North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam with a complete highlighted and tabbed package that combines the books allowed inside the examination room with additional technical and business references used for study. This package is organized for candidates who want the required code books, safety standards, structural concrete references, and supporting trade materials in one coordinated collection.

The North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package covers the major areas involved in concrete contracting, including occupational safety, building-code requirements, structural concrete, formwork, concrete mixtures, reinforcing steel, sawcutting, precast erection, contractor business management, and North Carolina laws and regulations.

The four exam-room-approved references are highlighted and tabbed to support faster navigation during study sessions and the open-book examination. Important sections are marked for focused review, while organized tabs help candidates move efficiently between major subjects, chapters, tables, code provisions, and administrative requirements.

The package also includes several study-only references that are not identified for use inside the exam room. These books provide essential background and practical knowledge in concrete materials, formwork, reinforcing bars, joint cutting, flatwork, precast erection, project management, business law, and North Carolina contractor requirements. Candidates should use these materials before test day to strengthen their understanding of the trade.

Concrete construction involves much more than placing and finishing concrete. Contractors may need to understand structural requirements, reinforcing details, formwork systems, concrete mixture properties, curing, construction joints, sawcutting, inspection procedures, occupational safety, code administration, project management, and legal responsibilities. This package brings those subjects together in one organized study collection.

Highlighted and tabbed books are especially useful for an open-book exam because candidates must often identify the correct reference and locate the applicable section under time pressure. The prepared format helps reduce unnecessary searching, but it does not replace studying. Candidates should review the books, practice locating information, and become familiar with the purpose and organization of each reference.

The study-only books should be treated as learning tools. Since they are not identified as approved exam-room references, candidates should use them to understand trade concepts before the examination rather than depend on looking up every answer on test day.

What You Get

Exam Details

The North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam evaluates knowledge associated with concrete construction and the responsibilities involved in supervising, managing, and completing this type of work. Candidates should be prepared to review structural concrete requirements, jobsite safety, building-code provisions, administrative procedures, reinforcing steel, formwork, concrete materials, joints, sawcutting, precast products, and contractor business responsibilities.

The exam-room reference list for this package includes four books. The North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry supports questions involving worker protection and construction safety. The 2018 North Carolina Building Code supports building-code questions. ACI 318-14 addresses structural concrete requirements and commentary. The 2018 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies supports questions involving permits, inspections, administration, code application, and enforcement.

The study-only references provide deeper technical preparation. SP-4 Formwork for Concrete supports review of formwork design, materials, loads, bracing, shoring, reshoring, construction, and removal. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures provides detailed information about concrete ingredients, proportioning, strength, durability, testing, placement, curing, and quality control.

The sawcutting publications support study of concrete joints, cutting timing, equipment, procedures, flatwork, crack control, and field practices. Placing Reinforcing Bars supports preparation involving bar placement, ties, supports, bends, spacing, laps, and coordination with formwork and concrete placement. The Erectors’ Manual addresses the safe handling, lifting, bracing, placement, and erection of precast concrete products.

The Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina support study of business organization, financial management, estimating, contracts, project administration, insurance, labor responsibilities, contractor law, and regulatory compliance.

Candidates should study both technical and administrative subjects. Concrete contractors may be responsible for coordinating materials, labor, equipment, schedules, inspections, safety procedures, subcontractors, suppliers, testing agencies, and project documentation. A strong preparation plan should address the trade as well as the business and legal responsibilities connected with contracting.

Please allow an additional 15 business days on highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam is an open-book examination with a limited approved reference list. The four books identified for use inside the exam room are included in this package in highlighted and tabbed format.

The exam-room-approved books are the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry with the latest available amendments, North Carolina Building Code: Building Code 2018, ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, and North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, 2018 Edition.

The remaining books in the package are included for study and are not identified as allowed inside the exam. Candidates should use those publications to build technical knowledge before test day.

An open-book exam still requires preparation. Candidates should know which reference applies to each type of question. Safety questions may direct you to the occupational safety standards. Building-code questions may require the North Carolina Building Code. Structural concrete questions may require ACI 318-14. Administrative questions may require the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies.

The highlighting and tabs help candidates locate major topics, but the correct answer may depend on a definition, exception, footnote, table note, cross-reference, or nearby section. Candidates should read enough of the surrounding text to understand how the requirement applies.

Practice using the books under timed conditions. Identify the subject, select the correct reference, use the tabs to reach the appropriate section, and confirm the answer in the code language. Repeat difficult searches until the structure of the books becomes familiar.

Only approved references should be taken into the testing center. Candidates should follow all current rules regarding editions, amendments, bindings, tabs, highlighting, notes, inserts, loose pages, and book condition.

