New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) - Books & Courses Rental Package

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-4 concrete contractor licensing exam. This package gives students access to rental reference books, business law study materials, and online course preparation in one organized study option.

The GS-4 classification is focused on concrete, cement, walkways, driveways, formwork, reinforcing steel, excavation awareness, concrete placement, building code requirements, structural concrete provisions, and related contractor responsibilities. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study OSHA construction safety, concrete materials, mix design, formwork, reinforcing bar placement, excavation and pipe-related site work, New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, ACI concrete requirements, and contractor business law topics.

Open book contractor exams require more than owning the correct references. Candidates need to understand how each book is organized, where important information is located, and how to apply code language and trade knowledge during a timed exam. The course access included with this rental package helps guide study time, while the rental books support concrete code lookup, concrete materials review, formwork study, reinforcing steel preparation, safety review, and exam-style practice.

This package is a practical option for candidates who want structured study support without purchasing every rental reference outright. The course helps organize review time, while the books help candidates study concrete work, cement materials, sidewalks, driveways, formwork, reinforcement, excavation coordination, OSHA safety, New Mexico building code requirements, residential and commercial provisions, and practical field conditions. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico GS-4 Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam is a trade exam for candidates pursuing the GS-4 contractor classification. The exam focuses on concrete trade knowledge, cement materials, concrete placement, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, excavation awareness, formwork, reinforcing steel, building code application, OSHA safety, structural concrete provisions, and contractor responsibilities.

GS-4 candidates should prepare for both technical trade content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to concrete materials, mixing, placement, curing, formwork, reinforcing bars, slabs, walkways, driveways, excavation coordination, code-compliant construction, and field procedures. Business law preparation supports the administrative, legal, and project-management side of contractor licensing. This package includes both technical rental references and business law materials so candidates can study both sides of the licensing process with a more complete preparation plan.

Important study areas may include OSHA construction safety, personal protective equipment, excavation safety awareness, concrete materials, cement, aggregates, admixtures, water-cement ratio concepts, concrete strength, durability, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, form design awareness, formwork safety, reinforcing steel placement, bar supports, concrete cover, slabs, walkways, driveways, joints, subgrade preparation, building code requirements, New Mexico commercial and residential building provisions, IBC and IRC concrete topics, ACI 318 structural concrete provisions, and contractor business law topics.

Because the GS-4 exam is tied to concrete, cement, walkways, and driveways work, preparation should focus on both code knowledge and field application. Candidates should understand how concrete systems are planned, formed, reinforced, placed, finished, cured, protected, and inspected. A strong candidate should be able to connect real-world concrete experience with reference-based exam questions and practical job-site judgment.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GS-4 Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor exam is an open book test. Candidates may use approved references during the exam, but the books must comply with examination rules. Open book testing still requires strong preparation because candidates must recognize the topic, select the correct reference, locate the correct information, and apply it within the time allowed.

Reference navigation is one of the most important skills for this exam. Candidates should practice using tables of contents, indexes, chapter headings, code sections, definitions, tables, figures, diagrams, safety standards, formwork details, concrete placement guidance, reinforcing steel references, and structural concrete provisions. The goal is to become comfortable moving through each book before test day, not learning the layout for the first time during the exam.

Books used in the exam room are typically expected to be bound and free of loose papers or added writing. Highlighting, underlining, and permanent tabs may be allowed when they follow testing rules. Candidates should avoid temporary sticky notes, loose inserts, handwritten notes, copied pages, and any added material that could cause a reference to be rejected at the testing site.

A strong open book study routine includes reading a topic, locating the related reference section, answering practice questions, and repeating the lookup process until it becomes familiar. For the GS-4 exam, candidates should pay close attention to OSHA construction safety, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, New Mexico commercial and residential building codes, the IBC, the IRC, SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, Placing Reinforcing Bars, and ACI 318-14.

Licensing Steps

New Mexico contractor licensing is handled through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division. PSI is involved in New Mexico contractor licensing paperwork and contractor examination services. Candidates pursuing the GS-4 classification should follow the state licensing process for the applicable contractor license and qualifying party requirements.

A practical preparation path begins with identifying the correct classification for the type of concrete, cement, walkway, or driveway work being performed. Candidates should review the GS-4 classification, confirm the required experience, complete the appropriate qualifying party application materials, and submit the required documentation for approval. Once approved, candidates can schedule the required examination and begin focused preparation using the course and rental references.

Business law preparation is also important for contractor licensing. Contractors are expected to understand licensing rules, contracts, project management, business operations, safety responsibilities, financial obligations, and compliance requirements. The business book and New Mexico business law references included with this package support that part of the licensing process.

