Nevada General Building Contractor (B) Exam - Online Exam Prep

Prepare for the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) trade examination with online exam prep built around the major construction subjects, approved code references, and trade knowledge required for this broad contractor classification. This course is designed for candidates pursuing the Nevada B General Building license and provides organized preparation for sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, construction safety, plan reading, estimating, and Nevada One Call requirements.

The Nevada B General Building classification is regulated by the Nevada State Contractors Board. It applies to contractors whose principal contracting business involves the construction or remodeling of buildings or structures used to support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, chattels, or other movable property. General Building work involves more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, with the General Building contractor acting as the prime contractor and construction or remodeling of the building serving as the primary purpose of the project.

Because the B General Building examination covers many construction disciplines, successful preparation requires more than knowledge of one trade. A candidate with a strong carpentry background, for example, still needs to prepare for concrete, masonry, structural metals, moisture protection, safety, estimating, excavation, drywall, and other subjects appearing on the examination.

The approved exam-room references for this preparation include the International Building Code, 2018, ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, and ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries.

Additional references used for preparation include 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, 10th Edition, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition. These supplemental references are study materials and are not allowed into the B trade examination.

Exam Details

The Nevada B General Building Contractor examination is administered through PSI for candidates who have received authorization to test through the Nevada State Contractors Board licensing process.

• Exam: Nevada B General Building Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 80
• Time Allowed: 3 hours
• Minimum Passing Score: 56 correct answers

The examination content is divided into the following areas:

• Sitework: 6 questions
• Concrete: 12 questions
• Masonry: 6 questions
• Metals: 12 questions
• Carpentry: 7 questions
• Thermal and Moisture Protection: 9 questions
• Doors and Windows: 4 questions
• Drywall and Finishes: 4 questions
• Safety: 5 questions
• Plan Reading and Estimating: 12 questions
• Nevada One Call: 3 questions

Concrete, Metals, and Plan Reading and Estimating are the three largest subject areas, with 12 questions each. Together they make up a substantial portion of the examination. Candidates should give these areas significant attention while maintaining balanced preparation across every category.

Sitework preparation should include excavation, trenching, grading, site preparation, soils, underground conditions, equipment considerations, and coordination with utilities. The Nevada One Call portion also connects closely with excavation safety and proper marking practices.

Concrete preparation should include forming, reinforcing, placement, curing, finishing, structural requirements, quality control, and post-tensioning fundamentals. Candidates should be comfortable using ACI 318 for code-based concrete questions while also understanding practical concrete construction concepts from the supplemental study material.

Masonry study should include brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, structural masonry, placement, and common construction procedures. The ACI 530/530.1 reference is especially important for code-based masonry requirements.

Metals preparation should include structural steel, steel joists, joist girders, handling and erection, connections, framing components, and common metal construction practices.

Plan Reading and Estimating requires the ability to interpret dimensions, details, drawings, quantities, specifications, and construction information. Candidates should practice calculating material quantities and understanding how multiple drawing sheets work together.

Open Book Test

The Nevada B General Building Contractor trade examination is an open-book test with specific approved references permitted in the examination room.

The approved technical references 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

Candidates should practice using these references well before test day. The International Building Code supports a broad range of General Building subjects, while ACI 318 provides structural concrete requirements and ACI 530/530.1 supports masonry questions.

Efficient reference navigation is a major part of open-book preparation. Candidates should understand how indexes, chapters, section numbers, definitions, tables, commentary, and cross-references are organized so that they can locate information without spending excessive time searching.

The following references are used for study but are not allowed into the trade examination:

• 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, 10th Edition
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition

These study-only books should be used to develop trade knowledge that can be recalled without access to the reference during the exam. Candidates should not depend on being able to look up safety, excavation, steel, gypsum, post-tensioning, Nevada One Call, masonry-practice, or concrete-quality questions from these materials on test day.

Licensing Steps

The Nevada B General Building trade examination is one part of the overall contractor licensing process. Applicants must satisfy the applicable Nevada State Contractors Board requirements before a contractor license is issued.

