Nevada Commercial And Residential Pools Contractor (A-10) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada Commercial and Residential Pools Contractor (A-10) examination with a comprehensive exam book package organized around pool and spa construction, circulation systems, maintenance, concrete and shotcrete, design, soils, excavation, safety, business requirements, and applicable Nevada regulations. This package combines the approved exam-room code reference with the technical study materials used to prepare for the broad range of subjects covered by the Nevada A-10 trade examination.

The Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools classification covers the construction, alteration, and repair of commercial and residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment. Candidates pursuing the full A-10 classification should prepare for both residential and commercial pool construction concepts rather than focusing on only one type of installation.

The approved exam-room reference included in this package is the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018. Because the Nevada A-10 examination is open book, candidates should become familiar with this code before test day and practice finding relevant requirements efficiently.

The package also includes technical study references covering excavation, shotcrete, concrete, asphalt pavement design, pool maintenance, commercial and residential pool standards, public and residential spas, Nevada health regulations, pool and spa operation, Nevada contractor business requirements, Clark County pool requirements, and equipment standards. These additional books support preparation but are not allowed into the A-10 trade examination.

A strong A-10 preparation plan combines code navigation with technical knowledge. Candidates should understand filtration and circulation, pool and spa operation, equipment, concrete and shotcrete construction, design, soils, excavation, maintenance, safety, and applicable regulations while also knowing when a specific exam question requires a lookup in the approved code.

Exam Details

The Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools trade examination is administered through PSI for candidates authorized to test through the Nevada State Contractors Board.

• Exam: Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 75
• Time Allowed: 2.5 hours
• Minimum Passing Score: 53 correct answers

The examination content is divided into the following subject areas:

• Filtration/Circulation Systems: 12 questions
• Maintenance and Operation: 12 questions
• Accessories and Associated Trades: 8 questions
• Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules: 3 questions
• Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite: 15 questions
• Design: 16 questions
• Soils and Earthwork: 9 questions

Design is the largest examination category with 16 questions. Candidates should understand pool and spa layout, dimensions, circulation relationships, equipment considerations, structural concepts, accessibility of components, hydraulic relationships, and practical design factors associated with commercial and residential installations.

Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite accounts for 15 questions. Candidates should review concrete placement, shotcrete application, reinforcement relationships, preparation, curing, finishing, construction quality, and practices used in pool shells and related structures.

Filtration/Circulation Systems and Maintenance and Operation each account for 12 questions. These categories require familiarity with pumps, filters, circulation, water movement, equipment, operational considerations, maintenance practices, and the systems used to keep pools and spas operating properly.

Soils and Earthwork represents nine questions. Candidates should understand excavation, site conditions, soil considerations, grading relationships, preparation, and other earthwork concepts that affect pool construction.

Accessories and Associated Trades accounts for eight questions. Candidates should review equipment and related construction activities that interact with the pool or spa installation.

Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules accounts for three questions. Candidates should understand applicable regulatory concepts associated with Nevada pool and spa contracting.

Open Book Test

The Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools trade examination is an open-book test. The exam-room-approved reference included in this package is:

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018

Candidates should work with this reference throughout preparation. The approved code can be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used, while temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed.

The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code supports code-based preparation involving pool and spa systems, construction requirements, circulation, equipment, safety provisions, and related requirements. Candidates should become familiar with the organization of the book and practice locating topics under realistic time limits.

The following books included in this package are not allowed into the A-10 trade examination:

• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
• MS-10: The Design of Asphalt Pavement Structures, Asphalt Institute
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features
• ANSI/NSPI-1 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, 2014
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2025
• ANSI/NSPI-2 Standard for Public Spas, 1999
• ANSI/NSPI-3 - Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
• Nevada Admin Code Chapter 444
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
• Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada
• Clark County NV Swimming Pool Code
• NSF International Standard 50, 2008

These study references are important for preparation even though they cannot be taken into the A-10 trade examination. Candidates should use them to build knowledge that can be recalled without reference assistance on test day.

Licensing Steps

The Nevada State Contractors Board regulates the A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools classification. Passing the A-10 examination is one component of the complete Nevada contractor licensing process.