Licensing Steps

Begin by determining whether the North Carolina Concrete Construction contractor classification matches the work the business intends to perform. The selected classification should reflect the services and project responsibilities the applicant plans to undertake.

The applicant must complete the required contractor license application and provide the information requested by the licensing authority. Depending on the application type, this may include business information, ownership details, responsible parties, financial documentation, and identification of the person who will serve as the qualifier.

The qualifier is the individual who satisfies the examination requirement connected with the license application. Purchasing the book package does not create examination eligibility, submit a license application, or schedule a test.

After the appropriate authorization is issued, the candidate follows the current scheduling instructions and prepares for the examination. Preparation should include study of the approved exam-room references and the technical books included in this package.

The candidate then completes the examination according to the applicable testing procedures. Identification, scheduling, security, and reference-book rules must be followed on test day.

Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process. The applicant must complete all remaining requirements and receive formal approval before operating under the requested contractor license.

After a license is issued, the contractor must continue meeting applicable renewal, business, qualifier, safety, code, and operational responsibilities. Additional requirements involving permits, inspections, insurance, taxes, business registration, and local approvals may apply separately.

State Requirements

North Carolina contractor licensing is organized by classification and limitation. The classification relates to the type of construction work performed, while the limitation relates to the level of projects the contractor is authorized to undertake.

The applying entity must designate a qualifier who satisfies the examination requirement. The qualifier completes the required exam, while the license is issued to the approved applicant or business entity after all applicable requirements have been met.

Concrete construction contractors may be responsible for foundations, slabs, walls, structural members, reinforced concrete, formwork, placement, curing, cutting, repair, and related construction activities. The exact scope of work should remain within the authority of the issued classification and limitation.

Concrete projects may require compliance with structural requirements, building codes, occupational safety standards, approved plans, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and administrative policies. Contractors should understand that compliance extends through the entire project, from planning and formwork through placement, curing, cutting, inspection, and closeout.

Safety is a continuing responsibility. Concrete work can involve reinforcing steel, formwork systems, heavy equipment, lifting operations, elevated work, scaffolds, ladders, cutting equipment, electrical exposure, pumps, trucks, and material handling. Contractors should plan and supervise work with these hazards in mind.

Concrete contractors may also need to coordinate with owners, engineers, architects, inspectors, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, testing agencies, and workers. Project documentation, contracts, schedules, quality requirements, and safety procedures should be managed throughout the work.

A contractor license does not replace other legal or business obligations. Business registration, taxes, insurance, workers’ compensation, permits, inspections, contracts, employment responsibilities, and local requirements may apply separately.

Reference Books

• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  This highlighted and tabbed exam-room reference contains occupational safety and health requirements applicable to construction work in North Carolina. It supports review of employer responsibilities, worker protection, fall hazards, scaffolds, ladders, tools, material handling, excavation, electrical exposure, and concrete construction safety.
• North Carolina Building Code: Building Code 2018
  This highlighted and tabbed exam-room reference contains building-code provisions applicable to construction in North Carolina. It supports study of building requirements, structural provisions, materials, inspections, referenced standards, and code compliance.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This highlighted and tabbed exam-room reference contains structural concrete requirements and commentary covering materials, reinforcement, strength, durability, detailing, development, splicing, construction, and structural performance.
• North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, 2018 Edition
  This highlighted and tabbed exam-room reference supports review of code administration, permits, inspections, approvals, responsibilities, enforcement, and related construction policies.
• SP-4 Formwork for Concrete, 2014, 8th Edition
  This study-only reference covers formwork systems, materials, loads, bracing, shoring, reshoring, construction, removal, safety, and field practices.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This study-only reference explains concrete materials, mixture proportioning, production, testing, placement, curing, strength, durability, and quality control.
• Sawcutting Joints in Concrete, Bruce A. Suprenant, 1995
  This study-only publication addresses concrete joint planning, cutting timing, equipment, procedures, and crack-control considerations.
• Sawcutting Concrete Flatwork, Rosalie Johnston, 1994
  This study-only publication focuses on sawcutting practices for concrete flatwork, including joint layout, timing, equipment, and field procedures.
• Taking the Tedium Out of Cutting, 1981
  This study-only reference provides practical information related to concrete cutting methods, equipment use, planning, and field efficiency.
• Tips for Cutting Concrete, 1987
  This study-only publication provides practical guidance on concrete cutting procedures, equipment, safety, timing, and jobsite considerations.
• Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  This study-only manual addresses planning, lifting, handling, bracing, alignment, placement, and safe erection of precast concrete products.
• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management – North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  This study-only reference covers business organization, financial management, estimating, contracts, project administration, employment practices, insurance, risk management, and North Carolina contractor law.
• Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina
  This study-only reference supports review of North Carolina contractor licensing laws, legal obligations, regulatory responsibilities, and compliance requirements.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This study-only reference covers reinforcing-bar placement, supports, ties, spacing, bends, laps, detailing, and coordination with formwork and concrete placement.

