New Mexico General Building Contractor (GB-
98) Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) primarily
enforces which code for building construction?
o a. International Residential Code (IRC)
o b. Uniform Building Code (UBC)
o c. International Building Code (IBC)
o d. National Standard Building Code
Answer: c
New Mexico adopts the IBC for commercial building
standards.
2. A GB-98 license allows a contractor to perform:
o a. Only residential work
o b. Only plumbing and mechanical work
o c. Any construction except trade-specific work requiring
additional licenses
o d. Only electrical work
Answer: c
, Trade-specific fields like electrical require separate
classifications.
3. A building permit in New Mexico typically expires if work does not
begin within:
o a. 90 days
o b. 180 days
o c. 1 year
o d. 30 days
Answer: b
Permits generally expire after 180 days of inactivity.
4. Who is responsible for calling for inspections during a project?
o a. Building owner
o b. Contractor
o c. Architect
o d. Building official
Answer: b
Contractors must coordinate inspections as part of
compliance.
5. The New Mexico Commercial Building Code is primarily based on:
o a. IRC
o b. IBC
o c. IMC
, o d. NEC
Answer: b
IBC governs commercial building standards.
6. A contract change order must be:
o a. Verbal
o b. Written and signed
o c. Not required
o d. Optional
Answer: b
Written documentation protects all parties.
7. OSHA requires fall protection at what height for construction?
o a. 4 ft
o b. 6 ft
o c. 10 ft
o d. 15 ft
Answer: b
Construction sites require fall protection at 6 feet.
8. OSHA 300 logs must be retained for:
o a. 1 year
o b. 3 years
o c. 5 years
, o d. 10 years
Answer: c
OSHA requires 5-year retention.
9. To determine soil load-bearing capacity, the contractor should
consult a:
o a. Landscape contractor
o b. Structural engineer
o c. Surveyor
o d. Geotechnical engineer
Answer: d
Geotechnical engineers evaluate soil characteristics.
10. When concrete is placed during cold weather, it must be:
o a. Mixed with cold water
o b. Allowed to freeze
o c. Protected from freezing
o d. Poured rapidly
Answer: c
Freezing weakens concrete curing.
11. A footing must extend below:
o a. Frost line
o b. Slab level
o c. Roof line
98) Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) primarily
enforces which code for building construction?
o a. International Residential Code (IRC)
o b. Uniform Building Code (UBC)
o c. International Building Code (IBC)
o d. National Standard Building Code
Answer: c
New Mexico adopts the IBC for commercial building
standards.
2. A GB-98 license allows a contractor to perform:
o a. Only residential work
o b. Only plumbing and mechanical work
o c. Any construction except trade-specific work requiring
additional licenses
o d. Only electrical work
Answer: c
, Trade-specific fields like electrical require separate
classifications.
3. A building permit in New Mexico typically expires if work does not
begin within:
o a. 90 days
o b. 180 days
o c. 1 year
o d. 30 days
Answer: b
Permits generally expire after 180 days of inactivity.
4. Who is responsible for calling for inspections during a project?
o a. Building owner
o b. Contractor
o c. Architect
o d. Building official
Answer: b
Contractors must coordinate inspections as part of
compliance.
5. The New Mexico Commercial Building Code is primarily based on:
o a. IRC
o b. IBC
o c. IMC
, o d. NEC
Answer: b
IBC governs commercial building standards.
6. A contract change order must be:
o a. Verbal
o b. Written and signed
o c. Not required
o d. Optional
Answer: b
Written documentation protects all parties.
7. OSHA requires fall protection at what height for construction?
o a. 4 ft
o b. 6 ft
o c. 10 ft
o d. 15 ft
Answer: b
Construction sites require fall protection at 6 feet.
8. OSHA 300 logs must be retained for:
o a. 1 year
o b. 3 years
o c. 5 years
, o d. 10 years
Answer: c
OSHA requires 5-year retention.
9. To determine soil load-bearing capacity, the contractor should
consult a:
o a. Landscape contractor
o b. Structural engineer
o c. Surveyor
o d. Geotechnical engineer
Answer: d
Geotechnical engineers evaluate soil characteristics.
10. When concrete is placed during cold weather, it must be:
o a. Mixed with cold water
o b. Allowed to freeze
o c. Protected from freezing
o d. Poured rapidly
Answer: c
Freezing weakens concrete curing.
11. A footing must extend below:
o a. Frost line
o b. Slab level
o c. Roof line