1. Confirm the B General Building classification. Make sure the classification matches the type of construction or remodeling work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. Determine who will satisfy the applicable trade qualification requirements for the contractor license.
3. Document qualifying experience. Prepare acceptable records demonstrating General Building construction, supervision, and related experience.
4. Prepare the contractor license application. Gather the required business, qualifier, experience, financial, and supporting information.
5. Submit the application. Provide the required materials to the Nevada State Contractors Board for review.
6. Complete applicable background requirements. Follow the required fingerprint and background procedures.
7. Provide applicable financial information. Nevada evaluates financial responsibility as part of contractor licensing.
8. Receive examination eligibility. Qualified applicants may proceed with testing after the applicable application review.
9. Prepare for the B trade examination. Study sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall, safety, plans, estimating, and Nevada One Call.
10. Prepare for Business and Law. Nevada generally requires the applicable contractor management or Business and Law examination unless an approved waiver applies.
11. Complete the required examinations. Satisfy the trade and contractor management requirements applicable to the license.
12. Complete final licensing requirements. Address applicable financial responsibility, bonding, and other Nevada State Contractors Board requirements before license issuance.

Passing the B General Building examination does not by itself issue the contractor license. The exam should be approached as one important part of a larger application and licensing process.

State Requirements

The Nevada B General Building classification applies to construction or remodeling of buildings or structures involving more than two unrelated building trades or crafts when the General Building contractor is acting as the prime contractor and construction or remodeling of the building is the project's primary purpose.

The B classification should not be treated as unrestricted authority to self-perform every construction specialty. A General Building contractor may only perform specialty contracting within the limits established by Nevada contractor licensing law.

A Nevada General Building contractor may not perform specialty contracting in plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, or fire protection without holding the appropriate specialty license.

For the standard Nevada contractor licensing pathway, the trade qualifying individual generally must demonstrate at least four years of qualifying experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the classification requested.

The four years of qualifying experience generally must have been obtained within the 15 years immediately preceding the contractor license application. Experience records should clearly demonstrate General Building work rather than experience limited to a single narrow specialty.

Nevada contractor licensing also includes financial responsibility, applicable bonding, background investigation, and other licensing conditions. Applicants should approach examination preparation and licensing documentation as separate but connected parts of the process.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Primary building-code reference supporting preparation across multiple General Building subjects. This reference is approved for use in the Nevada B trade examination room.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Structural concrete reference covering requirements related to concrete construction and reinforcement. This reference is approved for exam-room use.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  Structural masonry reference supporting preparation for masonry design, construction, reinforcement, and specification requirements. This reference is approved for exam-room use.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Study reference supporting construction safety preparation, including jobsite hazards, personal protective equipment, scaffolds, ladders, excavation, fall protection, and other construction-safety requirements. This reference is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  Study reference supporting steel joist and joist girder handling, erection, and related metal construction practices. This reference is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Study reference supporting excavation, trenching, sitework, underground construction, and related field practices. This book is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Study reference supporting drywall, gypsum products, installation, finishing, assemblies, ceilings, and related building systems. This reference is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law
  Study material supporting preparation for utility marking practices and the Nevada One Call portion of the examination. This reference is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Study reference supporting field knowledge involving unbonded post-tensioning systems and related concrete construction practices. This reference is not allowed in the trade examination.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, 10th Edition
  Study reference supporting masonry materials, installation practices, mortar, brick, block, stone, and practical masonry construction. This book is not allowed in the trade examination.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  Study reference supporting concrete placement, workmanship, curing, quality control, and practical construction procedures. This book is not allowed in the trade examination.

Exam Room Approved Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Approved technical code reference for the Nevada B General Building examination.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Approved structural concrete reference for the Nevada B examination.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  Approved structural masonry reference for the Nevada B examination.

The remaining technical books listed above are study references and are not permitted in the Nevada B trade examination room.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive Nevada B General Building study plan should follow the examination outline and allocate study time according to both topic difficulty and the number of questions assigned to each area.

Prioritize Concrete, Metals, and Plan Reading and Estimating. Each category contains 12 questions. Practice both technical knowledge and the ability to apply information to drawings, calculations, construction details, and reference material.

Give Thermal and Moisture Protection substantial attention. This area contains nine questions and should include roofing, flashing, waterproofing, insulation, sealants, moisture control, and weather protection.

Maintain broad trade coverage. The Nevada B exam is not designed around one specialty. Candidates should review sitework, masonry, carpentry, doors, windows, drywall, finishes, safety, and utility-marking requirements even when those areas are outside their strongest field experience.

