Nevada Residential Pools Contractor (A-10A) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada Residential Pools Contractor (A-10A) examination with a comprehensive book package covering residential pool and spa construction, circulation systems, concrete and shotcrete, excavation, soils, maintenance, design, residential pool standards, business requirements, and local pool code topics. This package combines the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018, which is allowed into the open-book trade examination, with supplemental references used for study before test day.

The Nevada A-10A trade examination is an open-book test. The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 is the exam-room-approved reference included in this package. The remaining books are study materials and are not allowed into the A-10A trade examination.

The Nevada A-10A examination contains 50 questions, allows 2 hours for completion, and requires 35 correct answers to pass. The examination covers Filtration/Circulation Systems, Maintenance and Operation, Accessories and Associated Trades, Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules, Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite, Design, and Soils and Earthwork.

Nevada's A-10A Residential Pools classification covers the construction, alteration, and repair of residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment. Candidates should understand the complete residential pool construction process rather than focusing on only one part of the project.

That means preparation should connect excavation and soil conditions with the pool shell, structural concrete, shotcrete, circulation equipment, drains, returns, filters, pumps, residential spa requirements, decking, accessories, maintenance, and applicable safety and design requirements.

The references in this package support both code navigation and broader trade knowledge. Candidates can use the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code throughout preparation to improve open-book navigation while using the study-only references to develop knowledge that must be recalled without those books during the trade examination.

What You Get

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 — exam-room-approved reference supporting residential pool and spa construction, circulation, equipment, safety, and related code requirements.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting — study-only reference supporting excavation, trenching, grading, soils, compaction, and underground construction.
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022 — study-only reference supporting shotcrete materials, placement, application, construction practices, and quality considerations.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition — study-only reference covering concrete materials, placement, consolidation, curing, finishing, and quality construction practices.
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features (USED) — study-only reference supporting pool maintenance, equipment, troubleshooting, repair, and water-feature concepts.
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2025 — study-only reference supporting residential inground swimming pool design and construction concepts.
• ANSI/NSPI-3 - Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014 — study-only reference supporting permanently installed residential spa concepts.
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook — study-only reference supporting circulation, filtration, operation, water treatment, equipment, and maintenance knowledge.
• Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada — study reference supporting Nevada contractor business and law preparation.
• Clark County NV Swimming Pool Code — study-only reference supporting local pool-code knowledge relevant to Clark County projects.

Exam Details

The Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 2 hours to complete the examination and must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.

The examination content is divided into the following areas:

• Filtration/Circulation Systems: 8 questions
• Maintenance and Operation: 7 questions
• Accessories and Associated Trades: 6 questions
• Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules: 3 questions
• Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite: 8 questions
• Design: 12 questions
• Soils and Earthwork: 6 questions

Design is the largest examination category with 12 questions. Candidates should understand how the pool or spa is planned as a complete system, including dimensions, circulation, equipment, structural considerations, access, surrounding features, and the relationship between the vessel and site conditions.

Filtration/Circulation Systems and Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite each account for 8 questions. These subjects are central to residential pool construction because the finished project depends on both a properly constructed shell and a circulation system capable of supporting safe and effective pool operation.

Maintenance and Operation accounts for 7 questions, while Accessories and Associated Trades and Soils and Earthwork each account for 6 questions. Candidates should also prepare for 3 questions involving Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules.

Open Book Test

The Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor examination is an open-book test.

The following reference included in this package is allowed into the examination:

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018

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

• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features (USED)
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2025
• ANSI/NSPI-3 - Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
• Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada
• Clark County NV Swimming Pool Code

Because only the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code is available during the trade examination, candidates should use the other references to build retained knowledge before test day.

With 50 questions in two hours, candidates have a little more than two minutes per question on average. Strong preparation should combine knowledge of residential pool construction with efficient code navigation so the approved book is used strategically rather than searched for every answer.

