New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Contractor Exam Book Package

The New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 (GB-98) Contractor Exam Book Package is designed for contractors preparing for the New Mexico GB-98 General Building Contractor Part 2 examination. This package brings together the listed construction, code, safety, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, and commercial building references used to support a serious open book exam preparation plan. For candidates pursuing the GB-98 classification, the exam covers a wide range of construction knowledge, so having the correct reference books is an important part of preparing with confidence.

The GB-98 General Building Contractor classification covers a broad general building construction scope. Candidates preparing for the Part 2 exam should be ready to study commercial building code provisions, jobsite practices, sitework, footings and foundations, concrete and reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, metals, roofing, associated trades, plan reading, estimating, and OSHA safety. Since the exam is open book, preparation should include both subject review and strong book-navigation practice.

This Contractor Exam Book Package is built around the reference materials listed for this product. The books support preparation across the major exam categories, including the New Mexico Administrative Code, New Mexico Commercial Building Code, International Building Code, commercial construction practices, concrete construction, reinforcing steel, gypsum construction, steel deck systems, post-tensioning field practices, precast concrete erection, steel joists, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation work, OSHA construction safety, masonry code requirements, and structural concrete code requirements.

For many candidates, the challenge is not only understanding the construction trade. The challenge is learning how to move through a large reference set quickly and accurately. A candidate may understand construction work in the field but still need practice locating code sections, reading tables, interpreting terminology, applying OSHA rules, reviewing plan details, and selecting the correct reference for each question. This book package gives candidates the core materials needed to build that preparation routine.

Studying with the correct books helps create a more organized path toward exam readiness. Candidates can divide preparation by topic, use each reference for its strongest subject areas, and practice locating answers under timed conditions. The more familiar a candidate becomes with the reference set before exam day, the more useful the books become during open book testing.

What You Get

• Contractor Exam Book Set: New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015; New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021; International Building Code, 2021; Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition; Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Placing Reinforcing Bars; Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition; SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck; Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals; Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999; Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition; Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016; Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); ACI 530/530.1-13: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries; ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary.

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, construction materials, building code requirements, safety standards, estimating, plan reading, and practical trade application. Candidates should prepare for questions that require both jobsite knowledge and the ability to locate information in the 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 uses a large reference list, candidates should prepare by learning the structure of each book, practicing with indexes, reviewing tables, and understanding which reference applies to each subject area.

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 prepare for direct code questions, trade knowledge questions, safety questions, calculation-style questions, and plan-based scenarios.

The reference list is wide because the exam covers many parts of building construction. Code questions may require the International Building Code or New Mexico code material. Concrete questions may require concrete mixture, reinforcing bar, or ACI references. Masonry questions may point to Modern Masonry or ACI masonry standards. Safety questions may require OSHA. This makes reference familiarity one of the most important parts of exam preparation.

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, and find information quickly.

For this exam, the book list is extensive. Candidates should practice using tables of contents, indexes, glossary sections, chapter headings, diagrams, charts, and code tables. A question may involve the International Building Code, New Mexico commercial building provisions, OSHA standards, concrete references, masonry references, steel construction references, carpentry materials, excavation information, or general construction practices. 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 references compliant with exam instructions and avoid relying on first-time book navigation during the actual test. Strong 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 required 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.

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 trade exam is one part of the licensing path, and candidates should make sure their exam preparation aligns with the correct classification.

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 many areas 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 Contractor Exam Book Package 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. Candidates should be comfortable identifying building components, interpreting plans, and applying construction rules to real jobsite conditions. Estimating preparation should include quantity takeoff concepts, material measurements, and basic construction math.

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. Safety questions often require candidates to locate a standard and apply it to a specific construction condition.

A strong study routine should include repeated book navigation. Candidates should practice locating sections quickly, reading reference language carefully, and choosing the answer that best matches the source. The goal is not to memorize every line of every book. The goal is to understand the material well enough to know where to look, how to read the section, and how to apply it under exam conditions.

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) Contractor Exam Book Package gives students the listed reference materials needed to prepare for a broad open book contractor exam.

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 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 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 Contractor Exam Book Package?

This package includes the listed reference books for the New Mexico General Building Contractor Part 2 exam, including code, construction, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, and OSHA safety references.

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 package include OSHA safety material?

Yes. This package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), which supports study of construction safety standards and jobsite safety requirements.

Does this package include an online course?

This product is a Contractor Exam Book Package. It focuses on the listed reference books used to support preparation for the New Mexico GB-98 Part 2 exam.

Why are so many books needed for this exam?

The GB-98 Part 2 exam covers a broad general building scope, including code, construction methods, safety, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, excavation, plan reading, and estimating.

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 reference books to support preparation.