Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) examination with a comprehensive book package built around the technical references and construction subjects associated with Nevada's General Engineering contractor classification. This package combines the references permitted inside the examination room with supplemental study books covering concrete, reinforcing steel, OSHA safety, underground piping, excavation, welding, paving, pipefitting, utility marking, steel joists, post-tensioning, concrete pipe installation, and electrical transmission work.

The Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) examination covers a wide range of heavy civil, infrastructure, utility, pipeline, paving, excavation, concrete, steel, and construction-safety topics. Candidates need broad technical knowledge as well as the ability to recognize which reference or trade concept applies to a particular question.

The exam-room references included in this package are Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Bureau of Water Pollution Control, Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23, ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018, and NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018.

The package also includes supplemental references that support preparation but are not allowed inside the examination center. These books expand study into concrete construction, reinforcing bars, OSHA requirements, ductile iron pipe, excavation, pipe welding, Nevada road and bridge construction, asphalt paving, pipefitting, Nevada One Call requirements, steel joist erection, post-tensioning, concrete pipe installation, and electrical transmission line work.

Because most of the supplemental references cannot be used during the exam, candidates should study them for understanding and retention rather than relying on them as test-day lookup tools. The three exam-room references should be approached differently: candidates should learn their organization, terminology, indexes, tables, and major sections so they can use them efficiently when a technical lookup is necessary.

What You Get

• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Bureau of Water Pollution Control, Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23 — included as an exam-room reference.
• ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018 — included as an exam-room reference.
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018 — included as an exam-room reference.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Pipe Welding Procedures, 2003 — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, Nevada Department of Transportation, 2001 — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Handbook — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Pipefitter's Handbook — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law — supplemental study material; not allowed inside the exam.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation, 2019 — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook — supplemental study reference; not allowed inside the exam.

Exam Details

The Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) trade examination contains 100 questions. Candidates are allowed 3 hours to complete the exam, and the minimum passing score is 70 correct answers.

The examination covers the following subject areas:

• Sewers: 4 questions
• Water and Piping: 11 questions
• Gas and Liquid Fuel Piping: 12 questions
• Paving: 12 questions
• Excavation, Compaction and Grading: 12 questions
• Safety: 7 questions
• Steel: 6 questions
• Piles: 4 questions
• Concrete: 14 questions
• Traffic Control: 3 questions
• Welding: 6 questions
• Nevada One-Call: 3 questions
• Electrical Transmission Lines: 6 questions

The broad content outline reflects the nature of General Engineering work. Candidates need to prepare for underground utilities, piping systems, fuel systems, paving operations, grading, concrete, steel, welding, excavation safety, traffic control, and infrastructure construction rather than focusing on a single trade.

Open Book Test

The Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) examination is an open-book test with specific approved references.

The exam-room references included in this package are:

• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Bureau of Water Pollution Control, Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23
• ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018

The remaining books in the package are study references and are not allowed inside the examination center. Candidates should use those books to develop trade knowledge before testing and practice answering questions from memory after reviewing the material.

Open-book preparation should include regular navigation practice with the approved references. For gas transmission and distribution questions, candidates should become comfortable working through ASME B31.8. Questions involving flammable and combustible liquids should direct attention toward NFPA 30. Nevada water pollution control topics may require familiarity with WTS-22 and WTS-23.

Being allowed to use a reference does not eliminate the need to understand the subject. Candidates who know what type of requirement they are looking for can usually navigate a technical reference more effectively than candidates who attempt to search for every answer from scratch.

Licensing Steps

The Nevada General Engineering trade examination is one part of the contractor licensing process. Applicants must complete the applicable licensing requirements in addition to preparing for the trade exam.

1. Determine that the General Engineering classification fits the intended work. Review the type of infrastructure, utility, civil, or engineering construction the business plans to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. The contractor application must designate the person responsible for providing the applicable trade qualification.
3. Prepare experience documentation. Organize qualifying work history that demonstrates experience related to the requested General Engineering classification.
4. Complete the Nevada contractor license application. Provide the required business, qualifying individual, experience, financial, and supporting information.
5. Submit the application for review. Examination eligibility is established through the Nevada contractor licensing process.
6. Prepare for the General Engineering examination. Study piping, concrete, paving, excavation, grading, welding, steel, safety, Nevada One Call, and the other subjects included in the examination outline.
7. Complete applicable examinations. Satisfy the examinations required for the contractor license application unless an authorized waiver applies.
8. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Finish all other applicable requirements before the contractor license is issued.