Practice locating definitions, circulation requirements, equipment provisions, residential pool requirements, spa provisions, and safety-related topics. The goal is to know where major subjects are located before entering the examination.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the A-10A classification. Make sure Residential Pools 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 requested Nevada contractor classification.
4. Submit the Nevada contractor license application. Complete the applicable application and supporting documentation.
5. Receive examination eligibility. After the application and experience information are reviewed, the qualifying individual can proceed with the required examinations.
6. Prepare for the A-10A trade examination. Study design, circulation, concrete, shotcrete, maintenance, accessories, soils, excavation, and applicable pool and spa code requirements.
7. Practice open-book navigation. Use the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code throughout preparation.
8. Prepare for Nevada Business and Law. Nevada contractor applicants must satisfy the applicable 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 recognizes A-10A Residential Pools as a subclassification within the A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools classification.

The A-10A scope covers the construction, alteration, and repair of residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment.

This broad scope means candidates should understand more than surface repair or routine maintenance. Residential pool construction involves site evaluation, excavation, soil conditions, structural shells, concrete or shotcrete construction, circulation equipment, plumbing relationships, pool and spa accessories, surrounding construction, and safe operation.

Nevada also has specific requirements affecting contractors who perform residential pool and spa work. Residential pool contractors must understand that pool construction involves consumer-protection obligations in addition to general contractor licensing requirements.

A contractor performing residential pool work should also understand the importance of written agreements, clearly defined work, approved plans, project coordination, and compliance with applicable state and local requirements.

The A-10A examination is one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also satisfy applicable experience, application, business and law, financial, bonding, and other contractor licensing requirements before a license is issued.

Reference Books

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018
  This exam-room-approved reference supports preparation involving residential pools, spas, circulation systems, equipment, safety provisions, construction requirements, and related pool and spa code topics.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving excavation, grading, trenches, soils, compaction, drainage, and underground construction associated with residential pool projects.
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving shotcrete materials, equipment, placement, application techniques, surface preparation, construction practices, and quality considerations.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This study-only reference supports concrete preparation involving materials, formwork, reinforcement coordination, placement, consolidation, curing, finishing, and quality construction practices.
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features (USED)
  This study-only reference supports pool and spa maintenance, equipment, troubleshooting, water-feature operation, repairs, and practical service knowledge.
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2025
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving residential inground swimming pool design, construction, and related industry concepts.
• ANSI/NSPI-3 - Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving permanently installed residential spas and related construction and equipment concepts.
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
  This study-only reference supports circulation, filtration, water treatment, equipment operation, maintenance, and other practical pool and spa operating concepts.
• Construction Business and Law Manual for Nevada
  This reference supports preparation involving Nevada contractor business practices, licensing responsibilities, contracts, management, and related business and law topics.
• Clark County NV Swimming Pool Code
  This study-only reference supports preparation involving local swimming pool requirements applicable within Clark County.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018
  This is the exam-room-approved reference included with the Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor Exam Book Package. Candidates should use it regularly during preparation to improve familiarity with code organization and pool and spa requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Nevada A-10A study plan should begin with residential pool design because Design is the largest examination category. Candidates should understand how the shape, dimensions, depth, circulation, equipment, structural shell, access, and site conditions work together as one complete system.

Filtration and Circulation Systems should receive substantial attention. Review pumps, filters, suction and return paths, circulation principles, equipment relationships, and the purpose of moving and treating water throughout the pool or spa.

Maintenance and Operation should include routine pool and spa care, circulation, filtration, equipment operation, water-related conditions, and troubleshooting concepts. The Pool and Spa Operator Handbook and Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual can support this area.

Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite should be studied as structural construction subjects. Candidates should understand substrate preparation, reinforcement coordination, application, placement, curing, quality control, and the importance of constructing a sound pool shell.

The Guide to Shotcrete and The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction can help candidates strengthen understanding of practical concrete and shotcrete construction before test day.

Soils and Earthwork should include excavation, grading, trench safety concepts, soil conditions, drainage, compaction, and the relationship between the site and the finished pool structure.

Pool shells, decks, piping, and surrounding improvements can all be affected by settlement or poor drainage. Candidates should understand why site preparation matters before structural work begins.

Accessories and Associated Trades should include the equipment and construction components that interact with the pool or spa. Candidates should understand coordination rather than studying each component in isolation.

