New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GB-2 residential building contractor exam. This package gives students access to the listed New Mexico administrative code, residential building code, International Residential Code, energy code, concrete, roofing, truss handling, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation, OSHA, business law, and New Mexico licensing law references, organized exam preparation, 1 year of course access, and Application Service in one complete preparation option.

The GB-2 classification is focused on residential building contractor work. Candidates preparing for Part 1 should be ready to study residential building code requirements, energy conservation provisions, administrative rules, concrete construction, roofing, wood trusses, carpentry, framing, masonry, pipe and excavation work, OSHA construction safety, project planning, materials, construction sequencing, job-site coordination, and contractor business law topics.

Open book contractor exams require more than simply having the correct books available. Candidates need to understand how each reference is organized, where important information is located, and how to apply residential code language, energy code provisions, concrete guidance, roofing methods, truss handling rules, carpentry practices, masonry concepts, excavation procedures, OSHA standards, and practical contractor judgment during a timed exam. The course access included with this Ultimate package helps guide study time, while the included references support residential building review, code lookup practice, trade-focused preparation, and exam-style study.

This Ultimate package is a practical choice for candidates who want a more complete preparation option that includes technical references, extended course access, Application Service, and business law materials. The study materials help candidates review residential construction, New Mexico code provisions, IRC organization, energy requirements, concrete quality, roofing construction, truss bracing, carpentry, masonry, excavation, construction safety, and business law preparation. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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 includes 100 questions, has a 310-minute time limit, and requires a 75% passing score.

The exam focuses on trade knowledge connected to residential building construction, New Mexico residential building code provisions, International Residential Code navigation, energy conservation requirements, concrete construction, roofing, wood truss handling and bracing, carpentry, framing, masonry, pipe and excavation work, OSHA construction safety, construction sequencing, materials, installation procedures, project coordination, and contractor responsibilities.

GB-2 candidates should prepare for both technical residential construction content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to residential building systems, code compliance, concrete quality, roof systems, truss handling, framing methods, masonry materials, site preparation, excavation practices, energy conservation, safety standards, and reference navigation. Business law preparation supports the administrative, legal, and project-management side of contractor licensing. This Ultimate package includes the supplied technical references, business law materials, course access, and Application Service so candidates can study with a more complete preparation plan.

Important study areas may include New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, New Mexico Residential Building Code provisions, International Residential Code requirements, International Energy Conservation Code requirements, concrete construction quality, roofing construction and estimating, truss handling and bracing, carpentry and framing, masonry, pipe and excavation, OSHA construction safety, contractor licensing rules, contracts, project management, and business law topics.

Because the GB-2 exam is tied to residential building contractor work, preparation should focus on both code knowledge and practical field application. Candidates should understand how residential systems fit together, how plans become field work, how safety requirements affect construction, how trade scopes overlap on a homebuilding project, and how proper project management supports compliant residential construction.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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, code chapters, administrative rule sections, energy code provisions, concrete reference topics, roofing sections, truss bracing guidance, carpentry chapters, masonry topics, OSHA subparts, excavation guidance, figures, tables, and definitions. 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, approved, 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 Administrative Code Title 14, New Mexico Residential Building Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, concrete, roofing, BCSI, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation, OSHA, and business law materials connected to contractor licensing.

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 residential building contractor work. 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 included references.

The Application Service included with this Ultimate package helps support candidates through the application side of the process. Application support can help students stay organized, understand the paperwork involved, and move through the required steps with clearer direction. Candidates remain responsible for meeting all state requirements and submitting accurate information.

Business law preparation is also important for contractor licensing. Contractors are expected to understand licensing rules, contracts, project management, business operations, safety responsibilities, financial obligations, and compliance requirements. The business law materials included with this package support that 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 names, addresses, business information, application details, and exam records 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, residential building code compliance, structural and nonstructural building systems, foundations and concrete awareness, framing and carpentry, roofing, masonry, site work, excavation, energy requirements, OSHA construction safety, and related contractor responsibilities performed under New Mexico requirements.

Residential building contractor work may involve reviewing plans and specifications, coordinating job-site activity, preparing the site, managing excavation and foundation-related work, coordinating concrete, framing, trusses, roofing, masonry, building envelope work, code compliance, safety practices, and project completion details. Candidates should understand how each part of residential construction supports safety, durability, energy performance, weather protection, occupancy, serviceability, and code compliance.

