North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor examination with a complete collection of exam-room references and supporting study materials. This package brings together the technical publications used for safety, ductile iron pipe installation, concrete pipe installation, excavation, grading, erosion control, contractor business practices, licensing law, and underground utility construction.

The North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination requires candidates to understand more than pipe materials. The published content outline addresses construction safety, concrete pipe installation, ductile iron pipe installation, excavation and grading, utility locating, erosion and sedimentation control, liens, laws, and contractor regulations. This package supports preparation across those subjects by combining three books identified for exam-room use with six additional references intended for study outside the testing center.

The exam-room books focus on the technical and safety subjects that make up a large portion of the test. The supporting references build the broader knowledge needed to understand excavation procedures, project planning, North Carolina One-Call responsibilities, sedimentation-control requirements, business operations, contracts, licensing, and utility construction practices.

Use the full book package throughout your preparation. Begin by studying the trade concepts and regulatory subjects in the supporting materials, then practice locating information in the three approved exam-room references. This approach helps develop both subject knowledge and the reference-navigation skills needed for an open-book contractor examination.

The package is designed for candidates pursuing the North Carolina PU (Water Lines and Sewer Lines) classification or contractors who want a coordinated library for underground water and sewer work. It can also serve as a practical reference collection for reviewing trench safety, pipe handling, bedding, joining, backfilling, testing, erosion control, and project administration.

What You Get

The inclusion of a publication in this package does not automatically mean it may be taken into the testing center. Review the Exam Room Approved Books section carefully. Only the first three references listed for exam-room use should be prepared for the examination appointment.

Exam Details

The North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination is administered by PSI as part of the licensing process overseen by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The Board determines examination eligibility, while PSI handles examination registration, scheduling, administration, and score reporting.

• Examination: North Carolina PU (Water Lines and Sewer Lines)
• Testing provider: PSI
• Number of questions: 45
• Time allowed: 120 minutes
• Required passing score: 70%
• Testing format: Computer-administered examination
• Reference format: Open book with approved materials

The published content outline assigns six questions to safety, three questions to general knowledge, 10 questions to underground utility concrete pipe installation, 10 questions to underground utility ductile pipe installation, and nine questions to excavating and grading.

The remaining questions cover liens, erosion and sedimentation control, One-Call requirements, laws, and regulations. Although these categories contain fewer questions, they remain important parts of the exam and should be included in a balanced study plan.

The examination may include questions based on trade knowledge or general industry practices. Candidates should understand field procedures rather than relying only on their ability to search the books. Strong preparation combines practical knowledge with efficient use of the approved references.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference materials to the examination center. The exam-room reference set consists of the North Carolina construction safety standards, the ductile iron pipe installation guide, and the concrete pipe and box culvert installation publication.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used when they are securely attached and not easily removable. Notes may not be written on the tabs. Temporary flags, removable index tabs, loose papers, attached notes, and unauthorized inserts are prohibited.

References may not contain handwritten notes, and candidates may not write in the books before or during the examination session. Printed reference materials must be complete and properly bound. Partial copies are not accepted as examination references.

With 45 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have an average of slightly more than two and a half minutes per question. That time must cover reading the question, identifying the subject, choosing the appropriate reference, locating the applicable information, and selecting an answer.

Practice using the three approved references before exam day. Become familiar with their tables of contents, indexes, section headings, illustrations, installation sequences, safety requirements, tables, and technical terminology. Open-book testing is most effective when the candidate already understands where information is located.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the classification scope. Confirm that the PU (Water Lines and Sewer Lines) classification matches the construction work the applicant plans to perform.
2. Complete the appropriate application or examination request. Submit the required documentation to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
3. Identify the qualifier. The applicant must designate the individual who will satisfy the examination requirement for the classification.
4. Select the appropriate license limitation. Choose the limitation that corresponds with the intended project size and business plans.
5. Provide required supporting information. Submit the organizational, financial, qualifier, and other documentation requested by the Board.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Approved candidates receive an eligibility letter containing the information needed to register and schedule the exam.
7. Schedule the examination with PSI. Use the identification number and instructions supplied through the eligibility process.
8. Prepare with the complete book package. Study the supporting references and practice navigating the three approved exam-room books.
9. Take the examination. Bring valid identification and only the reference materials permitted under current PSI rules.
10. Complete the remaining licensing process. Follow the Board’s instructions regarding examination results and any outstanding application requirements.

Passing the examination does not automatically issue a North Carolina contractor license. The applicant must complete the licensing process and receive approval from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

State Requirements

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates the PU (Water Lines and Sewer Lines) classification. This classification covers construction work involving water and sewer mains, water service lines, and house and building sewer lines as defined by the North Carolina State Building Code.

The classification also covers water storage tanks, lift stations, pumping stations, and appurtenances connected with those facilities. Pavement patching, backfill, and erosion-control work performed as part of water and sewer line construction are included within the classification scope.

Applicants must select a license limitation appropriate for the size of projects they intend to undertake. The Board establishes application, financial, qualifier, and organizational requirements for each license. A business entity must identify the individual who will serve as its qualifier for the classification.

Contractors performing underground utility work must also understand responsibilities involving excavation notification, utility locating, trench safety, environmental protection, and project-site restoration. Work outside the classification may require another contractor classification or a properly licensed specialty professional.

