New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Online Exam Prep Course

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Online Exam Prep Course is designed for contractors preparing for the New Mexico GB-98 General Building Contractor Part 2 examination. This course supports candidates who need a structured way to study the major construction, code, safety, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, plan reading, and estimating topics covered on the exam. Because the GB-98 classification covers a broad building construction scope, candidates benefit from organized exam preparation that helps connect the required reference materials to the types of questions they may encounter.

This online exam prep course is built around the reference materials listed for this product, including the New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, New Mexico Commercial Building Code, 2021 International Building Code, commercial construction references, concrete and masonry standards, steel construction references, OSHA construction safety standards, and additional trade materials. The course helps candidates study with a clearer plan instead of trying to work through a large book list without direction.

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 exam is an open book contractor trade exam. Open book testing means candidates may use approved references during the exam, but it also means they need strong reference-navigation skills. Candidates should understand which book applies to each topic, where to locate important sections, and how to use indexes, chapter headings, tables, and diagrams efficiently. This course helps students focus their study time on practical exam readiness, trade topic review, and code-based preparation.

For contractors with field experience, this course helps translate jobsite knowledge into exam preparation. A candidate may understand construction work in the field but still need practice applying code language, OSHA rules, estimating concepts, plan reading details, and formal construction references to exam questions. The goal of this course is to help candidates become more organized, more confident, and more familiar with the reference materials used for the New Mexico GB-98 Part 2 exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) examination is a contractor trade exam for candidates pursuing the GB-98 General Building Contractor classification. The exam measures knowledge of commercial building construction, jobsite practices, building code requirements, construction materials, OSHA safety standards, estimating, plan reading, and trade applications. Candidates should be prepared for questions that require both construction knowledge and the ability to locate information in approved reference materials.

The General Building Contractor Part 2 examination includes 100 questions, has a 310-minute time limit, and requires a 75% passing score. Because the exam covers a large reference list, preparation should include more than reading. Candidates should practice identifying which reference applies to each subject, locating answers quickly, and applying the correct construction or code provision to the question being asked.

Major exam content areas include sitework, footings and foundations, concrete and reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, metals, roofing, associated trades, general code, plan reading, estimating, and OSHA safety. These topics reflect the broad technical scope expected of a New Mexico general building contractor. Candidates should be prepared for direct reference questions, practical construction scenarios, safety questions, calculation-style questions, and plan-based questions.

The course is designed to support study across the listed reference materials. Candidates should use the course alongside the required books and develop a regular study routine. The most effective preparation includes reviewing exam topics, learning reference organization, practicing timed lookups, and revisiting challenging subjects until the material becomes more familiar.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) exam is an open book test. Open book testing allows candidates to use approved reference materials during the exam, but it does not remove the need for careful preparation. Candidates still need to read questions closely, manage time effectively, and know where to find the correct information.

For this exam, the reference list is extensive. Candidates should practice using tables of contents, indexes, glossary sections, chapter headings, diagrams, charts, and code tables. A question may require the International Building Code, OSHA standards, concrete references, masonry standards, steel construction references, carpentry materials, excavation content, or New Mexico code materials. Knowing which book to use first can save valuable time during the exam.

Books should be prepared according to current testing rules. Highlighting, underlining, and tabbing can help when allowed by the testing provider. Candidates should keep all reference materials compliant with exam instructions and avoid relying on first-time book navigation during the actual test. The strongest open book preparation comes from repeated practice before exam day.

Licensing Steps

New Mexico contractor licensing is connected to both the business entity and the qualifying party. The qualifying party is the individual who demonstrates the required experience and passes the required examination for the license classification. For the GB-98 General Building Contractor classification, candidates should follow the New Mexico contractor licensing process and make sure their experience documentation, exam approval, business information, and application materials match the classification being pursued.

A practical licensing path begins with identifying the correct classification. Candidates should prepare the qualifying party application, gather required experience records, and submit the necessary materials for review. After approval to test, the candidate can schedule the required examination. Candidates should also complete the business and law requirement associated with the New Mexico contractor licensing process.

After passing the required exam, the contractor business must complete the license application process. This may include business entity information, qualifying party documentation, tax registration information, bonding documents, and required application forms. Candidates should keep copies of exam results, work experience documentation, registration records, and licensing paperwork for their own files.

This online exam prep course supports the study portion of the licensing path. It helps candidates prepare for the trade examination by focusing on exam topics, reference organization, and practical test readiness. Licensing approval depends on the applicant, qualifying party status, completed documentation, exam results, bonding, and compliance with current New Mexico requirements.

State Requirements

New Mexico regulates contractor licensing through state construction licensing statutes and administrative rules. Candidates pursuing the GB-98 General Building Contractor classification should be prepared to meet qualifying party requirements, examination requirements, business law requirements, bonding requirements, tax registration requirements, and business entity requirements.

The GB-98 classification is connected to general building construction, which means the exam preparation scope is wide. Candidates should study commercial building code requirements, construction systems, safety standards, estimating, plan reading, concrete, masonry, steel, roofing, carpentry, sitework, and excavation. Since the classification covers a broad range of building construction knowledge, preparation should be organized around both code requirements and practical trade topics.

