Arizona Waterworks Commercial Contractor (A-16) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Waterworks Commercial Contractor (A-16) Exam Book Package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, utility contractors, water distribution professionals, excavation crews, water well personnel, pump and tank installers, pipe installation supervisors, water treatment contractors, and business owners preparing for the Arizona A-16 Waterworks commercial contractor trade exam. This package brings together the key references used to study water distribution systems, excavation and backfill, water wells, pumps and related electrical work, water treatment, water storage tanks, concrete, and OSHA safety.

The A-16 classification is a commercial waterworks contractor classification in Arizona. The scope includes all work necessary for the production and distribution of water, including drilling wells, setting casing and pumps, related electrical work, related concrete work, excavation, piping for storage and distribution, storage tanks, related fencing, purification equipment, and chlorination equipment.

Commercial waterworks projects require broad trade knowledge. A contractor in this field may work with underground water mains, ductile iron pipe, excavation, trench safety, backfill, concrete structures, pumps, electrical coordination, wells, water treatment systems, storage tanks, and water distribution infrastructure. The work may involve coordination with municipalities, utilities, engineers, inspectors, public works departments, developers, facility owners, and other licensed trades.

This exam book package supports preparation for the major exam categories, including water distribution systems, excavation and backfill, water wells, pumps and related electrical, water treatment, water storage tanks, concrete, and safety. The included references help candidates study the practical trade knowledge needed for commercial waterworks construction while also developing speed with the approved open-book references.

The Arizona A-16 exam is an open-book test with specific rules about which references may be brought into the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references. Several books in this package are listed for study but are not allowed in the testing room. Candidates should use the study-only references to build field knowledge before exam day and use the approved references for timed lookup practice.

Exam Details

The Arizona A-16 Waterworks Commercial Contractor trade exam contains 50 questions. Candidates must earn a minimum passing score of 70%, and the time allowed for the exam is 120 minutes.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• Water Distribution Systems
• Excavation and Backfill
• Water Wells
• Pumps and Related Electrical
• Water Treatment
• Water Storage Tanks
• Concrete
• Safety

Water distribution system questions may involve water mains, ductile iron pipe, valves, fittings, appurtenances, pipe installation, thrust restraint awareness, pressure considerations, pipe bedding, testing, and field installation procedures. Candidates should understand how water distribution piping is installed, protected, connected, and placed into service.

Excavation and backfill questions may involve trenching, grading, bedding, backfill, compaction, soil handling, equipment use, underground utility location, excavation safety, and restoration. Waterworks projects depend on proper excavation practices because pipe alignment, support, access, and long-term system performance all begin with controlled sitework.

Water well questions may involve groundwater principles, well construction awareness, drilling-related concepts, casing, pumps, water production, and the relationship between wells and water supply systems. Pumps and related electrical questions may involve pump selection awareness, pump installation, electrical code navigation, controls, grounding awareness, and safe coordination of water system equipment.

Water treatment questions may involve purification, chlorination, onsite wastewater provisions, water quality awareness, and system components related to commercial waterworks. Water storage tank questions may involve welded carbon steel tanks, tank construction, storage requirements, fittings, appurtenances, foundations, coatings, testing awareness, and field coordination.

Concrete questions may involve concrete materials, placement, curing, supports, foundations, equipment pads, tank-related concrete work, and quality control. Safety questions may involve OSHA construction standards, trench hazards, personal protective equipment, equipment operation, material handling, electrical awareness, confined or restricted work areas, and safe work around underground utilities.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Waterworks Commercial Contractor (A-16) Exam is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center. The testing center does not provide the reference materials.

The approved exam-room references include:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments, or Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 Selections by PSI
• International Plumbing Code, 2009
• National Electrical Code, 2008, National Fire Protection Association
• AWWA C600-99
• On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility Provisions in Unified Water Quality Permit Rule, Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, 2006

The following references are listed for study but are not allowed in the examination center:

• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
• Groundwater Hydrology, 2005, 3rd Edition
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Excavation and Grading Handbook, Nick Capachi, 2006
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
• AWWA D100-11 Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage

Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the exam. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the exam.

Additional papers are not allowed with approved references. This includes loose papers and attached papers. References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, including removable sticky notes or Post-It style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Downloaded reference materials may be brought into the testing center only when properly bound. Spiral binding or hole-punching and placing the material in a binder are acceptable binding methods. Candidates should prepare all approved exam-room references before test day so the materials meet testing-center rules.

Because the A-16 exam contains 50 questions and allows 120 minutes, candidates should become familiar with every approved reference before test day. Open-book testing is not only about having the books. It is about knowing where to find information on water distribution, plumbing code, electrical code, ductile iron water main installation, wastewater provisions, and OSHA safety under timed conditions.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A candidate pursuing the A-16 Waterworks Commercial Contractor classification should review the current state licensing requirements and application instructions before applying.

The qualifying party for the contractor license must complete the applicable examination requirements for the classification. Arizona contractor applicants may also need to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, which covers state-specific contractor laws, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

After the required examination process is completed, the applicant submits the contractor license application and supporting documents to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The application process may include business entity information, qualifying party information, experience documentation, bonding, financial responsibility, background-related forms, and other state-required documents.

