Nevada General Building Contractor (B) Exam Prep - Live Virtual + Self Study Training

Prepare for the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) trade examination with a structured training program that combines live virtual instruction with flexible self-study preparation. This exam prep course is designed for contractors, qualified individuals, construction supervisors, project managers, and experienced tradespeople who want an organized way to review the technical knowledge areas covered by the Nevada B classification examination.

The Nevada General Building Contractor exam covers a broad range of construction disciplines. Candidates may be tested on sitework, concrete, masonry, structural metals, carpentry, moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, safety, plan reading, estimating, and Nevada One Call requirements. Because the exam draws from multiple codes, standards, manuals, and technical publications, effective preparation requires more than memorizing isolated facts. Candidates need to understand where information is located, how the references relate to practical construction work, and how to find relevant provisions efficiently.

This Nevada contractor exam prep program combines instructor-led live virtual training with self-study resources so you can build your knowledge while developing a practical reference-navigation strategy. Live instruction provides an opportunity to review major exam subjects in an organized format, while self-study preparation gives you additional time to revisit difficult topics, practice locating information, and strengthen your familiarity with the books used to develop the examination.

The course is especially useful for candidates who already have field experience but need help translating that experience into exam-ready knowledge. Daily construction work may provide strong practical skills, but a licensing examination also requires candidates to interpret technical language, apply code provisions, recognize testing terminology, and answer questions within a fixed time limit. Organized preparation can help bridge the gap between hands-on construction experience and the structure of a computer-administered trade exam.

Training emphasizes the practical use of the listed references, including the International Building Code, structural concrete standards, masonry requirements, OSHA construction regulations, steel joist guidance, excavation practices, gypsum systems, Nevada One Call material, post-tensioning fundamentals, masonry construction, and quality concrete practices. Each reference supports a different part of the exam outline, making familiarity with the complete reference set an important part of preparation.

Live Class Schedule

The live training schedule is organized around the books and technical references used on the exam. Click Here to View the Current Live Class Schedule

Exam Details

The Nevada General Building Contractor (B) examination is administered by PSI for the Nevada State Contractors Board. Eligibility to schedule the examination is determined by the Board after the contractor license application and supporting qualifications have been reviewed.

The B trade examination contains 80 questions. Candidates are allowed three hours to complete the exam, and the minimum passing score is 56 correct answers. The examination is administered by computer at an approved PSI testing location. A small number of additional non-scored questions may also appear during the examination and count toward the total testing time.

The official examination outline distributes questions across the following subject 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

The examination may include questions based on the listed references, trade knowledge, and accepted construction practices. Code-related questions are based on the code editions identified for the examination. Candidates should study the applicable editions rather than relying only on a newer or older code that may contain different provisions, numbering, tables, or requirements.

The Nevada State Contractors Board generally requires applicants to pass both the applicable trade examination and the Contractor Management Survey examination unless a waiver applies. Exam eligibility is issued after the Board reviews the application and confirms that the applicant or designated trade qualified individual satisfies the applicable requirements.

Open Book Test

The Nevada General Building Contractor (B) examination is an open-book test, but only specifically approved references may be taken into the examination room. For the current B examination, the approved exam-room references are the International Building Code, the listed ACI structural concrete standard, and the listed ACI masonry standard.

Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved books to the testing center. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. They may not contain written notes, added loose papers, or unauthorized attachments. Permanent tabs may be used, but temporary tabs such as removable sticky notes are not permitted.

Writing in or highlighting a reference during the examination is prohibited. Candidates should complete all permitted highlighting, underlining, and tabbing before arriving at the testing center. Preparing books in advance can make it easier to move between major chapters, locate tables, identify commonly tested subjects, and avoid losing time searching through unfamiliar material.

Although the exam is open book, success depends on knowing how the references are organized. Attempting to research every question from the beginning can consume too much time. A stronger approach is to learn the major concepts, recognize which book applies to a question, and use the approved references to confirm details or locate exact code requirements.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used in the examination center. Candidates should review the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before test day for identification requirements, testing-center rules, security procedures, and any updates to the approved-reference policy.

Licensing Steps

The Nevada contractor licensing process begins with an application to the Nevada State Contractors Board. The applicant must identify the requested classification, designate the appropriate qualified individual, submit the required supporting documents, and complete the Board’s review process.

