Nevada Residential And Small Commercial (B-2) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada Residential And Small Commercial (B-2) contractor examination with a comprehensive exam book package covering building codes, residential construction, structural concrete, carpentry, masonry, excavation, drywall, safety, wood trusses, concrete construction, and Nevada One Call requirements. This package combines the code books allowed into the open-book trade exam with additional study references used to strengthen technical knowledge before test day.

The Nevada B-2 examination is an open-book test. The exam-room references included in this package are the International Building Code, 2018, International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018, and ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary.

The package also includes study-only references that are not allowed into the examination: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016, Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition, Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law, BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition.

The Nevada B-2 trade exam contains 80 questions, allows 3 hours for completion, and requires 56 correct answers to pass. The examination covers sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, safety, general code, plan reading, estimating, and Nevada One Call.

The B-2 Residential and Small Commercial classification covers construction and remodeling of houses and other structures that support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, or property, provided those structures do not extend more than three stories above ground and one story below ground. The classification is intended for general building projects within those size limitations.

This package supports both sides of B-2 exam preparation: code navigation with the books available during the examination and technical study using references that must remain outside the testing room. Candidates should understand construction methods, plans, structural relationships, materials, safety, and field practices while also becoming efficient with the IBC, IRC, and ACI 318.

What You Get

• International Building Code, 2018 — exam-room reference supporting commercial building requirements, structural provisions, means of egress, fire protection, foundations, materials, and general construction requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 — exam-room reference supporting residential construction, foundations, framing, roofing, walls, floors, stairs, openings, and other one- and two-family dwelling requirements.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary — exam-room reference supporting structural concrete design and construction requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) — study-only construction safety reference.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 — study reference supporting framing, layout, carpentry, construction sequencing, doors, windows, roofing, and related building practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition — study-only reference for masonry materials, layout, installation, walls, mortar, and construction techniques.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting — study reference supporting sitework, excavation, trenching, grading, and underground construction concepts.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition — study-only reference covering gypsum systems, drywall installation, framing coordination, finishes, and related construction practices.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law — study reference supporting underground utility marking and excavation awareness.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025 — study-only reference supporting wood-truss handling, erection, restraint, and bracing practices.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition — study-only reference supporting concrete materials, placement, finishing, curing, quality control, and field construction practices.

Exam Details

The Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor examination contains 80 questions. Candidates are allowed 3 hours to complete the exam and must answer 56 questions correctly to pass.

The examination covers the following major construction areas:

• 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

The examination is broad because a B-2 contractor is responsible for coordinating multiple trades and construction phases. Candidates should be able to move from site preparation and foundations through structural framing, exterior protection, interior finishes, safety, estimating, and code compliance.

Plan reading and estimating deserve particular attention because general contractors regularly interpret drawings, coordinate dimensions, review quantities, and connect plans with field conditions. Candidates should practice reading plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, and construction notes.

Sitework preparation should include excavation, grading, drainage, soil conditions, trenching, underground utility awareness, and preparation for foundations. Concrete preparation should include materials, reinforcement, forms, placement, finishing, curing, and structural requirements.

Carpentry should include floor, wall, and roof framing, wood members, sheathing, trusses, openings, stairs, and construction sequencing. Masonry, drywall, doors, windows, weather protection, and jobsite safety should also be integrated into a complete study plan.

Open Book Test

The Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial examination is an open-book test.

The following references in this package are allowed into the examination:

• International Building Code, 2018
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary

The remaining books in this package are study references and are not allowed into the examination room.

Candidates should become comfortable deciding whether a question belongs in the IBC, IRC, or ACI 318 before beginning a lookup. Residential dwelling questions may lead to the IRC, broader commercial building questions may lead to the IBC, and structural concrete questions may require ACI 318.

Because the exam contains 80 questions in three hours, candidates have a little over two minutes per question on average. Searching all three approved references for every question can consume too much time. Strong open-book preparation means understanding the construction concept first and using the codes strategically.

