Arizona Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (KB-2) - Books & Courses Rental Package

The Arizona Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (KB-2) - Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for contractors preparing for the Arizona KB-2 trade exam with rental access to the listed reference books and structured online course preparation. This package supports candidates who want to study the general building exam topics, learn how to navigate the approved references, and prepare for residential and small commercial construction questions in a more organized way.

The Arizona KB-2 classification is the Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor classification. It allows the scope of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor license and the B General Residential Contractor license. This makes the KB-2 an important licensing path for contractors who plan to work across both residential construction and small commercial construction under Arizona’s contractor licensing structure.

Preparing for the KB-2 exam requires more than practical field experience. The test covers a broad range of building subjects, including sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, safety, and general building code. Candidates should be ready to answer questions from approved code references, OSHA safety material, and general trade knowledge. This rental package gives you access to the listed references and 6 months of course access so you can study with a clear plan instead of trying to sort through a large book list on your own.

The rental price is $1,390, plus a $600 refundable deposit, for a total of $1,990. The refundable deposit applies to the rental books and is refundable according to the rental return terms.

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

Exam Details

The Arizona KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor trade exam is part of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors trade examination program. The trade test is equivalent for the B-1 General Commercial Contractor, B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor, KB-1 Dual Building Contractor, and KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor classifications. The exam contains 100 questions, has a 240-minute time limit, and requires a 70% minimum passing score.

The exam content outline is divided into the following subject areas:

• Sitework: 9 items
• Concrete: 14 items
• Masonry: 10 items
• Metals: 13 items
• Carpentry: 12 items
• Thermal and Moisture Protection: 10 items
• Doors and Windows: 5 items
• Finishes: 6 items
• Safety: 12 items
• General Building Code: 9 items

Because the KB-2 exam covers many construction disciplines, candidates should prepare across the full outline instead of focusing on only one trade area. Concrete, metals, carpentry, safety, masonry, thermal and moisture protection, sitework, finishes, doors and windows, and general building code all appear on the test. A candidate who is strong in one construction area may still need study time in code navigation, OSHA safety, masonry, structural steel, concrete materials, excavation, or building-envelope topics.

The reference material listed for the examination was used to prepare exam questions, and the exam may also include questions based on trade knowledge or general industry practices. Code questions are based on the listed code editions. Candidates should become comfortable using the International Residential Code for residential questions, the International Building Code for commercial building code questions, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 for construction safety questions.

Open Book Test

The Arizona KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor trade exam is an open-book exam with specific restrictions. Only the approved reference materials are allowed in the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the exam.

The allowed references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. During the exam session, candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index in the references. Additional papers, loose notes, and attached papers are not allowed with approved references. References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Temporary tabs, including removable tabs such as Post-it style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used in the examination center. Downloaded references may be brought into the testing center when properly bound, such as spiral bound or placed in a binder after being hole-punched.

Because the KB-2 exam is open book and timed, preparation should include reference-navigation practice. The goal is not simply to have the books available. Candidates should know which references are allowed in the testing center, how those books are organized, and how to find code and safety information quickly. The study-only references also matter because they help reinforce the trade knowledge tested across sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, and related construction topics.

Licensing Steps

The Arizona contractor licensing process is handled through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. For the KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor classification, the qualifying party is responsible for meeting the examination requirements that apply to the classification. Applicants preparing for this license should review the classification scope, complete the required examination steps, and submit the applicable licensing materials through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors process.

A practical preparation path includes reviewing the KB-2 classification scope, studying the exam content outline, organizing the approved references, completing the online course, practicing reference navigation, scheduling the required exam, passing the trade exam, and completing the applicable Arizona Registrar of Contractors application requirements. Candidates may also need to meet additional administrative requirements connected to the license application, qualifying party, business information, bonding, and other state requirements.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors identifies trade and solar exams as being available through PSI Services either online or at a testing center. The Candidate Information Bulletin provides information about required exams, scheduling, trade-specific content outlines, and study materials. Applicants for the KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial classification may also have an exam option involving the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors in lieu of the Arizona ROC trade exam, depending on the licensing path selected.