After the required exam steps are completed, candidates continue through the remaining licensing requirements. These may include submitting passing score reports, completing contractor license paperwork, providing business entity information, meeting bonding or workers’ compensation requirements when applicable, and satisfying other state licensing documentation. Candidates should keep all names, addresses, business information, and application details consistent throughout the process.

State Requirements

The New Mexico GS-4 classification applies to concrete, cement, walkways, and driveways contractor work. This classification is associated with concrete placement, cement-based materials, flatwork, sidewalks, driveways, formwork, reinforcing steel, excavation coordination, code-compliant construction, and related concrete contractor responsibilities performed under New Mexico requirements.

Concrete contractor work may involve site preparation, subgrade awareness, form placement, reinforcement, concrete ordering, material handling, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, joints, protection from weather, excavation coordination, safety planning, and coordination with applicable state and local requirements. Candidates should understand how each part of concrete work supports strength, durability, drainage, safety, and long-term performance.

The GS-4 classification is a concrete, cement, walkways, and driveways contractor classification and should not be treated as an unlimited building, structural engineering, excavation, masonry, paving, plumbing, or general construction classification. Work outside the classification may require a different license classification or additional qualifications. Candidates should study the classification scope carefully so they understand what the license classification allows and where the classification stops.

For licensing preparation, candidates should understand both the technical scope of concrete contractor work and the contractor responsibilities connected to performing regulated construction work in New Mexico. That includes contractor licensing rules, business obligations, job-site safety, code compliance, project documentation, inspection readiness, estimating awareness, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of construction safety standards, personal protective equipment, excavation safety awareness, fall protection awareness, material handling, equipment safety, hazard recognition, access, housekeeping, and worker protection requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, mixture design, workability, strength, durability, curing, testing awareness, quality control, and concrete material performance used in flatwork and structural concrete applications.
• Included Rental Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This excavation reference supports study of trenching, excavation methods, bedding, backfill, compaction awareness, underground work, equipment use, site preparation, job-site safety, and practical field procedures that may support concrete construction work.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021
  This New Mexico commercial building code reference supports study of state commercial building provisions, adopted code language, amendments, structural requirements, safety provisions, and rules that may apply to commercial concrete work in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021
  This New Mexico residential building code reference supports study of state residential building provisions, adopted code language, amendments, dwelling-related requirements, concrete provisions, and rules that may apply to residential concrete work in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: International Building Code, 2021
  This building code reference supports study of commercial building code requirements, structural concrete provisions, construction requirements, code organization, definitions, occupancy and safety concepts, and inspection-related topics.
• Included Rental Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  This residential code reference supports study of one- and two-family dwelling requirements, concrete provisions, footings and slab awareness, residential construction requirements, code organization, and residential code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, 2014, 8th Edition
  This formwork reference supports study of form design awareness, form materials, form placement, bracing, ties, shores, form removal awareness, safety, tolerances, and practical field methods used to shape and support concrete before placement.
• Included Rental Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This reinforcing steel reference supports study of reinforcing bar placement, supports, spacing, tying, drawings, bar marks, cover, lap awareness, field handling, and reinforced concrete construction practices used in concrete work.
• Included Rental Book: ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This structural concrete reference supports study of concrete design and construction provisions, reinforcing requirements, materials, durability, concrete cover, structural concrete terminology, inspection-related provisions, and technical concrete standards.
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  This business book supports preparation for contractor business and law topics, including project management, estimating, contracts, risk management, financial management, employment matters, safety, lien law concepts, and contractor responsibilities.
• New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13), 2006
  This state licensing law reference supports study of New Mexico construction licensing provisions, contractor responsibilities, statutory requirements, and regulated construction work requirements.
• New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement (NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3), 2006
  This New Mexico administrative rule reference supports study of contractor license requirements, licensing procedures, classification-related rules, and state-level contractor compliance topics.

Test Information and Study Materials

This rental package supports both technical exam preparation and business law study. The rental books provide the reference foundation for the GS-4 trade exam, while the business law materials support the contractor licensing side of the process. The online course access helps organize study time and gives candidates a structured way to review concrete materials, OSHA safety, excavation awareness, formwork, reinforcing steel, building code provisions, ACI requirements, and business law topics.

A strong GS-4 study routine should begin with the major work areas covered by the classification. Candidates should understand how concrete work is planned, how subgrade conditions affect performance, how forms hold the concrete in shape, how reinforcement is placed, how concrete is delivered and finished, how curing supports strength development, and how code requirements affect concrete work. Exam questions may require both direct reference lookup and practical interpretation of job-site conditions.

For OSHA safety study, candidates should review personal protective equipment, hazard recognition, excavation safety awareness, fall protection awareness, material handling, power tool safety, concrete placement hazards, access, housekeeping, and safe work practices. Concrete work often involves heavy materials, equipment, forms, reinforcement, excavation conditions, and changing job-site conditions, making safety preparation an important part of the exam study process.

