New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-4 contractor exam who want a more organized way to study and use the approved references. This package includes the 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.

Concrete, cement, walkway, and driveway work requires knowledge of concrete materials, mix design, site preparation, excavation, formwork, reinforcement, placement, finishing, curing, structural concrete requirements, residential and commercial building code provisions, and construction safety. Candidates preparing for the GS-4 exam should be ready to study both practical field methods and code-based requirements because concrete work connects directly to durability, structural support, accessibility, drainage, safety, and long-term performance.

This highlighted and tabbed book package helps candidates study with references that are easier to navigate. The tabs help organize major sections of the books, while the highlighting draws attention to important provisions, definitions, tables, installation requirements, safety rules, and construction guidance. For an open-book contractor exam, the goal is not only to own the correct references. Candidates must also know how to use the books efficiently under time pressure.

The reference list combines OSHA safety regulations, concrete mixture guidance, excavation practices, New Mexico building code material, model building codes, formwork guidance, reinforcing bar placement, and ACI structural concrete requirements. Together, these references support preparation for questions involving concrete construction from the planning and sitework stage through placement, reinforcement, formwork, finishing, curing, and code compliance.

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders. These packages require preparation time before shipment so the references can be organized and made ready for study use.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam is part of the New Mexico contractor examination process. Candidates must be approved before scheduling the required examination. Once eligibility is granted, candidates can schedule the exam through the approved testing process and complete the test as directed by the testing agency.

The GS-4 exam is focused on concrete, cement, walkways, driveways, related sitework, code requirements, and jobsite safety. Candidates should prepare to work with construction references, building codes, OSHA regulations, and concrete industry materials. The approved references supplied in this package show that preparation should include concrete mixture design, formwork, reinforcing bars, excavation, concrete placement, residential and commercial code requirements, structural concrete provisions, and construction safety.

This exam should be approached as both a trade knowledge test and a reference navigation test. Questions may require candidates to interpret construction terminology, identify safe work practices, understand concrete materials, apply formwork or reinforcement requirements, locate code provisions, or recognize proper installation and placement practices. Candidates should study the structure of each reference and practice locating information before exam day.

Concrete work may look straightforward in the field, but the exam can test a wide range of details. Candidates should prepare for subjects such as cementitious materials, aggregates, admixtures, water-cement ratio, proportioning, slump, batching, curing, placing, finishing, reinforcing steel, formwork loads, excavation safety, residential concrete requirements, commercial concrete requirements, and OSHA construction rules.

Walkways and driveways also require careful preparation. These projects involve site preparation, soil conditions, drainage, forms, concrete placement, finishing methods, joints, curing, slope, weather considerations, and safety. Candidates should connect field experience with the written references so they can recognize how practical construction methods relate to exam questions.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) examination is treated as an open book test using approved references. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved materials to the examination center when required by the testing instructions. This highlighted and tabbed package includes the listed references for GS-4 preparation.

Open-book testing still requires serious preparation. The references in this package are detailed, and the exam environment is timed. Candidates who are unfamiliar with the books may lose valuable time searching for answers. Candidates who have practiced with their references can move more confidently between chapters, tables, definitions, safety rules, concrete standards, code provisions, diagrams, and construction guidance.

Reference materials must be bound and may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination session. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, including Post-it notes, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins. Reference materials containing writing are not allowed into the examination, and candidates are not permitted to write in the references during the testing session.

This highlighted and tabbed package supports the open-book format by helping candidates organize their study references in a practical way. The tabs help candidates return to major subject areas, while the highlighting helps draw attention to key provisions and commonly reviewed material. Candidates should still study consistently, practice reference lookup, and become familiar with the organization of each book before the exam.

Licensing Steps

Candidates pursuing the New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor GS-4 classification should begin by reviewing the state contractor licensing process and identifying the correct classification. The GS-4 classification is associated with concrete, cement, walkway, driveway, and related specialty construction work, so candidates should make sure they are applying for the proper license type and examination.

A practical preparation path includes identifying the correct GS-4 classification, completing the required application or qualifying party approval process, receiving examination eligibility, scheduling the required exam, reviewing the approved reference list, studying consistently, and arriving at the testing center with proper identification and approved materials.

Contractor candidates may also need to satisfy the Business and Law requirement as part of the New Mexico contractor licensing process. Candidates should review their full licensing path so they understand the trade examination, business requirement, application, documentation, experience, financial, bonding, registration, and administrative steps connected to the license.

After passing the required examination, candidates should complete any remaining New Mexico contractor licensing requirements. Passing the GS-4 exam is an important step, but candidates are still responsible for meeting all applicable requirements before a license can be issued or maintained.