Applicants should apply for the classification that matches the work they intend to perform. The A-16 classification is a commercial waterworks classification. Contractors who plan to perform residential waterworks work or dual residential/commercial waterworks work should review the available Arizona classifications and choose the licensing path that matches their projects.

Passing the trade exam does not automatically issue a contractor license. The exam supports the trade competency portion of the process, but the license is issued only after the Arizona Registrar of Contractors approves the complete application for the applicable classification.

State Requirements

Arizona uses contractor license classifications to define the type of work a contractor may legally contract for and perform. The A-16 Waterworks classification applies to commercial waterworks construction and related water production and distribution work.

The A-16 scope includes all work necessary for the production and distribution of water. This includes drilling wells, setting casing and pumps, related electrical work, related concrete work, excavation, piping for storage and distribution, storage tanks, related fencing, purification equipment, and chlorination equipment.

Commercial waterworks projects may involve public or private water systems, utility infrastructure, water mains, service piping, pump systems, wells, tanks, treatment equipment, chlorination systems, excavation, concrete work, site restoration, and related appurtenances. These projects often require careful coordination with utilities, inspectors, engineers, owners, and other trades.

Waterworks work can overlap with plumbing, electrical, excavation, concrete, well drilling, tank construction, water treatment, fencing, sitework, environmental compliance, and public utility construction. Contractors should understand the limits of the A-16 classification before bidding or performing work and should use properly licensed contractors when work falls outside the classification scope.

Water infrastructure work requires attention to safety, durability, pressure, sanitation, underground utility protection, and public health. Candidates preparing for the A-16 exam should study both the approved exam-room references and the study-only field references because the exam may include questions based on general industry practices and trade knowledge.

Reference Books

This Arizona Waterworks Commercial Contractor (A-16) Exam Book Package includes the following references:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference supports preparation for trenching, excavation, personal protective equipment, tools, equipment operation, material handling, electrical awareness, concrete work, and safe jobsite practices. This is one of the approved references allowed in the examination center.
• International Plumbing Code, 2009
  This plumbing code reference supports preparation for piping, water supply systems, drainage awareness, fixtures, equipment connections, materials, and plumbing-related code navigation connected to waterworks construction. This is one of the approved references allowed in the examination center.
• National Electrical Code, 2008, National Fire Protection Association
  This electrical code reference supports preparation for electrical safety, grounding, pump-related electrical work, wiring methods, equipment connections, and code-based electrical requirements that may apply to waterworks systems. This is one of the approved references allowed in the examination center.
• AWWA C600-99
  This AWWA standard supports preparation for installation of ductile iron water mains and appurtenances, including pipe handling, laying, jointing, fittings, valves, testing awareness, and field installation practices. This is one of the approved references allowed in the examination center.
• On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility Provisions in Unified Water Quality Permit Rule, Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, 2006
  This Arizona water quality reference supports preparation for onsite wastewater treatment facility provisions, regulatory awareness, water quality protection, system requirements, and related environmental considerations. This is one of the approved references allowed in the examination center.
• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
  This utility locating reference supports study of underground utility notification, excavation planning, damage prevention, marking awareness, and safe digging practices. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Groundwater Hydrology, 2005, 3rd Edition
  This groundwater reference supports study of aquifers, groundwater movement, wells, water supply principles, hydrologic concepts, and subsurface water conditions that relate to water production and distribution. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This excavation and pipe installation reference supports study of trenching, pipe laying, bedding, backfill, compaction, grading, underground construction, fittings, valves, and practical field methods used in waterworks projects. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Excavation and Grading Handbook, Nick Capachi, 2006
  This excavation reference supports study of earthwork, grading, equipment use, trenching, soil handling, compaction, slope work, and practical sitework procedures used in underground utility construction. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe
  This ductile iron pipe reference supports study of ductile iron pipe handling, installation, jointing, trench preparation, bedding, backfill, fittings, and field practices for water distribution systems. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, mix design concepts, placement, curing, durability, quality control, and field practices used in related concrete work for waterworks projects. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• AWWA D100-11 Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage
  This AWWA tank standard supports study of welded carbon steel water storage tanks, tank components, design considerations, fabrication, erection, inspection awareness, and water storage infrastructure. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparation for the Arizona A-16 exam should begin with the exam content outline. The exam covers water distribution systems, excavation and backfill, water wells, pumps and related electrical, water treatment, water storage tanks, concrete, and safety. Candidates should build a study plan that includes approved reference navigation and practical waterworks trade review.

For water distribution systems, candidates should study water mains, ductile iron pipe, pipe joints, fittings, valves, hydrant awareness, appurtenances, pipe handling, trench preparation, bedding, testing, pressure considerations, and proper installation. AWWA C600-99 and the ductile iron installation guide are important resources for this area.

For excavation and backfill, candidates should review utility locating, trenching, soil conditions, bedding, backfill, compaction, grading, shoring awareness, spoil placement, equipment use, and site restoration. Arizona 811, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and the Excavation and Grading Handbook help build practical field knowledge for this portion of the exam.

