New Mexico Framing Contractor (GS-13) - Books & Courses Rental Package

The New Mexico Framing Contractor (GS-13) Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-13 framing 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-13 classification is focused on framing contractor work, including residential and commercial framing, building code requirements, structural framing systems, wood construction, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, layout, fasteners, safety, and related contractor responsibilities. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, carpentry and building construction practices, OSHA construction safety, and contractor business law requirements.

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 framing code lookup, construction methods review, safety study, building code preparation, 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 wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, wood construction, sheathing, fastening, OSHA safety, New Mexico building code requirements, residential and commercial framing provisions, and practical field conditions. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico GS-13 Framing Contractor exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Framing Contractor (GS-13) exam is a trade exam for candidates pursuing the GS-13 contractor classification. The exam focuses on framing trade knowledge, building code application, construction safety, wood framing, structural framing systems, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, fastening, layout, materials, construction sequencing, and contractor responsibilities.

GS-13 candidates should prepare for both technical trade content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to framing systems, code-compliant installation, building construction methods, safety, structural framing components, and field practices. 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 New Mexico commercial building code requirements, New Mexico residential building code requirements, International Building Code provisions, International Residential Code provisions, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, ceiling framing, wood members, headers, beams, joists, rafters, trusses, sheathing, bracing, fastening, anchors, layout, plan reading awareness, OSHA construction safety, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, material handling, and contractor business law topics.

Because the GS-13 exam is tied to framing contractor work, preparation should focus on both code knowledge and field application. Candidates should understand how framing systems are laid out, assembled, braced, connected, fastened, supported, and inspected. A strong candidate should be able to connect real-world framing experience with reference-based exam questions and practical job-site judgment.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GS-13 Framing 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, framing details, safety standards, and construction reference sections. 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-13 exam, candidates should pay close attention to New Mexico commercial and residential building code references, the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, Carpentry and Building Construction, and OSHA construction safety standards.

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-13 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 framing work being performed. Candidates should review the GS-13 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-13 classification applies to framing contractor work. This classification is associated with structural framing, wood framing, wall systems, floor systems, roof systems, sheathing, fastening, layout, code-compliant framing installation, and related framing contractor responsibilities performed under New Mexico requirements.

Framing contractor work may involve layout, wood member selection, wall framing, floor joists, roof rafters, trusses, headers, beams, blocking, bracing, sheathing, connections, fasteners, anchors, openings, load path awareness, plan interpretation, safety planning, and coordination with applicable state and local requirements. Candidates should understand how each part of a framing system supports strength, stability, alignment, durability, and long-term building performance.

The GS-13 classification is a framing contractor classification and should not be treated as an unlimited building, concrete, masonry, roofing, electrical, mechanical, 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 framing contractor work and the contractor responsibilities connected to performing regulated construction work in New Mexico. That includes contractor licensing rules, business obligations, project documentation, code compliance, safety awareness, estimating, inspection readiness, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• 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 framing 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, framing provisions, and rules that may apply to residential framing work in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: International Building Code, 2021
  This building code reference supports study of commercial building code requirements, structural provisions, framing requirements, wall systems, floor systems, roof systems, code organization, definitions, 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, wood framing, wall construction, floor construction, roof construction, bracing, openings, sheathing, fastening, code organization, and residential framing code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This carpentry reference supports study of building layout, framing materials, tools, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, stair awareness, fasteners, construction sequencing, plan reading concepts, estimating awareness, and practical carpentry field knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of construction safety standards, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, material handling, hazard recognition, access, housekeeping, and worker protection requirements.
• 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-13 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 framing code topics, OSHA safety, residential and commercial framing requirements, carpentry methods, New Mexico building code provisions, and business law topics.

A strong GS-13 study routine should begin with the major work areas covered by the classification. Candidates should understand how framing systems are laid out, how walls transfer loads, how floor systems support occupants and finishes, how roof framing supports roof loads, how openings are framed, how bracing improves stability, how sheathing strengthens assemblies, and how fasteners and connectors affect performance. Exam questions may require both direct reference lookup and practical interpretation of job-site conditions.

For building code study, candidates should review New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC organization, IRC organization, definitions, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, openings, bracing, sheathing, fasteners, safety provisions, structural concepts, and inspection-related requirements. Building code questions often require careful reading because requirements may differ depending on building type, framing condition, member size, load path, or installation detail.

For carpentry and building construction study, candidates should review layout, measuring, tools, lumber, engineered wood awareness, wall framing, floor framing, ceiling framing, roof framing, stair awareness, sheathing, fasteners, construction sequencing, plan reading, and estimating awareness. This reference helps connect code concepts to practical framing methods used in the field.

For wall framing study, candidates should review studs, plates, headers, cripples, trimmers, corners, intersections, openings, bracing, blocking, sheathing, nailing, anchorage, and load path awareness. Wall framing topics are important because walls support vertical loads, resist lateral movement, and provide openings for windows and doors.

For floor and roof framing study, candidates should review joists, beams, girders, rafters, ridge boards, trusses, sheathing, spans, bearing, connections, overhangs, roof slopes, ceiling framing, and member support. These topics are important because framing contractors must understand how building components work together to create a stable structure.

For OSHA safety study, candidates should review fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, material handling, hazard recognition, access, housekeeping, power tool awareness, and safe work practices. Framing work often involves elevated work areas, heavy materials, cutting, lifting, ladders, and temporary job-site conditions, making safety preparation an important part of the exam study process.

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 Framing Contractor (GS-13) 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-13 areas, review framing code topics, OSHA safety, residential and commercial building code requirements, carpentry methods, 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-13 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 New Mexico building code references, IBC and IRC materials, carpentry and building construction guidance, OSHA construction safety, and business law references. The GS-13 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 Framing Contractor (GS-13) 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 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; Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

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 $1,160. The refundable book rental deposit is $450. The total due today is $1,610.

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-13 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GS-13 Framing 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-13 exam?

Candidates should study New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC and IRC framing topics, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, bracing, fasteners, headers, beams, joists, rafters, layout, OSHA construction safety, carpentry methods, and contractor business law topics.

Why are both the IBC and IRC included?

The IBC supports preparation for commercial building code topics, while the IRC supports preparation for one- and two-family dwelling requirements. Framing contractor work may involve residential and commercial framing concepts, so both references support a broader study plan.

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.