For many candidates, the best first step is to understand the difference between the license classification, the trade exam, and the application process. The KB-2 classification defines the work scope. The trade exam measures construction knowledge and reference use. The application process is handled through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. This rental package supports the exam-preparation stage by giving candidates access to the listed books and course structure needed for focused study.

State Requirements

The Arizona KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor classification allows the scope of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor and the B General Residential Contractor classifications. Arizona issues separate licenses for commercial and residential work, and dual licenses allow a contractor to combine commercial and residential scopes for a particular construction field.

For KB-2 candidates, this means preparation should include both residential building knowledge and small commercial construction knowledge. Residential questions may connect to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, while small commercial questions may connect to the International Building Code. Safety questions connect to OSHA construction standards, and trade-knowledge questions may involve general building practices across multiple construction categories.

The classification is broad, so candidates should prepare for the responsibilities of managing or performing general building work across multiple disciplines. Sitework and excavation can affect foundations and utility-related construction planning. Concrete knowledge is important for footings, slabs, mixtures, placement, and curing. Masonry topics may include brick, block, stone, mortar, reinforcement, and wall systems. Metals topics may include steel joists, girders, framing, handling, and erection concepts. Carpentry topics may include framing, building assemblies, and construction methods. Thermal and moisture protection may include insulation, weather barriers, roofing-adjacent concepts, waterproofing, and envelope protection. Doors, windows, finishes, safety, and code complete the broad general-building preparation picture.

Reference Books

This rental package includes the listed KB-2 references for exam preparation. Some references are allowed in the examination center, while others are study references that support the trade knowledge tested on the exam but are not allowed in the exam room.

• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference supports preparation for OSHA safety questions, jobsite safety rules, employee protection, and construction hazard topics.
• Included Rental Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  This residential code reference supports preparation for one- and two-family dwelling questions, residential construction requirements, and residential building code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: International Building Code, 2018
  This commercial building code reference supports preparation for small commercial construction questions, building code requirements, occupancy-related code topics, and commercial code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports preparation for concrete materials, mixture design, placement, curing, performance, and concrete construction knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This sitework and excavation reference supports preparation for excavation practices, trenching concepts, pipe installation, soil conditions, jobsite planning, and related construction operations.
• Included Rental Book: Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This metals reference supports preparation for steel joist and joist girder handling, erection considerations, safety practices, and structural steel installation concepts.
• Included Rental Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This carpentry and building construction reference supports preparation for framing, building assemblies, construction methods, materials, and general building trade knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This masonry reference supports preparation for brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry systems, installation practices, and masonry construction knowledge.

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

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are allowed in the Arizona KB-2 examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Allowed in the exam room for OSHA construction safety and employee protection reference use.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  Allowed in the exam room for residential building code reference use.
• International Building Code, 2018
  Allowed in the exam room for commercial building code reference use.

The following listed study references are not allowed in the examination center: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders; Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016; and Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition. These books are still useful for preparation because they support the trade knowledge tested across the KB-2 exam outline.

Test Information and Study Materials

The KB-2 exam is a broad general-building exam, so study should be organized around the content outline. Candidates should avoid treating the test as a single-subject exam. The exam includes residential and small commercial code questions, OSHA safety questions, and construction trade knowledge questions across multiple building disciplines.

Sitework preparation should include excavation, soils, pipe-related construction, grading concepts, jobsite layout, and the relationship between site conditions and building work. The Pipe and Excavation Contracting reference supports this part of preparation by reinforcing excavation and pipe-related field knowledge.

Concrete preparation should include concrete materials, mixture design, placement, curing, testing concepts, formwork coordination, slabs, footings, and construction practices. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures supports candidates who need to strengthen concrete knowledge beyond basic field familiarity.

Masonry preparation should include brick, block, stone, mortar, reinforcement, masonry units, installation methods, layout, and wall systems. Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone helps candidates review masonry terminology and construction methods that may appear in trade-knowledge questions.

Metals preparation should include steel joists, joist girders, handling, erection, safety, and basic metal construction concepts. Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders supports review for this subject area.

Carpentry preparation should include framing, layout, building assemblies, materials, structural wood concepts, and common building construction practices. Carpentry and Building Construction helps reinforce the general construction knowledge needed for the carpentry portion of the test.

