Nevada General Building Contractor (B) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) examination with a comprehensive exam book package covering building codes, structural concrete, masonry, OSHA safety, steel joists, excavation, drywall, post-tensioning, concrete construction, utility marking, and other technical subjects associated with general building work.

This Nevada General Building Contractor Exam Book Package includes International Building Code, 2018, ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries, Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition, Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law, Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals, Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition.

The Nevada B General Building examination is an open-book test with specific references permitted inside the examination center. The International Building Code, 2018, ACI 318-14, and ACI 530/530.1-13 are the exam-room references included with this package. The remaining books are study references and are not allowed inside the examination center.

This distinction is important because the Nevada B examination covers a broad range of construction trades. Candidates must understand sitework, concrete, masonry, structural systems, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, safety, plan reading, estimating, and Nevada One Call concepts. The approved books can support code lookups during the exam, while the study-only references should be used to build knowledge that candidates can recall without access to those books on test day.

A General Building contractor coordinates multiple unrelated construction trades on projects where construction or remodeling of a building is the primary purpose. That broad responsibility makes the B classification one of Nevada's more comprehensive contractor classifications and requires candidates to understand how multiple trades and building systems work together.

What You Get

• International Building Code, 2018: Approved exam-room reference covering building requirements, occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural provisions, and other building-code topics.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary: Approved exam-room reference covering structural concrete design and construction requirements.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries: Approved exam-room reference covering structural masonry and masonry construction requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA): Study reference for construction safety.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders: Study reference for steel joist handling and erection concepts.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting: Study reference for excavation, trenching, pipe work, and site construction.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition: Study reference for drywall and gypsum construction.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law: Study material for underground utility marking and excavation awareness.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals: Study material for unbonded post-tensioning field practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition: Study reference for practical masonry construction.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition: Study reference for concrete materials, placement, finishing, curing, and quality construction practices.

Exam Details

The Nevada B General Building Contractor examination contains 80 questions. Candidates are allowed 3 hours to complete the examination, and the minimum passing score is 56 correct answers.

The examination covers a broad range of general building subjects, including:

• Sitework
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Carpentry
• Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Doors and Windows
• Drywall and Finishes
• Safety
• General Code, Plan Reading, and Estimating
• Nevada One Call

Because the exam covers multiple construction trades, candidates should avoid concentrating exclusively on one area such as concrete or framing. General Building contractors are expected to understand how building systems are coordinated and how construction activities affect one another throughout a project.

With 80 questions and three hours available, candidates have an average of approximately two minutes and fifteen seconds per question. Efficient decision-making is important. Code references should be used strategically when detailed confirmation is needed, while straightforward trade questions should be answered from existing knowledge when possible.

Plan reading and estimating also require practical preparation. Candidates should be comfortable interpreting dimensions, construction details, symbols, building systems, material quantities, and common construction calculations.

Open Book Test

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

The books identified for exam-room use with this package are:

• International Building Code, 2018
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries

The other books included with the package are used for preparation but are not allowed inside the examination center. Candidates should therefore approach the two groups of references differently.

Practice navigation with the International Building Code and the ACI references because those books may be consulted during testing. Learn how their chapters, sections, tables, definitions, indexes, and structural provisions are organized.

For the study-only books, focus on understanding and retention. OSHA safety, steel joist handling, excavation practices, gypsum construction, Nevada One Call requirements, post-tensioning, practical masonry, and concrete workmanship should be reviewed thoroughly before test day.

An open-book examination still requires solid construction knowledge. Searching every question can quickly consume the available time. Candidates should first identify the trade or code topic involved and then decide whether a reference lookup is necessary.

Licensing Steps

The Nevada B General Building examination is one component of the Nevada contractor licensing process. Applicants must complete the applicable licensing requirements in addition to preparing for the trade examination.

1. Confirm the General Building classification. Determine that the proposed contracting work falls within Nevada's Classification B scope.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. The contractor application must designate the individual who provides the required experience and trade qualification.
3. Prepare qualifying experience documentation. The qualifying individual should document applicable general building experience involving the construction or remodeling of buildings and coordination of multiple trades.
4. Complete the contractor license application. Submit the required business, qualifying individual, financial, experience, and supporting information.
5. Submit the application for review. The Nevada State Contractors Board reviews the application before examination eligibility is established.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Once approved to test, the qualifying individual can proceed with scheduling the required examinations.
7. Prepare for the B General Building examination. Study the major building trades and practice using the approved exam-room references.
8. Complete applicable examinations. Candidates must satisfy the General Building trade examination and the Nevada Contractor Management Survey requirements unless an applicable waiver is approved.
9. Complete remaining licensing requirements. All other applicable licensing requirements must be satisfied before the contractor license is issued.

