Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Repair Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course

The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Repair Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course is designed for contractors preparing for the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor examination administered by PSI. The course focuses preparation around the major construction subjects tested on the exam, including rough carpentry, finish carpentry, concrete, masonry, windows and doors, siding, drywall, and construction safety.

Remodeling and maintenance contracting requires a broad understanding of existing buildings and multiple construction trades. Unlike a narrowly focused specialty examination, this Alabama contractor exam can require candidates to move between structural framing, finish work, cabinetry, concrete, masonry, building components, and OSHA safety requirements. A structured online exam prep course helps organize those subjects into a more manageable study approach.

The course is designed around the reference materials associated with exam preparation, including the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016; Finish Carpenter's Manual by Jim Tolpin, 1993; International Building Code, 2015; Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition; Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone by Clois E. Kicklighter; and The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction, 2001.

Because the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor exam is open book, effective preparation requires more than memorizing construction facts. Candidates should understand the underlying trade knowledge while also learning how to identify the correct reference, navigate chapters and indexes, and locate supporting information efficiently during a timed examination.

The online course provides a preparation structure for candidates who want to review trade knowledge, practice exam-oriented thinking, strengthen weaker subjects, and become more comfortable working with the applicable reference materials. The goal is to develop both construction knowledge and the reference-navigation skills that are useful during an open-book contractor exam.

Exam Details

The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor examination is administered by PSI as part of the contractor licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

• Exam: Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 60
• Time Allowed: 120 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%, or 42 correct answers
• Exam Type: Open book

The current examination outline contains 6 Safety questions, 3 Windows and Doors questions, 16 Rough Carpentry questions, 16 Finish Carpentry questions, 3 Siding questions, 2 Drywall questions, 7 Concrete questions, and 7 Masonry questions.

Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry are the two largest sections of the exam, with 16 questions each. Together, these subjects represent more than half of the 60-question examination. Candidates should spend substantial preparation time reviewing framing methods, building components, measurements, layout, installation practices, trim, cabinetry, interior woodwork, fitting, and finish construction.

Concrete and Masonry each contain 7 questions, making these additional areas important to a complete preparation plan. Candidates should understand concrete materials and construction principles as well as brick, block, stone, mortar, and common masonry methods.

Safety contains 6 questions and is supported by the OSHA construction regulations in 29 CFR Part 1926. Windows and Doors, Siding, and Drywall contain fewer questions individually, but candidates should still review each published exam area rather than relying only on the heavily weighted carpentry categories.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor examination is an open book test. Candidates may use approved references during testing under PSI's examination rules.

The exam allows 120 minutes for 60 questions, which provides an average of approximately two minutes per question. This makes reference navigation an important study skill. Candidates who need to search through multiple books from the beginning for every question can quickly use more time than the testing schedule allows.

Preparation should focus on learning which reference is most likely to address each subject. OSHA is used for construction safety. Carpentry and Building Construction supports broad carpentry and building topics, while Finish Carpenter's Manual provides more focused coverage of finish work. The furniture and cabinet construction reference supports cabinetry, joinery, components, and woodworking.

The International Building Code supports applicable building-code topics. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures supports concrete preparation, while Modern Masonry provides information related to brick, block, stone, mortar, and masonry methods.

When studying, practice identifying the subject before reaching for a reference. Determine which book is most likely to contain the answer and then locate the supporting material. Repeating this process develops familiarity with both the trade subject and the organization of the references.

Open-book preparation works best when reference navigation supports actual construction knowledge. Candidates should understand why a construction method or requirement applies rather than depending entirely on finding isolated words in a book.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees licensing for covered general contracting and specialty construction activities. Remodeling and Alteration is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction classification structure, and Alabama's rules also recognize Building Maintenance Repair.

1. Determine the appropriate classification. Identify the Alabama contractor classification that corresponds with the remodeling, alteration, maintenance, and repair work you intend to perform.
2. Select the appropriate application type. Alabama provides separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
3. Complete the applicable application. Provide the information and documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate work experience that supports the requested classification.
5. Provide required project references. The Board evaluates documented work history and qualifying project experience when considering classifications.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Applicants must complete the applicable state process before proceeding with PSI testing.
7. Schedule the trade examination. Approved candidates can schedule the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor examination through PSI.
8. Pass the trade examination. Candidates must earn at least 70%, or 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.
9. Complete Business and Law. Alabama applications subject to examination requirements must take the applicable Trade exam as well as the Business and Law examination.
10. Complete the remaining licensing requirements. Final license approval is determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors after all applicable requirements are satisfied.

The examination is one component of the licensing process. Contractor classification is also based on documented experience, and applicants must complete the applicable Board requirements before a license is issued.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates covered general contracting work in the state. Alabama law defines covered general contracting to include construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, remediation, reclamation, demolition, and other qualifying construction activities.

The current Alabama general contractor licensing threshold is $100,000 or more for a covered undertaking, including labor and materials. The threshold increased to $100,000 effective October 1, 2024.

Subcontractors performing covered work of $100,000 or more under contract to a licensed general contractor or another subcontractor are also subject to the applicable Alabama licensing requirements.

The Board classifies contractors according to the work they are qualified to perform based on documented experience. Remodeling and Alteration is identified within the Building Construction classification structure. Candidates whose experience is concentrated in a particular classification should document projects that support the requested scope.

