Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam Book Package is built for contractors, qualifying parties, masonry professionals, construction supervisors, and business owners preparing for Arizona’s masonry contractor trade exam. This package brings together important masonry, safety, building code, residential code, and masonry standards references used to study for the Arizona CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor exam.

Masonry contracting requires a strong understanding of brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, wall systems, jobsite layout, construction safety, restoration, cleaning, and code compliance. The Arizona CR-31 exam reflects that range of knowledge. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to work through both practical trade questions and reference-based questions involving masonry construction standards and building code requirements.

This book package supports preparation for the residential and commercial masonry trade exam by giving candidates the core materials needed to study the major exam content areas. The included references address OSHA construction safety, commercial building code requirements, residential code requirements, masonry structural standards, and practical masonry techniques. Together, these books help candidates build a stronger understanding of the technical and field knowledge needed for masonry work in Arizona.

The Arizona CR-31 exam is not simply a memory test. It is designed to measure whether a candidate understands masonry construction concepts and can use approved reference materials effectively. For an open-book contractor exam, the books are only useful when the candidate knows how to navigate them. That means preparation should include reading, tabbing, highlighting, indexing, and timed lookup practice with the references allowed in the examination center.

This Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam Book Package is especially useful for brick masons, block masons, stone masons, masonry repair contractors, chimney and fireplace professionals, retaining wall contractors, masonry supervisors, and construction business owners who want a focused study foundation for the Arizona CR-31 licensing path.

Exam Details

The Arizona CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor trade exam contains 60 questions. Candidates must earn a minimum passing score of 70%, and the time allowed for the exam is 150 minutes.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• Estimating and Plan Reading
• Unit Masonry
• Mortar and Grout
• Accessories and Specialties
• Tools
• Restoration and Cleaning
• Safety

The exam may include questions based on the reference materials listed for the examination, trade knowledge, and general masonry industry practices. Code questions are based on the specific code editions listed for the exam. For non-code references, later editions may be used as they become available, but candidates should pay close attention to the code editions required for code-based questions.

The masonry exam requires preparation across both technical and practical topics. Estimating and plan reading may include interpreting project information, understanding dimensions, recognizing masonry assemblies, and applying basic construction quantities. Unit masonry may include brick, block, stone, bond patterns, wall construction, reinforcement, openings, and masonry system installation. Mortar and grout questions may involve materials, mixing, placement, curing, joint treatment, and quality control.

Accessories and specialties may include anchors, ties, flashing, weeps, lintels, control joints, expansion joints, reinforcement, and related masonry components. Tools may include hand tools, power tools, masonry equipment, layout tools, cutting tools, scaffolding-related items, and proper use of equipment. Restoration and cleaning topics may include repair methods, cleaning techniques, protection of masonry surfaces, and maintaining finished work. Safety topics may include OSHA construction standards, hazard recognition, fall protection concepts, scaffolds, ladders, personal protective equipment, silica-related concerns, and safe jobsite practices.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam is an open-book test with specific rules about which references may be taken into the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the exam.

The current exam outline identifies the following reference materials as allowed in the examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments, or Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 Selections by PSI
• International Building Code, 2015 or 2018
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2015 or 2018
• ACI 530-08 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures

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. Loose papers, attached papers, and extra notes 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, including removable sticky notes or Post-It style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Modern Masonry is listed as a study reference that is not allowed in the examination center. It should be used before test day to build trade knowledge, strengthen understanding of brick, block, and stone construction, and support preparation for practical masonry questions.

Because the Arizona CR-31 exam is open book, preparation should include repeated practice with the approved references. Candidates should know where to locate masonry provisions, safety rules, residential requirements, commercial building code information, and structural masonry standards. Efficient book navigation can help reduce wasted time during the exam and improve confidence when answering reference-based questions.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A candidate pursuing the CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor classification should review the state’s current license classification requirements and application instructions before applying.

