New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Exam – 300-Question
Practice & Study Guide with Explanations 2026
Section 1: Licensing, Scope, and New Mexico Regulations
(Questions 1–45)
1. What is the primary scope of work covered by a New Mexico
GF-9 Utility Lines Contractor license?
A. Electrical power line installation over 600 volts
B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and communication lines
C. Above-ground telephone and cable TV lines
D. Storm drain and culvert installation for roadways only
Answer: B
Rationale: The GF-9 classification is specifically for "Utility Lines Contractors" who
install, repair, and maintain underground utility systems for water, sewer, gas, fuel, and
communication lines. It does not cover electrical lines over 600V (GF-8) or purely storm
water systems .
2. Under the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act,
what is the minimum verified work experience required to qualify
for a GF-9 Qualifying Party (QP) Certificate?
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: New Mexico regulations require two years (4,000 hours) of verified work
experience specifically for the GF-9 Utility Lines and Systems classification. This
experience must be documented and notarized as part of the Qualifying Party
application process .
3. A GF-9 contractor is hired to install a new water main. The
project also requires repaving a driveway that was damaged
during construction. 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
D. No, unless the GF-9 contractor also holds a General Building 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." While it does not
authorize standalone paving projects, it does allow restoration of paving that was cut or
removed to complete utility work .
4. According to New Mexico law, how many working days before
excavation must you notify the New Mexico One Call system
(811)?
A. One working day
B. Two working days
,C. Three working days
D. Five working days
Answer: B
Rationale: The New Mexico Excavation Law requires excavators to notify the One-Call
center at least two working days prior to starting excavation .
5. If a utility operator marks the location of an underground gas
line, what is the width of the "tolerance zone" on either side of
that mark where excavation restrictions apply?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: New Mexico law defines the tolerance zone as the width of the underground
facility plus 18 inches on either side. Within this zone, mechanical excavation is restricted
and non-destructive methods like hand digging or vacuum excavation must be used .
6. Which agency regulates safe excavation near underground
facilities and enforces the Damage Prevention Law in New
Mexico?
A. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
B. NM DOT (New Mexico Department of Transportation)
C. NMPRC (New Mexico Public Regulation Commission)
D. NM ELD (New Mexico Environment Department)
Answer: C
, Rationale: The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) enforces
regulations under the state's Damage Prevention Law, which governs excavation safety
and utility protection .
7. A GF-9 contractor wants to bid on a public works project
exceeding $60,000. What additional requirement must they meet?
A. No additional requirements beyond a GF-9 license
B. Must hold a GB-98 license
C. Must be registered with the New Mexico Workforce Solutions Department to bid on
public works projects
D. Must obtain a separate public works license
Answer: C
Rationale: Contractors bidding on public works projects exceeding $60,000 must be
registered with the New Mexico Workforce Solutions Department, in addition to holding
the appropriate contractor license .
8. The New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA)
primarily serves to:
A. Regulate traffic safety on construction sites
B. Establish licensing requirements for contractors in New Mexico
C. Set environmental standards for construction projects
D. Manage labor union activities in the construction industry
Answer: B
Rationale: The CILA primarily serves to set the licensing standards and requirements for
contractors operating within New Mexico, ensuring compliance and professionalism in
the industry .
Practice & Study Guide with Explanations 2026
Section 1: Licensing, Scope, and New Mexico Regulations
(Questions 1–45)
1. What is the primary scope of work covered by a New Mexico
GF-9 Utility Lines Contractor license?
A. Electrical power line installation over 600 volts
B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and communication lines
C. Above-ground telephone and cable TV lines
D. Storm drain and culvert installation for roadways only
Answer: B
Rationale: The GF-9 classification is specifically for "Utility Lines Contractors" who
install, repair, and maintain underground utility systems for water, sewer, gas, fuel, and
communication lines. It does not cover electrical lines over 600V (GF-8) or purely storm
water systems .
2. Under the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act,
what is the minimum verified work experience required to qualify
for a GF-9 Qualifying Party (QP) Certificate?
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: New Mexico regulations require two years (4,000 hours) of verified work
experience specifically for the GF-9 Utility Lines and Systems classification. This
experience must be documented and notarized as part of the Qualifying Party
application process .
3. A GF-9 contractor is hired to install a new water main. The
project also requires repaving a driveway that was damaged
during construction. 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
D. No, unless the GF-9 contractor also holds a General Building 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." While it does not
authorize standalone paving projects, it does allow restoration of paving that was cut or
removed to complete utility work .
4. According to New Mexico law, how many working days before
excavation must you notify the New Mexico One Call system
(811)?
A. One working day
B. Two working days
,C. Three working days
D. Five working days
Answer: B
Rationale: The New Mexico Excavation Law requires excavators to notify the One-Call
center at least two working days prior to starting excavation .
5. If a utility operator marks the location of an underground gas
line, what is the width of the "tolerance zone" on either side of
that mark where excavation restrictions apply?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: New Mexico law defines the tolerance zone as the width of the underground
facility plus 18 inches on either side. Within this zone, mechanical excavation is restricted
and non-destructive methods like hand digging or vacuum excavation must be used .
6. Which agency regulates safe excavation near underground
facilities and enforces the Damage Prevention Law in New
Mexico?
A. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
B. NM DOT (New Mexico Department of Transportation)
C. NMPRC (New Mexico Public Regulation Commission)
D. NM ELD (New Mexico Environment Department)
Answer: C
, Rationale: The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) enforces
regulations under the state's Damage Prevention Law, which governs excavation safety
and utility protection .
7. A GF-9 contractor wants to bid on a public works project
exceeding $60,000. What additional requirement must they meet?
A. No additional requirements beyond a GF-9 license
B. Must hold a GB-98 license
C. Must be registered with the New Mexico Workforce Solutions Department to bid on
public works projects
D. Must obtain a separate public works license
Answer: C
Rationale: Contractors bidding on public works projects exceeding $60,000 must be
registered with the New Mexico Workforce Solutions Department, in addition to holding
the appropriate contractor license .
8. The New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA)
primarily serves to:
A. Regulate traffic safety on construction sites
B. Establish licensing requirements for contractors in New Mexico
C. Set environmental standards for construction projects
D. Manage labor union activities in the construction industry
Answer: B
Rationale: The CILA primarily serves to set the licensing standards and requirements for
contractors operating within New Mexico, ensuring compliance and professionalism in
the industry .
