New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GB-2 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 exam who want a more organized way to study and use the approved references. This package includes the 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).

The GB-2 Residential Building Contractor classification is connected to residential construction knowledge, code application, safety, materials, estimating, and field practices. Candidates preparing for Part 1 should be ready to study a wide range of residential building topics, including administrative code requirements, residential building code provisions, energy code concepts, concrete work, roofing, trusses, framing, masonry, excavation, pipe work, and OSHA construction safety requirements.

This highlighted and tabbed book package helps candidates study with a more structured set of references. The tabs make major sections easier to locate, while the highlighting draws attention to important provisions, definitions, tables, construction requirements, and exam-relevant material. For an open-book contractor exam, having the correct books is only part of preparation. Candidates must also know how to move through the references efficiently during a timed testing session.

The reference list for this package is broad because residential building contractors must understand how different construction systems work together. Foundation work affects framing. Framing affects roofing. Roofing affects weather protection. Masonry, concrete, excavation, safety, and energy code requirements all support the overall construction process. Studying these references together helps candidates prepare for questions that may connect code language with field conditions and trade knowledge.

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 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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.

This exam is focused on residential building contractor knowledge. Candidates should prepare to work with code references, construction manuals, safety regulations, and trade-specific materials. The approved references supplied in this package show that preparation should include New Mexico residential building code requirements, administrative code material, the International Residential Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, concrete construction, roofing, truss handling and bracing, carpentry, masonry, excavation, pipe work, and OSHA construction safety rules.

The GB-2 Part 1 exam should be approached as both a code navigation test and a trade knowledge test. Questions may require candidates to identify requirements from a code book, interpret construction terminology, understand proper installation practices, recognize safety concerns, or apply residential building concepts to field conditions. Candidates should study the structure of each reference and practice locating information before exam day.

Residential construction requires a working understanding of building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, openings, structural systems, masonry work, concrete placement, excavation conditions, jobsite safety, and energy-related construction requirements. A candidate who only studies one book may be unprepared for the range of topics in the reference list. A stronger study plan uses all listed books and builds familiarity with where topics are located.

Because this is an open-book style preparation package, candidates should not rely on the books as a substitute for studying. Open-book exams still require pacing, organization, and reference familiarity. Candidates should practice finding answers quickly, using indexes, recognizing chapter structure, and identifying key terms from the question. The highlighted and tabbed format supports that process by making important sections easier to find during study.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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 GB-2 Part 1 preparation.

Open-book testing still requires serious preparation. The books in this package are detailed, and the exam environment is timed. Candidates who are unfamiliar with the references may lose valuable time searching. Candidates who study with the books before test day can move more confidently between code chapters, tables, definitions, diagrams, safety rules, construction details, and trade-specific sections.

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 Residential Building Contractor GB-2 classification should begin by reviewing the state contractor licensing process and identifying the correct classification. The GB-2 classification is associated with residential building 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 GB-2 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 GB-2 Part 1 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. Residential building contractors must understand the state code framework, residential building code requirements, construction safety expectations, and trade practices that apply to residential construction work.

The New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021 is important because it contains New Mexico residential building code provisions and state-specific amendments. Candidates should study this reference along with the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021 so they understand both the model code foundation and New Mexico-specific requirements.

New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015 supports understanding of the state construction and regulatory framework. Administrative rules help candidates understand how New Mexico organizes construction-related requirements and how state code provisions are structured.

The International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 supports preparation for residential energy-related construction requirements. Energy code topics may involve building envelope requirements, insulation, fenestration, air sealing, and other efficiency-related provisions that affect residential construction.

The trade references in this package support practical construction knowledge. Concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, excavation, pipe work, and OSHA construction safety all play an important role in residential contracting. Candidates should use the reference list to build a balanced study routine that covers both code language and construction practices.

Reference Books

• New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports understanding of New Mexico construction-related administrative code material, state code structure, and regulatory provisions connected to the building and construction industries.
• 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 state-specific residential building requirements used in New Mexico.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 IRC is the model code reference for one- and two-family dwelling construction. It supports study of building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, chimneys, fireplaces, wall coverings, and residential construction requirements.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2021
  The 2021 IECC supports study of energy conservation requirements, building envelope provisions, insulation, fenestration, air sealing, and efficiency-related construction requirements that may apply to residential work.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of concrete construction practices, concrete materials, placement, finishing, curing, quality control, and field considerations used in residential building work.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports preparation for roofing systems, roof materials, roof installation practices, estimating concepts, weather protection, and construction planning related to residential roofing work.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of wood truss handling, installation, temporary restraint, permanent restraint, bracing practices, jobsite safety, and good construction practices for metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of carpentry, framing, layout, structural components, building materials, construction methods, residential systems, and jobsite practices used by residential building contractors.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports preparation for masonry materials, brick, block, stone, mortar, walls, construction methods, masonry tools, and field practices related to residential and light construction.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This highlighted and tabbed reference supports study of excavation practices, trenching, pipe installation, site conditions, equipment considerations, soil conditions, and safety-related construction practices.
• 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, scaffolds, ladders, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and general construction safety requirements.