Residential Spa Construction should receive dedicated study time because the A-10A classification includes residential spas. The ANSI/NSPI-3 reference can support study of permanently installed residential spa concepts.

Residential Inground Pool Standards can be reviewed using the ANSI/NSPI-5 reference included in the package. Because this material is not available during the trade examination, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts rather than relying on exam-room lookup.

The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 should be used during every stage of study. Practice finding applicable provisions rather than reading only from beginning to end.

Use the index, definitions, chapter headings, and major pool and spa sections to develop navigation skills. Candidates should become familiar enough with the book to know where to begin searching when a code-based question appears.

A useful study exercise is to choose a subject such as circulation, residential spas, equipment, safety, or construction requirements and time how long it takes to locate the relevant section.

The study-only books should gradually be removed from practice sessions. Review the material, close the reference, and answer questions from memory. This helps build the retained knowledge needed when those books are not available in the trade examination.

Practice questions should be organized around the official exam subjects: Design, Filtration/Circulation, Maintenance and Operation, Concrete/Shotcrete/Gunite, Accessories and Associated Trades, Soils and Earthwork, and Pool and Spa Business Laws and Rules.

With 50 questions in two hours, pacing matters. Candidates should avoid spending too long on one code lookup. Answer familiar questions efficiently and return to more difficult items when possible.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation when applicable, and confidence-building study structure.

The A-10A examination covers the complete residential pool construction process, so preparation should connect design, excavation, structural concrete, shotcrete, circulation, maintenance, equipment, residential spa work, and applicable pool and spa codes.

The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 provides the exam-room reference for open-book code questions. Repeated navigation practice can help candidates become more efficient at locating relevant requirements.

The supplemental references provide additional depth in excavation, shotcrete, concrete quality, pool maintenance, residential inground pools, residential spas, pool operation, Nevada business law, and Clark County pool requirements.

Practice-oriented preparation can help identify whether a missed question comes from weak trade knowledge, slow code navigation, misunderstanding of a design concept, or difficulty with concrete, circulation, soils, or maintenance topics.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor examination with stronger construction knowledge, more efficient code navigation, better understanding of residential pool systems, and a structured preparation strategy without guaranteeing a passing score or licensing approval.

How many questions are on the Nevada A-10A exam?

The Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor examination contains 50 questions.

How much time is allowed for the A-10A examination?

Candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete the examination.

How many correct answers are required to pass?

Candidates must answer 35 questions correctly to pass the Nevada A-10A trade examination.

Is the Nevada A-10A exam open book?

Yes. The Nevada A-10A Residential Pools Contractor examination is an open-book test.

Which book is allowed into the Nevada A-10A exam?

The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2018 is the exam-room-approved reference included in this package.

Are the other books in the package allowed into the exam?

No. The remaining references are included for study and are not allowed into the A-10A trade examination room.

What work does the Nevada A-10A classification cover?

The classification covers construction, alteration, and repair of residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, including appurtenant equipment.

What is the largest A-10A exam category?

Design is the largest category with 12 questions.

How many Filtration and Circulation questions are on the exam?

The examination contains 8 Filtration/Circulation Systems questions.

How many Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite questions are on the exam?

The examination contains 8 Concrete, Shotcrete and Gunite questions.

Does the A-10A exam include soils and excavation?

Yes. Soils and Earthwork accounts for 6 questions, and excavation-related knowledge is an important part of residential pool construction preparation.

Does the A-10A classification include residential spas?

Yes. The scope includes residential pools and spas used for swimming, therapy, or decoration, along with appurtenant equipment.

Why is the Guide to Shotcrete included?

Shotcrete is an important pool-shell construction method. The reference supports study of shotcrete materials, placement, application, construction practices, and quality considerations.

Why is the Pool and Spa Operator Handbook included?

It supports study of filtration, circulation, equipment operation, maintenance, and other pool and spa operating concepts that appear within the A-10A examination content.

Should I practice code navigation for the exam?

Yes. Candidates should use the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code throughout preparation so definitions, sections, and major pool and spa requirements can be located efficiently.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the Nevada A-10A exam?

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