Arizona Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-21) Exam Book Package

Arizona Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-21) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-21) Exam Book Package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, landscape construction professionals, irrigation installers, hardscape builders, masonry workers, concrete specialists, and outdoor construction contractors preparing for the Arizona CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems trade exam. This package brings together the code, safety, irrigation, landscape construction, masonry, plastering, concrete, fencing, and retaining wall references connected to the Arizona CR-21 exam so candidates can prepare with the materials that support the official exam content outline.

The Arizona CR-21 classification covers a wide range of residential and commercial outdoor construction work. Preparation for this exam should be broad and practical because the trade test includes irrigation systems, grading and drainage, low voltage electricity, masonry, plastering, concrete, fences and retaining walls, rules and regulations, general knowledge, and safety. Candidates should be ready to study both technical trade knowledge and reference-based information from the approved books.

This exam book package is built for candidates who want the CR-21 reference set organized in one place. The exam-room-approved books include OSHA construction safety standards, the 2018 International Building Code, and the 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The additional study references help candidates prepare for Arizona Blue Stake requirements, ROC rules, irrigation design, landscape construction, masonry, stucco, plastering, concrete, fences, and retaining walls.

The Arizona CR-21 trade exam is an open book test with strict rules about which materials may be brought into the examination center. Not every book used to prepare for the exam is allowed in the testing room. Candidates should use the approved exam-room references for book-navigation practice and use the study-only references to strengthen the trade knowledge behind the exam questions. A strong study plan should include reviewing the content outline, organizing the approved books, practicing timed lookups, and studying each trade category with enough depth to recognize the subject being tested.

What You Get

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Building Code, 2018
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rules, 2009
• Simplified Irrigation Design, 2nd Ed, 1995
• Landscaping Principles and Practices, 2009
• Landscape Construction, 2011
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
• Plastering Skills, 1984
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
• Fences & Retaining Walls (USED)

This package supports preparation across the full CR-21 exam outline. The code and OSHA references help candidates prepare for open book testing, while the study-only trade references help build knowledge in irrigation design, hardscape construction, masonry, concrete work, plastering, grading, drainage, fences, and retaining walls.

Exam Details

The Arizona CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor trade exam includes 75 questions, has a minimum passing score of 70%, and allows 180 minutes for completion. Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator in the examination center.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• Irrigation Systems: 15 items
• Grading and Drainage: 10 items
• Low Voltage Electricity: 10 items
• Masonry: 7 items
• Plastering: 7 items
• Concrete: 7 items
• Fences and Retaining Walls: 6 items
• Rules and Regulations: 5 items
• General Knowledge: 5 items
• Safety: 3 items

The exam may include questions based on the listed references, trade knowledge, and general industry practices. Code questions are based on the specific code editions listed for the exam, which makes the 2018 International Building Code and the 2018 International Residential Code important references for CR-21 preparation. Safety questions are supported by OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

The largest exam area is irrigation systems, followed by grading and drainage and low voltage electricity. Candidates should also prepare for masonry, plastering, concrete, fences, retaining walls, rules, and general jobsite knowledge. Because the exam covers both hardscape construction and irrigation system work, candidates should avoid studying only one side of the classification.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-21) trade exam is an open book test. Only specific references are allowed in the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the exam.

Approved reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the examination. Additional papers, whether loose or attached, are not permitted with approved references.

Permanent tabs are allowed. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, including Post-it notes or other removable tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins. Downloaded references may be brought into the testing center when properly bound, such as spiral bound or placed in a binder after hole punching.

Open book testing requires organization. Candidates should practice using the approved code and safety books before the exam date. The table of contents, indexes, definitions, chapter headings, and subject divisions can save valuable time during the exam. Candidates should also understand which books are study-only so they do not bring unapproved references into the testing center.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is regulated by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Candidates pursuing the CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor classification should review the state license classification requirements and application requirements for the license they plan to obtain.

The qualifying party is the individual who satisfies the examination requirements for the contractor license classification. For many Arizona contractor license applications, the qualifying party may need to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam in addition to the CR-21 trade exam. The Statutes and Rules Exam is separate from the trade test and addresses Arizona contractor laws, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

After completing the required examinations, applicants submit the contractor license application through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The application process may include qualifying party information, business information, financial responsibility documentation, bonding requirements, and other required licensing documents. Candidates should make sure the license classification, business structure, and qualifying party information match the license being requested.

