New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) - Books & Courses Rental Package

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GB-2 residential building contractor licensing exam. This package gives students access to rental reference books, business law study materials, and online course preparation in one organized study option.

The GB-2 classification is focused on residential building contractor work, including one- and two-family dwellings, residential building code requirements, energy code provisions, concrete construction, roofing, carpentry, trusses, masonry, excavation, OSHA safety, and contractor business responsibilities. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study the New Mexico Administrative Code, New Mexico Residential Building Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, concrete quality practices, roofing construction, truss handling and bracing, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation practices, and construction safety.

Open book contractor exams require more than owning the correct references. Candidates need to understand how each book is organized, where important information is located, and how to apply code language and trade knowledge during a timed exam. The course access included with this rental package helps guide study time, while the rental books support code lookup, residential construction review, safety study, trade reference preparation, and exam-style practice.

This package is a practical option for candidates who want structured study support without purchasing every rental reference outright. The course helps organize review time, while the books help candidates study residential building requirements, concrete, roofing, carpentry, trusses, masonry, excavation, energy code topics, OSHA safety, New Mexico administrative rules, and practical field conditions. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico GB-2 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam is a trade exam for candidates pursuing the GB-2 residential building contractor classification. The exam focuses on residential construction knowledge, code application, administrative rules, building systems, energy requirements, concrete, roofing, framing, trusses, masonry, excavation, construction safety, and contractor responsibilities.

GB-2 candidates should prepare for both technical trade content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to residential building construction, code-compliant work, site preparation, structural systems, building envelope components, concrete, masonry, roof systems, carpentry, truss installation, excavation, and safety. Business law preparation supports the administrative, legal, and project-management side of contractor licensing. This package includes both technical rental references and business law materials so candidates can study both sides of the licensing process with a more complete preparation plan.

Important study areas may include New Mexico residential building provisions, IRC organization, residential code definitions, building planning, foundations, concrete, masonry, floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, roof coverings, truss handling and bracing, energy conservation requirements, insulation awareness, air sealing awareness, excavation, site preparation, OSHA construction safety, personal protective equipment, fall protection awareness, material handling, job-site hazards, contracts, project management, and licensing rules.

Because the GB-2 Part 1 exam covers residential building work across multiple trades and code areas, preparation should focus on both reference navigation and practical field understanding. Candidates should understand how residential construction components fit together, how code provisions apply to field conditions, and how safety and project management support successful contractor work. A strong candidate should be able to connect real-world residential building experience with reference-based exam questions and practical construction judgment.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GB-2 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 exam is an open book test. Candidates may use approved references during the exam, but the books must comply with examination rules. Open book testing still requires strong preparation because candidates must recognize the topic, select the correct reference, locate the correct information, and apply it within the time allowed.

Reference navigation is one of the most important skills for this exam. Candidates should practice using tables of contents, indexes, chapter headings, code sections, definitions, tables, figures, diagrams, safety standards, trade reference sections, and construction details. The goal is to become comfortable moving through each book before test day, not learning the layout for the first time during the exam.

Books used in the exam room are typically expected to be bound and free of loose papers or added writing. Highlighting, underlining, and permanent tabs may be allowed when they follow testing rules. Candidates should avoid temporary sticky notes, loose inserts, handwritten notes, copied pages, and any added material that could cause a reference to be rejected at the testing site.

A strong open book study routine includes reading a topic, locating the related reference section, answering practice questions, and repeating the lookup process until it becomes familiar. For the GB-2 Part 1 exam, candidates should pay close attention to the New Mexico Residential Building Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, OSHA, carpentry, concrete, masonry, roofing, excavation, and truss reference materials.

Licensing Steps

New Mexico contractor licensing is handled through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division. PSI is involved in New Mexico contractor licensing paperwork and contractor examination services. Candidates pursuing the GB-2 classification should follow the state licensing process for the applicable contractor license and qualifying party requirements.

A practical preparation path begins with identifying the correct classification for the type of residential building work being performed. Candidates should review the GB-2 classification, confirm the required experience, complete the appropriate qualifying party application materials, and submit the required documentation for approval. Once approved, candidates can schedule the required examination and begin focused preparation using the course and rental references.

The GB-2 residential building contractor path may involve multiple exam components. This product is focused on Part 1, so candidates should use the included references to prepare for the residential construction, code, safety, and trade topics connected to this portion of the licensing process. The business law references included with this package support the contractor business and law side of preparation.