The GB-2 classification is a residential building contractor classification and should not be treated as an unlimited commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, utility, roofing-only, excavation-only, masonry-only, or specialty trade authorization. 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 GB-2 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, residential code compliance, project documentation, customer communication, subcontractor coordination, inspection readiness when applicable, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• Included Book: New Mexico Administrative Code Title 14, 2015
  This New Mexico administrative code reference supports study of construction-related state administrative provisions, regulatory organization, adopted rules, classification awareness, compliance topics, and state-level construction requirements.
• Included 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, New Mexico requirements, residential construction compliance topics, and code navigation for residential building work.
• Included Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  This residential code reference supports study of one- and two-family dwelling construction provisions, building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, chimneys, fireplaces, energy-related coordination, safety requirements, tables, and residential code navigation.
• Included Book: International Energy Conservation Code, 2021
  This energy code reference supports study of residential energy conservation requirements, building envelope provisions, insulation awareness, fenestration awareness, air sealing concepts, mechanical and lighting coordination awareness, and energy code navigation.
• Included Book: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, site preparation, forming, placing, finishing, curing, quality control, durability, cracking awareness, and practical concrete construction procedures.
• Included Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating
  This roofing reference supports study of roofing construction practices, roofing measurements, estimating concepts, material calculations, roof types, installation planning, project sequencing, and practical roofing field procedures.
• Included 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, including job-site safety awareness, installation sequencing, temporary bracing concepts, permanent bracing coordination, and truss handling practices.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This carpentry reference supports study of layout, measurement, tools, framing systems, floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, sheathing, fasteners, construction sequencing, building materials, and practical field methods for residential construction.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  This masonry reference supports study of brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry tools, layout, bond patterns, wall construction, openings, flashing awareness, materials handling, estimating awareness, and practical masonry field methods.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This construction reference supports study of excavation work, trenching, bedding, backfill, compaction awareness, equipment use, site preparation, grade control, safety awareness, and practical field procedures for pipe and excavation projects.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of federal construction safety standards, fall protection awareness, ladder and scaffold safety awareness, excavation safety awareness, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, tools, equipment, and job-site safety responsibilities.
• 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, regulated construction work requirements, and state-level construction compliance topics.

Test Information and Study Materials

This Ultimate package supports GB-2 Residential Building Contractor Part 1 exam preparation with a broad set of residential code, energy code, concrete, roofing, truss, carpentry, masonry, excavation, OSHA, business law, and New Mexico licensing law materials, along with 1 year of course access and Application Service. The included references provide the technical foundation for GB-2 preparation, while the online course access helps organize study time and gives candidates a structured way to review residential building topics and business law preparation.

A strong GB-2 study routine should begin with the major residential construction areas represented by the supplied references. Candidates should understand how a home is planned, permitted, laid out, excavated, framed, roofed, finished, inspected, and managed, and how state code provisions and national model codes support safe and compliant construction.

For New Mexico Administrative Code and New Mexico Residential Building Code study, candidates should review state rule organization, adopted residential building requirements, administrative provisions, code amendments, residential construction topics, compliance language, and classification-related material. These references support the New Mexico-specific side of residential building preparation.

For International Residential Code study, candidates should review building planning, foundations, floors, wall construction, roof and ceiling construction, chimneys and fireplaces, safety glazing awareness, means of egress awareness, weather protection, fire separation awareness, residential tables, and code navigation. The IRC is one of the most important references for residential building preparation.

For International Energy Conservation Code study, candidates should review building envelope provisions, insulation awareness, windows and doors, air sealing concepts, duct and mechanical coordination awareness, lighting awareness, and energy code organization. Residential contractors should understand how energy requirements affect envelope work and construction coordination.

For concrete study, candidates should review materials, subgrade preparation, forms, reinforcement awareness, placing, finishing, curing, joints, cracking awareness, durability, and quality control. Concrete work supports many residential construction activities, including slabs, flatwork, footings, and related structural components.

For roofing study, candidates should review roof measurements, roof slope, underlayment, flashing, roof coverings, estimating, material quantities, installation sequencing, drainage awareness, and weather protection. Roofing preparation helps candidates connect code, field workmanship, and project estimating.