Exam preparation and application preparation should be planned together. Passing the CR-21 trade exam supports the technical testing side of licensing, while the application process addresses the business and regulatory requirements needed to become licensed in Arizona.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues and regulates contractor license classifications in Arizona. The CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair non-loadbearing concrete, uncovered patios, walkways, driveways made of brick, stone, pavers, or gravel, wooden decks no higher than 29 inches above finish grade, decorative garden walls up to six feet from finish grade, fences and screens up to six feet from finish grade, and retaining walls up to three feet from the finish grade of the lower elevation.

The classification also includes free-standing fire pits, fireplaces, or barbeques, with electric, plumbing, and gas work subcontracted to properly licensed contractors. It includes low voltage landscape lighting, water features that are not attached to swimming pools, irrigation systems, backflow prevention devices, hose bibs, excavating, trenching, boring, backfilling, grading, residential outdoor misting systems within the classification limits, and certain free-standing and uncovered outdoor kitchens in residential settings.

The classification does not include new electrical service panels, gas or plumbing lines, blasting, covered outdoor kitchens, gazebos, room additions, swimming pools, pool deck coatings, concrete driveways, load bearing walls, or perimeter fencing. Candidates should study the state scope carefully because classification limits are part of responsible contractor practice.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference covers federal OSHA standards for construction. It supports preparation for safety questions involving excavation, trenching, personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, equipment operation, and general jobsite hazards. This reference is allowed in the examination center.
• International Building Code, 2018
  This building code reference supports preparation for commercial construction code questions, including definitions, safety provisions, structural coordination, exterior work, and general building code navigation. This reference is allowed in the examination center.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  This residential code reference supports preparation for residential construction questions, including code organization, definitions, site-related construction provisions, and residential building requirements. This reference is allowed in the examination center.
• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
  This study reference supports preparation for underground utility marking, excavation awareness, safe digging practices, and Arizona Blue Stake procedures. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rules, 2009
  This study reference supports preparation for rules and regulations questions related to Arizona contractor responsibilities, licensing rules, and regulatory awareness. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Simplified Irrigation Design, 2nd Ed, 1995
  This irrigation reference supports preparation in irrigation layout, sprinkler systems, pipe sizing, water flow, pressure, valves, zones, emitters, and efficient system design. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Landscaping Principles and Practices, 2009
  This landscape reference supports preparation in landscape materials, plants, soil, site planning, installation practices, maintenance concepts, and general landscaping knowledge. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Landscape Construction, 2011
  This landscape construction reference supports preparation in grading, drainage, paving, retaining walls, sitework, irrigation coordination, decks, fences, and exterior construction methods. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This masonry reference supports preparation in brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry layout, wall construction, tools, materials, and masonry construction practices. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
  This stucco reference supports preparation in portland cement plaster materials, application methods, lath coordination, coats, curing, finishes, and plaster system practices. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Plastering Skills, 1984
  This plastering reference supports preparation in plastering tools, materials, surface preparation, application methods, finishes, workmanship practices, and plaster repair concepts. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This concrete construction reference supports preparation in concrete placement, finishing, curing, reinforcement coordination, joints, quality control, and construction practices. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports preparation in concrete materials, mixture design, admixtures, durability, curing, performance, and quality control. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.
• Fences & Retaining Walls (USED)
  This reference supports preparation in fence construction, retaining wall basics, layout, materials, posts, footings, drainage, wall stability concepts, and outdoor structure construction. This reference is included for study and is not allowed in the examination center.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are allowed in the examination center for the Arizona CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor trade exam:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Building Code, 2018
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018

The following references are included for study and are not allowed in the examination center:

• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rules, 2009
• Simplified Irrigation Design, 2nd Ed, 1995
• Landscaping Principles and Practices, 2009
• Landscape Construction, 2011
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
• Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual
• Plastering Skills, 1984
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
• Fences & Retaining Walls (USED)

Test Information and Study Materials

The Arizona CR-21 exam covers a practical mix of outdoor construction and irrigation system knowledge. Irrigation systems are the largest content area, so candidates should review system layout, pipe sizing, water pressure, valves, controllers, zones, backflow prevention, sprinkler heads, emitters, fittings, and installation practices. Candidates should also understand how irrigation systems connect to potable water lines and how excavation and trenching affect system installation.