Candidates should make sure their exam, reference materials, and application path match the license classification being pursued. The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Online Exam Prep Course supports preparation for the trade exam, while the state licensing process controls application approval, qualifying party acceptance, and license issuance.

Reference Books

• New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015
  Administrative code material supporting New Mexico construction regulatory and code requirements.
• New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021
  New Mexico commercial building code provisions used for commercial building construction requirements.
• International Building Code, 2021
  Building code reference covering commercial construction requirements, occupancy, construction types, fire-resistance, means of egress, structural provisions, and related code topics.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  Commercial construction reference covering methods, materials, systems, project practices, and jobsite coordination concepts.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  Concrete reference covering mixture design, materials, properties, quality control, durability, and placement considerations.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  Reference covering reinforcing steel placement, bar supports, detailing concepts, and reinforced concrete field practices.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Reference covering gypsum systems, assemblies, installation practices, finishes, and construction details.
• SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  Steel deck reference covering deck construction practices, installation, fastening, and field coordination.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Reference covering field fundamentals for unbonded post-tensioning systems and related construction practices.
• Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Precast concrete erection reference covering handling, erection, safety practices, and field installation guidelines.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition
  Steel joist reference covering handling, erection, safety, and field practices for joists and joist girders.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Construction reference covering framing, layout, carpentry methods, building materials, and general building practices.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Masonry reference covering brick, block, stone, mortar, tools, wall systems, and masonry construction practices.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Reference covering sitework, excavation, trenching, pipe installation, and underground construction methods.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Construction safety reference covering OSHA standards for jobsite safety, excavation, fall protection, scaffolding, ladders, and hazard control.
• ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  Masonry code and specification reference covering structural masonry requirements and companion commentary.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Structural concrete code reference covering concrete design and construction provisions with commentary.

Test Information and Study Materials

The GB-98 exam covers a broad building construction scope, so candidates should study by topic and connect each topic to the correct reference. Sitework and excavation topics should be reviewed with Pipe and Excavation Contracting, OSHA, and applicable code materials. Footings, foundations, concrete, reinforcement, and structural concrete topics should be studied with Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Placing Reinforcing Bars, ACI 318-14, and the International Building Code.

Masonry topics should be reviewed with Modern Masonry and ACI 530/530.1. Steel topics connect to the SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, Technical Digest No. 9, post-tensioning material, and the precast erection manual. Carpentry, framing, gypsum systems, roofing, and associated trades should be studied with the construction practice references and building code materials.

Plan reading and estimating require practice with drawings, specifications, quantities, dimensions, construction sequencing, and material calculations. OSHA safety should be reviewed from 29 CFR Part 1926, including fall protection, excavation safety, scaffolding, ladders, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and general jobsite safety standards.

The online course helps candidates organize these topics into a more manageable preparation plan. Instead of studying randomly, candidates can focus on subject areas, connect each topic to its reference book, and practice the type of reference navigation needed for open book testing.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation support, and confidence-building structure. The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Online Exam Prep Course helps students approach a large exam scope with a clearer plan and a more practical study routine.

With a large reference list, candidates need more than general reading. They need a method for locating answers, connecting topics to books, understanding construction terminology, and practicing open book navigation. 1 Exam Prep helps students build preparation habits around the actual exam structure, including code review, OSHA safety, plan reading, estimating, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, and general construction topics.

The course is designed to support realistic preparation. No course can guarantee a passing score, licensing approval, state acceptance, business revenue, or future project results. This course helps candidates study smarter, use references more effectively, and build confidence through organized exam preparation.

FAQ Section

What is the New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Online Exam Prep Course?

This course is an online exam preparation option for candidates studying for the New Mexico GB-98 General Building Contractor Part 2 examination. It supports trade topic review, reference navigation, and open book exam preparation.

Is the New Mexico GB-98 Part 2 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 exam is open book. Candidates should study the approved references before exam day and prepare their books according to current testing rules.

How many questions are on the GB-98 Part 2 exam?

The General Building Contractor Part 2 exam includes 100 questions, has a 310-minute time limit, and requires a 75% passing score.

What topics should I study for the GB-98 Part 2 exam?

Candidates should study sitework, footings and foundations, concrete and reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, metals, roofing, associated trades, general code, plan reading, estimating, and OSHA safety.

Does this online course include the physical books?

This product is an online exam prep course. The listed books are the reference materials used to support preparation for the exam.

Why is reference navigation important for this exam?

The exam is open book and uses a large reference list. Candidates need to know which book applies to each topic and how to locate information quickly during timed testing.

Is field experience enough to prepare for the exam?

Field experience is valuable, but the exam also requires code knowledge, safety knowledge, plan reading, estimating, and strong use of the approved reference materials.

Does this course guarantee that I will pass or receive a license?

No. Exam results and licensing approval depend on the candidate, the application, testing performance, and state requirements. This course supports organized exam preparation.