New Mexico Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor GA-1 - Books & Courses Rental Package

The New Mexico Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor GA-1 Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GA-1 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 GA-1 classification is focused on streets, roads, highways, roadway construction, paving, excavation, drainage, stormwater, traffic control, concrete, asphalt, safety, and transportation construction standards. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study OSHA construction safety, concrete mixtures, pipe and excavation work, hot mix asphalt paving, traffic control devices, New Mexico highway and bridge specifications, stormwater management, pavement maintenance, one-call excavation procedures, New Mexico Department of Transportation standard drawings, and urban stormwater systems.

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 technical information during a timed exam. The course access included with this rental package helps guide study time, while the rental books support reference lookup practice, roadway construction review, safety study, and exam-style preparation.

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 road construction, paving, concrete work, excavation, drainage, traffic control, stormwater protection, utility awareness, New Mexico specifications, standard drawings, and practical field conditions. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico GA-1 Streets, Roads and Highways contractor exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor GA-1 exam is a trade exam for candidates pursuing the GA-1 contractor classification. The exam focuses on trade knowledge connected to roadway construction, paving, concrete, excavation, pipe work, drainage, stormwater management, traffic control, highway specifications, standard drawings, construction safety, materials, equipment, and field procedures.

GA-1 candidates should prepare for both technical trade content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to streets, roads, highways, asphalt paving, concrete work, excavation, pipe and drainage systems, traffic control devices, stormwater protection, construction specifications, and safety practices. 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 OSHA construction safety, concrete mixture design, concrete placement, asphalt paving, hot mix asphalt operations, pavement maintenance, excavation, trenching, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction, stormwater pollution prevention, urban stormwater management, erosion control, sediment control, traffic control devices, roadway signs, New Mexico Department of Transportation standard drawings, New Mexico highway and bridge specifications, underground utility awareness, project documentation, job-site layout, and field safety.

Because the GA-1 exam is tied to streets, roads, and highways, preparation should focus on how materials, equipment, safety rules, drawings, specifications, drainage, traffic control, paving, excavation, and construction sequencing work together. A strong candidate should be able to connect real-world field experience with reference-based exam questions and practical construction judgment.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GA-1 Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor 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, specification sections, standard drawing numbers, figures, tables, diagrams, definitions, safety standards, and technical reference material. 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 GA-1 exam, candidates should pay close attention to OSHA construction safety, concrete mixtures, asphalt paving, pipe and excavation work, traffic control, New Mexico specifications, stormwater management, pavement maintenance, one-call procedures, standard drawings, and roadway construction methods.

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 GA-1 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 street, road, or highway work being performed. Candidates should review the GA-1 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.

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 book and New Mexico business law references included with this package support that part of the licensing process.

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 GA-1 classification applies to streets, roads, and highways contractor work. This classification is associated with roadway construction and related infrastructure work involving asphalt, concrete, excavation, drainage, stormwater, traffic control, specifications, standard drawings, and job-site safety.

Streets, roads, and highways work may involve clearing and layout, excavation, grading, subgrade preparation, base materials, asphalt paving, concrete placement, drainage systems, culverts, pipe installation, stormwater controls, traffic control, roadway signs, standard drawing interpretation, equipment coordination, materials handling, and specification compliance. Candidates should understand how each part of the work supports roadway durability, drainage performance, traffic safety, and project quality.

The GA-1 classification is a contractor classification connected to roadway construction and should not be treated as an unlimited license for every construction trade. 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 streets, roads, and highways work and the contractor responsibilities connected to performing regulated construction work in New Mexico. That includes contractor licensing rules, business obligations, project documentation, safety awareness, specification compliance, traffic control awareness, one-call responsibilities, stormwater awareness, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of construction safety standards, job-site hazards, personal protective equipment, equipment safety, excavation safety, traffic exposure awareness, fall protection, hazard recognition, and worker protection requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, mixture design, cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, strength, durability, placement, curing, testing awareness, and quality control concepts used in roadway and infrastructure work.
• Included Rental Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This excavation and pipe work reference supports study of trenching, excavation methods, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction, underground work, equipment use, site safety awareness, and practical field procedures.
• Included Rental Book: Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Handbook
  This asphalt paving reference supports study of hot mix asphalt materials, production, placement, compaction, rolling patterns, surface preparation, equipment, quality control, paving operations, and field troubleshooting.
• Included Rental Book: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2003
  This traffic control reference supports study of traffic signs, markings, work-zone devices, channelizing devices, warning signs, regulatory signs, guide signs, roadway safety, visibility, and uniform traffic control principles.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Specifications for Highway and Bridge Construction, 2019
  This New Mexico construction specification reference supports study of highway and bridge construction requirements, materials, earthwork, asphalt, concrete, drainage, traffic control, construction methods, measurement, payment, inspection, and project specification language.
• Included Rental Book: Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992
  This stormwater reference supports study of construction-site stormwater controls, erosion prevention, sediment control, runoff management, pollution prevention planning, and environmental protection practices used on construction projects.
• Included Rental Book: Asphalt in Pavement Maintenance (MS-16), 3rd Edition
  This pavement maintenance reference supports study of asphalt maintenance methods, pavement distress, repair techniques, surface preparation, patching, crack treatment, maintenance planning, and practical asphalt repair practices.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico One Call Excavator Handbook
  This utility damage prevention reference supports study of excavation notification requirements, underground utility awareness, one-call procedures, safe digging practices, markings, responsibilities, and job-site coordination.
• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Department of Transportation Active Standard Drawing Master List and Standard Drawings
  This New Mexico Department of Transportation reference supports study of standard construction details, roadway drawings, drainage details, signs, structures, installation layouts, dimensions, materials, and project drawing interpretation used in transportation construction.
• Included Rental Book: Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems, 1992
  This stormwater systems reference supports study of urban drainage design, stormwater management systems, runoff control, erosion and sediment awareness, drainage structures, conveyance methods, and construction concepts used in roadway drainage work.
• 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 GA-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 paving, concrete, excavation, stormwater, traffic control, safety, specification, and roadway construction topics.