For concrete materials study, candidates should review cement types, aggregates, water, admixtures, concrete strength, durability, workability, air entrainment awareness, slump awareness, curing, testing awareness, and quality control. Understanding concrete materials helps candidates connect mix design, placement, finishing, and curing decisions to long-term concrete performance.

For formwork study, candidates should review form materials, bracing, ties, shores, alignment, form pressure awareness, form removal awareness, safety, and field procedures. Proper formwork helps concrete hold the required shape and dimensions while protecting workers and supporting placement quality.

For reinforcing steel study, candidates should review bar placement, spacing, cover, supports, tying, lap awareness, drawings, field handling, and reinforced concrete terminology. Reinforcement placement is important because concrete and reinforcing steel work together to support strength and durability where reinforcement is required.

For building code study, candidates should review New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC organization, IRC organization, definitions, structural concrete awareness, slabs, footings, materials, inspection-related provisions, and code language connected to concrete construction. Building code questions often require careful reading because requirements may differ depending on building type, concrete application, structural condition, or residential versus commercial use.

For ACI 318 study, candidates should review structural concrete terminology, materials, durability, reinforcement, concrete cover, construction provisions, inspection-related language, and structural concrete requirements. This reference supports preparation for technical concrete questions that go beyond basic flatwork and require familiarity with structural concrete standards.

For walkways and driveways study, candidates should review subgrade preparation, forms, thickness awareness, slopes, drainage, joints, finishing, curing, reinforcement awareness, surface protection, and weather conditions. Walkways and driveways require practical knowledge of flatwork layout, surface quality, drainage, and durability.

For business law study, candidates should review contractor responsibilities, licensing rules, contracts, project management, financial responsibility, safety, risk management, and compliance. The business law portion of licensing is important because licensed contractors are responsible not only for trade work but also for proper business practices and legal compliance.

Practice is an important part of this preparation package. Candidates should use the course to identify weak areas, then use the rental books to reinforce those topics. Timed practice can help improve confidence for open book testing. A helpful study method is to practice finding answers in the books rather than only reading explanations. This builds speed and helps candidates become more comfortable with the references.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare for the New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and practical support for open book exam preparation. This rental package gives candidates access to the listed study materials and 6 months of course access, helping them prepare without having to purchase every rental reference outright.

The course portion supports a structured study approach by helping candidates focus on important GS-4 areas, review concrete materials, OSHA safety, excavation awareness, formwork, reinforcing steel, IBC and IRC requirements, New Mexico building code provisions, and practice exam-style thinking. The rental book portion supports reference navigation and technical review, which are essential for open book testing. Together, the books and course help candidates build a more complete preparation routine.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and exam-focused. Candidates are encouraged to learn the material, practice with the books, understand the GS-4 classification scope, and prepare for the rules of the testing environment. This can help reduce confusion, improve study organization, and build confidence before exam day.

This package is especially useful for candidates who want a preparation option that includes OSHA construction safety, concrete mix design materials, excavation guidance, New Mexico building code references, IBC and IRC materials, formwork references, reinforcing bar guidance, ACI 318 structural concrete provisions, and business law references. The GS-4 licensing path involves more than one subject area, and having a structured package can make it easier to manage study time, review the correct material, and stay focused on the licensing goal.

FAQ Section

Who is this package for?

This package is for candidates preparing for the New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam who want rental books, business law materials, and online course access in one preparation package.

What rental books are included?

The rental books include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021; New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021; International Building Code, 2021; International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021; SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, 2014, 8th Edition; Placing Reinforcing Bars; and ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary.

Is a business book included?

Yes. The business book includes NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition, New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13), 2006, and New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement (NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3), 2006.

How long is the course access?

This package includes 6 months of course access.

What is the package price?

The package price is $1,760. The refundable book rental deposit is $950. The total due today is $2,710.

How long does the rental package order take?

Please allow up to 15 business days for book and course rental package orders.

Is the New Mexico GS-4 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GS-4 Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor exam is an open book test. Candidates should prepare with approved references and make sure the exam-room books meet testing rules.

What topics should I study for the GS-4 exam?

Candidates should study OSHA construction safety, concrete materials, cement, aggregates, mix design, formwork, reinforcing bars, excavation awareness, walkways, driveways, slabs, joints, curing, New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC and IRC concrete topics, ACI 318 structural concrete provisions, and contractor business law topics.

Why are formwork and reinforcing bar references included?

Concrete work often requires proper forms and reinforcement placement. These references support preparation for form layout, bracing, concrete support, reinforcing bar placement, spacing, cover, tying, and field practices used in concrete construction.

Does this package guarantee passing the exam?

No. This package provides study materials, rental books, and course access to support exam preparation. Exam results depend on the candidate’s experience, study habits, reference knowledge, and test performance.