Arizona Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (KB-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The Arizona Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor (KB-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package is designed for contractors preparing for the Arizona B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 general building contractor trade examination. This package supports candidates pursuing the KB-2 dual residential and small commercial contractor classification by bringing together the OSHA safety, residential code, building code, concrete, excavation, steel joist, carpentry, and masonry references used for organized exam preparation.

The KB-2 classification is designed for contractors who need both residential and small commercial building authority under one Arizona license classification. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, finishes, safety, and general building code. Because the exam is open book with only certain approved references allowed in the exam room, preparation should include both building knowledge and strong reference navigation skills.

This highlighted and tabbed book package helps make study time more structured and efficient. Large code books and construction references can be difficult to use without an organized system. Highlighted sections help guide review toward important material, while permanent tabs help candidates move through major subjects, code chapters, tables, definitions, construction details, and safety provisions more quickly. For an open book contractor exam, knowing how to locate information under time pressure is an important part of preparation.

This package is a strong fit for residential builders, small commercial builders, qualifying parties, general contractors, construction supervisors, business owners, remodelers, project managers, and tradespeople preparing for the Arizona KB-2 dual residential and small commercial contractor license. It is especially useful for candidates who have building experience but need organized references for exam-focused study and open book test navigation.

What You Get

• Highlighted reference books: Key areas are highlighted to help candidates focus on important exam-related material during preparation.
• Permanent tabs: Tabs are placed to support faster movement through major topics, code sections, tables, definitions, construction details, and reference areas.
• Dual residential and small commercial study support: The package supports review across sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, finishes, safety, residential code, and building code.
• Organized exam preparation structure: The books are prepared to help reduce search time, improve reference familiarity, and support more productive study sessions.

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

Exam Details

The Arizona B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 examination is administered through PSI for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. 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. The minimum passing score is 70%, and the time allowed is 240 minutes.

The exam content areas include:

• 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

The examination may include questions based on listed reference materials, trade knowledge, and general industry practices. Code questions are based only on the code editions listed for the examination. Candidates should prepare with the 2018 International Residential Code and the 2018 International Building Code, along with the approved OSHA reference and the supporting study materials included in this package.

The KB-2 exam is broad because it covers both residential and small commercial construction knowledge. Candidates should be prepared for questions involving site layout, excavation, foundations, concrete placement, masonry construction, steel components, wood framing, carpentry, insulation, moisture protection, roofing-related building protection concepts, doors, windows, interior and exterior finishes, safety practices, and code navigation. A successful study plan should follow the content outline and build familiarity with each reference instead of focusing on only one trade area.

Open Book Test

The Arizona B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 trade examination is an open book test using approved reference materials. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center.

The approved exam-room references listed for this examination include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018, and International Building Code, 2018. These approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session.

Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the exam. Additional papers, whether loose or attached, are not permitted with approved references. References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, removable sticky tabs, and loose papers are not permitted and must be removed before the examination begins.

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 are study references connected to the examination content. These materials are useful for building trade knowledge, but they are not listed as exam-room-approved references for the KB-2 examination.

Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator in the examination center. Downloaded references may be brought into the testing center only when bound, such as spiral-bound or placed in a binder after being hole-punched. The highlighted and tabbed structure of this package is designed to support study, review, and efficient navigation of the approved references.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Applicants should begin by identifying the correct license classification and reviewing the examination requirements tied to that classification. The person completing the required examination process must serve as the qualifying party for the license.

The KB-2 classification is the dual residential and small commercial contractor classification. It allows the scopes of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor license and the B General Residential Contractor license. Candidates preparing for this classification should study both residential and small commercial construction conditions, because the exam content includes both building code and residential code material.