Practice should include timed navigation of chapter headings, indexes, definitions, tables, and structural provisions. The more familiar candidates become with the organization of the approved books, the less time they are likely to spend searching during the examination.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the B-2 classification. Make sure Residential and Small Commercial contracting matches the buildings and projects the business intends to construct or remodel.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. The contractor application must designate the person responsible for satisfying the applicable trade qualification requirements.
3. Document qualifying building experience. Prepare work-history information demonstrating experience in the construction of buildings within the B-2 scope.
4. Submit the Nevada contractor license application. Complete the applicable application and supporting documents.
5. Receive examination eligibility. After the application and qualification information are reviewed, the qualifying individual can proceed with the required examinations.
6. Prepare for the B-2 trade examination. Study sitework, concrete, masonry, carpentry, building codes, plans, estimating, safety, finishes, and related construction subjects.
7. Practice reference navigation. Use the IBC, IRC, and ACI 318 throughout preparation so code provisions can be located efficiently.
8. Prepare for Nevada Business and Law. Contractor applicants must satisfy the applicable Nevada business and law examination requirement unless an authorized waiver applies.
9. Complete the required examinations. Take the applicable trade and business examinations.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Finish the additional requirements associated with issuance of the Nevada contractor license.

State Requirements

Nevada defines the B-2 Residential and Small Commercial classification as the construction and remodeling of houses and other structures that support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, or other property and that do not extend more than three stories above the ground and one story below the ground.

B-2 is a general building classification. Projects performed under a general building license involve coordination of multiple unrelated construction trades when building or remodeling a structure is the primary purpose of the project.

The B-2 scope is more limited by building size than the unrestricted general B classification. Candidates should understand the three-story-above-ground and one-story-below-ground limitation when evaluating which projects fit the classification.

A B-2 contractor should also understand that holding a general building classification does not automatically authorize self-performance of every specialty trade. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire-protection work require the applicable specialty authority when performed directly.

The Nevada State Contractors Board also expects qualifying experience for B-2 to demonstrate actual building-construction experience rather than experience limited solely to isolated remodeling or specialty trade work.

The trade examination is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy applicable experience, application, business and law, financial, and other licensing requirements before the contractor license is issued.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  This exam-room-approved reference supports preparation involving building classification, construction types, structural requirements, foundations, means of egress, fire protection, accessibility, materials, and general commercial building requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  This exam-room-approved reference supports residential construction involving foundations, floors, wall framing, roof systems, stairs, openings, weather protection, structural provisions, and other requirements for one- and two-family dwellings.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This exam-room-approved reference supports structural concrete preparation involving reinforcement, concrete members, detailing, development, structural requirements, and reinforced concrete construction.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This study-only reference supports construction safety preparation involving fall protection, excavations, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, electrical hazards, material handling, and other jobsite conditions.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This study-only reference supports construction methods involving foundations, floors, walls, roofs, framing, layout, doors, windows, exterior finishes, interior work, and general building practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving masonry materials, mortar, concrete masonry units, brick, stone, walls, layout, tools, and masonry construction practices.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This study-only reference supports sitework preparation involving excavation, grading, trenching, soils, underground work, compaction, and related construction operations.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition
  This study-only reference supports drywall systems, gypsum products, framing coordination, installation, finishing, ceilings, partitions, and related interior construction practices.
• Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law
  This study reference supports preparation involving underground utility notification, marking, excavation awareness, and Nevada One Call topics tested on the B-2 examination.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  This study-only reference supports safe handling, erection, restraint, and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses during building construction.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This study-only reference supports practical concrete construction involving materials, batching, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, reinforcement coordination, and quality field practices.

Exam Room Approved Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Approved for use during the Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial examination for applicable building and commercial construction requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  Approved for use during the examination for applicable residential construction requirements.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Approved for use during the examination for applicable reinforced structural concrete requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Nevada B-2 study plan should follow the sequence of a building project. Start with sitework, then move through foundations, concrete, masonry, structural framing, exterior protection, openings, interior finishes, safety, plans, and estimating.

Sitework preparation should include excavation, grading, drainage, soil preparation, compaction, trenches, underground utilities, and Nevada One Call. Candidates should understand how site conditions influence foundations and building performance.

Concrete should include formwork, reinforcement, placement, consolidation, curing, finishing, slabs, footings, and structural concrete requirements. Use ACI 318 for code-based structural concrete study and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction for practical field preparation.

Masonry should include brick, block, stone, mortar, walls, reinforcement, layout, tools, and installation practices. Candidates should understand the relationship between masonry construction and structural or weather-resistant building assemblies.

Carpentry should receive substantial attention. Review floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, openings, headers, stairs, sheathing, trusses, fastening, layout, and construction sequencing.

The BCSI truss guide should be used to strengthen understanding of truss handling, installation, temporary restraint, and bracing. Because this book is not available during the exam, important principles should be reinforced through active recall.

Thermal and Moisture Protection should include weather barriers, flashing, insulation, roofing, waterproofing, drainage, and protection of building assemblies from moisture intrusion.