1. Determine the appropriate classification. The B classification applies to qualifying general building work involving the construction or remodeling of buildings or structures and the coordinated use of more than two unrelated building trades or crafts.
2. Select the qualified individual. The trade qualified individual may be an owner, officer, member, manager, or bona fide employee who is actively engaged in the contracting business.
3. Document qualifying experience. The applicant must provide the required evidence of experience in the classification being requested.
4. Submit the contractor license application. The Nevada State Contractors Board reviews the application, experience documentation, financial information, and other required materials.
5. Complete fingerprint requirements. Applicants must submit fingerprints for the required state and national criminal history review.
6. Receive examination eligibility. After the Board accepts the applicant’s qualifications for testing, an eligibility notice is issued with instructions for scheduling through PSI.
7. Schedule and take the required examinations. Candidates schedule the B trade examination and the Contractor Management Survey examination unless an examination waiver has been approved.
8. Complete remaining licensing requirements. After the examinations and application review are completed, the Board provides instructions regarding any remaining requirements associated with license issuance.

Passing an examination does not by itself issue a Nevada contractor license. The applicant must complete the full Board application process and satisfy all requirements applicable to the business, qualified individual, requested classification, and approved monetary limit.

State Requirements

The Nevada State Contractors Board regulates contractor licensing in Nevada. Businesses and individuals performing work that falls within Nevada’s contractor licensing laws must hold the appropriate license before contracting, bidding, or performing regulated construction work.

The person serving as the trade qualified individual must generally have at least four full years of qualifying experience within the 15 years immediately preceding the application. Qualifying experience may include work as a journeyman, supervising employee, or contractor in the requested classification. Approved education or training may satisfy a portion of the experience requirement, subject to the Board’s rules and review.

The Board evaluates experience documentation to determine whether it demonstrates the depth and scope of work required for the requested classification. Applicants should provide complete information describing the type of construction performed, responsibilities held, projects completed, trades supervised, and level of decision-making authority.

The B classification is intended for general building work in which the primary purpose is the construction or remodeling of a building or structure and the project requires more than two unrelated building trades or crafts. A general building contractor acting as the prime contractor may coordinate multiple trades within the authorized scope. Specialty work outside that scope may require the appropriate specialty classification.

Nevada contractor licenses are also subject to financial responsibility requirements and a monetary limit. The monetary limit establishes the maximum value of work the contractor may undertake on one or more contracts at a single construction site or subdivision for one client. The Board determines the approved limit after reviewing the applicant’s financial information and other required materials.

Applicants should review the current Nevada State Contractors Board application materials before submitting their paperwork. Incomplete experience documentation, inconsistent business records, missing financial information, or unresolved application questions may delay the eligibility and licensing process.

Reference Books

The following references are used to prepare questions for the Nevada General Building Contractor examination. Only the books identified in the Exam Room Approved Books section may be taken into the testing room. The remaining references are important study sources but are not permitted inside the examination center.

• International Building Code, 2018
  This model building code addresses occupancy classifications, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural provisions, materials, accessibility, special inspections, and other requirements relevant to commercial building construction.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This structural concrete standard covers design and construction requirements for concrete systems, including materials, reinforcement, durability, structural members, development and splicing, and concrete construction provisions.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  This reference addresses the design, materials, construction, inspection, and quality requirements applicable to masonry structures.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference covers workplace requirements involving fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, excavations, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, material handling, concrete operations, steel erection, and other construction hazards.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  This technical digest focuses on the safe handling, placement, erection, bridging, and stabilization of steel joists and joist girders during construction.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This trade reference explains excavation practices, underground piping, trenching, grading, equipment use, soil considerations, job planning, estimating, and related field procedures.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  This handbook covers gypsum board products, wall and ceiling assemblies, fire-resistant construction, sound-control systems, installation methods, finishing practices, and common design details.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law
  This material addresses Nevada excavation-notification requirements and the uniform marking practices used to identify underground facilities before excavation begins.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  This reference introduces fundamental field practices for unbonded post-tensioning systems, including materials, installation, stressing operations, inspection, safety, and jobsite responsibilities.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, 10th Edition by Clois E. Kicklighter
  This masonry textbook reviews tools, materials, mortar, brick, concrete masonry units, stone construction, layout, estimating, safety, and accepted installation methods.
• The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  This practical concrete reference covers planning, materials, formwork, reinforcement, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, quality control, troubleshooting, and coordination of concrete construction.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are approved for use inside the Nevada General Building Contractor (B) examination room:

• International Building Code, 2018
  Approved for use during the examination.
• ACI 318-11 or ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Approved for use during the examination.
• ACI 530/530.1-11 or ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures
  Approved for use during the examination.