For many new Arizona contractor license applicants, the licensing process also includes the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, also known as the SRE. The SRE is separate from the trade examination. The KB-2 trade exam focuses on construction knowledge, building code, residential code, sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, finishes, moisture protection, and safety, while the statutes and rules requirement covers Arizona contractor law, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

After the required examinations are completed, the applicant submits the completed contractor license application and supporting documentation to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Examination requirements must be completed before the application can be accepted for processing. Score reports must be submitted within the required period after passing the examination.

A practical licensing path includes confirming the KB-2 classification, studying the approved trade references, learning the open book testing rules, completing the Arizona statutes and rules requirement when applicable, scheduling and taking the PSI trade exam, and submitting the completed license application package to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

State Requirements

The Arizona KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial classification allows the scopes of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor license and the B General Residential Contractor license. This classification is intended for contractors who need residential construction authority and small commercial construction authority under one license classification.

The KB-2 classification connects directly to broad building construction knowledge. Candidates should be prepared for questions involving sitework, foundations, concrete, masonry, steel, wood framing, carpentry, exterior and interior finishes, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, safety, and building code requirements. The International Residential Code supports residential construction preparation, while the International Building Code supports small commercial and general building code preparation.

Because the exam is tied to multiple construction areas, candidates should avoid studying only the trades they know best. A candidate with a strong carpentry background may still need additional review in concrete, masonry, metals, sitework, safety, and code. A candidate with commercial experience may still need additional review of one- and two-family dwelling requirements in the residential code. A candidate with residential experience may need extra practice navigating commercial building code provisions.

Arizona licensing involves more than passing the trade examination. Applicants may also need to satisfy business, entity, bonding, experience, background, application, and qualifying party requirements depending on the applicant’s structure and license type. The trade exam is one major step in the process, but the license is issued only after the Arizona Registrar of Contractors reviews and processes the completed application.

Reference Books

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

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference supports safety content and covers federal construction standards used to address jobsite hazards, worker protection, safe work practices, and construction safety requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  This residential code reference supports preparation for one- and two-family dwelling construction requirements, including foundations, framing, wall systems, roof systems, means of egress, fire-resistance provisions, moisture protection, and residential building standards.
• International Building Code, 2018
  This building code reference supports small commercial and general building code preparation, including occupancy-related requirements, construction types, structural provisions, fire-resistance requirements, means of egress, materials, finishes, and building safety provisions.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, mixture design, cement, aggregates, admixtures, curing, placement, testing, durability, and concrete construction principles.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This sitework and excavation reference supports preparation for excavation, trenching, pipe installation, grading, soil conditions, equipment planning, site safety, and underground construction practices.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This steel joist reference supports study of handling, erection, bracing, placement, safety, and installation practices for steel joists and joist girders used in building construction.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This carpentry and construction reference supports study of framing, layout, materials, building methods, construction math, roof systems, wall systems, floor systems, tools, fasteners, plans, and general construction practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This masonry reference supports preparation for brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, walls, bonding patterns, masonry construction methods, tools, layout, and masonry safety practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

The Arizona KB-2 exam rewards candidates who combine broad construction experience with organized reference use. Since the exam contains 100 questions and allows 240 minutes, candidates should practice using the approved references before exam day. The goal is not to read long sections during the test. The goal is to know which book to use, where the topic is located, and how to confirm an answer efficiently.

Concrete is one of the largest content areas on the exam. Candidates should study concrete materials, reinforcement basics, formwork, placement, curing, joints, foundations, slabs, footings, testing, and estimating. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures supports technical concrete knowledge, while the building and residential codes help candidates understand where concrete requirements appear in code-based construction questions.

Metals are another major content area. Candidates should review structural steel concepts, steel joists, joist girders, handling, erection, bracing, fastening, safety, and coordination with building systems. Technical Digest No. 9 supports this topic by helping candidates understand steel joist handling and erection practices used in construction.

Carpentry questions may involve framing, layout, wall systems, floor systems, roof systems, stairs, sheathing, fasteners, wood materials, doors, windows, and construction details. Carpentry and Building Construction is useful for reviewing practical building methods and connecting field experience to written exam terminology.