Grading and drainage questions may involve slope, water movement, soil conditions, swales, site preparation, backfill, trenching, compaction, and surface drainage. Hardscaping work depends heavily on proper base preparation and drainage, especially for patios, walkways, pavers, walls, and outdoor structures. Low voltage electricity should be studied in relation to landscape lighting, controllers, wiring practices, and outdoor system coordination within the classification’s limits.

Masonry, plastering, and concrete topics require focused review. Candidates should study brick, block, stone, mortar, stucco, plaster applications, concrete mixtures, placement, curing, finishing, joints, and quality control. Fences and retaining walls may include layout, posts, materials, supports, wall height limitations, drainage, and construction sequencing. Rules and regulations questions require attention to Arizona contractor responsibilities and classification limits.

Safety should be studied through OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Candidates should review trenching and excavation safety, personal protective equipment, hazard recognition, ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, and general safe work practices. Even though safety is a smaller portion of the exam outline, safety knowledge is important for both testing and field work.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor license candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practical reference navigation, and structured exam preparation. For the Arizona Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-21) Exam, that means helping students understand the content outline, identify approved exam-room books, study the trade references, and build confidence with the topics most likely to appear on the test.

Open book exams require more than bringing books to the examination center. Candidates need to know which books are allowed, how the books are organized, and where key information is located. 1 Exam Prep supports students with a preparation approach that emphasizes subject recognition, reference familiarity, and steady practice.

Many CR-21 candidates already have hands-on experience in irrigation, hardscaping, concrete, masonry, fencing, grading, or landscape construction. The exam requires that field knowledge to be applied in a timed testing environment. A structured study plan can help candidates connect real-world experience with exam-style questions and improve comfort with open book navigation.

This Arizona CR-21 exam book package gives candidates the reference foundation needed to prepare for irrigation systems, grading and drainage, low voltage electricity, masonry, plastering, concrete, fences, retaining walls, rules, general knowledge, and safety. With the correct books and consistent study, candidates can approach exam day with a clearer plan and stronger preparation.

FAQ Section

Is the Arizona CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona CR-21 trade exam is an open book test, but only specific approved references are allowed in the examination center.

Which books are allowed in the exam room for the Arizona CR-21 exam?

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

Are all books in this CR-21 package allowed into the testing center?

No. OSHA, the 2018 International Building Code, and the 2018 International Residential Code are allowed in the examination center. The other books in this package are study references and are not allowed in the exam room.

How many questions are on the Arizona CR-21 trade exam?

The Arizona CR-21 trade exam includes 75 questions. Candidates are allowed 180 minutes to complete the exam, and the minimum passing score is 70%.

What subjects are covered on the Arizona CR-21 exam?

The exam covers irrigation systems, grading and drainage, low voltage electricity, masonry, plastering, concrete, fences and retaining walls, rules and regulations, general knowledge, and safety.

Can I highlight and tab my approved books before the exam?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the exam session. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary removable tabs are not allowed.

Can I write in my books during the exam?

No. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the examination session. All book preparation must be completed before the exam begins.

Who administers the Arizona CR-21 contractor trade exam?

The Arizona CR-21 trade exam is administered through PSI for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

What type of work is connected to the Arizona CR-21 classification?

The CR-21 classification is connected to hardscaping and irrigation systems work, including certain non-loadbearing concrete, patios, walkways, pavers, gravel driveways, wooden decks within height limits, decorative garden walls, fences, screens, retaining walls within classification limits, low voltage landscape lighting, water features not attached to swimming pools, and irrigation systems.

Why should I study books that are not allowed in the exam room?

Study-only references help build the trade knowledge behind the exam. Irrigation, landscaping, masonry, plastering, concrete, fences, retaining walls, rules, and Arizona Blue Stake topics may be tested even when the related study reference is not allowed in the testing center.