1. Confirm the A-10 classification. Determine that Commercial and Residential Pools matches the contracting work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. Designate the person who will satisfy applicable experience and examination requirements.
3. Document qualifying experience. Prepare records showing relevant pool and spa construction, alteration, repair, equipment, excavation, concrete, circulation-system, and related experience.
4. Prepare the Nevada contractor license application. Gather business information, qualifier information, experience documentation, financial information, and required supporting materials.
5. Submit the application. The Nevada State Contractors Board reviews the applicant's qualifications before examination eligibility is established.
6. Complete applicable background requirements. Follow required disclosure, fingerprint, and background procedures.
7. Meet financial responsibility requirements. Provide the financial documentation required for the requested Nevada contractor license.
8. Receive examination eligibility. Candidates who must test can proceed after authorization is issued.
9. Schedule the A-10 examination through PSI. Arrange the Commercial and Residential Pools trade examination after eligibility has been established.
10. Prepare for the A-10 trade examination. Review design, concrete and shotcrete, filtration, circulation, maintenance, operation, earthwork, accessories, business rules, and code navigation.
11. Prepare for Nevada contractor management requirements. Nevada applicants generally must also satisfy applicable business and law or contractor management examination requirements unless an authorized waiver applies.
12. Complete required examinations. Satisfy applicable trade and management testing requirements.
13. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Address applicable bonding, financial responsibility, consumer-protection requirements for residential pool and spa work, background procedures, and other Nevada State Contractors Board requirements.

State Requirements

The Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools classification authorizes the construction, alteration, and repair of commercial and residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment.

The classification includes several related sub-subclassifications covering residential pools, residential spas, pool and spa repair, fiberglass pools and spas, maintenance and repair of pools and spas, and qualifying water and gas service-line work associated with residential pools and spas.

Pool and spa work can involve layout, excavation, structural preparation, concrete or shotcrete construction, piping, circulation equipment, filtration, heaters, decks, finishes, controls, and other components necessary for a complete installation.

Residential pool and spa contractors in Nevada are also subject to additional consumer-protection requirements. These requirements operate alongside the general contractor licensing rules and are important for businesses performing residential pool and spa work.

For the standard Nevada contractor licensing pathway, the qualifying individual generally must document at least four years of qualifying experience within the applicable experience period required by the Nevada State Contractors Board.

Qualifying experience should relate directly to the requested classification. Applicants should maintain organized records describing the work performed, responsibilities held, systems constructed or repaired, and the period during which the experience was obtained.

Reference Books

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018
  Approved exam-room reference supporting code preparation for commercial and residential pool and spa construction, equipment, systems, and safety requirements.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Study reference supporting excavation, trenching, piping, backfilling, and related construction concepts. This book is not allowed into the A-10 trade examination.
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
  Study reference supporting shotcrete materials, preparation, placement, application, construction quality, and practices relevant to pool construction. This book is not allowed into the examination.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  Study reference supporting concrete materials, placement, quality, curing, construction practices, and related pool-shell concepts. This book is not allowed into the examination.
• MS-10: The Design of Asphalt Pavement Structures, Asphalt Institute
  Study reference supporting pavement and surface-design concepts relevant to associated site construction. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features
  Study reference supporting pool and spa maintenance, operation, water features, equipment, and practical service concepts. This book is not allowed into the examination.
• ANSI/NSPI-1 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, 2014
  Study reference addressing public swimming pool standards and design considerations. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2025
  Study reference supporting residential inground swimming pool design and construction concepts. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• ANSI/NSPI-2 Standard for Public Spas, 1999
  Study reference covering public spa requirements and related design and operation concepts. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• ANSI/NSPI-3 - Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
  Study reference supporting permanently installed residential spa construction and design concepts. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• Nevada Admin Code Chapter 444
  Study reference supporting Nevada regulatory requirements related to public health and pool or spa operations. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
  Study reference supporting filtration, circulation, operation, maintenance, water treatment, and pool and spa management concepts. This book is not allowed into the examination.
• Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada
  Study reference supporting Nevada contractor management and business-law preparation. This book is not allowed into the A-10 trade examination.
• Clark County NV Swimming Pool Code
  Study reference supporting pool requirements applicable within Clark County. This reference is not allowed into the examination.
• NSF International Standard 50, 2008
  Study reference addressing equipment used with pools, spas, hot tubs, and other recreational water systems. This reference is not allowed into the examination.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018
  This is the approved reference included for use during the Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools trade examination.