Candidates should keep application documents, eligibility notices, exam scheduling confirmations, reference lists, score reports, and licensing correspondence organized. Good recordkeeping helps reduce confusion and allows candidates to focus more attention on preparation and the remaining licensing steps.

State Requirements

New Mexico contractor licensing is connected to the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Contractors working in concrete, cement, walkway, and driveway construction must understand applicable state code requirements, construction safety rules, sitework practices, materials, and trade standards that affect concrete construction in New Mexico.

The New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021 and the New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021 are important because they contain state-specific building code provisions and amendments. Candidates should study these references alongside the International Building Code, 2021 and the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021 to understand both model code requirements and New Mexico-specific code provisions.

Concrete contractors must also understand safety requirements. The Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) supports preparation for construction safety topics such as excavation, fall protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, scaffolds, ladders, tools, equipment, and jobsite hazard control. Concrete work can involve heavy materials, equipment, excavation, reinforcing steel, formwork, and site hazards, so safety knowledge is essential.

The trade references in this package support practical concrete construction knowledge. Concrete mixtures, formwork, reinforcing bars, structural concrete requirements, excavation, and pipe-related sitework all play a role in concrete contracting. Candidates should use the full reference list to build a study plan that covers code, safety, materials, and field methods.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This highlighted and tabbed reference contains OSHA construction safety regulations. It supports preparation for safety questions involving excavation, fall protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, and jobsite safety requirements.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of concrete materials, cementitious materials, aggregates, admixtures, water, proportioning, mixture design, fresh concrete properties, hardened concrete properties, durability, quality control, placement, and curing.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of excavation practices, trenching, pipe installation, soil conditions, site preparation, equipment considerations, drainage, and safety-related construction practices that may relate to concrete, walkway, and driveway work.
• New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021
  This highlighted and tabbed reference contains New Mexico commercial building code provisions and amendments. It supports preparation for commercial building code questions involving concrete, structural requirements, construction standards, and state-specific code provisions.
• New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021
  This highlighted and tabbed reference contains New Mexico residential building code provisions and amendments. It supports preparation for residential concrete, foundations, slabs, walkways, driveways, structural provisions, and state-specific residential code requirements.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 IBC supports study of commercial building code requirements, structural concrete provisions, foundations, means of construction, materials, inspections, and code requirements that may apply to commercial concrete work.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 IRC supports study of residential construction requirements, including foundations, slabs, concrete work, footings, walls, site conditions, drainage, and residential code provisions connected to one- and two-family dwellings.
• SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, 2014, 8th Edition
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of concrete formwork, form design concepts, form materials, shoring, bracing, loads, construction practices, removal, safety, and field considerations for forming concrete elements.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports preparation for reinforcing steel placement, bar supports, splices, clearances, ties, placement tolerances, drawings, field practices, and reinforcement coordination in concrete construction.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of structural concrete code requirements, including concrete design provisions, reinforcement, development, durability, strength, construction requirements, and commentary related to structural concrete work.

Each reference in this package supports a different part of GS-4 exam preparation. OSHA supports jobsite safety. The concrete mixture reference supports materials and quality control. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports sitework and underground construction knowledge. The New Mexico and international building codes support code requirements. Formwork, reinforcing bar, and ACI references support concrete construction methods and structural concrete requirements.

The highlighted and tabbed format helps make the books easier to use during study sessions. Candidates can use the tabs to return to major subject areas and use the highlighting to focus attention on important code language and construction concepts. A useful study approach is to divide preparation into safety, concrete materials, mix design, excavation, residential code, commercial code, formwork, reinforcement, structural concrete, placement, finishing, curing, walkways, driveways, and jobsite practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam requires broad preparation. Candidates should study the approved references as a complete set rather than treating each book as separate and unrelated. Concrete construction involves materials, labor, equipment, safety, code requirements, site conditions, formwork, reinforcement, finishing, and quality control.

Concrete materials should be a major part of the study plan. Candidates should review cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates, water, admixtures, proportioning, slump, air content, strength, durability, curing, and quality control. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition supports preparation for these topics and helps candidates understand why mix design affects performance.

Placement and finishing should also receive careful attention. Candidates should study transporting concrete, placing methods, consolidation, finishing operations, curing, joints, surface defects, weather-related concerns, and field quality. Walkways and driveways require proper preparation and finishing because they are exposed to weather, traffic, drainage conditions, and long-term wear.

Formwork is another important study area. SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, 2014, 8th Edition supports preparation for form materials, bracing, shoring, form pressure, alignment, stripping, safety, and good construction practices. Formwork must hold concrete in the proper shape until it has gained adequate strength, so candidates should understand how forms affect quality and safety.