Each reference in this package supports a different part of GB-2 Part 1 preparation. The New Mexico references support state-specific requirements. The IRC and IECC support residential code and energy code knowledge. The trade books support practical construction knowledge in concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, excavation, and pipe work. 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 code administration, residential building code, energy code, foundations, concrete, framing, roofing, trusses, masonry, excavation, pipe work, and safety.

Test Information and Study Materials

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam requires broad preparation. Candidates should study the approved references as a complete set rather than treating each book as separate and unrelated. Residential construction is connected work, and the exam may require candidates to understand how one phase of construction affects another.

Residential building code study should include building planning, foundation systems, floors, walls, roof systems, openings, structural components, fire and life safety provisions, weather protection, chimneys, fireplaces, and general residential construction requirements. The IRC provides the model code structure, while the New Mexico Residential Building Code provides state-specific provisions and amendments.

Energy code study should include basic building envelope requirements, insulation, air sealing, windows, doors, and efficiency-related construction provisions. Candidates should become familiar with the structure of the IECC and how energy conservation requirements relate to residential construction work.

Concrete construction should be reviewed through The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition. Candidates should understand concrete materials, preparation, placement, curing, finishing, joints, reinforcement coordination, weather-related concerns, and quality control. Concrete work is a major part of residential foundations, slabs, flatwork, and structural support.

Roofing preparation should include roof systems, roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, roof slope, estimating, weather protection, ventilation, and installation practices. Roofing Construction and Estimating supports study of both practical roofing knowledge and the planning side of roofing work.

Truss preparation should include safe handling, installation, temporary restraint, permanent restraint, bracing, jobsite storage, and coordination with the building design. The BCSI truss reference helps candidates understand good practices for metal plate connected wood trusses, which are common in residential construction.

Carpentry should be one of the strongest parts of the study plan. Candidates should review layout, floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, headers, openings, bracing, sheathing, stairs, fasteners, tools, materials, and field construction methods. Residential contractors must understand framing because it affects structural performance, code compliance, and the coordination of other trades.

Masonry preparation should include brick, block, stone, mortar, wall construction, veneer, reinforcement concepts, tools, materials, and installation practices. Masonry work can affect walls, fireplaces, chimneys, veneers, foundations, and exterior construction assemblies.

Excavation and pipe-related study should include trenching, shoring concepts, pipe installation, soil conditions, equipment use, site preparation, drainage, and construction safety. Pipe and Excavation Contracting supports the practical knowledge needed for site and underground work.

OSHA study should be part of every contractor exam preparation plan. Candidates should review general construction safety, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, power tools, electrical safety, and jobsite hazard recognition. Safety questions can be direct, and the OSHA reference is detailed, so candidates should learn where major safety topics are located.

Candidates should also practice reference navigation. A question involving a residential code requirement may point to the IRC or New Mexico Residential Building Code. A safety question may point to 29 CFR Part 1926. A construction method question may point to one of the trade books. A state framework question may point to New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14. 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 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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 residential building 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 administrative code, residential building code, the IRC, the IECC, concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation, and OSHA construction safety requirements.

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 GB-2 candidates have construction experience but are less familiar with moving through multiple code books and construction 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 GB-2 Part 1 exam with a clearer plan.

FAQ

What books are included in this package?

This package includes New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, New Mexico Residential Building Code, the 2021 International Residential Code, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, concrete construction, roofing, truss, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation, and OSHA construction safety references listed on this page.

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 GB-2 Part 1 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam is treated as an open-book test using approved references. Candidates should bring only approved materials and follow all testing center rules.

Why are so many books included in this package?

The GB-2 Part 1 reference list covers residential code, New Mexico administrative requirements, energy conservation, concrete, roofing, trusses, carpentry, masonry, excavation, pipe work, and OSHA safety. Residential building contractors need broad knowledge across multiple construction areas.

Why is the IRC included?

The International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings provides the model code foundation for residential construction. Candidates should study it alongside the New Mexico Residential Building Code.

Why is the New Mexico Residential Building Code included?

The New Mexico Residential Building Code contains state-specific residential building provisions and amendments. It helps candidates understand how residential code requirements are applied within New Mexico.

Why is OSHA included in a residential contractor package?

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 contains federal construction safety regulations. Residential contractors must understand jobsite safety topics such as fall protection, excavation safety, ladders, scaffolds, PPE, and hazard recognition.

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.