For truss study, candidates should review safe handling, lifting, installation sequencing, temporary restraint and bracing, permanent bracing coordination, job-site communication, truss package awareness, and safety responsibilities. Wood trusses must be handled and braced correctly to protect workers and support proper roof system performance.

For carpentry and framing study, candidates should review layout, measurement, tools, floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, sheathing, fasteners, openings, stairs awareness, construction drawings, and material coordination. Carpentry knowledge supports much of the residential building process.

For masonry study, candidates should review brick, block, stone, mortar, layout, bond patterns, wall construction, flashing awareness, openings, tools, and material handling. Masonry topics may connect to residential exterior work, fireplaces, veneer awareness, and related building components.

For pipe and excavation study, candidates should review excavation planning, trenching, bedding, backfill, compaction awareness, grade control, site access, equipment coordination, and safety awareness. Site work preparation helps candidates understand how construction begins and how underground or foundation-related work affects the project.

For OSHA construction safety study, candidates should review fall protection awareness, ladder safety, scaffolding awareness, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, tools, equipment, material handling, and general job-site safety responsibilities. Residential building contractors must be prepared to coordinate work safely across multiple trades and construction phases.

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.

For open book practice, candidates should spend time locating information inside each reference rather than only reading summaries. A useful study method is to take a topic, identify the correct book, locate the section, read the relevant language, and then answer a related practice question. This builds reference speed and helps candidates manage the large set of technical references included in the GB-2 Part 1 preparation package.

Practice is an important part of this preparation package. Candidates should use the course to identify weak areas, then use the included references to reinforce those topics. Consistent study helps candidates become more comfortable with New Mexico code provisions, IRC and IECC organization, concrete topics, roofing estimating, BCSI truss guidance, carpentry methods, masonry topics, excavation practices, OSHA safety standards, and business law materials.

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, residential code review, energy code preparation, concrete and roofing study, truss handling review, carpentry and masonry preparation, pipe and excavation reference practice, OSHA construction safety study, business law preparation, and practical support for open book exam preparation. This Ultimate package gives candidates access to the listed study materials, 1 year of course access, and Application Service to support a more complete preparation experience.

The course portion supports a structured study approach by helping candidates focus on important GB-2 areas, review New Mexico residential requirements, International Residential Code provisions, International Energy Conservation Code topics, concrete quality, roofing construction, BCSI truss practices, carpentry, masonry, pipe and excavation methods, OSHA safety, and practice exam-style thinking. The reference portion supports navigation and technical review, which are essential for open book testing.

Application Service adds another layer of support by helping candidates stay organized through the application side of the process. This can be especially helpful for students who want assistance understanding paperwork, preparing for next steps, and keeping their exam preparation connected to their contractor licensing goal.

1 Exam Prep’s approach is practical and exam-focused. Candidates are encouraged to learn the material, practice with the references, 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 residential building code study, energy code review, concrete preparation, roofing preparation, truss guidance, carpentry and masonry review, pipe and excavation study, OSHA safety preparation, business law preparation, 1 year of course access, and Application Service. The GB-2 licensing path involves both technical and administrative preparation, 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 Ultimate package for?

This package is for candidates preparing for the New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam who want included references, 1 year of course access, Application Service, business law materials, and organized exam preparation in one package.

What books are included?

The included references are 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 Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included with this Ultimate package.

How long is the course access?

This Ultimate package includes 1 year of course access.

What is the package price?

The package price is $1,835. The refundable deposit is $650. The total due today is $2,485.

How long does the ultimate book package order take?

Please allow up to 15 business days for ultimate book package orders.

How many questions are on the New Mexico GB-2 Part 1 exam?

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam includes 100 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam has a 310-minute time limit.

What passing score is required?

The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) exam requires a 75% passing score.

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

Yes. The New Mexico Residential Building Contractor Part 1 (GB-2) 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 administrative and residential building code provisions, International Residential Code requirements, International Energy Conservation Code requirements, concrete construction, roofing construction and estimating, truss handling and bracing, carpentry, framing, masonry, pipe and excavation work, OSHA construction safety, project planning, and contractor business law topics.

Why is the BCSI truss guide included?

The BCSI guide supports preparation for handling, installing, restraining, and bracing metal plate connected wood trusses, including job-site safety awareness, installation sequencing, temporary bracing concepts, permanent bracing coordination, and truss handling practices.

Does this package guarantee passing the exam?

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