Masonry questions may involve brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, wall construction, bond patterns, layout, flashing, expansion, control joints, and masonry safety. Modern Masonry supports this area by helping candidates review masonry materials and installation practices.

Sitework questions may involve excavation, trenching, grading, soil conditions, pipe placement, backfill, compaction, layout, and jobsite safety. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports this part of preparation by helping candidates review underground and site preparation topics that are commonly connected to building construction.

Thermal and moisture protection questions may involve insulation, vapor control, waterproofing, weather barriers, roofing-related protection, sealants, flashing, moisture movement, and building envelope concepts. Candidates should use the code books and construction references to understand how these systems protect residential and small commercial structures.

Doors, windows, and finishes should not be ignored. These categories may have fewer questions than concrete or metals, but they can still affect the final score. Candidates should study door types, window types, installation details, rough openings, hardware, interior finishes, exterior finishes, wall finishes, ceiling finishes, and construction sequencing.

The safety category has 12 questions, making OSHA study especially important. Candidates should become familiar with major OSHA construction safety topics, including personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, excavation safety, material handling, tools, electrical hazards, hazard communication, and general jobsite safety. Knowing the layout of OSHA Part 1926 helps candidates locate safety information more efficiently.

The general building code category should be studied using both the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. Candidates should understand how each code is organized and when each code applies. The IBC supports small commercial building questions, while the IRC supports residential construction questions. Code navigation practice is essential because code questions often require candidates to find a specific requirement rather than rely on memory.

A practical study method is to work through the content outline one subject at a time. Start with concrete, metals, carpentry, safety, masonry, and thermal and moisture protection because these areas make up a large portion of the test. Then move into sitework, general building code, finishes, doors, and windows. During each study session, candidates should practice using the highlighted and tabbed books under timed conditions to build speed and confidence.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates prepare with organized study materials, trade-focused review, and reference navigation support. This highlighted and tabbed book package is designed to help Arizona KB-2 candidates study the approved code references and supporting construction materials with a clearer structure.

For many candidates, the challenge is not only knowing construction. The challenge is knowing where to find information quickly inside large code books, OSHA references, and technical construction books. 1 Exam Prep helps simplify that process by preparing books with highlights and tabs that support focused review and faster navigation.

The highlighted sections help direct attention to important material, while the tabs make it easier to move between major subjects during study sessions. Candidates can use the package to review sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, finishes, OSHA safety, residential code, building code, excavation, steel joists, and general building practices in a more organized way.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and exam-focused. The goal is to help candidates study with less confusion, use their references more effectively, and build confidence through consistent preparation. No book package can guarantee a passing score or license approval, but organized references can make the preparation process clearer, more efficient, and easier to manage.

FAQ Section

Is the Arizona KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 trade examination is open book using approved reference materials. Candidates must bring their own approved references and follow the testing center rules for highlighting, annotations, indexing, and permanent tabs.

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

The exam contains 100 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, and the time allowed is 240 minutes.

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.

Which books are allowed in the examination center?

The approved exam-room references listed for the examination include 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 books in this package allowed in the exam room?

No. 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 are study references connected to exam preparation, but they are not listed as exam-room-approved references for this exam.

Can I write in my books during the exam?

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

Are removable tabs allowed?

No. Tabs must be permanent. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary sticky tabs and removable tabs are not permitted.

What work does the Arizona KB-2 classification cover?

The KB-2 classification allows the scopes of work permitted by the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor license and the B General Residential Contractor license.

Who administers the Arizona KB-2 trade exam?

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors has contracted with PSI to conduct the trade examination program for Arizona contractor licensing.

Is this package helpful for experienced builders?

Yes. Field experience is valuable, but the exam also requires candidates to use code books and safety references efficiently. Highlighted and tabbed books help experienced builders connect practical construction knowledge with the references used for the exam.