Arizona Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor (R-17) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor (R-17) Exam Book Package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, residential structural steel erectors, aluminum erection professionals, ironworkers, welders, rigging personnel, crane and hoisting personnel, field supervisors, and business owners preparing for the Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum contractor trade exam. This package brings together the key references used to study structural steel and aluminum materials, residential erection practices, rigging, cranes, welding, cutting, steel joists, steel deck, bolted connections, commercial construction principles, and OSHA construction safety.

The R-17 classification is a residential structural steel and aluminum contractor classification in Arizona. This classification is connected to field fabrication, erection, repair, and alteration of architectural and structural steel and aluminum materials common to the industry. The scope includes field layout, cutting, assembly, and erection by welding, bolting, wire tying, or riveting. Candidates preparing for this exam should understand both the technical and safety responsibilities involved in residential structural steel and aluminum work.

Residential structural steel and aluminum work may involve beams, columns, lintels, supports, structural frames, steel joists, deck components, aluminum assemblies, welded connections, bolted connections, and field modifications. Even on residential projects, the work may require cranes, rigging equipment, welding and cutting tools, fall protection planning, temporary stability, and careful coordination with other trades.

This exam book package supports preparation for the major exam categories by combining OSHA construction safety standards with trade references covering mobile cranes, rigging, welding, commercial construction methods, steel joists, steel deck, and high-strength bolting. The Arizona R-17 exam tests materials, rigging, steel erection, attachment, welding and cutting, and safety. Candidates should use the full book package to build trade knowledge and prepare for the type of questions asked on the exam.

The Arizona R-17 exam allows only the approved OSHA reference into the examination center. The other references in this package are important study materials used to prepare for the test, but they are not allowed in the exam room. Because of that, preparation should include strong review of the study-only books before exam day and fast navigation practice with the approved OSHA reference.

Exam Details

The Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor trade exam contains 50 questions. Candidates must earn a minimum passing score of 70%, and the time allowed for the exam is 120 minutes.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• Materials
• Rigging
• Steel Erection
• Attachment
• Welding and Cutting
• Safety

Materials questions may involve structural steel shapes, aluminum materials, steel joists, joist girders, steel deck, bolts, weld materials, connectors, field identification, handling, storage, and protection of materials. Candidates should understand how structural and architectural steel and aluminum materials are used in residential construction and how material selection affects handling, assembly, and installation.

Rigging questions may involve cranes, hoisting, slings, hitches, shackles, hooks, load angles, center of gravity, load control, hand signals, inspection awareness, and safe lifting procedures. Structural steel and aluminum members can be heavy, awkward, and difficult to control, so rigging fundamentals are important for both exam preparation and field safety.

Steel erection questions may involve layout, sequencing, columns, beams, steel joists, joist girders, decking, bracing, temporary stability, alignment, field assembly, erection planning, and coordination with other construction activities. Candidates should understand how erection work is planned and completed safely while maintaining stability during the process.

Attachment questions may involve bolting, welding, riveting, wire tying, structural joints, high-strength bolts, joint preparation, bolt installation methods, deck fastening, joist connections, and inspection awareness. Welding and cutting questions may involve welding processes, cutting methods, joint preparation, weld safety, electrodes, welding symbols, and basic field welding procedures.

Safety questions may involve OSHA construction standards, fall protection concepts, steel erection safety, crane and hoisting safety, personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, material handling, welding and cutting hazards, tools, elevated work, and safe residential jobsite practices.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor (R-17) Exam is an open-book test, but only one approved reference is allowed in the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference. The testing center does not provide the reference material.

The approved exam-room reference is:

• 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

The following references are listed for study but are not allowed in the examination center:

• ASME B30.5-2007, Mobile and Locomotive Cranes, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Handbook of Rigging, 5th Edition, 2009
• Modern Welding, 2013
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
• Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, 2004

Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the exam. The approved OSHA reference 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 are not allowed with the approved reference. This includes loose papers and attached papers. 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.

Downloaded reference materials may be brought into the testing center only when properly bound. Spiral binding or hole-punching and placing the material in a binder are acceptable binding methods. Candidates should prepare the approved OSHA reference before test day so it meets testing-center rules.

