Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales 2026/2027
1. A licensed GF-9 Utility Lines contractor is hired to install a new water main. The
project also requires repaving a driveway that was damaged during construction.
Under NMAC 14.6.6, is this paving work permitted under the GF-9 license?
A) Yes, because the GF-9 license includes all types of paving
B) Yes, because paving is necessary and incidental to the utility installation
C) No, the GF-9 contractor must hire a separate, licensed paving contractor for any
paving work
D) No, unless the GF-9 contractor also holds a General Building (GB-98) license
Answer: B
Rationale: The GF-9 license specifically includes "paving and surfacing necessary and
incidental to the completion of the installation of such facilities." It does not authorize
standalone paving projects, but allows restoration of paving cut or removed to complete
utility work.
2. What is the minimum verified work experience required for a Qualifying Party
(QP) to obtain a GF-9 license in New Mexico?
A) 1 year (2,000 hours)
B) 2 years (4,000 hours)
C) 3 years (6,000 hours)
D) 4 years (8,000 hours)
Answer: B
Rationale: Fixed Works classifications including GF-9 require two years (4,000 hours) of
verified work experience for the Qualifying Party.
3. Which agency regulates the GF-9 Utility Lines license in New Mexico?
A) New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
B) New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
,C) New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC)
D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Answer: B
Rationale: The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) issues contractor
licenses, including the GF-9 Utility Lines classification.
4. What is the scope of work authorized by the GF-9 Utility Lines license?
A) Only water line installation
B) Only gas line installation
C) Construction, installation, alteration, and repair of utility lines for sewage, natural gas,
and water
D) General building construction
Answer: C
Rationale: The GF-9 classification authorizes contractors to engage in the construction,
installation, alteration, and repair of utility lines specifically for transmission of sewage,
natural gas, and water. This includes all necessary excavation, grading, trenching, boring,
shoring, backfilling, compacting, paving, and surfacing incidental to the utility installation.
5. A GF-9 contractor is approached to pave a large commercial parking lot as a
standalone project unrelated to any utility installation. Is this work permitted
under the GF-9 classification?
A) Yes, because the GF-9 license includes all scopes authorized by GA-1 and GA-2
B) Yes, provided the contractor hires a GA-98 subcontractor
C) No, the GF-9 license allows paving only when it is necessary and incidental to the
installation of utility lines
D) No, unless the contractor also holds a GB-98 General Building license
Answer: C
Rationale: The GF-9 license specifically limits paving to work necessary and incidental to
utility line installation. Standalone paving projects require a GA-1 (Streets, Roads) or GA-
98 classification.
,6. What is the license fee for a GF-9 contractor license in New Mexico?
A) $100
B) $150
C) $200
D) $300
Answer: B
Rationale: The license fee for Fixed Works classifications including GF-9 is $150.
7. How long does a Qualifying Party (QP) have to take the exam after PSI approves
their application?
A) 3 months
B) 6 months
C) 9 months
D) 12 months
Answer: B
Rationale: After PSI approves the application, the QP has only six months to schedule and
take the examination, or they will forfeit their application fees and have to restart the
process.
8. If a contractor damages an unmarked utility line after properly notifying One
Call, who is typically liable for repair costs?
A) The contractor is fully liable
B) The utility owner is liable for failing to mark
C) Liability is shared equally
D) The property owner is liable
Answer: B
Rationale: If a utility operator fails to mark lines after receiving proper One Call
notification, they bear liability for damages resulting from that failure.
, 9. Which of the following activities would NOT be considered within the GF-9
scope of work?
A) Installing a new sewer line
B) Repairing a gas main
C) Installing high-voltage overhead electrical cabling
D) Installing a water service line
Answer: C
Rationale: GF-9 covers sewage, natural gas, and water utility lines. High-voltage overhead
electrical cabling falls under electrical classifications such as ES-7, EL-1, or EE-98.
10. What is the annual renewal fee for a New Mexico contractor license?
A) $50
B) $100
C) $150
D) $200
Answer: C
Rationale: The annual renewal fee for contractor licenses in New Mexico is $150.
11. What is the minimum bond requirement for a New Mexico contractor license?
A) $5,000
B) $10,000
C) $15,000
D) $20,000
Answer: B
Rationale: New Mexico requires a $10,000 bond as part of the contractor licensing process.
12. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) is part of which state
department?