Nevada Residential And Small Commercial (B-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada Residential And Small Commercial (B-2) contractor examination with a comprehensive Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package built around the references used for the Nevada B-2 trade exam. This package includes the exam-room-approved books along with supplemental study references covering construction safety, carpentry, masonry, excavation, gypsum systems, wood trusses, and quality concrete construction.

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 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, 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 examination contains 80 questions, allows 3 hours for completion, and requires 56 correct answers to pass. Candidates should be prepared for questions involving 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 applies to 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. Because the classification covers complete building projects, preparation should include both code knowledge and practical understanding of multiple construction trades.

This highlighted and tabbed package is designed to support a more organized study process. Candidates can work with the exam-room code books throughout preparation while also using the supplemental trade references to strengthen knowledge in subjects that may need to be recalled without those study books during the exam.

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

What You Get

• International Building Code, 2018 — included exam-room reference for broader building and small commercial construction requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 — included exam-room reference for residential construction requirements.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary — included exam-room reference for reinforced structural concrete requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) — study-only reference for construction safety.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 — study-only reference for framing, layout, carpentry, and general building methods.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition — study-only reference for masonry materials and construction practices.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting — study-only reference for excavation, trenching, grading, and sitework concepts.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition — study-only reference for drywall and gypsum construction systems.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025 — study-only reference for wood-truss handling, installation, restraint, and bracing.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition — study-only reference for practical concrete construction and quality field practices.
• Highlighted & Tabbed Package: The books in this package are prepared as a highlighted and tabbed package for organized study and reference use.

Exam Details

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

The exam covers a broad range of general-building topics, 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 B-2 classification involves the coordination of multiple unrelated trades, candidates should understand how each stage of a building project connects to the next. Site preparation affects foundations, foundations support structural framing, framing supports the enclosure, and the enclosure must coordinate with openings, weather protection, finishes, and building-code requirements.

Plan reading and estimating are especially important because general contractors routinely work from drawings, details, dimensions, schedules, and specifications. Candidates should be comfortable moving between floor plans, elevations, sections, and details while understanding how those drawings translate into materials and field work.

Open Book Test

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

The following references included in this highlighted and tabbed 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 following books are included for study but are not allowed into the examination room:

• 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
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition

Open-book testing rewards candidates who know which reference to use before beginning a search. Residential questions may lead to the IRC, broader building questions may lead to the IBC, and reinforced structural concrete questions may require ACI 318.

With 80 questions in three hours, candidates have a little more than two minutes per question on average. The approved books should be used strategically rather than searched from beginning to end for every item.

Highlighted and tabbed references can support an organized study routine by helping candidates become familiar with important sections and reference locations during preparation. Familiarity with the structure of the books remains essential.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the B-2 classification. Make sure Residential and Small Commercial contracting matches the work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. The contractor application must identify the person responsible for satisfying the applicable trade qualification requirements.
3. Prepare qualifying experience information. Organize the work-history documentation required for the B-2 classification.
4. Submit the Nevada contractor license application. Complete the applicable application and supporting documentation.
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, plan reading, estimating, finishes, safety, and related building topics.
7. Practice reference navigation. Use the IBC, IRC, and ACI 318 throughout preparation so relevant code sections can be located efficiently.
8. Prepare for Nevada Business and Law. Contractor applicants must satisfy the applicable Nevada business and law 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 contractor license issuance.

State Requirements

Nevada's 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 and that do not extend more than three stories above ground and one story below ground.

The B-2 classification is a general building classification within those size limits. Candidates should understand the full construction process rather than concentrating on only one specialty trade.

A B-2 contractor may coordinate multiple phases of work, including site preparation, foundations, structural framing, masonry, roofing, weather protection, doors, windows, drywall, finishes, and other construction activities needed to complete a building.

General building authority does not automatically mean every specialty trade can be self-performed. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and other specialty work require the applicable authority when performed directly.

The Nevada B-2 examination is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy applicable qualification, application, business and law, financial, and other contractor licensing requirements before a license is issued.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  This exam-room-approved reference supports broader building requirements including construction types, structural provisions, fire and life safety, means of egress, foundations, materials, and general small commercial construction.
• 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, and other one- and two-family dwelling requirements.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This exam-room-approved reference supports preparation involving reinforcement, structural members, development, detailing, and reinforced concrete requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This study-only reference supports construction safety preparation involving fall hazards, excavation, ladders, scaffolds, tools, personal protective equipment, electrical hazards, and material handling.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving framing, foundations, walls, roofs, floors, openings, stairs, layout, and general building methods.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th edition
  This study-only reference supports masonry preparation involving brick, block, stone, mortar, wall construction, tools, layout, and installation practices.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This study-only reference supports sitework preparation involving excavation, trenching, soils, grading, compaction, and underground construction.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition
  This study-only reference supports drywall systems, gypsum products, partitions, ceilings, framing coordination, installation, and finishing practices.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  This study-only reference supports understanding of handling, installation, temporary restraint, and bracing practices for metal plate connected wood trusses.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This study-only reference supports practical concrete construction involving materials, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, reinforcement coordination, and quality field practices.