The remaining books in this package are study materials and are not allowed into the A-10 trade examination. Candidates should use them throughout preparation so important technical concepts can be understood and recalled without reference assistance.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong A-10 study strategy should reflect the examination weighting. Design and Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite together account for 31 of the 75 questions, making those areas a major priority.

Prioritize design. Review pool and spa layout, dimensions, circulation relationships, construction planning, equipment considerations, and technical design principles.

Study concrete and shotcrete. Review pool-shell construction, concrete quality, shotcrete placement, reinforcement relationships, curing, finishing, and construction practices.

Strengthen filtration and circulation knowledge. Understand pumps, filters, circulation, piping, equipment relationships, and the movement of water through pool and spa systems.

Review maintenance and operation. Study equipment operation, routine maintenance, filtration, circulation, water-system management, and practical pool and spa service concepts.

Prepare for soils and earthwork. Review excavation, soil conditions, grading, preparation, and site-work principles that affect pool construction.

Study accessories and associated trades. Understand the relationship between the pool installation and associated components, systems, and construction activities.

Practice code navigation. Use the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code regularly so you can locate relevant requirements efficiently during the open-book examination.

Use timed practice. Candidates have 2.5 hours for 75 questions. Timed study helps develop a realistic exam pace and better decisions about when a code lookup is necessary.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The A-10 examination covers a wide range of subjects, including design, concrete, shotcrete, filtration, circulation, maintenance, operation, excavation, soils, business rules, and equipment. Organized preparation helps candidates divide this material into manageable study areas.

Reference-navigation preparation focuses on the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code because it is the approved reference candidates can use during the trade examination. Regular practice can help candidates locate code requirements more efficiently.

The additional study references provide technical depth beyond the approved code. They support preparation involving excavation, concrete, shotcrete, pool maintenance, commercial and residential pool standards, spa requirements, Nevada regulations, equipment, and business-law concepts.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates identify weaker areas. A candidate with extensive pool-construction experience may need additional code-navigation or business-rule study, while another may need more review of design, soils, concrete, circulation systems, or maintenance.

By combining the approved exam-room code with a broad technical reference package, structured study, and practice-focused preparation, 1 Exam Prep helps candidates build an organized approach to the Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools Contractor examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are included in the Nevada A-10 Exam Book Package?

The package includes the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 plus the listed technical study references covering excavation, shotcrete, concrete, pool maintenance, standards, Nevada regulations, pool operation, business law, Clark County requirements, and equipment standards.

Is the Nevada A-10 examination open book?

Yes. The Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools examination is an open-book test using the approved reference.

Which book is allowed into the A-10 trade examination?

The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 is the approved exam-room reference.

Are the other books in the package allowed into the exam?

No. The remaining listed books are study references and are not allowed into the A-10 trade examination.

How many questions are on the Nevada A-10 exam?

The examination contains 75 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 53 correct answers out of 75 questions.

What is the largest A-10 exam category?

Design is the largest individual category with 16 questions, followed by Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite with 15 questions.

What does the Nevada A-10 classification cover?

The classification covers construction, alteration, and repair of commercial and residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment.

Can the approved code book be highlighted or tabbed?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam, and permanent tabs may be used. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed.

Why are so many study references included if they cannot be taken into the exam?

The study-only references provide technical preparation in design, concrete, shotcrete, excavation, maintenance, standards, regulations, circulation systems, equipment, and business concepts that candidates should understand before testing.

Does passing the A-10 exam automatically issue a Nevada contractor license?

No. Passing the trade exam is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy applicable experience, management, financial responsibility, bonding, background, consumer-protection, and other Nevada State Contractors Board requirements.

Who is this package best for?

This package is best for candidates preparing for the full Nevada A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools examination who want the approved exam-room code along with the broader technical references used for comprehensive pool and spa contractor preparation.