Doors and Windows should include rough openings, installation, flashing, structural coordination, weather protection, and applicable code requirements.

Drywall and Finishes should include gypsum products, framing coordination, fastening, finishing, ceilings, partitions, and common installation practices.

Safety should be studied independently because OSHA is not allowed into the trade examination. Candidates should build retained knowledge involving fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation hazards, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, tools, and material handling.

Plan Reading should include floor plans, foundation plans, framing plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, dimensions, notes, and symbols. Candidates should practice tracing construction relationships from one drawing sheet to another.

Estimating should include basic quantity takeoffs, dimensions, areas, volumes, material quantities, and interpreting drawings accurately enough to determine construction needs.

The approved IBC and IRC should be used throughout preparation. Rather than reading each code from beginning to end, practice locating targeted requirements through chapter structure, tables of contents, indexes, and key sections.

Use the ACI 318-14 reference for structural concrete questions. Candidates should become familiar enough with the document to recognize where reinforcement, structural member, and concrete requirements are generally located.

A practical study method is to sort practice questions into three groups: IBC, IRC, and ACI. Once candidates are comfortable choosing the correct reference, mix the questions together to improve exam-style decision making.

Study-only books should gradually be removed from practice sessions. Review a topic, close the book, and answer questions from memory. This is particularly important for OSHA, carpentry, masonry, excavation, drywall, trusses, Nevada One Call, and field concrete knowledge.

Time management matters. With 80 questions in three hours, candidates should avoid spending too long on a single code search. Answer familiar questions efficiently and return to more difficult code lookups when possible.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The B-2 examination covers the complete building process, so preparation should be organized by construction phase rather than by random reading. Candidates can move from sitework and foundations through concrete, masonry, framing, weather protection, finishes, safety, plans, and estimating.

The International Building Code, International Residential Code, and ACI 318 provide the references available during the open-book examination. Repeated practice with these books can help candidates choose the correct reference and locate code requirements more efficiently.

The supplemental study references provide additional technical depth in carpentry, masonry, excavation, drywall, wood trusses, construction safety, concrete construction, and Nevada One Call. These books can be used to build knowledge that must be retained when the references are not available during the exam.

Practice-oriented preparation can help identify whether a missed question comes from a construction knowledge gap, plan-reading problem, calculation error, or slow code navigation. Focusing on the actual cause of each mistake makes study sessions more productive.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor examination with stronger construction knowledge, better plan-reading ability, more efficient code navigation, and an organized study strategy without guaranteeing a passing score or licensing approval.

How many questions are on the Nevada B-2 exam?

The Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor examination contains 80 questions.

How much time is allowed for the B-2 exam?

Candidates are allowed 3 hours to complete the examination.

How many correct answers are required to pass?

Candidates must answer 56 questions correctly to pass the B-2 trade examination.

Is the Nevada B-2 exam open book?

Yes. The Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor examination is an open-book test.

Which books are allowed into the Nevada B-2 exam?

The exam-room references included in this package are the International Building Code 2018, International Residential Code 2018, and ACI 318-14.

Is OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 allowed into the B-2 exam?

No. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is included for safety study but is not allowed into the trade examination.

Is Carpentry and Building Construction allowed into the exam?

No. Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 is included as a study reference and is not allowed into the examination.

Is Modern Masonry allowed into the exam?

No. Modern Masonry is a study-only reference for the Nevada B-2 examination.

Is the BCSI truss guide allowed into the exam?

No. The BCSI truss guide is included for preparation but is not allowed into the examination.

What work does the Nevada B-2 classification cover?

The B-2 classification covers construction and remodeling of houses and other structures that support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, or property and that do not exceed three stories above ground and one story below ground.

Does the B-2 exam include plan reading and estimating?

Yes. General Code, Plan Reading and Estimating is part of the Nevada B-2 examination content.

Does the B-2 exam include Nevada One Call?

Yes. Nevada One Call is included in the examination content, and the package includes Suggested Marking Guidelines and The Nevada One Call Law for study.

Should I study both the IBC and IRC?

Yes. Candidates should become familiar with both references and understand which code is most appropriate for residential versus broader small-commercial building questions.

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

Practice choosing between the IBC, IRC, and ACI 318 before starting a lookup. Use timed navigation drills, plan-reading exercises, and mixed practice questions to improve speed.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the Nevada B-2 exam?

No. This package provides exam and study references designed to support organized preparation. Examination results depend on each candidate's experience, construction knowledge, study, plan-reading ability, code-navigation skills, and performance on test day.