The qualifying party for the license must complete the applicable examination requirements for the classification. Arizona contractor applicants may be required to complete the trade-specific examination and the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam. The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam covers state-specific contractor laws, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

After the required examination process is completed, the applicant submits the contractor license application and required supporting documents to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The application process may involve business entity information, qualifying party information, bonding, financial responsibility, background-related forms, and other state-required documentation.

Applicants should apply for the classification that matches the work they intend to perform. The CR-31 classification is a dual residential and commercial classification, meaning it is connected to both residential and commercial masonry scopes. Contractors should operate only within the scope of the license issued to them.

The licensing path is separate from purchasing exam books. The book package supports exam preparation, while the actual license is issued only through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors after the applicant satisfies the state’s licensing requirements.

State Requirements

Arizona uses contractor license classifications to define the type of work a contractor may legally contract for and perform. The CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor classification is a dual classification tied to masonry work in both residential and commercial settings.

Masonry work can include a wide range of construction activities involving brick, block, stone, masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and related masonry assemblies. Candidates should understand that a contractor license classification determines the allowed scope of work. Work outside the issued classification may require a different license or additional specialty classification.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors regulates licensed contractors, processes applications, administers licensing requirements, and handles contractor compliance matters. Candidates preparing for the CR-31 exam should study the trade content while also preparing for any state rules examination requirement that applies to their application.

Because the CR-31 classification is connected to both residential and commercial masonry work, candidates should be comfortable with both residential code concepts and commercial building code concepts. Masonry contractors may encounter foundations, walls, veneers, chimneys, fireplaces, retaining walls, repair work, restoration work, reinforcement details, moisture control components, flashing, and structural masonry requirements.

Arizona candidates should also recognize that licensing, permitting, inspections, and project requirements can vary depending on the project type, location, and scope of work. The exam preparation process should be treated as one step in becoming properly licensed and ready to perform masonry contracting work in compliance with Arizona requirements.

Reference Books

This Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam Book Package includes the following references:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference covers federal safety standards for construction work. It supports preparation for safety-related masonry exam questions, including jobsite hazards, personal protective equipment, fall protection concepts, scaffolding, ladders, excavation safety, tools, and safe work practices.
• International Building Code, 2018
  This commercial building code reference supports preparation for building-code-related masonry questions. It is useful for studying code provisions related to commercial construction, structural systems, fire-resistance concepts, wall assemblies, openings, materials, and building safety requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  This residential code reference supports preparation for residential masonry construction questions. It is useful for reviewing code requirements connected to one- and two-family dwelling construction, foundations, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, weather protection, and residential safety provisions.
• ACI 530/530.1-13 (2011 or 2013): Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  This masonry standards reference covers masonry design and construction requirements, specification provisions, materials, quality assurance, reinforcement, structural masonry, grout, mortar, inspection concepts, and companion commentary used to understand masonry code requirements.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This practical masonry reference supports study of brick, block, and stone construction methods, tools, materials, layout, wall systems, mortar, grout, reinforcement, restoration, and field practices. It is especially useful for building trade knowledge before exam day.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparation for the Arizona CR-31 exam should begin with the exam content outline. The outline identifies the main subject areas and gives candidates a clear path for organizing study time. A balanced plan should include estimating and plan reading, unit masonry, mortar and grout, accessories and specialties, tools, restoration and cleaning, and safety.

For estimating and plan reading, candidates should practice interpreting construction documents, identifying masonry quantities, understanding measurements, and connecting plan details to field installation. Masonry estimating can involve unit counts, wall areas, openings, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessory materials. Strong plan-reading habits help candidates understand how masonry work is described before it is built.

For unit masonry, candidates should study brick, concrete masonry units, stone, bond patterns, coursing, alignment, anchorage, reinforcement, wall construction, veneers, and structural masonry concepts. Unit masonry is the largest subject area on the exam, so candidates should spend significant time reviewing both practical field procedures and code-related requirements.

Mortar and grout are central to masonry construction. Candidates should review mortar types, mixing, placement, joints, tooling, curing, grout spaces, reinforcement placement, consolidation, and quality concerns. Understanding how mortar and grout perform in masonry assemblies helps candidates answer both practical and reference-based questions.

