New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor GS-25 Exam Book Package

New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor GS-25 Exam Book Package

The New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor GS-25 Exam Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools contractor exam. This package brings together the listed reference materials used to study swimming pool construction, pool and spa operation, excavation, concrete, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, pipe installation, OSHA construction safety, New Mexico building codes, model building codes, and swimming pool and spa code requirements.

Swimming pool construction requires a wide range of technical knowledge. Contractors working in this trade must understand structural construction, excavation, concrete placement, reinforcing bars, piping, pool shells, drainage, safety barriers, circulation systems, code requirements, and jobsite safety. The GS-25 exam is built around the ability to apply this trade knowledge while using approved references efficiently during an open-book test.

This book package includes the 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 the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021.

Each reference supports a different part of swimming pool contractor exam preparation. The New Mexico building codes and model codes support code-based construction knowledge. OSHA supports construction safety. The Pool and Spa Operator Handbook supports pool system operation and maintenance concepts. The concrete, reinforcing bar, shotcrete, pipe, and excavation references support the construction methods used to build pool systems. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code supports pool-specific code knowledge, safety requirements, barriers, equipment, circulation, and installation standards.

Because the New Mexico GS-25 exam is open book, candidates should use these references throughout the study process. Open-book testing does not remove the need for preparation. The references are detailed, and the exam is timed. Candidates who know how the books are organized can move through questions more efficiently than candidates who try to search unfamiliar materials for the first time on exam day.

Exam Details

The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools contractor exam is administered through PSI for New Mexico contractor licensing. Candidates must be approved before scheduling the examination. Once eligibility is granted, candidates can schedule through PSI and complete the test by computer at an approved testing location.

The GS-25 Swimming Pools exam includes 50 questions. Candidates are allowed 150 minutes to complete the examination. The required passing score is 75%. Since the exam is timed, candidates should prepare to read carefully, identify the subject being tested, select the correct reference, and locate supporting information efficiently.

The GS-25 Swimming Pools exam is connected to swimming pool construction, pool systems, excavation, concrete, reinforcing, shotcrete, plumbing, safety, and code compliance. Candidates may see questions involving pool shells, foundations, reinforcing steel, concrete mixtures, shotcrete application, piping, excavation safety, equipment installation, barriers, drainage, circulation, and swimming pool code requirements.

The reference list shows that the exam requires both construction knowledge and pool-specific code knowledge. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code provides a pool-focused code foundation. The International Building Code and International Residential Code provide broader building code requirements. New Mexico commercial and residential building codes provide state-specific provisions and amendments. The construction references support practical trade topics that apply to pool construction in the field.

Because the exam includes 50 questions in 150 minutes, candidates should practice pacing during preparation. Some questions may be answered from trade knowledge, while others may require looking up a code section, safety rule, table, construction method, or specification. Candidates should build enough familiarity with the references to know where answers are likely to be found.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools contractor exam is an open book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference materials to the examination center. The open-book format allows candidates to use approved references during the exam, but candidates must still study thoroughly and learn how to use the books efficiently.

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.

Open-book swimming pool contractor exams can be challenging because the reference list is broad. A safety question may require OSHA. A pool barrier or equipment question may require the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. A residential pool construction question may point to the IRC or New Mexico Residential Building Code. A commercial pool construction question may point to the IBC or New Mexico Commercial Building Code. A concrete, shotcrete, reinforcing, pipe, or excavation question may point to one of the trade references.

The best preparation is active reference use. Candidates should review a topic, locate the related information in the correct book, read the surrounding section, and practice finding similar information again later. This builds speed, confidence, and familiarity with the reference set before exam day.

Licensing Steps

Candidates pursuing the New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools contractor classification should begin by following the approval process required for New Mexico contractor examinations. Candidates must be approved before scheduling through PSI. After approval is granted, the candidate can register for the examination, select an available testing date, and complete the required exam process.

A practical preparation path includes identifying the correct GS-25 classification, completing the required application or qualifying party approval process, receiving examination eligibility, scheduling the exam through PSI, reviewing the approved references, studying consistently, and arriving at the testing center with proper identification and approved materials.

After passing the trade examination, candidates should complete any remaining New Mexico contractor licensing requirements. Passing the GS-25 exam is an important step, but candidates are still responsible for meeting applicable business, law, documentation, experience, financial, bonding, registration, and administrative requirements connected to the license.