For water wells, candidates should study groundwater concepts, wells, casing, pumps, water production, aquifer awareness, and water supply system relationships. Groundwater Hydrology helps candidates understand the subsurface water principles behind water production and system planning.

For pumps and related electrical, candidates should study pump system basics, controls, grounding, wiring awareness, electrical safety, and code navigation. The National Electrical Code supports preparation for code-based electrical questions connected to waterworks systems.

For water treatment, candidates should review purification, chlorination, onsite wastewater provisions, water quality awareness, and system components that help protect water systems. The Arizona onsite wastewater provisions reference is an approved exam-room reference for this subject area.

For water storage tanks, candidates should review welded steel tank components, foundations, storage functions, appurtenances, coatings, field erection awareness, inspection awareness, and related concrete or site coordination. AWWA D100-11 helps candidates study water storage tank construction and performance concepts.

For concrete, candidates should review concrete materials, placement, curing, strength, durability, foundations, supports, equipment pads, and quality practices. Concrete work may support tanks, equipment, structures, pads, and related waterworks construction components.

For OSHA safety, candidates should become familiar with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Waterworks work may involve excavation hazards, trenches, heavy equipment, rigging, material handling, concrete work, electrical hazards, confined or restricted access areas, traffic exposure, underground utilities, and active construction sites. Candidates should practice locating OSHA topics quickly because safety questions may require reference lookup during the open-book exam.

Strong preparation includes organizing the approved references and using the study-only books to strengthen trade knowledge. Highlight important sections in OSHA, the International Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, AWWA C600-99, and the Arizona onsite wastewater provisions. Add permanent tabs and practice timed lookup drills. With 50 questions and 120 minutes, candidates should manage time carefully and avoid spending too long on any single question.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, reference navigation support, and confidence-building exam preparation structure. For the Arizona Waterworks Commercial Contractor (A-16) Exam, preparation should include water distribution systems, excavation and backfill, water wells, pumps and related electrical, water treatment, storage tanks, concrete, and OSHA safety.

This exam covers broad commercial waterworks subjects, including underground piping, ductile iron water mains, excavation, water wells, pumps, electrical coordination, water treatment, steel storage tanks, concrete, and safety. 1 Exam Prep helps students organize preparation around the actual exam categories instead of studying randomly.

For open-book exams, reference navigation is one of the most important skills to develop. Candidates should know how to move through OSHA, the International Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, AWWA C600-99, and the Arizona onsite wastewater provisions quickly. The study-only references help build practical field understanding for excavation, groundwater, ductile iron pipe, concrete, and water storage tank questions.

1 Exam Prep supports students by encouraging practical preparation habits. That includes reviewing the exam outline, reading the references, organizing approved books, practicing timed lookups, and strengthening weak areas before test day. The goal is to help candidates understand the materials and approach the Arizona contractor exam process with a clearer plan.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee passing, licensing approval, state approval, or exam outcomes. The value of preparation comes from consistent study, correct reference materials, and a focused approach to learning the commercial waterworks trade content tested on the exam.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona A-16 Waterworks Exam Book Package?

This package includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, International Plumbing Code 2009, National Electrical Code 2008, AWWA C600-99, Arizona onsite wastewater provisions, Arizona 811 Blue Stake Brochure, Groundwater Hydrology, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Excavation and Grading Handbook, Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, and AWWA D100-11 Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage.

Is the Arizona A-16 Waterworks exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona A-16 Waterworks Commercial Contractor exam is an open-book test, but only approved references may be brought into the examination center.

Which books are allowed in the A-16 exam room?

The approved exam-room references include OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, International Plumbing Code 2009, National Electrical Code 2008, AWWA C600-99, and the Arizona onsite wastewater treatment facility provisions.

Are all books in this package allowed into the testing center?

No. Arizona 811, Groundwater Hydrology, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Excavation and Grading Handbook, Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, and AWWA D100-11 are study-only references and are not allowed in the examination center.

How many questions are on the Arizona A-16 exam?

The Arizona A-16 Waterworks exam contains 50 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, and candidates are allowed 120 minutes.

What topics are covered on the Arizona A-16 exam?

The exam covers water distribution systems, excavation and backfill, water wells, pumps and related electrical, water treatment, water storage tanks, concrete, and safety.

What work is covered by the Arizona A-16 classification?

The A-16 classification covers commercial waterworks work, including work necessary for the production and distribution of water, drilling wells, setting casing and pumps, related electrical work, related concrete work, excavation, piping for storage and distribution, storage tanks, related fencing, purification equipment, and chlorination equipment.

Can I highlight and tab my approved books before the exam?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, loose papers, attached papers, and writing in the books during the exam are not allowed.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Yes. Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the Arizona A-16 exam.

How should I study for the Arizona A-16 exam?

Start with the exam content outline, then study each topic using the appropriate reference. Focus on water distribution systems, excavation, backfill, wells, pumps, electrical code, water treatment, storage tanks, concrete, ductile iron pipe installation, and OSHA safety. Use permanent tabs and timed lookup practice to improve speed with the approved books.