Applicants subject to Alabama's contractor testing requirements must take a Trade examination as well as Business and Law. PSI administers the examinations, while the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors handles the state licensing process and classification determination.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference supports preparation involving fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, electrical hazards, demolition, material handling, and other safety requirements encountered on remodeling and repair projects.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This construction reference provides broad coverage of carpentry and building methods. It supports preparation involving framing, floors, walls, roofs, openings, windows, doors, siding, materials, measurements, tools, and other building construction concepts.
• Finish Carpenter's Manual, Jim Tolpin, 1993
  This specialized finish carpentry reference supports study involving layout, trim, fitting, installation, interior woodwork, cabinetry, measurements, materials, tools, and professional finish carpentry methods.
• International Building Code, 2015
  The 2015 International Building Code provides code requirements applicable to building construction and supports preparation involving construction types, building materials, structural considerations, interior construction, alterations, and related code topics.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference provides information on concrete materials, mixture properties, proportioning, placement, curing, durability, and quality considerations relevant to concrete-related exam preparation.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter
  This masonry reference covers brick, concrete block, stone, mortar, tools, layout, materials, and construction methods that support preparation for the Masonry section of the examination.
• The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction, 2001
  This illustrated woodworking reference supports preparation involving cabinetry, furniture construction, joinery, components, materials, fabrication, assembly, and related finish carpentry knowledge.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should begin with Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry because these sections account for 32 of the 60 examination questions. Candidates should give these areas consistent attention throughout their preparation rather than leaving them for a final review.

For Rough Carpentry, study framing terminology, building components, floors, walls, roofs, openings, measurements, layout, fasteners, materials, and basic construction methods. Remodeling contractors often need to understand existing framing before making alterations, so practical knowledge in this area is especially relevant.

For Finish Carpentry, review trim, cabinetry, fitting, interior woodwork, installation procedures, measurements, joinery, and finish materials. Use Finish Carpenter's Manual and the furniture and cabinet construction reference to strengthen this part of your preparation.

Concrete and Masonry account for 14 questions combined. Review concrete materials and performance using Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, and use Modern Masonry for brick, block, stone, mortar, and related construction methods.

Safety preparation should involve regular navigation of 29 CFR Part 1926. Instead of trying to memorize the complete OSHA regulation, learn how major construction safety topics are organized and practice locating relevant information efficiently.

Windows and Doors, Siding, and Drywall should be integrated into the broader building construction portion of study. Even though these categories have fewer questions, they represent common remodeling activities and can contribute important points toward the required passing score.

Practice with the reference books as you work through exam preparation. When answering a question, identify the subject, select the appropriate book, locate the supporting information, and review why the answer applies. This creates a stronger connection between trade knowledge and open-book navigation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor candidates prepare through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation when applicable, and a confidence-building study structure.

The online exam prep course helps organize a broad examination into manageable construction subjects. Candidates can focus preparation around Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Concrete, Masonry, Safety, Windows and Doors, Siding, and Drywall rather than approaching the exam as an unstructured collection of topics.

Practice-oriented preparation reinforces both knowledge and decision-making. Working through contractor exam questions helps candidates identify which topics are already familiar and which areas deserve additional attention. Reviewing missed questions can turn mistakes into targeted study opportunities.

Reference navigation is another important part of preparation. Because the exam is open book, candidates should practice recognizing which reference applies to a question before searching for the answer. Familiarity with chapters, indexes, terminology, and the organization of the books can support more efficient testing.

A contractor with strong rough carpentry experience may need more review of concrete, masonry, or OSHA. A finish carpenter may benefit from additional study of framing, siding, or code requirements. The course structure helps candidates distribute their study time based on the actual subjects represented on the examination.

The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Repair Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course provides a focused preparation path for contractors who want to strengthen trade knowledge, practice exam-oriented questions, work more effectively with the applicable references, and approach the PSI examination with an organized study strategy.

How many questions are on the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor exam?

The examination contains 60 questions. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass the exam?

The minimum passing score is 70%, which equals 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Is the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The examination is open book and permits approved reference materials under PSI's examination rules.

What subjects are on the exam?

The current content outline covers Safety, Windows and Doors, Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Siding, Drywall, Concrete, and Masonry.

What are the largest sections of the exam?

Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry are the two largest sections, with 16 questions each. Together, they account for 32 of the 60 exam questions.

Does the exam prep course focus on open-book preparation?

Yes. Preparation emphasizes understanding the trade subjects while developing familiarity with the applicable references and practicing efficient reference navigation for an open-book testing environment.

Which OSHA reference is associated with the exam?

Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 is the construction safety reference used for preparation involving OSHA requirements.

Which building code is associated with the course?

The reference list includes the International Building Code, 2015, for applicable building-code preparation.

Does the course cover concrete and masonry topics?

Yes. Concrete and Masonry each account for 7 questions on the examination, making both subjects important parts of a complete study plan.

Who administers the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor exam?

PSI administers the trade examination as part of the licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Do Alabama applicants also take Business and Law?

Yes. Alabama applications subject to contractor testing requirements must take the applicable Trade examination as well as Business and Law.

What is the current Alabama general contractor licensing threshold?

For covered construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, and related work, Alabama's current general contractor licensing threshold is $100,000 or more, including labor and materials.