Exam Room Approved Books

• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  This highlighted and tabbed safety reference is allowed inside the North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam.
• North Carolina Building Code: Building Code 2018
  This highlighted and tabbed building-code reference is allowed inside the examination room.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This highlighted and tabbed structural concrete code and commentary is allowed inside the examination room.
• North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, 2018 Edition
  This highlighted and tabbed administrative reference is allowed inside the examination room.

The formwork, concrete mixture, sawcutting, precast erection, business, legal, and reinforcing-bar books included in the package are study-only references and are not identified as allowed inside the exam.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin by separating the four exam-room references from the study-only books. Learn the purpose of each approved reference and practice identifying which book applies to a question before searching for the answer.

Study the North Carolina Building Code and ACI 318-14 together when reviewing structural concrete topics. Use the commentary in ACI 318-14 to improve understanding while recognizing the difference between mandatory code provisions and explanatory material.

Use SP-4 Formwork for Concrete and Placing Reinforcing Bars to build practical knowledge of form systems, shoring, bracing, reinforcement placement, spacing, supports, ties, and coordination before concrete placement.

Review Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures for concrete ingredients, mixture proportioning, production, testing, placement, curing, durability, and quality. Connect these subjects to the structural and building-code requirements found in the approved references.

Study the four sawcutting publications together. Focus on joint purpose, cutting timing, layout, equipment, procedures, flatwork, crack control, and safety.

Use the Erectors’ Manual to review lifting, handling, bracing, sequencing, placement, and safety for precast concrete products. Connect those practices to the occupational safety standards.

Complete timed practice using only the four exam-room books. Use the study-only references before and after each practice session to strengthen technical subjects and correct misunderstandings.

Please allow an additional 15 business days on highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps concrete contractor candidates organize a large reference list into a practical study system. The highlighted and tabbed exam books support efficient navigation, while the study-only references provide deeper technical and business preparation.

Trade-focused review connects concrete materials, reinforcement, formwork, joints, sawcutting, precast erection, safety, structural requirements, and business responsibilities. Studying these subjects together helps candidates understand how they relate on actual projects.

Organized study guidance can help candidates divide the material into manageable sections, track progress, and identify topics that require additional review. This reduces the risk of concentrating only on familiar subjects while overlooking code, safety, or business content.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates build both knowledge and reference-navigation skills. Working through questions, choosing the correct book, locating the applicable section, and reviewing explanations creates a more active and effective study routine.

Reference navigation is especially important for the four books allowed inside the exam. Familiarity with chapters, indexes, section numbers, tables, commentary, and administrative provisions can help candidates use their testing time more effectively.

No book package can guarantee passing, licensing approval, or a specific exam result. Individual performance depends on preparation, experience, understanding, and completion of all applicable licensing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which books are allowed inside the North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam?

The exam-room books are the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry with the latest available amendments, North Carolina Building Code: Building Code 2018, ACI 318-14, and North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, 2018 Edition.

Are the exam-room books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The four exam-room references are prepared with highlighting and organized tabs to support faster navigation.

Are all books in the package allowed into the exam?

No. The package includes four books allowed in the exam and additional study-only references that are not identified for exam-room use.

Is the North Carolina Concrete Construction Contractor Exam open book?

Yes. It is an open-book examination with a limited approved reference list.

Does the package include formwork and reinforcing-bar study material?

Yes. SP-4 Formwork for Concrete and Placing Reinforcing Bars are included as study-only references.

Are concrete sawcutting publications included?

Yes. The package includes Sawcutting Joints in Concrete, Sawcutting Concrete Flatwork, Taking the Tedium Out of Cutting, and Tips for Cutting Concrete.

Does this package include business and law preparation?

Yes. It includes the Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina.

How long should I allow for a highlighted and tabbed package order?

Please allow an additional 15 business days on highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

Do highlighting and tabs replace studying?

No. They support navigation, but candidates should still read the material, understand the subjects, and complete timed practice.

Does purchasing this package register me for the examination?

No. Purchasing the books does not submit a licensing application, create exam eligibility, or schedule a testing appointment.

Does passing the exam automatically issue a contractor license?

No. Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process. The applicant must satisfy all applicable requirements before a license is issued.

Should I confirm the book rules before test day?

Yes. Review the current examination instructions for permitted editions, amendments, tabs, highlighting, notes, bindings, and book condition.