After the required exam steps are completed, candidates continue through the remaining licensing requirements. These may include submitting passing score reports, completing contractor license paperwork, providing business entity information, meeting bonding or workers’ compensation requirements when applicable, and satisfying other state licensing documentation. Candidates should keep all names, addresses, business information, and application details consistent throughout the process.

State Requirements

The New Mexico GB-2 classification applies to residential building contractor work. This classification is associated with residential construction, one- and two-family dwelling requirements, residential code compliance, site preparation, foundations, framing, roofing, masonry, concrete, energy code awareness, excavation, safety, and related contractor responsibilities performed under New Mexico requirements.

Residential building contractor work may involve layout, excavation coordination, concrete and foundations, masonry, framing, trusses, roof systems, wall assemblies, energy conservation features, site safety, project management, material coordination, code compliance, and inspection readiness. Candidates should understand how each part of the construction process supports safety, durability, energy performance, weather resistance, and long-term building quality.

The GB-2 classification is a residential building contractor classification and should not be treated as an unlimited commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing-only, masonry-only, excavation-only, or general trade classification. Work outside the classification may require a different license classification or additional qualifications. Candidates should study the classification scope carefully so they understand what the license classification allows and where the classification stops.

For licensing preparation, candidates should understand both the technical scope of residential building contractor work and the contractor responsibilities connected to performing regulated construction work in New Mexico. That includes contractor licensing rules, business obligations, job-site safety, code compliance, project documentation, inspection readiness, estimating awareness, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015
  This New Mexico administrative reference supports study of state construction rules, code administration topics, regulatory language, definitions, and requirements that may apply to construction work and contractor activity in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021
  This New Mexico residential building code reference supports study of state residential building provisions, adopted code language, amendments, dwelling-related requirements, and rules that may apply to residential building work in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  This residential code reference supports study of one- and two-family dwelling requirements, building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, chimneys, fireplaces, energy-related coordination, life safety, code organization, and residential code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: International Energy Conservation Code, 2021
  This energy code reference supports study of building envelope requirements, insulation awareness, air sealing awareness, fenestration awareness, energy efficiency provisions, residential energy compliance topics, and code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, ordering, placement, finishing, curing, quality control, job-site coordination, slab work, foundations, durability, and practical concrete construction methods.
• Included Rental Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating
  This roofing reference supports study of roof construction methods, roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, estimating, takeoffs, materials, labor awareness, roof system planning, and practical roofing trade knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  This truss reference supports study of handling, installing, restraining, and bracing metal plate connected wood trusses, temporary bracing awareness, permanent restraint awareness, safe installation practices, and truss coordination.
• Included Rental Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This carpentry reference supports study of building layout, framing materials, tools, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, fasteners, construction sequencing, plan reading concepts, estimating awareness, and practical carpentry field knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  This masonry reference supports study of brick, block, and stone masonry, mortar, masonry tools, bonds, layout, wall construction, flashing, joints, reinforcement awareness, materials, estimating concepts, and practical masonry field knowledge.
• Included Rental Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This excavation reference supports study of trenching, excavation methods, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction awareness, underground work, equipment use, site preparation, job-site safety, and practical field procedures.
• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of construction safety standards, fall protection awareness, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, excavation safety awareness, hazard recognition, material handling, housekeeping, and worker protection requirements.
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  This business book supports preparation for contractor business and law topics, including project management, estimating, contracts, risk management, financial management, employment matters, safety, lien law concepts, and contractor responsibilities.
• New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13), 2006
  This state licensing law reference supports study of New Mexico construction licensing provisions, contractor responsibilities, statutory requirements, and regulated construction work requirements.
• New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement (NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3), 2006
  This New Mexico administrative rule reference supports study of contractor license requirements, licensing procedures, classification-related rules, and state-level contractor compliance topics.

Test Information and Study Materials

This rental package supports both technical exam preparation and business law study. The rental books provide the reference foundation for the GB-2 Part 1 trade exam, while the business law materials support the contractor licensing side of the process. The online course access helps organize study time and gives candidates a structured way to review residential code requirements, energy code provisions, concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, excavation, OSHA safety, and business law topics.

A strong GB-2 Part 1 study routine should begin with the major residential construction areas covered by the classification. Candidates should understand how residential buildings are planned, how foundations support the structure, how framing creates the building shell, how trusses and roof systems are installed, how masonry and concrete components contribute to durability, and how energy code provisions affect the building envelope. Exam questions may require both direct reference lookup and practical interpretation of job-site conditions.

