North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor Books Allowed into Exam Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor Exam with a focused package containing the reference books allowed inside the examination center. This collection is designed for candidates pursuing the North Carolina PU Public Utilities classification who need the approved exam-room references without the additional study books that must remain outside the testing area.

The North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor Exam covers a broad range of construction work. Candidates must prepare for subjects involving electrical power distribution, fuel distribution, water and sewer piping, swimming pools, concrete, communications, boring and tunneling, excavation, safety, business and law, welding, and related utility operations.

This package brings together eleven approved references covering contractor management, North Carolina construction safety, public water supplies, public swimming pools, aboveground motor-fuel storage systems, fuel-dispensing equipment, gas transmission and distribution piping, utility electrical systems, line construction, ductile iron pipe, and concrete pipe and box culverts.

Every book in this package is included for use during the open-book North Carolina Public Utilities examination. Candidates can study with the same references they plan to carry into the testing center, allowing them to build familiarity with each book’s organization, terminology, tables, chapters, rules, and technical provisions.

An open-book examination still requires substantial preparation. The exam contains questions from several utility specialties, and candidates must determine which reference applies before beginning a search. Knowing where information is located can save valuable time and make it easier to evaluate technical questions accurately.

This package is appropriate for candidates who already own or do not need the supporting books that are not permitted in the examination room. It focuses specifically on the approved references and provides a streamlined option for preparing an exam-room book set.

Exam Details

The North Carolina PU Public Utilities Contractor Exam is administered by PSI for the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Candidates must receive examination eligibility through the Board before scheduling an appointment with PSI.

• Classification: PU Public Utilities Contractor
• Number of questions: 100
• Time allowed: 240 minutes
• Required passing score: 70 percent
• Testing provider: PSI Services
• Exam format: Computer-based contractor licensing examination
• Reference status: Open book with approved references only

The examination content outline includes 15 questions on electrical power distribution, 12 on fuel distribution, 12 on concrete and concrete reinforcement, and 12 on water and sewer piping. These four areas account for more than half of the examination.

The outline also includes eight safety questions, seven business and law questions, six excavation and grading questions, and six welding questions. Swimming pools, shotcrete and gunite, communications, boring and tunneling, erosion and sedimentation control, liens, licensing, and One Call requirements make up the remaining questions.

The examination may include questions developed from the approved references as well as questions based on general trade knowledge and common industry practices. Candidates should prepare to apply technical information rather than relying only on direct word searches.

A silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator may be used in the examination center. Candidates may also request a magnifying glass at the testing center. Personal items and reference materials remain subject to the current PSI security and inspection procedures.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor Exam is an open-book examination. Candidates may bring the approved references included in this package into the examination center, provided the books meet the current testing requirements.

Candidates are responsible for supplying their own books. The examination center does not provide the references. Complete publications must be brought to the test; partial references are not accepted as exam-room materials.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used when they adhere securely to the pages. Removable tabs, including Post-it flags and similar temporary markers, are not permitted. Notes may not be written on tabs.

The references may not contain loose pages, attached papers, inserted notes, or unauthorized materials. Candidates may not write in the books before or during the examination under the published testing rules. Testing-center personnel may inspect every reference before allowing it into the exam room.

With 100 questions and 240 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately two minutes and twenty-four seconds per question. Efficient book use is essential. A candidate who spends several minutes searching the wrong reference may have less time available for calculations, complex questions, and final review.

Practice identifying the applicable subject first. Business and project-management questions may require the Contractor’s Guide. Construction safety questions may involve the North Carolina occupational safety standards. Water-supply questions may use Title 15A, Subchapter 18C, while pool questions may involve the public swimming-pool regulations.