State Requirements

Nevada's General Engineering contractor classification applies to large-scale engineering and infrastructure construction rather than conventional building construction alone. Work associated with the classification can involve highways, roads, utilities, pipelines, grading, paving, water systems, sewer systems, industrial facilities, power-related infrastructure, foundations, and other engineering projects.

The examination reflects this broad scope by testing technical knowledge across multiple civil and industrial construction areas. Candidates should be comfortable moving between topics such as concrete placement, pipeline systems, welding, excavation, paving, reinforcing steel, utility protection, and safety.

The qualifying individual is responsible for establishing the trade qualification associated with the application. The Nevada contractor licensing process also includes requirements beyond the trade exam, including application review and other applicable licensing requirements.

Passing the trade examination does not by itself create a contractor license. Candidates should prepare for the examination while also keeping the overall licensing process moving forward.

Reference Books

• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Bureau of Water Pollution Control, Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23
  These Nevada-specific materials support preparation involving wastewater and water pollution control requirements relevant to General Engineering work. They are included as approved exam-room references.
• ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018
  This code addresses gas transmission and distribution piping systems, including design, materials, construction, welding, testing, inspection, operation, and safety. It is included as an approved exam-room reference.
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018
  This code addresses the storage, handling, use, and protection requirements associated with flammable and combustible liquids. It is included as an approved exam-room reference.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This study reference supports preparation involving concrete materials, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, quality control, and field construction practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This reference supports study of reinforcing steel placement, bar supports, detailing, splices, development, handling, and field installation practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference supports preparation for excavation, fall protection, scaffolds, equipment, personal protective equipment, tools, and other jobsite safety requirements. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
  This study reference supports underground piping preparation involving handling, installation, joining, bedding, alignment, and related ductile iron pipe practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This reference supports preparation involving excavation, trenching, pipe installation, grading, backfill, equipment, and sitework. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Pipe Welding Procedures, 2003
  This reference supports study of pipe welding methods, procedures, joint preparation, welding positions, and field practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, Nevada Department of Transportation, 2001
  This Nevada-specific reference supports preparation involving roadway, paving, materials, construction methods, and road and bridge specifications. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Handbook
  This reference supports preparation involving asphalt materials, paving operations, compaction, placement, quality, and field paving practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Pipefitter's Handbook
  This study reference supports pipefitting preparation involving pipe dimensions, fittings, layout, measurements, calculations, and related field information. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law
  This material supports preparation involving excavation notification, underground utility marking, damage prevention, and Nevada One Call responsibilities. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This reference supports study of steel joist handling, erection, placement, stability, and jobsite procedures. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  This reference supports preparation involving post-tensioning terminology, tendon placement, anchorage, stressing, handling, and field practices. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation, 2019
  This reference supports preparation involving concrete pipe and box culvert handling, bedding, installation, joining, backfill, and field construction. It is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook
  This study reference supports preparation involving electrical transmission and distribution systems, line work, equipment, and utility construction concepts. It is not allowed inside the examination center.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection: Bureau of Water Pollution Control, Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23
  Nevada-specific water pollution control reference material approved for exam-room use.
• ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018
  Approved exam-room reference for gas transmission and distribution piping systems.
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018
  Approved exam-room reference for flammable and combustible liquid requirements.

The other books included in this package are supplemental study references and should be used to build technical knowledge before the examination.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Nevada General Engineering study strategy should follow the examination outline. Concrete is one of the largest subject areas, so candidates should dedicate meaningful study time to concrete materials, reinforcing steel, placement, curing, quality, and construction practices.

Paving and excavation, compaction, and grading also make up significant portions of the examination. Review asphalt paving operations, site preparation, excavation safety, trenching, backfill, grading methods, compaction, underground utilities, and equipment practices.