Practice IBC navigation. Learn how the International Building Code is organized and practice locating relevant chapters, definitions, sections, tables, and exceptions.

Practice ACI navigation. Concrete and masonry represent major portions of the examination. Work with ACI 318 and ACI 530/530.1 often enough that the structure and terminology become familiar.

Study safety for recall. OSHA is a study-only reference for this trade examination. Review safety principles thoroughly enough to answer questions without opening the OSHA book during testing.

Learn Nevada One Call material before exam day. Because the Nevada One Call study material is not permitted in the exam room, candidates should understand marking concepts, excavation coordination, and the responsibilities covered in the study material before testing.

Use timed practice. Three hours for 80 questions requires a consistent pace. Candidates should practice deciding when a code lookup is necessary and when the answer should come from trade knowledge.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada General Building Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, broad trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, approved reference navigation, and a structured approach to the technical material found across the Nevada B examination.

The course helps candidates break a broad General Building exam into manageable subjects instead of treating all 80 questions as one large body of construction knowledge. Concrete, metals, estimating, moisture protection, sitework, masonry, carpentry, drywall, safety, and Nevada One Call can each be reviewed separately before being combined through practice.

Reference-navigation preparation focuses on the International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1 because these are the approved technical references identified for exam-room use. Regular practice with these books can help candidates become more efficient when a question requires a precise code lookup.

Study-only references support knowledge that cannot be searched during the examination. OSHA reinforces construction safety, Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports sitework, the Gypsum Construction Handbook supports drywall knowledge, the steel joist technical digest supports metals, and the concrete and masonry books reinforce important trade concepts.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates identify whether missed questions come from weak trade knowledge, calculation mistakes, plan-reading difficulty, estimating problems, or inefficient reference navigation. That information can then guide additional study.

1 Exam Prep provides an organized preparation structure built around trade review, practice questions, reference navigation, construction knowledge, and confidence-building study habits. The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada B General Building Contractor examination with stronger familiarity across the tested subjects and a more disciplined study plan without guaranteeing a particular examination or licensing result.

FAQ Section

How many questions are on the Nevada B General Building exam?

The Nevada B General Building Contractor trade examination contains 80 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Nevada B exam?

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination.

What is the passing score for the Nevada B General Building exam?

Candidates need at least 56 correct answers to meet the minimum passing score.

Is the Nevada B General Building exam open book?

Yes. The Nevada B trade examination is open book with specific approved technical references permitted in the examination room.

Which books are approved for the Nevada B exam room?

The International Building Code, 2018; ACI 318-14; and ACI 530/530.1-13 are the approved technical references identified for exam-room use.

Which study books are not allowed into the examination?

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Technical Digest No. 9, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law, the post-tensioning field fundamentals reference, Modern Masonry, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction are study references and are not allowed into the trade examination.

What are the largest subjects on the Nevada B exam?

Concrete, Metals, and Plan Reading and Estimating are the largest categories, with 12 questions each.

What does the Nevada B General Building classification cover?

The classification applies to qualifying building construction or remodeling projects involving more than two unrelated building trades or crafts when the General Building contractor acts as the prime contractor and building construction or remodeling is the primary purpose.

Can a Nevada B contractor perform plumbing or electrical work under the B license alone?

No. Plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and fire-protection work require the appropriate specialty license.

How much qualifying experience does Nevada generally require?

The standard licensing pathway generally requires at least four years of qualifying experience in the requested classification within the 15 years immediately preceding the application.

Does passing the Nevada B exam automatically issue the contractor license?

No. Passing the trade examination is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy applicable experience, application, financial responsibility, background, bonding, contractor management, and other Nevada licensing requirements.

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

The study-only references cover important subjects such as construction safety, steel erection, excavation, drywall, post-tensioning, concrete quality, masonry, and Nevada One Call. Since these books are unavailable during testing, preparation should focus on understanding and retaining their important concepts before exam day.

How should I prepare for the Plan Reading and Estimating section?

Practice interpreting drawings, dimensions, details, specifications, quantities, and material requirements. Candidates should also work through practical estimating and construction-calculation problems under timed conditions.

Why is code navigation important for the Nevada B exam?

The International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1 are approved exam-room references. Knowing how these books are organized can help candidates locate relevant requirements more efficiently during the examination.