Nevada also recognizes certain pathways that can affect the trade examination requirement, including approved licensure by endorsement and the NASCLA Accredited Examination for qualifying General Building applicants. Those pathways do not remove the other applicable Nevada licensing requirements.

State Requirements

Nevada defines a Classification B General Building Contractor as a contractor whose principal business involves construction or remodeling of buildings or structures intended to support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, chattels, or other movable property.

A General Building project must require the use of more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, with the General Building contractor serving as the prime contractor and with construction or remodeling of the building as the project's primary purpose.

The General Building classification does not automatically authorize a contractor to self-perform every specialty trade. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning, and fire protection work require the appropriate specialty license when the General Building contractor intends to perform that work directly.

Qualifying experience for a Nevada contractor license generally requires four full years of applicable experience within the 15 years immediately preceding the application. The experience must relate to the classification being requested and satisfy the applicable Nevada licensing standards.

Applicants should make sure their work history demonstrates genuine general building experience rather than experience limited to a single specialty trade. The B classification is centered on building construction and the coordination of multiple unrelated trades.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  This comprehensive building-code reference addresses occupancy classifications, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, structural systems, materials, building heights and areas, and other requirements affecting general building construction. This book is allowed inside the examination room.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This structural concrete reference covers concrete materials, reinforcement, structural members, design provisions, durability, anchorage, development, construction requirements, and other technical provisions associated with reinforced concrete. This book is allowed inside the examination room.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  This reference addresses structural masonry requirements, materials, reinforcement, masonry construction, inspection, and specifications used for masonry structures. This book is allowed inside the examination room.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This reference supports study of construction safety topics including fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, excavation, tools, equipment, personal protective equipment, material handling, and other jobsite hazards. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This technical reference supports preparation involving handling, placement, erection, bridging, stability, and safe field practices associated with steel joists and joist girders. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This reference supports preparation involving excavation, trenching, pipe installation, sitework, backfilling, equipment, and practical field operations. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition
  This reference supports preparation involving gypsum board systems, drywall installation, framing, finishing, assemblies, ceilings, and other gypsum construction practices. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law
  This material supports preparation involving underground utility notification, marking practices, excavation planning, and damage prevention responsibilities. This material is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  This reference supports study of unbonded post-tensioning systems, field procedures, tendon handling, installation practices, stressing operations, and related fundamentals. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This study reference supports practical masonry preparation involving brick, concrete masonry units, stone, mortar, layout, bonding, tools, construction methods, and workmanship. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This reference supports preparation involving concrete materials, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, quality control, jobsite practices, and coordination of concrete construction. This book is not allowed inside the examination center.

Exam Room Approved Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  This is an approved exam-room reference for the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) examination.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This is an approved exam-room reference for structural concrete questions on the Nevada B examination.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  This is an approved exam-room reference for structural masonry questions on the Nevada B examination.

The OSHA reference, Technical Digest No. 9, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, Nevada One Call material, post-tensioning reference, Modern Masonry, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction are study references and are not allowed inside the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Nevada General Building study plan should divide preparation among the major construction trades instead of reading every reference from beginning to end without a clear structure.

Sitework should include excavation, grading, trenching, underground utilities, site preparation, backfill, compaction, and construction coordination. Pipe and Excavation Contracting and the Nevada One Call materials support these subjects.

Concrete requires both code knowledge and practical construction understanding. Use ACI 318 for structural requirements and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction for practical material handling, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, and quality concepts.

Masonry should include structural code provisions as well as field practices. ACI 530/530.1 supports structural masonry requirements, while Modern Masonry reinforces practical construction methods, mortar, units, layout, tools, and workmanship.

Metals should include structural steel-related concepts and safe handling of joists and joist girders. The steel joist technical digest can help candidates understand erection procedures and stability considerations before test day.

Carpentry preparation should include framing concepts, structural components, layout, building systems, openings, and coordination with other trades. Candidates should also understand how carpentry relates to code requirements in the International Building Code.

Thermal and Moisture Protection should include building-envelope concepts, insulation, roofing, flashing, moisture control, waterproofing, and related construction practices.

Doors and Windows should be reviewed for installation, openings, hardware, dimensions, code considerations, and coordination with wall systems and finishes.