Thermal and Moisture Protection preparation should include building-envelope concepts, insulation, moisture control, weather resistance, waterproofing-related concepts, and protection of building assemblies. Candidates should connect these subjects to both residential and small commercial construction.

Doors and Windows preparation should include openings, installation requirements, flashing concepts, hardware coordination, weather protection, and code-related issues that can affect building performance. Finishes preparation should include finish materials, installation sequencing, surface preparation, interior and exterior finish concepts, and general workmanship expectations.

Safety is a major category on the exam. Candidates should review OSHA construction safety topics, including fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, material handling, hazard communication, and general jobsite protection. OSHA questions can be easier to answer when the book is properly organized and the candidate knows where key safety subjects are located.

General Building Code preparation should include familiarity with both the International Residential Code and the International Building Code. Candidates should understand how to use the table of contents, index, chapter organization, definitions, and code sections. Since the exam is open book, success often depends on quickly recognizing which reference applies and finding the correct section without losing time.

The online course helps bring structure to this process. Instead of reading every book from front to back without direction, candidates can study around the major exam categories, reinforce important concepts, and practice the open-book approach. The rental books give candidates access to the listed materials during the study period, while the course helps organize the material into a more manageable routine.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps general building contractors prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and practice-oriented exam preparation. The Arizona KB-2 exam covers a wide range of residential and small commercial construction topics, so candidates need a study plan that brings the material together in a clear, practical way. This rental package combines the listed books with course access so you can prepare with structure instead of trying to manage the entire reference list alone.

The course supports preparation by helping students work through the major exam categories, including sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, safety, and general building code. For the open-book portion of preparation, the study process emphasizes reference familiarity, book organization, and faster navigation. These skills matter because the KB-2 exam is timed, and candidates must know how to use the approved references efficiently.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and realistic. The goal is to help you build confidence, reduce study confusion, and prepare with a clear plan. The rental format gives you access to the listed books for the preparation period without requiring you to purchase every reference outright. With 6 months of course access, you have time to review the material, revisit difficult subjects, practice navigation, and strengthen your exam routine before test day.

This package is especially helpful for contractors who already have construction experience but need a more organized path for exam preparation. Field experience is valuable, but a licensing exam requires candidates to answer questions in a timed setting, understand content-outline categories, and use references efficiently. 1 Exam Prep helps bridge that gap with study structure, trade review, reference navigation, and confidence-building preparation.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona KB-2 Books & Courses Rental Package?

This package includes rental access to the listed KB-2 reference books and 6 months of course access. The rental books are OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2018 International Residential Code, the 2018 International Building Code, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, Carpentry and Building Construction, and Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone.

How much does the KB-2 rental package cost?

The rental package price is $1,390 plus a $600 refundable deposit, for a total of $1,990. The deposit is refundable according to the rental return terms for the books.

Is the Arizona KB-2 exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona KB-2 trade exam is open book, but only approved references are allowed in the examination center. Candidates must bring their own approved references and follow the rules for permanent tabs, annotations, highlighting, indexing, and notes.

Which books are allowed in the KB-2 exam room?

The approved exam-room books are Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018, and International Building Code, 2018.

Are all rental books allowed in the exam room?

No. The rental package includes both exam-room-approved references and study-only references. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Technical Digest No. 9, Carpentry and Building Construction, and Modern Masonry are study references and are not allowed in the examination center.

How many questions are on the Arizona KB-2 exam?

The Arizona KB-2 trade exam has 100 questions.

How much time is allowed for the KB-2 exam?

The time allowed for the Arizona KB-2 trade exam is 240 minutes.

What score is required to pass the KB-2 exam?

The minimum passing score for the Arizona KB-2 trade exam is 70%.

What topics are covered on the KB-2 exam?

The exam covers sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, safety, and general building code.

What does the Arizona KB-2 classification cover?

The KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor classification allows the scope of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor and the B General Residential Contractor classifications.

Can I write in my books during the exam?

No. References may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session, but candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index in the books during the exam session.

Who is this rental package best for?

This package is best for Arizona contractors preparing for the KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor trade exam who want rental access to the listed books, 6 months of course access, and organized preparation for residential construction, small commercial construction, OSHA safety, code navigation, and general building trade knowledge.