For residential code study, candidates should review the New Mexico Residential Building Code and the International Residential Code. Important areas may include building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, openings, stairs, guards, smoke alarm awareness, fireplaces, chimneys, wall bracing awareness, roof framing, and inspection-related provisions.

For energy code study, candidates should review building envelope requirements, insulation awareness, air sealing awareness, fenestration awareness, thermal performance, compliance terminology, and residential energy efficiency concepts. Energy code questions often require careful reading because requirements can depend on building components, climate considerations, and construction details.

For carpentry and framing study, candidates should review layout, lumber, engineered wood awareness, wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, fasteners, openings, bracing, construction sequencing, and plan reading concepts. Residential building contractors should understand how framing components work together to create a stable building system.

For concrete and excavation study, candidates should review concrete materials, placement, finishing, curing, foundations, slabs, site preparation, trenching, bedding, backfill, compaction awareness, and job-site coordination. These topics are important because residential building work often begins with proper site and foundation preparation.

For roofing and truss study, candidates should review roof construction, roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, estimating, truss handling, installation, restraint, bracing, storage, and safe installation practices. Roof systems require careful coordination because they affect structure, weather protection, safety, and long-term performance.

For masonry study, candidates should review brick, block, stone, mortar, wall construction, flashing, joints, reinforcement awareness, masonry units, and field procedures. Masonry topics support preparation for residential construction conditions that may involve veneers, walls, fireplaces, chimneys, or related masonry work.

For OSHA safety study, candidates should review fall protection awareness, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, excavation safety awareness, material handling, hazard recognition, housekeeping, and safe work practices. Residential building work involves multiple trades and changing job-site conditions, making safety preparation an important part of the licensing process.

For business law study, candidates should review contractor responsibilities, licensing rules, contracts, project management, financial responsibility, safety, risk management, and compliance. The business law portion of licensing is important because licensed contractors are responsible not only for trade work but also for proper business practices and legal compliance.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare for the New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and practical support for open book exam preparation. This rental package gives candidates access to the listed study materials and 6 months of course access, helping them prepare without having to purchase every rental reference outright.

The course portion supports a structured study approach by helping candidates focus on important GB-2 Part 1 areas, review residential code topics, energy code provisions, concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, excavation, OSHA safety, and practice exam-style thinking. The rental book portion supports reference navigation and technical review, which are essential for open book testing. Together, the books and course help candidates build a more complete preparation routine.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and exam-focused. Candidates are encouraged to learn the material, practice with the books, understand the GB-2 classification scope, and prepare for the rules of the testing environment. This can help reduce confusion, improve study organization, and build confidence before exam day.

This package is especially useful for candidates who want a preparation option that includes New Mexico administrative and residential code references, IRC and IECC materials, concrete construction guidance, roofing reference support, truss handling and bracing materials, carpentry guidance, masonry study, pipe and excavation support, OSHA construction safety, and business law references. The GB-2 licensing path involves several subject areas, and having a structured package can make it easier to manage study time, review the correct material, and stay focused on the licensing goal.

FAQ Section

Who is this package for?

This package is for candidates preparing for the New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam who want rental books, business law materials, and online course access in one preparation package.

What rental books are included?

The rental books include New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015; New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021; International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021; International Energy Conservation Code, 2021; The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition; Roofing Construction and Estimating; BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025; Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016; Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

Is a business book included?

Yes. The business book includes NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition, New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13), 2006, and New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement (NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3), 2006.

How long is the course access?

This package includes 6 months of course access.

What is the package price?

The package price is $1,410. The refundable book rental deposit is $650. The total due today is $2,060.

How long does the rental package order take?

Please allow up to 15 business days for book and course rental package orders.

Is the New Mexico GB-2 Part 1 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GB-2 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 exam is an open book test. Candidates should prepare with approved references and make sure the exam-room books meet testing rules.

What topics should I study for the GB-2 Part 1 exam?

Candidates should study New Mexico residential building rules, IRC requirements, IECC energy provisions, concrete construction, roofing, truss handling and bracing, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation work, OSHA construction safety, residential construction sequencing, and contractor business law topics.

Why are so many trade references included?

Residential building contractor work covers several construction areas. The included references support preparation for code requirements, residential construction methods, safety, concrete, roofing, trusses, framing, masonry, excavation, and business law topics connected to GB-2 preparation.

Does this package guarantee passing the exam?

No. This package provides study materials, rental books, and course access to support exam preparation. Exam results depend on the candidate’s experience, study habits, reference knowledge, and test performance.