New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-16 contractor exam who want a more organized way to study and use the approved references. This package includes the New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021, New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021, International Building Code, 2021, Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition, and ACI 530/530.1-13 (2011 or 2013): Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries.

Masonry work requires a strong understanding of materials, construction methods, safety practices, building code requirements, structural masonry provisions, mortar, grout, reinforcement, wall systems, brick, block, stone, flashing, anchorage, and jobsite conditions. Contractors preparing for the GS-16 exam should be ready to study both practical masonry trade knowledge and code-based requirements because masonry construction often affects structural performance, fire resistance, weather protection, appearance, durability, and life safety.

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, masonry requirements, construction guidance, safety rules, and code language. 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 New Mexico building code references, the 2021 International Building Code, OSHA construction safety regulations, a practical masonry trade reference, and ACI masonry code requirements. Together, these books support preparation for questions involving masonry materials, wall systems, reinforced masonry, veneer, structural requirements, residential construction, commercial construction, mortar, grout, flashing, anchorage, jobsite safety, and masonry 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 Masonry Contractor (GS-16) 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-16 exam is focused on masonry contractor knowledge, building code requirements, masonry construction practices, structural masonry provisions, residential and commercial construction, and jobsite safety. Candidates should prepare to work with construction references, building codes, OSHA regulations, masonry trade materials, and masonry structural code requirements. The approved references supplied in this package show that preparation should include brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, masonry walls, reinforcement, anchorage, flashing, residential code requirements, commercial code requirements, structural masonry, and OSHA construction safety rules.

This exam should be approached as both a trade knowledge test and a reference navigation test. Questions may require candidates to identify safe work practices, interpret masonry terminology, locate building code provisions, recognize masonry construction methods, understand reinforcement and structural concepts, or apply masonry requirements to field conditions. Candidates should study the structure of each reference and practice locating information before exam day.

Masonry work can involve load-bearing walls, nonload-bearing walls, veneer, chimneys, fireplaces, retaining conditions, foundations, exterior walls, partitions, openings, lintels, ties, anchors, and reinforcement. Candidates should understand how masonry components work together and how materials, installation methods, and code provisions affect the finished construction.

Because masonry contractors may work on both residential and commercial projects, preparation should include the New Mexico Residential Building Code, New Mexico Commercial Building Code, and International Building Code. These references help candidates understand how masonry requirements appear in model codes and how New Mexico provisions may affect construction within the state.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) 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-16 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, construction details, masonry provisions, structural requirements, and OSHA safety rules.

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 Masonry Contractor GS-16 classification should begin by reviewing the state contractor licensing process and identifying the correct classification. The GS-16 classification is associated with masonry contractor 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-16 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-16 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 performing masonry work must understand applicable building code requirements, construction safety rules, trade practices, and structural concepts that affect masonry 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 to understand both model code requirements and New Mexico-specific code provisions.

Masonry work may involve structural masonry, exterior walls, interior partitions, fire-resistance-rated assemblies, veneer, masonry chimneys, fireplaces, openings, lintels, anchors, ties, reinforcement, and weather-resistant construction. Candidates should be comfortable using building code references to locate requirements that affect masonry materials and installation methods.

The Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) supports preparation for construction safety topics such as scaffolds, fall protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, silica-related concerns, ladders, tools, excavation, material handling, and jobsite hazard control. Masonry work often involves heavy materials, cutting, mixing, elevated work, scaffolds, dust exposure, and repetitive lifting, so safety knowledge is essential.

Reference Books

• 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 masonry construction, structural systems, wall assemblies, fire-resistance-rated construction, materials, openings, 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 masonry requirements, masonry veneer, fireplaces, chimneys, foundations, walls, construction details, and state-specific residential code requirements.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 IBC supports study of commercial building code requirements, structural masonry provisions, construction types, fire-resistance-rated assemblies, masonry walls, materials, inspections, openings, and code requirements that may apply to commercial masonry work.
• 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 scaffolds, fall protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, tools, material handling, excavation, silica-related concerns, and general jobsite safety requirements.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of masonry materials, brick, concrete block, stone, mortar, grout, tools, bonds, wall construction, veneer, openings, fireplaces, chimneys, reinforcement concepts, and practical masonry construction methods.
• ACI 530/530.1-13 (2011 or 2013): Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of masonry structural requirements, specifications, design provisions, reinforcement, materials, construction requirements, quality assurance, and commentary related to masonry structures.

Each reference in this package supports a different part of GS-16 exam preparation. The New Mexico building codes support state-specific residential and commercial code requirements. The International Building Code supports model building code requirements. Modern Masonry supports practical trade knowledge. ACI 530/530.1 supports structural masonry code and specification requirements. OSHA supports construction safety preparation.