Accessories and specialties can include ties, anchors, flashing, weeps, control joints, expansion joints, reinforcing steel, bond beams, lintels, cleanouts, and moisture management components. These items may appear small compared to masonry units, but they are essential to wall performance and code-compliant construction.

Tools and equipment preparation should include hand tools, cutting equipment, layout tools, levels, trowels, jointers, mixers, scaffolds, and safe tool use. Candidates should also understand how tool selection affects workmanship, productivity, and jobsite safety.

Restoration and cleaning topics may involve masonry repair, repointing, cleaning methods, stain removal, protection of adjacent surfaces, and preventing damage to finished masonry. Candidates should approach this area with both practical field knowledge and an understanding of proper cleaning and repair procedures.

Safety preparation should include OSHA construction requirements and masonry-specific hazards. Masonry work can involve lifting, cutting, silica exposure, scaffolding, ladders, falling objects, power tools, material handling, and site conditions. Since OSHA is one of the approved exam-room references, candidates should become familiar with its organization before test day.

The best study plan combines book familiarity with active practice. Candidates should highlight key sections, apply permanent tabs, use indexes, and practice locating information under timed conditions. With 60 questions and 150 minutes, time management matters. Some questions may require quick trade knowledge, while others may require careful reference lookup.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, reference navigation support, and confidence-building exam preparation structure. For the Arizona Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-31) Exam, preparation should include both masonry trade knowledge and efficient use of approved references.

Masonry candidates benefit from a clear study plan because the exam covers a wide range of topics. Estimating, plan reading, brickwork, blockwork, stonework, mortar, grout, accessories, restoration, tools, and safety all require attention. 1 Exam Prep helps students focus their preparation around the actual subject areas of the exam instead of studying randomly.

For open-book exams, reference navigation is one of the most important skills to develop. Candidates should know how to move through OSHA, the building code, the residential code, and masonry standards quickly. Organized highlighting, permanent tabs, and repeated lookup practice can help candidates feel more comfortable during the exam.

1 Exam Prep supports students by encouraging practical preparation habits. That includes reading the references, organizing the books, reviewing trade concepts, practicing with exam-style timing, and strengthening weak areas before test day. The goal is to help candidates approach the Arizona contractor exam process with a better understanding of the material and a more organized plan.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee passing, licensing approval, state approval, or exam outcomes. The value of preparation comes from consistent study, correct reference materials, and a focused approach to learning the masonry trade content tested on the exam.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona CR-31 Exam Book Package?

This package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, International Building Code 2018, International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings 2018, ACI 530/530.1-13 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries, and Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone by Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition.

Is the Arizona CR-31 masonry exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor exam is an open-book test, but only approved references may be taken into the examination center.

Which references are allowed in the CR-31 exam room?

The exam outline identifies OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the International Building Code, the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, and ACI 530-08 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures as approved exam-room references.

Is Modern Masonry allowed into the examination center?

No. Modern Masonry is listed as a study reference that is not allowed in the examination center. It should be used during preparation to build practical masonry trade knowledge before test day.

How many questions are on the Arizona CR-31 masonry exam?

The Arizona CR-31 Masonry Residential / Commercial Contractor trade exam contains 60 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, and candidates are allowed 150 minutes.

What topics are covered on the Arizona CR-31 exam?

The exam covers estimating and plan reading, unit masonry, mortar and grout, accessories and specialties, tools, restoration and cleaning, and safety.

Can I highlight and tab my books before the exam?

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, removable sticky notes, loose papers, and attached papers 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. Book preparation must be completed before arriving for the exam.

Who administers the Arizona CR-31 contractor exam?

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors contracts with PSI to conduct Arizona contractor trade examinations. Candidates use the state’s exam program to complete the required trade exam for the applicable classification.

How should I study for the Arizona CR-31 exam?

Start with the exam content outline, then study each subject area using the appropriate reference books. Spend extra time practicing with the approved exam-room references so you can quickly locate safety, code, and masonry standards information during the open-book exam.