The OSHA, steel joist, excavation, gypsum, Nevada One Call, post-tensioning, masonry, and quality concrete references are study references and are not allowed inside the examination center. Candidates should use these materials during preparation to learn the tested subject matter before exam day.

Test Information and Study Materials

Effective preparation should reflect the weighting of the official exam outline. Concrete, metals, plan reading, and estimating account for a substantial portion of the examination, so candidates should dedicate adequate study time to those subjects while still reviewing every content area.

Begin by becoming familiar with the table of contents, chapter organization, index, major tables, and terminology in each approved book. Practice identifying which reference applies to a particular question. A structural concrete question may require ACI 318, a masonry design question may point to ACI 530/530.1, and a building code question may require the International Building Code.

Use permanent tabs to identify major chapters and frequently referenced subjects. Keep the tabbing system simple enough to scan quickly. Too many tabs can make a book harder to navigate, while a logical system based on major exam subjects can reduce search time.

For books that cannot be taken into the examination, focus on learning the underlying principles rather than trying to memorize every sentence. Review excavation safety, steel erection procedures, gypsum construction, post-tensioning fundamentals, masonry installation, concrete quality practices, and underground utility marking requirements until you can recognize the correct field procedure or safety principle without needing the reference in front of you.

Timed practice is also important. With 80 questions and three hours, candidates must manage approximately two minutes and fifteen seconds per question. Some questions will take less time, while calculations, plan interpretation, or code searches may require longer. Practice answering familiar questions first, marking difficult questions for review, and avoiding excessive time on a single lookup.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep provides an organized study path for candidates preparing for the Nevada General Building Contractor examination. Live virtual instruction helps break a broad exam outline into manageable subject areas, while self-study materials support continued review between class sessions.

Training is structured around trade-focused preparation, practical construction knowledge, reference navigation, and exam-style application. Candidates can review how the major books are organized, identify important chapters, practice locating technical requirements, and develop a more efficient approach to open-book testing.

The program also helps candidates recognize the difference between books permitted in the examination room and references that must be studied in advance. This distinction is essential because much of the safety, excavation, steel, gypsum, post-tensioning, masonry, and concrete knowledge must be understood before test day rather than researched during the exam.

By combining live instruction with independent review, candidates can reinforce weaker subjects, build confidence using technical references, and establish a consistent preparation routine. The goal is to help you arrive at the examination with stronger subject familiarity, better book-navigation habits, and a practical strategy for managing your available time.

Is the Nevada General Building Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The B trade examination is open book, but only the approved International Building Code, ACI 318, and ACI 530/530.1 references may be taken into the examination room.

How many questions are on the Nevada B contractor exam?

The examination contains 80 questions. Candidates must answer at least 56 questions correctly to meet the minimum passing score.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

Candidates receive three hours to complete the Nevada General Building Contractor examination.

Can I take every listed reference book into the exam?

No. Most of the listed references are study materials only. The exam-room-approved books are the 2018 International Building Code, the approved ACI 318 edition, and the approved ACI 530/530.1 edition.

Can I highlight and tab my approved books?

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed. Written notes, loose papers, unauthorized attachments, and temporary tabs are prohibited.

Who administers the Nevada contractor examination?

PSI administers the examination program for the Nevada State Contractors Board. Candidates must first receive eligibility from the Board before scheduling the examination.

Does passing the exam automatically issue a contractor license?

No. Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also complete the Nevada State Contractors Board application process and satisfy the applicable experience, financial, fingerprint, business, and licensing requirements.

Does this course include live instruction and self-study preparation?

Yes. The program combines live virtual training with self-study preparation so candidates can participate in scheduled instruction and continue reviewing the exam subjects independently.

How should I prepare for the open-book portion of the test?

Learn the organization of each approved reference, identify major chapters, use a simple permanent tabbing system, and practice timed lookups. The books should support your knowledge rather than replace advance study.

Where can I view the live class dates?

Visit the Live Class Schedule to review the current training schedule.