Because only OSHA is allowed into the exam room, candidates should study the other references thoroughly before the exam. The study-only books help build the field knowledge needed for materials, rigging, structural steel erection, aluminum erection, welding, cutting, steel joists, steel deck, and structural bolting questions. The approved OSHA reference should be organized for fast safety lookup during the test.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A candidate pursuing the R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor classification should review the current state licensing 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 also need to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, which covers state-specific contractor laws, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

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

Applicants should apply for the classification that matches the work they intend to perform. The R-17 classification is a residential structural steel and aluminum classification. Contractors who plan to perform commercial structural steel and aluminum work or dual residential/commercial work should review the available Arizona classifications and choose the appropriate licensing path.

Passing the trade exam does not automatically issue a contractor license. The exam supports the trade competency portion of the process, but the license is issued only after the Arizona Registrar of Contractors approves the complete application for the applicable classification.

State Requirements

Arizona uses contractor license classifications to define the type of work a contractor may legally contract for and perform. The R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum classification allows residential work involving field fabrication, erection, repair, and alteration of architectural and structural steel and aluminum materials common to the industry.

The scope includes field layout, cutting, assembly, and erection by welding, bolting, wire tying, or riveting. This makes the R-17 classification relevant for residential contractors who work with structural steel supports, aluminum structural components, steel joists, joist girders, steel deck, bolted connections, welded connections, field assembly, erection-related repair, and alteration work within the classification scope.

Contractors should stay within the scope of the license issued to them. Structural steel and aluminum work can overlap with welding, crane operation, rigging, concrete, reinforcing steel, metal building systems, structural engineering, decking, general contracting, and specialty installation work. Contractors should understand the limits of the R-17 classification before bidding or performing work and should use properly licensed subcontractors when work falls outside the classification scope.

Residential structural steel and aluminum projects may involve coordination with homeowners, builders, general contractors, structural engineers, architects, crane operators, welders, steel fabricators, inspectors, suppliers, and other trades. Projects may require field measurements, lift planning, job hazard analysis, structural drawings, erection sequencing, bolting inspection, weld inspection, fall protection planning, temporary stability control, and careful protection of the surrounding residence or property.

The exam book package supports study for the trade exam, while the state licensing process is handled separately through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Applicants should follow the state process for application timing, examination requirements, bonding, entity documentation, and final license approval.

Reference Books

This Arizona Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor (R-17) Exam Book Package includes the following references:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference covers federal construction industry safety standards. It supports preparation for safety-related questions involving steel erection, fall protection concepts, cranes, rigging, welding and cutting, personal protective equipment, scaffolds, ladders, material handling, and safe jobsite practices. This is the approved reference allowed in the examination center.
• ASME B30.5-2007, Mobile and Locomotive Cranes, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  This crane standard supports study of mobile crane operation, setup, inspection, load handling, signaling, rated capacities, operating practices, and safety requirements used in steel and aluminum erection. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Handbook of Rigging, 5th Edition, 2009
  This rigging reference supports study of slings, hitches, shackles, hooks, hoisting equipment, load control, lifting angles, center of gravity, crane coordination, signals, and safe rigging practices. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Modern Welding, 2013
  This welding reference supports study of welding processes, cutting methods, joint preparation, electrodes, weld symbols, welding safety, metal properties, field welding procedures, and inspection awareness. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  This construction reference supports study of structural systems, construction sequencing, jobsite coordination, drawings, materials, equipment, project planning, and building practices useful for understanding steel and aluminum erection work. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This steel joist reference supports study of handling, storage, erection, bridging, stability, connections, installation sequence, safety, and field practices for steel joists and joist girders. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  This steel deck reference supports study of steel deck installation, attachment, handling, supports, fasteners, openings, side laps, field cutting, safety, and construction practices involving roof and floor deck systems. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, 2004
  This structural bolting reference supports study of high-strength bolts, joint types, installation methods, pretensioning, turn-of-nut concepts, washers, nuts, surface conditions, inspection awareness, and structural connection requirements. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparation for the Arizona R-17 exam should begin with the exam content outline. The exam covers materials, rigging, steel erection, attachment, welding and cutting, and safety. Candidates should build a study plan that balances trade knowledge with OSHA reference navigation.

For materials, candidates should study common steel and aluminum shapes, steel joists, joist girders, steel deck, fasteners, welding materials, fabrication terminology, construction drawings, and structural systems. The construction reference can help candidates understand the role of steel and aluminum erection within the larger building process.

For rigging, candidates should study the Handbook of Rigging and ASME B30.5. Important topics include load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, hardware selection, hitches, crane setup, crane capacity awareness, communication, signaling, inspection, and safe hoisting. Structural steel and aluminum erection often depends on accurate rigging judgment, so this topic should receive focused study time.

