofing systems, materials, design considerations, moisture protection, membranes, joints, below-grade applications, problem assessment, and construction practices.
• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
  This Alabama-specific reference supports preparation involving underground utility notification and safe excavation practices before digging or disturbing areas where buried facilities may be present.

Exam Room Approved Books

The current PSI reference list identifies the following materials for the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor examination:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Used for Safety and Employee Protection/OSHA preparation.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  Used for applicable residential construction, foundation, drainage, damp-proofing, and waterproofing requirements.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Used for excavation, fill, drainage, piping, and related sitework topics.
• Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2000
  Used for damp proofing, waterproofing, problem assessment, materials, and related specialty construction topics.
• Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299
  Used for Alabama-specific underground utility notification and excavation preparation.

Candidates should work directly with these references during preparation. The books may be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and permanently tabbed under PSI's reference-material rules, but they must otherwise remain unmarked and free of loose or attached papers.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive preparation plan should begin with Damp Proofing and Waterproofing and Safety because those are the two largest sections of the exam. Together, they account for 23 of the 50 questions.

For waterproofing preparation, work regularly with Construction Waterproofing Handbook. Review system types, materials, membranes, surfaces, detailing, joints, drainage relationships, below-grade applications, and methods for evaluating moisture problems before selecting a repair or protection strategy.

Safety preparation should include regular use of OSHA. Review excavation hazards, personal protective equipment, ladders, tools, access, employee protection, and other construction-safety requirements likely to apply on waterproofing and coating projects.

Drainage System Installation contains 7 questions and should be studied alongside Pipe and Excavation Contracting. Candidates should understand excavation, drainage piping, fill, site conditions, and the relationship between drainage and waterproofing performance.

Problem Assessment and Site and Structural Evaluation each contain 5 questions. Candidates should develop a systematic way to evaluate why water is entering a structure before choosing a waterproofing method. Surface conditions, foundation construction, drainage, cracks, joints, grading, and existing materials can all influence the appropriate approach.

Excavation and Fill also contains 5 questions. Use Pipe and Excavation Contracting and OSHA together so technical construction methods and safety requirements are studied as connected subjects.

Identify Resources Needed and Prepare Estimate contains 5 questions. Candidates should be prepared to think about materials, quantities, labor requirements, equipment, site conditions, and the resources necessary to complete waterproofing and drainage work.

The International Residential Code should be incorporated into study sessions for applicable residential requirements. Learn the organization of the code so foundation, drainage, waterproofing, and related topics can be located efficiently.

Alabama 1Call should also receive dedicated review. Excavation associated with drainage or below-grade waterproofing can involve underground utilities, making state notification requirements an important part of safe project preparation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

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

The exam combines waterproofing specialty knowledge with excavation, drainage, estimating, structural evaluation, residential code requirements, and safety. Organizing preparation around the published content outline can make a multi-discipline examination easier to manage.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to work directly with the references rather than studying disconnected information. Candidates can practice recognizing whether a question belongs in the Construction Waterproofing Handbook, OSHA, the International Residential Code, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, or Alabama 1Call before starting a lookup.

Practice-oriented study can also help identify weaker areas. A contractor with strong waterproofing experience may need additional review of estimating, excavation, or OSHA, while someone experienced in sitework may need more focused study of waterproofing materials and structural moisture problems.

Reference navigation is especially valuable for an open-book examination. Candidates should become familiar with chapters, indexes, terminology, and major technical sections so that reference lookups can be deliberate rather than random.

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor Exam Book Package provides a focused technical library for candidates preparing to strengthen their knowledge of waterproofing, drainage, excavation, residential code requirements, Alabama underground utility rules, and construction safety.

How many questions are on the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor exam?

The examination contains 50 questions. Candidates are allowed 120 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70%, which equals 35 correct answers out of 50 questions.

Is the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing 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 exam?

The examination covers Assess Problem, Damp Proofing and Waterproofing, Excavation and Fill, Identify Resources Needed and Prepare Estimate, Install Drainage System, Perform Site and Structural Evaluation, and Safety and Employee Protection/OSHA.

What is the largest technical section of the exam?

Damp Proofing and Waterproofing is the largest specialty section with 12 questions. Safety and Employee Protection/OSHA follows closely with 11 questions.

Does the package include the 2021 International Residential Code?

Yes. International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021 is included.

Does the exam cover drainage systems?

Yes. Install Drainage System contains 7 questions on the examination.

Does the package include Alabama 1Call?

Yes. Alabama 1Call – Dig Safely; AL Act 94-487 S.299 is included for preparation involving underground utility notification requirements.

Which book focuses specifically on waterproofing?

Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2000 is the specialty reference in this package devoted to waterproofing systems, materials, moisture protection, and related construction practices.

Can the approved books be highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, indexed, and fitted with permanent tabs. Temporary tabs are not permitted.

Who administers the Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor exam?

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

Is Special Coatings and Waterproofing an Alabama contractor classification?

Yes. Special Coatings & Waterproofing is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classifications under Finishes.