Drywall and Finishes should include gypsum board systems, framing, fasteners, joints, finishing, assemblies, and related installation methods. The Gypsum Construction Handbook is especially useful for pre-exam study in this area.

Safety should receive regular attention through OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Because that book is not permitted in the examination room, candidates should learn major construction safety concepts before testing rather than relying on reference searches.

Plan Reading and Estimating should be practiced with actual construction-style problems. Review dimensions, scales, symbols, material quantities, square footage, cubic measurements, elevations, details, and coordination between plans and specifications.

Post-tensioning should be reviewed through the included Level 1 field fundamentals material. Understand terminology, tendon placement, anchorage, field handling, stressing concepts, and safety considerations.

For the open-book portion of preparation, practice timed navigation with the International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1. Choose a subject, identify the likely reference, locate the applicable provision, and review the surrounding language.

For study-only references, use active recall. Study a topic, close the book, answer practice questions, and return to the reference afterward to correct mistakes. This helps prepare candidates for questions that cannot be answered through an exam-room lookup.

A balanced study routine should combine code navigation, practical construction knowledge, calculations, safety review, plan reading, and trade-specific practice. General Building candidates need breadth as well as depth because the examination spans many unrelated construction crafts.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada General Building Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and a structured approach to a broad multi-trade examination.

The Nevada B Exam Book Package brings together references for building code, structural concrete, masonry, construction safety, excavation, steel joists, drywall, utility marking, post-tensioning, and concrete workmanship. This gives candidates a broad study foundation that reflects the range of work associated with general building construction.

The International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1 can be used for both study and exam-room navigation. Candidates can practice finding code requirements before test day and become more familiar with how the approved books are organized.

The study-only books provide additional depth in subjects that must be understood without direct exam-room access. OSHA reinforces safety, Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports sitework, the Gypsum Construction Handbook supports drywall preparation, and the Nevada One Call materials reinforce underground utility awareness.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to study actively rather than simply reading the books. Practice questions, timed lookups, plan-reading exercises, calculations, and repeated review of weak topics can make preparation more focused and useful.

Because the B examination covers many trades, an organized study structure is especially valuable. Candidates can divide study time among sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, building envelope systems, openings, finishes, safety, plan reading, and estimating rather than attempting to study all subjects at once.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada General Building Contractor examination with stronger construction knowledge, greater familiarity with the approved code references, and a more organized strategy for working through a comprehensive open-book contractor exam.

What books are included in the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) Exam Book Package?

The package includes the International Building Code 2018, ACI 318-14, ACI 530/530.1-13, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Technical Digest No. 9, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, Nevada One Call materials, an unbonded post-tensioning field reference, Modern Masonry, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction.

Is the Nevada B General Building Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Nevada B General Building trade examination is an open-book test with specific approved references.

Which books are allowed inside the Nevada B exam?

The exam-room references included with this package are the International Building Code, 2018, ACI 318-14, and ACI 530/530.1-13.

Are all of the books in this package allowed in the exam?

No. Several books are study-only references. OSHA, steel joist, excavation, drywall, Nevada One Call, post-tensioning, practical masonry, and concrete construction references are not allowed inside the examination center.

How many questions are on the Nevada General Building exam?

The Nevada B General Building Contractor examination contains 80 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Nevada B exam?

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the trade examination.

What score is required to pass the Nevada B examination?

The minimum passing score is 56 correct answers out of 80 questions.

What subjects should I study for the Nevada General Building exam?

Preparation should include sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, safety, general code knowledge, plan reading, estimating, and Nevada One Call concepts.

What does a Nevada B General Building contractor do?

A General Building contractor performs or manages building construction or remodeling projects that require more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, with the contractor serving as the prime contractor and construction or remodeling of the building as the primary purpose.

Can a Nevada B contractor automatically perform electrical or plumbing work?

No. A General Building license does not automatically authorize self-performance of electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, or fire protection work. The appropriate specialty license is required to perform those trades directly.

Should I practice code navigation before test day?

Yes. Candidates should practice locating information in the International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1 so the approved references are familiar before the open-book examination.

Why are study-only books included if they cannot be used in the exam?

The study-only references support construction knowledge in safety, excavation, drywall, concrete, masonry, steel joists, post-tensioning, and utility marking. Candidates should learn these topics before test day because those references are not available during the examination.

Does this exam book package guarantee a passing score?

No. This package provides technical references to support organized study, trade review, and permitted code navigation. Examination results depend on each candidate's knowledge, preparation, and performance.