Reference Books

This North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor Book Package includes the following exam-room and supporting study references:

• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  Covers workplace safety requirements applicable to underground utility construction. Important subjects include trenching and excavation, protective systems, access and egress, personal protective equipment, equipment operation, material handling, traffic exposure, confined spaces, and jobsite responsibilities.
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
  Provides technical guidance for receiving, handling, storing, laying, joining, cutting, tapping, restraining, testing, and backfilling ductile iron pipe. The guide supports preparation for questions involving pipe components, installation procedures, joints, fittings, trench conditions, and proper field practices.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation, 2019
  Addresses the installation of concrete pipe and box culverts, including unloading, handling, foundations, bedding, placement, joining, alignment, haunch support, backfill, compaction, and inspection. It supports preparation for the concrete pipe installation portion of the examination.
• North Carolina Excavation Safety Guidelines, 2022 or Later
  Explains North Carolina excavation-notification responsibilities and safe-digging practices. Topics include submitting locate requests, marking proposed excavation areas, respecting utility markings, maintaining marks, handling damaged facilities, and coordinating with underground utility owners.
• North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Chapter 4 Sedimentation Control, Including the Latest Amendments
  Contains administrative rules addressing erosion and sedimentation control. It supports study of land-disturbing activities, erosion-control plans, runoff, stabilization, inspections, enforcement, and responsibilities associated with utility excavation.
• North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A, Article 4 Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
  Provides the statutory framework for sedimentation-pollution control in North Carolina. The law addresses regulatory authority, land-disturbing activity, required plans, prohibited conduct, enforcement, penalties, and environmental responsibilities.
• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  Covers business organization, contracts, estimating, project management, financial management, insurance, employment practices, safety administration, liens, risk management, and North Carolina contractor responsibilities.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Provides practical information about underground pipe construction, estimating, excavation, trenching, equipment, productivity, bedding, installation, dewatering, backfilling, compaction, and project planning. It supports broader trade knowledge beyond the material available during the exam.
• Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina
  Contains North Carolina statutes and regulations governing general contracting. It supports review of licensing authority, classifications, limitations, qualifier responsibilities, prohibited conduct, disciplinary provisions, and other contractor requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following three references in this package are identified for use inside the North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination room:

• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation, 2019

The following included books are study references and are not allowed in the examination room:

• North Carolina Excavation Safety Guidelines, 2022 or Later
• North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Chapter 4 Sedimentation Control, Including the Latest Amendments
• North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A, Article 4 Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina

Testing-center personnel make the final determination regarding whether a reference complies with exam-day requirements. Inspect every approved book before the appointment and remove temporary tabs, loose papers, notes, attachments, or other prohibited materials.

Test Information and Study Materials

Concrete pipe and ductile iron pipe installation together account for 20 questions on the published examination outline. Candidates should understand the differences between the two systems and the installation requirements associated with each material.

For concrete pipe, review foundations, bedding configurations, line and grade, joint preparation, pipe placement, haunch support, backfill zones, compaction, lifting, handling, and inspection. Understand how installation quality affects structural performance and long-term service.

For ductile iron pipe, study unloading, storage, trench preparation, laying procedures, push-on and mechanical joints, fittings, cutting, restraint, deflection, tapping, polyethylene encasement, testing, and backfilling. Become familiar with the terminology used for pipe barrels, bells, gaskets, glands, bolts, fittings, and appurtenances.

Excavating and grading represents another major part of the test. Review soil conditions, trench dimensions, dewatering, bedding preparation, slope and grade, compaction, backfill placement, pavement restoration, equipment selection, utility conflicts, and site access.

Safety preparation should include trench protective systems, cave-in hazards, spoil placement, ladders, inspections, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, suspended loads, mobile equipment, personal protective equipment, and emergency planning.

Do not overlook erosion control, One-Call procedures, liens, and contractor regulations. These subjects account for fewer questions, but they contribute directly to the final score. Use the supporting books to learn the requirements before practicing timed questions.

During practice sessions, identify the subject first. Decide whether the answer belongs in the safety standards, the ductile iron guide, or the concrete pipe publication. Then use the contents, index, headings, figures, and tables to locate the information efficiently.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines Contractor candidates organize a technical and regulatory reference list into a practical study system. This package combines the books permitted in the exam room with supporting materials that address the full range of published examination subjects.

The collection supports trade-focused review of concrete pipe, ductile iron pipe, excavation, trenching, grading, safety, utility locating, environmental control, business management, and contractor law. Studying these subjects together helps candidates understand how field practices and regulatory responsibilities connect.

Reference-navigation practice is an important part of open-book preparation. 1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to learn which approved book applies to each topic, become familiar with its organization, and practice locating technical information under time limits.

The additional study materials help build knowledge in areas that may be tested even though the related books are prohibited in the exam room. A structured combination of trade review, regulatory study, and exam-book navigation can help candidates approach the test with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination open book?

Yes. The examination is open book, but candidates may bring only the approved references that comply with current PSI testing rules.

How many questions are on the examination?

The North Carolina Water Lines and Sewer Lines examination contains 45 questions.

How much time is allowed?

Candidates are allowed 120 minutes to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The required passing score is 70%.

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

No. Only the construction safety standards, the ductile iron pipe installation guide, and the concrete pipe and box culvert installation publication are included as exam-room references. The remaining books are for study outside the testing center.

Why are books that are not allowed in the exam included?

The supporting books address excavation, One-Call procedures, sedimentation control, business, licensing, liens, and general pipe-construction knowledge included in the examination outline.

Can the approved books be highlighted or tabbed?

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam. Tabs must be permanent and may not contain notes. Removable flags, loose papers, and unauthorized attachments are prohibited.

Which subjects have the most questions?

Concrete pipe installation and ductile pipe installation each have 10 questions. Excavating and grading has nine questions, and safety has six questions.

Does passing the exam automatically issue a contractor license?

No. Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors must approve the complete application and confirm that all requirements have been satisfied.

Does this book package guarantee a passing score?

No. The package supports organized preparation and reference practice, but results depend on the candidate’s knowledge, experience, study effort, and performance on exam day.