New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package is designed for contractors preparing for the New Mexico GB-98 General Building Contractor Part 2 examination. This package provides the listed construction, code, safety, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, and commercial building references in a format intended to support open book exam preparation. For candidates studying a large reference set, highlighted and tabbed books can help make the study process more organized and improve reference navigation during preparation.

The GB-98 General Building Contractor classification covers a broad building construction scope. Candidates should be prepared to study commercial building code provisions, sitework, footings and foundations, concrete and reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, metals, roofing, associated trades, plan reading, estimating, and OSHA safety. Because the exam is open book, candidates need to understand the material and know how to locate information quickly. This book package supports that goal by helping students work with the references in a more structured way.

A large contractor exam book list can feel overwhelming without organization. The purpose of a highlighted and tabbed package is to help candidates focus on important sections, move through books more efficiently, and build familiarity with the materials before exam day. Candidates should still study carefully, practice using the references, and review the current testing rules for allowed book preparation. The books are tools, and the strongest results come from using those tools consistently throughout the study process.

What You Get

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 general trade application. Candidates should be prepared to answer questions that require both practical construction knowledge and the ability to locate information in the approved references.

The General Building Contractor Part 2 examination includes 100 questions, has a 310-minute time limit, and requires a 75% passing score. Since the exam covers a large reference list, candidates should prepare by learning the organization of each book and practicing how to locate information under timed conditions. A highlighted and tabbed book package can support that preparation by making important areas easier to identify during study.

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 study the references by topic and learn which book applies to each type of question.

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 preparation. Candidates still need to read questions carefully, manage time, and understand how to apply information from the books.

For this exam, book organization is especially important because the reference list is extensive. Questions may involve the International Building Code, New Mexico commercial building provisions, OSHA construction standards, concrete references, masonry references, steel references, carpentry material, excavation information, or general construction practices. Knowing which book to open first can save valuable time.

Highlighted and tabbed references are useful because they help candidates build a visual map of the materials. During study, candidates should practice moving from topic to topic, using tabs to locate major sections, and reading highlighted areas in context. The highlighted text should not replace full understanding of the subject. Candidates should still read surrounding sections, review tables, and understand how code provisions or construction rules apply to the question being asked.

Books should always be prepared according to current testing rules. Highlighting, underlining, and tabs may be helpful when allowed by the testing provider. Candidates should confirm that their references are compliant before testing and should use their books repeatedly during preparation so the open book format becomes a strength.

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 path begins with identifying the correct license classification. Candidates should prepare the qualifying party application, gather required experience records, and submit the required materials for review. After approval to test, the candidate can schedule the required examination. The business and law requirement is also part of the contractor licensing process, and applicants should make sure that requirement is completed as part of the full licensing path.

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 records.

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 broad. 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 wide range of 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. This highlighted and tabbed book package supports preparation for the trade exam, while the state licensing process controls application approval, qualifying party acceptance, and license issuance.

Reference Books

Please allow up to 15 business days for tabbed and highlighted book package orders

• 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.

Highlighted and tabbed books can help candidates build a more efficient study routine. Tabs can guide candidates to major sections, while highlighting can help draw attention to important terms, tables, and requirements. Candidates should use these tools during study sessions so the references feel familiar before the test. The goal is to reduce wasted search time and build confidence using the approved materials.

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) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package helps students approach a large exam reference set with a clearer plan and a more practical study routine.

With this many books, 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 package is designed to support realistic preparation. No book package can guarantee a passing score, licensing approval, state acceptance, business revenue, or future project results. This highlighted and tabbed book package helps candidates study smarter, use references more effectively, and build confidence through organized exam preparation.

FAQ Section

What is included in the New Mexico GB-98 Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package?

This package includes the listed reference books for the New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 exam, prepared as a highlighted and tabbed book set to support study and reference navigation.

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.

Why are highlighted and tabbed books helpful?

Highlighted and tabbed books can help candidates locate important sections faster, organize their study routine, and become more familiar with the approved references used for open book testing.

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 package include an online course?

This product is a highlighted and tabbed book package. It focuses on the listed physical reference materials prepared to support open book exam study.

Are tabs and highlights automatically allowed in the exam room?

Tabs and highlights must comply with current testing rules. Candidates should review the current exam instructions before testing to make sure their books meet the allowed format.

Does this package 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 package provides organized references to support preparation.