New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor (GS-25) - Books & Courses Rental Package

The New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor (GS-25) Books & Courses Rental Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-25 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 GS-25 classification is focused on swimming pool and spa construction, including building code requirements, residential and commercial pool provisions, excavation, concrete, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, piping, safety, pool equipment awareness, and related contractor responsibilities. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, New Mexico building code provisions, commercial and residential building requirements, OSHA construction safety, concrete mixtures, reinforcing bar placement, shotcrete application, pipe and excavation work, pool and spa operation concepts, and contractor business law requirements.

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 building code lookup, pool code review, concrete and shotcrete study, excavation review, safety 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 pool construction standards, code requirements, excavation methods, reinforcing steel, concrete placement, shotcrete construction, piping concepts, safety rules, and practical field conditions. Together, the materials support a focused path for preparing for the New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools Contractor exam.

Exam Details

The New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor (GS-25) exam is a trade exam for candidates pursuing the GS-25 contractor classification. The exam focuses on swimming pool and spa construction knowledge, building code application, pool and spa code requirements, excavation, concrete placement, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, piping, equipment awareness, safety, construction planning, and New Mexico-specific code provisions.

GS-25 candidates should prepare for both technical trade content and contractor business law content. The trade portion measures knowledge related to swimming pool and spa construction, structural and building code requirements, concrete and shotcrete practices, pipe and excavation work, pool safety, and code-compliant installation. 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 pool and spa code organization, commercial building code provisions, residential building code provisions, International Building Code requirements, International Residential Code requirements, OSHA construction safety, pool barriers, access and safety features, concrete materials, reinforcing bar placement, shotcrete application, excavation, pipe installation, drainage awareness, pool equipment basics, structural components, construction sequencing, inspection readiness, job-site safety, and contractor business law topics.

Because the GS-25 exam is tied to swimming pool construction, preparation should focus on both code knowledge and field application. Candidates should understand how pool shells are formed, how concrete and shotcrete materials are used, how reinforcing steel supports pool structures, how excavation affects construction quality, how piping supports pool operation, and how building and pool codes protect users. A strong candidate should be able to connect real-world pool construction experience with reference-based exam questions and practical job-site judgment.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools 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, code sections, definitions, tables, diagrams, safety standards, figures, construction details, 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 GS-25 exam, candidates should pay close attention to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC and IRC requirements, OSHA construction safety, concrete materials, reinforcing bar placement, shotcrete practices, and pipe and excavation references.

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 GS-25 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 swimming pool or spa construction work being performed. Candidates should review the GS-25 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 GS-25 classification applies to swimming pools contractor work. This classification is associated with swimming pool and spa construction, pool shells, concrete and shotcrete work, reinforcing steel, excavation, piping, code-compliant construction, safety features, and related construction activities performed under New Mexico requirements.

Swimming pool contractor work may involve excavation, layout, forming, reinforcing steel placement, concrete or shotcrete application, pipe installation, pool equipment coordination, structural components, barriers, access features, safety provisions, backfill awareness, and coordination with applicable building, residential, pool, spa, and safety codes. Candidates should understand how each part of the system supports durability, safety, water containment, operation, and long-term performance.

The GS-25 classification is a specialty contractor classification and should not be treated as an unlimited building, plumbing, electrical, excavation, concrete, or mechanical 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 swimming pool contractor work and the contractor responsibilities connected to performing regulated construction work in New Mexico. That includes contractor licensing rules, business obligations, project documentation, code compliance, safety awareness, regulatory awareness, inspection readiness, and professional conduct.

