This comprehensive practice exam is designed for contractors, construction professionals, and licensing candidates preparing for the New Mexico General Building Contractor License (GB-98) Examination administered by the Construction Industries Division (CID) under the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA). Updated for the 2025/2026 testing cycle, this A+ graded resource features 100+ exam-style multiple-choice questions with verified correct answers and detailed rationales, covering all key content areas required for GB-98 licensure in New Mexico.
The New Mexico General Building Contractor exam consists of 100 questions with a 310-minute time limit, and a 75% passing score is required. The exam covers essential construction and business topics including:
Licensing & Business Entities: New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA) purpose, Qualifying Party (QP) requirements (minimum of five years of verifiable construction experience), sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, and partnership structures
Building Codes & Construction Methods: International Building Code (IBC) adoption for commercial construction, New Mexico building codes, site work, concrete, masonry, carpentry, framing, roofing, doors and windows, metals, drywall and finishes, thermal and moisture protection
Project Management & Estimating: Plan reading and estimating, construction project management, subcontracting, material substitutions affecting cost or performance, and construction document changes approved by design professional of record
Safety & OSHA Compliance: Jobsite safety responsibility (contractor), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on-site, ladder extension requirements (3 ft above landing), and OSHA safety standards
Licensing & Regulatory Requirements: GB-98 classification authority to bid and contract for buildings, structures, and projects included in the classification, and the role of the CID in licensing and enforcement
Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining the underlying regulatory standard or construction principle to reinforce learning and improve test-taking confidence. Ideal for general contractors, building contractors, construction managers, and professionals seeking GB-98 licensure in New Mexico. A+ Graded | 2025/2026 Updated
Content preview
New Mexico General Building Contractor
(GB-98) Practice Exam 100 Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf
1. What is the main building code adopted for commercial construction
in New Mexico?
A. IRC
B. UBC
C. IBC
D. BOCA
IBC governs commercial buildings under NM Construction Industries
Division.
2. Which trade requires a GB-98 contractor to subcontract with licensed
specialists?
A. Painting
B. Insulation
, C. Electrical
D. Drywall
Electrical work must be performed by a properly licensed EE98
contractor.
3. Who is responsible for verifying jobsite safety compliance?
A. Building officials
B. The contractor
C. Property owner
D. Architect
Contractors must ensure OSHA compliance on-site.
4. A contractor must notify the owner of material substitution that
affects:
A. Paint color
B. Cost or performance
C. Delivery timing only
D. Warranty paperwork only
Material changes impacting cost/functionality must be disclosed.
5. The minimum footing depth in New Mexico must extend below:
A. 6 inches
B. Frost line only
C. Frost line and to stable soil
D. Surface slab
Footings must bear on undisturbed soil below frost depth.
, 6. A change order becomes valid when:
A. Verbal approval from worker
B. Owner receives invoice
C. Both parties sign the change order
D. Contractor completes the work
Written and signed change orders are legally binding.
7. Workers must be trained in fall protection at heights above:
A. 10 ft
B. 6 ft
C. 4 ft
D. 20 ft
OSHA fall protection starts at 6 ft for construction.
8. A building permit is required for:
A. Painting
B. Flooring replacement
C. Structural modifications
D. Minor repairs
Structural changes require permitted review.
9. Which document sets quality standards and installation procedures?
A. Insurance policy
B. Specifications
C. Bid tab