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 OSHA safety, New Mexico code requirements, IBC requirements, masonry materials, brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, veneer, structural masonry, reinforcement, anchorage, flashing, openings, fireplaces, chimneys, and jobsite practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

The New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) exam requires preparation across code, safety, and trade references. Candidates should study the approved references as a complete set rather than treating each book as separate and unrelated. Masonry construction involves materials, layout, structural support, weather protection, fire resistance, anchorage, reinforcement, workmanship, safety, and code compliance.

Masonry materials should be a major part of the study plan. Candidates should review brick, concrete masonry units, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, ties, anchors, flashing, weep systems, lintels, accessories, and masonry tools. Understanding the purpose and use of each material helps candidates connect field experience to exam questions.

Brick and block construction should receive careful attention. Candidates should study bonds, coursing, wall layout, mortar joints, joint tooling, unit placement, cutting, alignment, plumbness, level work, openings, and wall stability. Proper masonry installation affects strength, appearance, durability, and compliance with project requirements.

Mortar and grout should be studied as separate but related subjects. Mortar bonds masonry units together and supports workability and joint performance. Grout is used to fill masonry cells or spaces where reinforcement or structural requirements apply. Candidates should understand how these materials are selected, placed, and protected during construction.

Reinforced masonry is an important study area. Candidates should review reinforcing steel placement, spacing, lap concepts, grout placement, cleanouts, cells, bond beams, vertical reinforcement, horizontal reinforcement, and inspection-related requirements. ACI 530/530.1 supports preparation for structural masonry provisions and should be studied carefully alongside the building code references.

Masonry veneer and wall assemblies should also be included in the study plan. Candidates should review ties, anchors, backing, flashing, weeps, air spaces, moisture control, support conditions, expansion joints, and installation practices. Veneer systems require attention to both appearance and performance because water management and anchorage are important to the finished wall.

Fireplaces and chimneys may be part of masonry preparation. Candidates should review basic construction requirements, clearances, liners, firebox construction, hearths, smoke chambers, chimney height, caps, and related residential masonry conditions. These topics connect practical masonry knowledge with residential building code provisions.

Commercial code study should include the International Building Code and the New Mexico Commercial Building Code. Candidates should review masonry wall systems, fire-resistance-related provisions, structural requirements, inspection-related provisions, openings, materials, and construction conditions that may apply to commercial masonry work.

Residential code study should include the New Mexico Residential Building Code. Candidates should review masonry veneer, masonry walls, fireplaces, chimneys, foundations, and related residential construction provisions. State-specific code references should be studied directly because New Mexico amendments may affect how requirements are applied.

OSHA safety preparation should be part of every contractor exam study plan. Candidates should review scaffold safety, fall protection, ladders, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, material handling, silica-related concerns, hand and power tools, excavation, housekeeping, and jobsite hazard recognition. Masonry contractors commonly work from scaffolds, handle heavy materials, use cutting tools, and work around dust and elevated surfaces.

Candidates should also practice reference navigation. A masonry method question may point to Modern Masonry. A structural masonry question may point to ACI 530/530.1. A safety question may point to OSHA. A residential code question may point to the New Mexico Residential Building Code. A commercial code question may point to the IBC or New Mexico Commercial Building Code. 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 Masonry Contractor (GS-16) 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 masonry 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 New Mexico building codes, IBC requirements, OSHA safety, masonry materials, brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, veneer, structural masonry, reinforcement, fireplaces, chimneys, and jobsite practices.

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-16 candidates have masonry 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-16 exam with a clearer plan.

FAQ

What books are included in this package?

This package includes the New Mexico Commercial Building Code, New Mexico Residential Building Code, 2021 International Building Code, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Modern Masonry, and ACI 530/530.1 masonry code and specification requirements.

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-16 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico Masonry Contractor (GS-16) 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. Masonry contractors should understand jobsite safety topics such as scaffolds, fall protection, PPE, hazard communication, material handling, cutting hazards, excavation, and silica-related concerns.

Why are both residential and commercial codes included?

The GS-16 reference list includes New Mexico residential and commercial building code materials along with the IBC. Candidates should study these references because masonry work can occur in different building settings.

Why is Modern Masonry included?

Modern Masonry supports preparation for brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, tools, wall construction, veneer, fireplaces, chimneys, reinforcement concepts, and practical masonry construction methods.

Why is ACI 530/530.1 included?

ACI 530/530.1 supports preparation for masonry structural requirements, specifications, reinforcement, materials, construction provisions, quality assurance, and masonry code commentary.

What topics should I study for the GS-16 exam?

Candidates should study masonry materials, brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, wall construction, veneer, structural masonry, reinforcement, flashing, anchorage, fireplaces, chimneys, New Mexico building code requirements, IBC requirements, and OSHA safety rules.

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.