Fuel-system questions may direct candidates to RP200 or RP400. Gas-pipeline questions may require ASME B31.8. Utility electrical questions may involve the National Electrical Safety Code or Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook. Water and sewer pipe-installation questions may use the DIPRA guide or the concrete pipe and box culvert reference.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Public Utilities classification. Confirm that the classification covers the construction activities the applicant or business intends to perform.
2. Review the licensing requirements. Examine the current application, qualifier, financial, ownership, and organizational requirements established by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
3. Submit the application or examination request. Provide the Board with the required information and supporting materials.
4. Receive examination eligibility. The Board reviews the submission and determines whether the candidate is authorized to take the examination.
5. Schedule the examination with PSI. Use the authorization information supplied by the Board to select an available testing appointment and complete the exam-payment process.
6. Study the content outline. Divide preparation among the technical, safety, regulatory, and business subjects covered by the examination.
7. Prepare the approved books. Highlight, underline, or add permanent tabs only in accordance with current testing-center rules.
8. Take the examination. Bring the required identification, permitted calculator, and approved reference books.
9. Complete the licensing process. Passing the examination is one part of qualification. The Board must determine that the applicant has met all applicable licensing requirements before issuing a license.

The examination eligibility letter is valid for 120 days and authorizes one examination attempt during that period. Missing a scheduled examination may count as an attempt. Candidates should review their eligibility letter and PSI appointment instructions carefully.

State Requirements

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates the PU Public Utilities classification. This classification includes construction work on water and wastewater systems and work performed under several related specialty classifications.

A North Carolina Public Utilities contractor license covers work under S Boring and Tunneling, PU Communications, PU Fuel Distribution, PU Electrical–Ahead of Point of Delivery, PU Water Lines and Sewer Lines, PU Water Purification and Sewage Disposal, and S Swimming Pools.

The classification may involve utility electrical distribution, natural-gas and petroleum systems, communication infrastructure, water and sewer piping, water-treatment and wastewater systems, swimming pools, excavation, trenching, tunneling, concrete construction, and associated installation work.

Applicants must satisfy the requirements connected to the requested classification and license limitation. Purchasing books or passing the trade examination does not independently authorize a person or business to perform contracting work.

Projects may also involve permits, inspections, utility notifications, environmental requirements, fire-code provisions, water-supply regulations, local approvals, or other obligations that are separate from general contractor licensing.

Reference Books

• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management – North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  This contractor-focused reference addresses business organization, licensing, project management, contracts, estimating, accounting, insurance, employment responsibilities, safety administration, liens, and North Carolina construction practices.
• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  This reference supports preparation involving excavation hazards, fall protection, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, welding, tools, machinery, material handling, access, and employee protection.
• North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A, Subchapter 18C: Water Supplies, Including the Latest Amendments
  This state reference addresses North Carolina public water-supply systems, including construction, treatment, distribution, protection, system operation, and regulatory requirements.
• Public Swimming Pools – Title 15A, Subchapter 18A, Section .2500
  This publication contains North Carolina requirements involving public swimming-pool design, construction, circulation, filtration, disinfection, equipment, water quality, safety, and operation.
• Recommended Practices for Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems for Motor-Vehicle Fueling, RP200, 2013
  RP200 addresses aboveground motor-fuel storage systems, including tank placement, foundations, supports, piping arrangements, equipment protection, dispensing systems, and installation practices.
• Recommended Procedure for Testing Electrical Continuity of Fuel-Dispensing Hanging Hardware, RP400, 2002
  RP400 covers procedures used to test electrical continuity in fuel-dispensing hoses, nozzles, swivels, and associated hanging hardware.
• ASME Code for Pressure Piping B31.8 – Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, 2014
  ASME B31.8 covers gas-piping materials, design, fabrication, joining, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, pressure requirements, and transmission or distribution system safety.
• National Electrical Safety Code, 2017
  This code addresses electric supply stations, overhead lines, underground systems, utility conductors, grounding, clearances, structures, and safety practices for electric supply and communication systems.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook, 13th Edition, 2017
  This practical handbook covers electric power transmission and distribution, transformers, conductors, cables, poles, structures, substations, tools, grounding, overhead systems, underground systems, and field procedures.
• DIPRA Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe, 2007, Revised 2012
  This installation guide addresses handling, trench preparation, bedding, joint assembly, placement, cutting, backfilling, testing, and practical installation procedures for ductile iron pipe.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation, 2007 Edition
  This reference covers excavation, foundations, bedding, joining, placement, alignment, backfilling, compaction, and installation procedures for concrete pipe and box culverts.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following eleven references are included specifically for use inside the North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor examination center:

• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management – North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  Approved for business, law, project-management, licensing, and contractor-administration subjects.
• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry
  Approved for construction safety and workplace-protection questions.
• North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A, Subchapter 18C: Water Supplies
  Approved for public water-supply requirements.
• Public Swimming Pools – Title 15A, Subchapter 18A, Section .2500
  Approved for North Carolina public swimming-pool questions.
• RP200, 2013
  Approved for aboveground motor-fuel storage-system installation questions.
• RP400, 2002
  Approved for fuel-dispensing hanging-hardware continuity testing.
• ASME B31.8, 2014
  Approved for gas transmission and distribution piping questions.
• National Electrical Safety Code, 2017
  Approved for electric utility systems and safety requirements.
• Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook, 13th Edition, 2017
  Approved for practical power transmission and distribution subjects.
• DIPRA Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
  Approved for ductile iron pipe-installation questions.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation
  Approved for concrete pipe and culvert installation questions.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin with the largest examination categories: electrical power distribution, fuel distribution, concrete and reinforcement, and water and sewer piping. Create separate study sessions for each subject and identify the approved reference most closely connected to it.

Use the National Electrical Safety Code and Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook for electrical distribution preparation. Study overhead and underground systems, grounding, conductors, transformers, supply stations, structures, clearances, and utility safety.

Use RP200, RP400, and ASME B31.8 for fuel and gas topics. Review aboveground storage systems, dispensing equipment, continuity testing, piping, materials, joining, construction, pressure testing, operation, and maintenance.

Use the DIPRA guide and the concrete pipe reference for water and sewer pipe installation. Study excavation, bedding, joining, alignment, placement, backfilling, compaction, and testing procedures.

Complete mixed timed exercises using all eleven references. Practice identifying the subject, choosing the correct book, locating the relevant provision, and confirming the answer within the available time.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates organize the North Carolina Public Utilities examination into manageable technical and business subjects. Structured study guidance supports preparation across the broad range of utility specialties covered by the exam.

Trade-focused review connects the approved references to electrical distribution, fuel systems, gas piping, water and sewer installations, swimming pools, concrete pipe, occupational safety, and contractor management.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to work through technical questions and apply information rather than simply reading the books. Reference-navigation drills can help students recognize which publication applies and locate tables, chapters, definitions, rules, and procedures more efficiently.

1 Exam Prep also supports confidence-building study habits through organized review, consistent practice, and a clear focus on the examination outline. No book package can guarantee a passing score or licensing approval, but disciplined preparation can help candidates approach the test with stronger familiarity and a more effective reference strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor Exam open book?

Yes. It is an open-book examination, but candidates may bring only the references approved for the Public Utilities exam.

Are all eleven books in this package allowed in the exam room?

Yes. This package contains the eleven references listed for use inside the North Carolina Public Utilities Contractor examination center.

How many questions are on the examination?

The exam contains 100 questions. Candidates have 240 minutes and must earn a score of at least 70 percent to pass.

Can I use removable tabs in the books?

No. References may be indexed with permanent tabs, but removable tabs such as Post-it flags are not permitted. Notes may not be written on the tabs.

Can I write notes in the approved references?

No. The published examination rules state that references may not be written in before or during the examination. Loose or attached papers are also prohibited.

What work does the Public Utilities classification cover?

The classification covers water and wastewater work and several specialties, including boring and tunneling, communications, fuel distribution, electrical work ahead of the point of delivery, water and sewer lines, water purification and sewage disposal, and swimming pools.

Does this package include books that are not allowed in the examination?

No. This package is limited to the eleven references approved for use inside the examination center.

Does purchasing this package register me for the examination?

No. The package contains books only. Application filing, examination authorization, scheduling, testing fees, and licensing are handled separately.

Does passing the exam automatically issue a North Carolina contractor license?

No. Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors determines whether an applicant has completed all requirements for license issuance.