New Mexico contractor candidates should keep application documents, eligibility notices, exam scheduling confirmations, reference lists, score reports, and licensing correspondence organized. Good recordkeeping can reduce confusion during the licensing process and allow candidates to focus more attention on studying and completing each licensing step correctly.

State Requirements

New Mexico contractor licensing is connected to the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. The GS-25 Swimming Pools classification is tied to swimming pool construction work, which requires knowledge of building codes, pool-specific standards, excavation, concrete, reinforcing, piping, equipment, and safety requirements.

New Mexico-specific building code references are important for this exam. The New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021 and the New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021 support preparation for state code provisions and amendments that may apply to swimming pool construction. Candidates should study these references alongside the model codes so they understand both general requirements and New Mexico-specific code language.

The International Building Code, 2021 and the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021 provide model code foundations for commercial and residential construction. Swimming pool contractors should understand how pools relate to building planning, barriers, structural requirements, drainage, safety, access, and construction practices in both residential and commercial settings.

The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 is especially important because it focuses directly on pools, spas, barriers, circulation systems, equipment, safety features, and installation requirements. Candidates should give this reference dedicated study time and become familiar with its organization before the exam.

Safety is also a major part of swimming pool construction. OSHA construction standards in 29 CFR Part 1926 are included in this package because pool construction often involves excavation, trenching, concrete work, reinforcing steel, equipment operation, electrical hazards, fall hazards, material handling, and changing jobsite conditions. Candidates should study safety requirements carefully and understand how they apply to real construction work.

Reference Books

• New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMAC 14.7.2), 2021
  This reference contains New Mexico commercial building code provisions and amendments. Candidates should use it to review state-specific commercial building code requirements that may apply to swimming pool construction and related work.
• New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMAC 14.7.3), 2021
  This reference contains New Mexico residential building code provisions and amendments. It supports preparation for swimming pool work connected to residential construction in New Mexico.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 IBC provides model building code requirements for commercial construction. Candidates should use it to study building code provisions that may relate to commercial pool construction, structural requirements, access, safety, and code compliance.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  The 2021 IRC provides model code requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. It supports study of residential construction provisions that may relate to swimming pools, barriers, drainage, safety, and related residential code requirements.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This reference contains OSHA construction safety standards. Candidates should use it to review excavation safety, personal protective equipment, hazard recognition, fall protection, concrete and masonry safety, material handling, and general construction safety responsibilities.
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook
  This reference supports study of pool and spa operation concepts, water circulation, filtration, sanitation, water quality, equipment operation, maintenance, and safety practices connected to pool systems.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, mix design, cementitious materials, aggregates, admixtures, placement considerations, durability, testing concepts, and quality control for concrete construction.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This reference supports study of reinforcing steel placement, bar supports, spacing, tying, lap concepts, placement practices, and reinforcement details used in concrete construction.
• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
  This reference supports study of shotcrete materials, application methods, placement procedures, reinforcement considerations, quality control, curing, and construction practices used in shotcrete work.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This reference supports study of excavation practices, trenching, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, equipment use, underground construction, and jobsite considerations related to pool piping and sitework.
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021
  This code reference supports study of swimming pool and spa requirements, barriers, circulation systems, equipment, safety features, construction provisions, installation requirements, and pool-specific code compliance.

Each reference in this package supports a different part of GS-25 exam preparation. Candidates should avoid treating the book list as a simple checklist. A stronger approach is to learn what each reference is for, which topics it covers, and when it is most likely to be useful during the exam.

Candidates should use the references as working study tools. A useful study approach is to divide preparation into pool code, building code, OSHA safety, concrete, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, excavation, pipe installation, and pool operation. Candidates can then locate related material in the books, review the surrounding sections, and practice returning to those areas under timed conditions.

Test Information and Study Materials

The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools exam is a timed, open-book trade examination. Candidates should prepare by reviewing swimming pool construction methods, pool and spa code requirements, New Mexico building codes, model building codes, OSHA safety, concrete materials, reinforcing bar placement, shotcrete, pipe installation, excavation, and pool operation concepts.

Pool-specific code study should be a major part of preparation. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code supports review of pool and spa construction requirements, barriers, safety features, circulation systems, equipment, and installation rules. Candidates should become comfortable locating pool-specific topics quickly because many questions may involve exact code language or standards.

Building code preparation should include both New Mexico codes and model codes. Candidates should review the International Building Code and International Residential Code, then study how the New Mexico Commercial Building Code and New Mexico Residential Building Code relate to those model code provisions. Swimming pool construction may involve residential and commercial conditions, so candidates should understand both code environments.