For steel erection, candidates should review erection sequencing, temporary stability, column and beam placement, bracing, joists, joist girders, decking, alignment, plumbness, connections, and safe access. Technical Digest No. 9 and the SDI Manual are especially helpful for studying joist, joist girder, and steel deck work.

For attachment, candidates should study high-strength bolting, structural joints, deck fasteners, welds, wire tying, rivets, connection preparation, bolt tightening, joint inspection, and field installation practices. The structural joint specification is important for understanding ASTM A325 and A490 bolt requirements.

For welding and cutting, candidates should study Modern Welding. Important topics include welding processes, cutting equipment, joint preparation, weld positions, welding symbols, filler metals, base metals, safety, ventilation awareness, fire prevention, and field welding practice.

For residential applications, candidates should consider how structural steel and aluminum work may be performed in tighter spaces, around occupied properties, near finished surfaces, or as part of remodels, additions, repairs, and structural upgrades. Residential work may still require crane coordination, rigging plans, safe access, and careful communication with other trades.

For OSHA safety, candidates should become familiar with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Structural steel and aluminum work may involve falls, cranes, rigging, elevated work platforms, welding and cutting, sharp materials, hoisting, bolting, decking, open sides, ladders, scaffolds, and material handling. Since OSHA is the only approved exam-room reference, candidates should organize it carefully and practice locating safety information quickly.

Strong preparation includes reading each study reference, marking important OSHA sections with permanent tabs, reviewing the exam content outline, and practicing timed questions. With 50 questions and 120 minutes, candidates should manage time carefully and avoid spending too long on any single question.

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 Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor (R-17) Exam, preparation should include structural steel trade knowledge, aluminum erection awareness, rigging fundamentals, welding and cutting review, bolting knowledge, steel joist and deck study, and efficient use of the approved OSHA reference.

This exam covers practical structural steel and aluminum subjects, including materials, rigging, steel erection, attachment, welding and cutting, and safety. 1 Exam Prep helps students organize preparation around the actual exam categories instead of studying randomly.

For this open-book exam, reference navigation still matters because OSHA is allowed in the examination center. Candidates should know how to move through OSHA quickly for safety-related questions. The study-only books in the package help build the field knowledge needed for structural materials, cranes, rigging, welding, construction methods, steel joists, steel deck, and bolted connection questions.

1 Exam Prep supports students by encouraging practical preparation habits. That includes reviewing the exam outline, reading the references, organizing the approved OSHA book, practicing timed lookups, and strengthening weak areas before test day. The goal is to help candidates understand the materials and approach the Arizona contractor exam process with a clearer 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 structural steel and aluminum trade content tested on the exam.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum Exam Book Package?

This package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, ASME B30.5-2007 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes, Handbook of Rigging 5th Edition, Modern Welding 2013, Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction 11th Edition, Technical Digest No. 9 Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, and Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts 2004.

Is the Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum Residential Contractor exam is an open-book test, but only the approved OSHA reference may be brought into the examination center.

Which book is allowed in the R-17 exam room?

The approved exam-room reference is 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.

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

No. ASME B30.5, Handbook of Rigging, Modern Welding, Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, Technical Digest No. 9, the SDI Manual, and the structural bolting specification are study-only references and are not allowed in the examination center.

How many questions are on the Arizona R-17 exam?

The Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum exam contains 50 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, and candidates are allowed 120 minutes.

What topics are covered on the Arizona R-17 exam?

The exam covers materials, rigging, steel erection, attachment, welding and cutting, and safety.

Can I highlight and tab my approved OSHA reference before the exam?

Yes. The approved OSHA reference may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, loose papers, attached papers, and writing in the book during the exam are not allowed.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Yes. Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the Arizona R-17 exam.

What work is covered by the Arizona R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum classification?

The R-17 classification covers residential field fabrication, erection, repair, and alteration of architectural and structural steel and aluminum materials common to the industry, including field layout, cutting, assembly, and erection by welding, bolting, wire tying, or riveting.

How should I study for the Arizona R-17 exam?

Start with the exam content outline, then study each topic using the appropriate reference. Focus on materials, rigging, steel erection, bolting, welding, cutting, steel joists, steel deck, crane safety, and OSHA construction safety. Organize the approved OSHA reference with permanent tabs and use the study-only books to build the trade knowledge needed for exam questions.