Reinforcing steel should be studied through Placing Reinforcing Bars and related code references. Candidates should review bar placement, supports, ties, splices, spacing, clearances, cover, field coordination, and drawings. Reinforcement placement affects concrete strength and performance, so candidates should become familiar with the terminology and field practices used in reinforcing work.

Structural concrete requirements should be reviewed through ACI 318-14. Candidates should understand that structural concrete requirements can involve strength, durability, reinforcement, development, construction provisions, and code-based expectations. Even when a project involves flatwork such as walkways or driveways, concrete contractors benefit from understanding structural concrete concepts and code organization.

Excavation and sitework should also be included in preparation. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports study of trenching, soil conditions, equipment, site preparation, drainage, pipe work, and safety considerations. Concrete work often begins with excavation, grading, or subgrade preparation, so candidates should understand how site conditions affect the final installation.

Building code study should include both residential and commercial requirements. The International Residential Code and New Mexico Residential Building Code support residential concrete and foundation preparation. The International Building Code and New Mexico Commercial Building Code support commercial building code knowledge. Candidates should study state and model code references together so they can identify the correct requirement for the situation.

OSHA safety preparation should be part of every contractor exam study plan. Candidates should review excavation safety, fall protection, personal protective equipment, scaffolds, ladders, hazard communication, power tools, concrete and masonry construction safety, equipment safety, and jobsite hazard recognition. Concrete contractors may work around excavations, reinforcing steel, formwork, heavy equipment, silica dust, and lifting hazards, so safety knowledge is essential.

Candidates should also practice reference navigation. A question involving concrete materials may point to Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. A safety question may point to OSHA. A formwork question may point to SP-4. A reinforcing steel question may point to Placing Reinforcing Bars. A code question may point to the IBC, IRC, or New Mexico building codes. The ability to identify the likely reference quickly is a key part of open-book exam preparation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare with organized, trade-focused support designed around the way open-book contractor exams are actually taken. For the New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam, preparation is not only about owning the correct references. It is about learning how to use those references, recognize key terms, locate sections quickly, and apply concrete construction knowledge with confidence.

This highlighted and tabbed book package supports that preparation by providing the listed references in a more organized study format. Candidates can use the books to review OSHA safety, concrete mixtures, excavation, New Mexico building codes, the IBC, the IRC, formwork, reinforcing bars, structural concrete requirements, walkways, driveways, placement, finishing, and curing.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and exam-oriented. The goal is to help candidates reduce confusion, organize their preparation, and build confidence through repeated reference navigation and trade-focused review. Candidates still need to study consistently and understand the material, but highlighted and tabbed references can make the study process more manageable.

Many GS-4 candidates have concrete or construction experience but are less familiar with moving through multiple code books and trade references under exam pressure. 1 Exam Prep helps support that transition by encouraging structured study, reference familiarity, and practice-oriented preparation. With consistent effort, candidates can improve pacing, strengthen construction knowledge, and approach the New Mexico GS-4 exam with a clearer plan.

FAQ

What books are included in this package?

This package includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, New Mexico building codes, the 2021 IBC, the 2021 IRC, SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, Placing Reinforcing Bars, and ACI 318-14.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. This package is prepared as a highlighted and tabbed book package to support more organized study and faster reference navigation.

How long does it take to receive this package?

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders. Preparation time is required before shipment.

Is the New Mexico GS-4 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico Concrete, Cement, Walkways and Driveways Contractor (GS-4) exam is treated as an open-book test using approved references. Candidates should bring only approved materials and follow all testing center rules.

Why is OSHA included in this package?

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 contains federal construction safety regulations. Concrete contractors should understand jobsite safety topics such as excavation safety, fall protection, PPE, hazard communication, tools, equipment, and general construction hazards.

Why are both residential and commercial codes included?

The GS-4 reference list includes New Mexico residential and commercial building codes along with the IBC and IRC. Candidates should study both residential and commercial code references because concrete work can occur in different building settings.

Why is ACI 318-14 included?

ACI 318-14 supports preparation for structural concrete requirements, reinforcement, durability, strength, construction provisions, and code-based concrete requirements.

Why is formwork included in a concrete package?

Formwork is essential to concrete construction because it supports and shapes concrete until it gains adequate strength. Candidates should study form materials, bracing, shoring, loads, removal, and safety.

Can highlighted and tabbed references be used during the exam?

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination session. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, including Post-it notes, are not allowed.

Does this package guarantee a passing score?

No product can guarantee an exam result. This package provides the listed highlighted and tabbed reference books and supports candidates as they prepare through code-focused and trade-focused study.