Safety should also receive serious attention. Swimming pool construction can involve deep excavations, heavy equipment, concrete placement, reinforcing steel, shotcrete operations, electrical hazards, wet environments, material handling, and site access concerns. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 supports preparation for safety-related questions involving construction hazards and worker protection.

Concrete preparation should include mix design, cementitious materials, aggregates, admixtures, water content, placement, curing, durability, testing, and quality control. Swimming pool shells, decks, equipment pads, structural components, and related construction may involve concrete work, so candidates should understand how concrete materials and practices affect long-term performance.

Reinforcing steel should be studied carefully because pool shells and concrete structures often depend on proper reinforcement. Candidates should review reinforcing bar placement, spacing, supports, tying practices, laps, cover, and coordination with concrete or shotcrete placement. Reinforcement questions may require candidates to understand both field practices and written reference material.

Shotcrete preparation should include materials, application methods, nozzle techniques, placement considerations, reinforcement encasement, curing, quality control, and surface preparation. Shotcrete is commonly associated with pool shell construction, so candidates should understand the basic principles that affect strength, durability, and proper installation.

Pipe and excavation topics should also be included in the study plan. Pool construction involves excavation, trenching, backfill, pipe installation, equipment lines, drainage, and underground work. Candidates should review safe excavation practices, trench conditions, bedding, pipe support, backfill, compaction, and jobsite coordination.

The Pool and Spa Operator Handbook supports preparation for operation-related concepts. Candidates should review circulation, filtration, water quality, sanitation, equipment operation, maintenance, and safety practices. Even when a contractor focuses on construction, pool performance depends on properly installed systems that operate safely and effectively.

Candidates should also practice identifying which reference applies to each type of question. A safety question may point to OSHA. A pool barrier or circulation question may point to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. A residential code question may point to the IRC or New Mexico Residential Building Code. A commercial construction question may point to the IBC or New Mexico Commercial Building Code. A shotcrete, concrete, reinforcing, pipe, or excavation question may point to one of the trade references. This recognition skill becomes stronger with repeated study.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare with organized, trade-focused support designed around the way contractor exams are actually taken. For an open-book swimming pool contractor exam, preparation is not only about owning the correct references. It is about learning how to use those references, recognize key terms, locate information quickly, and connect pool construction experience to written standards.

This book package supports that preparation by providing the listed references for the New Mexico Swimming Pools Contractor GS-25 exam. Candidates can use the books to review pool and spa code requirements, New Mexico building codes, model building codes, OSHA safety, concrete, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, pipe installation, excavation, and pool operation concepts. Consistent use of the references helps candidates build stronger study habits and better test-day readiness.

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 having the proper references is a key part of preparing for the exam.

Swimming pool candidates often have field experience but may not be used to working through building codes, pool and spa codes, OSHA standards, concrete references, shotcrete guides, and pipe or excavation 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 subject knowledge, and approach the GS-25 exam with a clearer plan.

FAQ

What books are included in this package?

This package includes New Mexico Commercial Building Code, New Mexico Residential Building Code, International Building Code, International Residential Code, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Pool and Spa Operator Handbook, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Placing Reinforcing Bars, Guide to Shotcrete, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Is the New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools exam open book?

Yes. The New Mexico GS-25 Swimming Pools contractor exam is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center.

How many questions are on the GS-25 exam?

The GS-25 Swimming Pools exam has 50 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

Candidates are allowed 150 minutes to complete the GS-25 Swimming Pools exam.

What score is required to pass?

The required passing score is 75%.

What topics should I study for this exam?

Candidates should study pool and spa code requirements, New Mexico building codes, model building codes, OSHA safety, excavation, pipe installation, concrete, reinforcing steel, shotcrete, pool operation, circulation, filtration, and construction safety.

Why is the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code important?

The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code supports study of pool-specific construction requirements, barriers, equipment, circulation systems, safety features, installation requirements, and pool code compliance.

Why are concrete and shotcrete references included?

Swimming pool construction often involves concrete and shotcrete work. These references support study of materials, placement, reinforcement, application methods, curing, durability, and quality control.

Should I study all of the listed references?

Yes. Each reference supports a different part of the exam. Candidates should become familiar with the building codes, pool code, safety standards, concrete reference, reinforcing bar reference, shotcrete guide, pipe and excavation reference, and pool operation handbook.

Does this package guarantee a passing score?

No product can guarantee an exam result. This package provides the listed reference books and supports candidates as they prepare through trade-focused study and reference navigation practice.