A strong GA-1 study routine should begin with the major work areas covered by the classification. Candidates should understand how streets, roads, and highways are planned and built, how excavation and grading affect roadway performance, how base and paving materials are placed, how stormwater moves through a project site, how concrete and asphalt materials affect durability, how traffic control protects the public, and how New Mexico specifications guide field work. Exam questions may require both direct reference lookup and practical interpretation of job-site conditions.

For asphalt and pavement study, candidates should review asphalt materials, hot mix production, placement, rolling, compaction, joints, surface preparation, pavement distress, patching, crack treatment, maintenance planning, equipment coordination, and field troubleshooting. Pavement work requires understanding both the visible surface and the underlying construction conditions that affect performance.

For concrete study, candidates should review cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, strength development, workability, curing, durability, placement, finishing, testing awareness, and quality control. Roadway concrete work may include curb, gutter, sidewalk, drainage structures, panels, and other concrete elements connected to streets and highways.

For pipe and excavation study, candidates should review trenching, excavation safety, bedding, backfill, compaction, pipe handling, drainage installation, utility awareness, equipment use, soil conditions, and field sequencing. Proper excavation and pipe work are critical to road performance, drainage function, and long-term durability.

For OSHA and traffic control study, candidates should review construction hazards, personal protective equipment, equipment safety, trench and excavation awareness, work-zone exposure, signs, channelizing devices, warning devices, visibility, traffic movement, and safe work-zone setup. Streets, roads, and highways work often happens near workers, equipment, vehicles, pedestrians, and the traveling public, making safety and traffic control awareness especially important.

For stormwater study, candidates should review erosion control, sediment control, runoff management, construction-site pollution prevention, site stabilization, inlet protection, drainage structures, conveyance systems, and urban stormwater management concepts. Stormwater questions may require candidates to understand both temporary construction controls and permanent drainage systems.

For New Mexico specification and standard drawing study, candidates should become familiar with specification organization, materials requirements, construction methods, measurement, payment, inspection, quality control, earthwork, asphalt, concrete, drainage, traffic control, roadway details, and drawing notes. Specifications and drawings often require careful reading, so candidates should practice locating sections quickly and interpreting requirements accurately.

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.

Practice is an important part of this preparation package. Candidates should use the course to identify weak areas, then use the rental books to reinforce those topics. Timed practice can help improve confidence for open book testing. A helpful study method is to practice finding answers in the books rather than only reading explanations. This builds speed and helps candidates become more comfortable with the references.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare for the New Mexico Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor GA-1 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 GA-1 areas, review paving, concrete, excavation, safety, traffic control, and stormwater concepts, 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 GA-1 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 OSHA construction safety materials, concrete references, pipe and excavation materials, asphalt paving references, traffic control standards, New Mexico construction specifications, stormwater materials, pavement maintenance references, one-call guidance, NMDOT standard drawings, and business law references. The GA-1 licensing path involves more than one subject area, 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 Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor GA-1 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 Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Handbook; Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2003; New Mexico Specifications for Highway and Bridge Construction, 2019; Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992; Asphalt in Pavement Maintenance (MS-16), 3rd Edition; New Mexico One Call Excavator Handbook; New Mexico Department of Transportation Active Standard Drawing Master List and Standard Drawings; and Design and Construction of Urban Stormwater Management Systems, 1992.

Is a business book included?

Yes. The business book includes the 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 $1,810. The refundable deposit is $1,100. The total due is $2,910.

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 GA-1 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GA-1 Streets, Roads and Highways Contractor 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 GA-1 exam?

Candidates should study roadway construction, OSHA construction safety, concrete materials, pipe and excavation work, asphalt paving, traffic control devices, New Mexico highway and bridge specifications, stormwater management, pavement maintenance, one-call procedures, NMDOT standard drawings, field safety, project documentation, and contractor business law topics.

Why are asphalt, concrete, stormwater, and traffic control references included?

Streets, roads, and highways work can involve paving, concrete placement, drainage, erosion control, work-zone safety, public traffic movement, and New Mexico construction specifications. These references support preparation for the materials, methods, safety, and field coordination topics used on GA-1 projects.

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.