Reference Books

• Included Rental Book: New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021
  This New Mexico commercial building code reference supports study of state commercial building provisions, adopted code language, amendments, safety requirements, and rules that may apply to commercial pool and spa construction 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 pool and spa construction in New Mexico.
• Included Rental Book: International Building Code, 2021
  This building code reference supports study of commercial building code requirements, structural provisions, occupancy and safety concepts, construction requirements, accessibility awareness, code organization, definitions, and inspection-related topics.
• 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, residential construction provisions, safety features, barriers, structural concepts, code organization, and residential pool-related code navigation.
• Included Rental Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports study of construction safety standards, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, equipment safety, hazard recognition, access, fall protection, and worker protection requirements.
• Included Rental Book: Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
  This pool and spa reference supports study of pool operation concepts, water circulation, pool equipment awareness, sanitation concepts, safety practices, maintenance awareness, and operational principles that support swimming pool and spa understanding.
• 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 pool construction.
• Included Rental Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This reinforcing steel reference supports study of reinforcing bar placement, supports, spacing, tying, drawings, cover, lap awareness, field handling, and reinforced concrete construction practices used in structural concrete work.
• Included Rental Book: Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
  This shotcrete reference supports study of shotcrete materials, application methods, equipment, surface preparation, reinforcement encasement, placement quality, curing, inspection awareness, and practical shotcrete construction practices.
• 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: International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021
  This pool and spa code reference supports study of swimming pool and spa requirements, barriers, safety features, circulation systems, equipment, construction provisions, public and residential pool requirements, and pool code navigation.
• 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 GS-25 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 swimming pool code topics, building code provisions, concrete, shotcrete, reinforcing steel, excavation, safety, pool operation concepts, and business law topics.

A strong GS-25 study routine should begin with the major work areas covered by the classification. Candidates should understand how pool and spa systems are planned, how excavation and forming affect construction quality, how reinforcing steel supports the structure, how concrete and shotcrete materials perform, how piping supports water movement, how building and pool codes apply, and how safety features protect users. Exam questions may require both direct reference lookup and practical interpretation of job-site conditions.

For International Swimming Pool and Spa Code study, candidates should review code organization, definitions, pool types, spa provisions, barriers, safety features, suction outlet awareness, circulation-related provisions, equipment areas, construction requirements, and operational safety concepts. Pool code questions often require careful reading because requirements may differ depending on pool type, use, or installation condition.

For building code study, candidates should review New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC organization, IRC organization, definitions, structural concepts, safety features, inspection-related provisions, and code language connected to pool and spa construction. Building code references help candidates understand how pool construction connects to broader building safety requirements.

For concrete and reinforcing steel study, candidates should review concrete materials, mixture design, strength, durability, curing, placement, reinforcing bar spacing, cover, supports, tying, drawings, and field handling. Swimming pool shells depend on properly placed reinforcement and properly applied concrete or shotcrete to support performance and durability.

For shotcrete study, candidates should review application methods, surface preparation, reinforcement encasement, nozzle techniques, curing, placement quality, equipment, and inspection awareness. Shotcrete is common in pool construction, so candidates should understand both the material and the application process.

For pipe and excavation study, candidates should review trenching, excavation safety, bedding, backfill, compaction, pipe routing, underground work, equipment use, and site conditions. Pool construction often involves excavation and underground piping, making these topics important for both safety and installation quality.

For OSHA construction safety study, candidates should review excavation safety, hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, access, equipment safety, fall protection, housekeeping, and safe work practices. Swimming pool construction can involve excavation, concrete work, equipment, and site hazards, so safety awareness is an important part of preparation.

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 Swimming Pools Contractor (GS-25) 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 GS-25 areas, review pool and spa code topics, building code provisions, concrete, reinforcing, shotcrete, excavation, 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 GS-25 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 building code references, IBC and IRC materials, OSHA construction safety, pool and spa operation support, concrete and reinforcing references, shotcrete study materials, pipe and excavation guidance, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code materials, and business law references. The GS-25 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 Swimming Pools Contractor (GS-25) 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 Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021; New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021; International Building Code, 2021; International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021; Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); Pool and Spa Operator Handbook; Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Placing Reinforcing Bars; Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022; Pipe and Excavation Contracting; and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021.

Is a business book included?

Yes. The business book includes 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 $1,710. The refundable book rental deposit is $900. The total due today is $2,610.

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 GS-25 exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools 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 GS-25 exam?

Candidates should study pool and spa code requirements, New Mexico commercial and residential building code provisions, IBC and IRC topics, OSHA construction safety, pool operation concepts, concrete materials, reinforcing bar placement, shotcrete practices, pipe and excavation work, pool safety features, and contractor business law topics.

Why are concrete, reinforcing bar, and shotcrete references included?

Swimming pool construction often involves reinforced concrete and shotcrete applications. These references support preparation for material selection, placement, reinforcement, curing, application quality, and field construction practices used in pool structures.

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.