Gas and liquid fuel piping preparation should include regular use of ASME B31.8 and NFPA 30. Practice identifying whether a question involves gas transmission and distribution or flammable and combustible liquid requirements before choosing a reference.

Water and piping preparation should include ductile iron pipe, concrete pipe, pipe installation, excavation, fittings, and general utility construction practices. Welding preparation should include pipe welding terminology, procedures, joint preparation, and common field methods.

Safety should be reviewed through OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 even though the OSHA reference is not allowed into the exam. Study excavation hazards, fall protection, equipment safety, personal protective equipment, material handling, and other common heavy-construction hazards.

Nevada One Call should be studied for utility-location and excavation-notification concepts. Because this reference is not available during the exam, candidates should learn the key responsibilities and procedures before test day.

Electrical transmission line preparation should include the concepts supported by the Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook. Candidates should also review steel erection, piles, traffic control, post-tensioning, and reinforcing bars as part of a balanced study routine.

For study-only books, use active recall. Review a section, close the book, answer practice questions without assistance, and return to the reference only after attempting the question. This helps convert study material into knowledge that can be used during the closed-reference portions of the exam.

For the three approved exam-room references, practice timed navigation. Identify the subject, select the correct reference, locate the applicable section, and confirm the answer without spending excessive time searching.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada General Engineering Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and structured study across the broad technical subjects associated with the A classification.

This General Engineering Exam Book Package brings together exam-room references and supplemental books covering concrete, piping, excavation, welding, paving, safety, reinforcing steel, utility protection, post-tensioning, steel joists, water systems, fuel systems, and electrical transmission work.

The exam-room references can be used for repeated navigation practice, helping candidates become more familiar with ASME B31.8, NFPA 30, and the Nevada water pollution control fact sheets before test day.

The supplemental references help candidates build technical knowledge in subjects where the books themselves cannot be used during testing. Practice questions, active recall, and repeated trade review can help reinforce those areas.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to divide the 100-question examination into manageable study categories instead of treating General Engineering as one large subject. Focusing separately on concrete, piping, paving, excavation, safety, steel, welding, Nevada One Call, and electrical transmission lines can make preparation more organized.

Consistent study, timed reference navigation, and practice-oriented preparation can help candidates approach the Nevada General Engineering Contractor examination with stronger familiarity, better technical organization, and greater confidence in their study process.

What books are allowed inside the Nevada General Engineering exam?

The exam-room references included in this package are Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Fact Sheets WTS-22 and WTS-23, ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2018, and NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018.

Is the Nevada General Engineering Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Nevada General Engineering Contractor (A) trade examination is open book with specific approved references.

How many questions are on the Nevada General Engineering exam?

The examination contains 100 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

Candidates are allowed 3 hours to complete the Nevada General Engineering Contractor examination.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70 correct answers.

Are all books in this package allowed into the exam?

No. Only the three listed exam-room references are allowed. The remaining books are supplemental study materials intended to help candidates prepare for the technical subjects covered by the examination.

Why are books included if they cannot be taken into the exam?

The study-only references cover important topics such as concrete, reinforcing steel, OSHA safety, excavation, pipe installation, paving, welding, Nevada One Call, steel joists, post-tensioning, and electrical transmission work. Candidates need to understand these subjects even when the books themselves are unavailable during testing.

What are the largest subject areas on the exam?

Concrete contains 14 questions. Gas and liquid fuel piping, paving, and excavation, compaction and grading each contain 12 questions, while water and piping contains 11 questions.

How should I prepare for the approved references?

Practice timed lookups with ASME B31.8, NFPA 30, and the Nevada water pollution control fact sheets. Learn how each reference is organized and which types of questions should direct you toward each book.

How should I study the books that are not allowed into the exam?

Use active recall and practice questions. Review the material, close the reference, answer questions from memory, and then return to the book to correct weak areas.

Does this package guarantee a passing score?

No. This package provides technical references and study materials to support organized exam preparation. Examination results depend on each candidate's knowledge, preparation, and performance.