Exam Room Approved Books

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

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive Nevada B-2 study plan should follow the sequence of a building project. Begin with sitework and foundations, then move through concrete, masonry, framing, enclosure, openings, interior finishes, safety, plan reading, and estimating.

Sitework preparation should include grading, excavation, drainage, trenches, soil conditions, compaction, and preparation for foundation work. Candidates should understand how poor site preparation can affect the building above it.

Concrete should include footings, foundations, slabs, reinforcement, formwork, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, and structural requirements. Use ACI 318 for reinforced structural concrete provisions and the Contractor's Guide for practical field study.

Masonry preparation should include brick, block, stone, mortar, walls, layout, reinforcement concepts, and coordination with other building systems.

Carpentry should include floors, walls, roofs, sheathing, openings, headers, stairs, fastening, framing layout, and construction sequencing. Residential framing questions may often lead candidates to the IRC.

Wood Trusses should be studied for handling, installation, restraint, and bracing. The BCSI guide is included for study so candidates can strengthen understanding of truss-related field practices.

Thermal and Moisture Protection should include roofing, flashing, weather barriers, waterproofing, insulation, drainage, and methods used to protect the building enclosure from moisture.

Doors and Windows should be reviewed in relation to openings, structural coordination, installation, flashing, weather protection, and applicable code requirements.

Drywall and Finishes should include gypsum materials, wall and ceiling systems, framing coordination, fastening, finishing, and common installation practices.

Safety should be studied independently because OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is not allowed into the exam room. Candidates should develop retained knowledge involving fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation hazards, electrical safety, tools, material handling, and personal protective equipment.

Plan Reading should include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, symbols, dimensions, and notes. Candidates should practice moving between drawing sheets and understanding how the information relates to field construction.

Estimating should include basic dimensions, areas, volumes, quantities, and material takeoffs. Careful interpretation of drawings is important because an estimating mistake can begin with a simple measurement or plan-reading error.

The IBC, IRC, and ACI 318 should be used throughout preparation. Candidates should practice choosing the correct reference before beginning a lookup.

A useful exercise is to separate practice questions by reference at first. Work through a group of IBC questions, then IRC questions, then ACI 318 questions. Once the structure of each book becomes more familiar, mix the questions together.

Highlighted and tabbed books can support this process by providing an organized physical reference during study. Candidates should still learn how the books are structured so they can navigate beyond only the sections they have used most often.

Tables, definitions, chapter headings, and indexes should all receive attention. Many code questions require more than locating a section number; candidates must also read table headings, notes, exceptions, and limitations correctly.

Timed practice is important. With 80 questions in three hours, spending too long on one difficult code search can reduce the time available for easier questions. Candidates should practice moving forward and returning to difficult items when needed.

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.

This Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package combines the exam-room-approved references with trade-focused study books covering major subjects that support the B-2 examination.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to work with the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and ACI 318 throughout preparation so they become familiar with where important topics are located and which book applies to different types of questions.

The supplemental references help strengthen understanding of carpentry, masonry, excavation, gypsum construction, wood trusses, construction safety, and quality concrete work. Because these references are not allowed into the exam, candidates should use them to build knowledge they can recall without the book nearby.

Practice-oriented preparation can help identify whether a missed question comes from a code-navigation problem, weak construction knowledge, plan-reading mistake, or calculation error. Understanding why an answer was missed makes it easier to focus the next study session.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada B-2 Residential and Small Commercial Contractor examination with stronger building knowledge, better reference-navigation skills, improved plan-reading ability, and a more organized study process 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 examination?

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

Are the supplemental trade books allowed into the exam?

No. OSHA, Carpentry and Building Construction, Modern Masonry, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Gypsum Construction Handbook, the BCSI truss guide, and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction are included for study but are not allowed into the exam room.

What does the International Building Code help me study?

The IBC supports broader building requirements involving construction types, structural provisions, fire and life safety, means of egress, foundations, and small commercial construction.

What does the International Residential Code help me study?

The IRC supports one- and two-family dwelling construction involving foundations, floors, walls, roofs, stairs, openings, and weather protection.

What does ACI 318-14 help me study?

ACI 318-14 supports reinforced structural concrete requirements involving reinforcement, structural members, development, detailing, and related concrete provisions.

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 carpentry and framing?

Yes. Carpentry is part of the B-2 examination content, and the package includes both residential code material and supplemental carpentry study material.

Does the B-2 exam include concrete?

Yes. Concrete is part of the B-2 examination, and ACI 318-14 is included as an exam-room-approved structural concrete reference.

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

Yes. General Code, Plan Reading and Estimating is part of the examination content.

How should I use the highlighted and tabbed package?

Use the books throughout preparation to build familiarity with major code subjects and reference locations. Combine reference navigation with trade-focused review and practice questions.

How long should I allow for a highlighted and tabbed package order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders.

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.