New Mexico General Building Contractor License (GB-98): Study Guide & Practice Exam with Verified Q&A |

This comprehensive study guide and practice exam is designed for construction professionals preparing for the New Mexico General Building Contractor (GB-98) Exam. This license, issued by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (RLD) through the Construction Industries Division (CID), is the highest tier of general building licensure in the state and authorizes contractors to bid and contract for residential and commercial buildings, structures, and projects . The GB-98 license requires candidates to have four years of foreman-level experience, including at least two years of commercial experience . Candidates must pass the GB-98 trade exam and the Business and Law Exam, administered by PSI . The New Mexico GB-98 exam consists of 100 questions with a 310-minute time limit, and a score of 75% is required to pass. The exam is open-book, allowing candidates to bring and use approved reference materials . The Business and Law exam has 50 questions with a 130-minute time limit and a required score of 75% . The GB-98 exam covers a broad range of construction-related topics , including: Key Topics Covered: Project Management and Administration: Contract documents, change orders, shop drawings, scheduling, quality control, safety (OSHA compliance, scaffold/ladder safety, trenching [5ft or deeper requires protective systems]), record-keeping, and project closeout (punch lists, substantial completion) . Construction Law and Compliance: Licensing requirements (NMSA §60-13), business and law regulations, lien rights (mechanic's liens must be filed within 45 days), prevailing wage requirements, and contract enforcement (written change orders are essential for enforceability) . Financial Responsibility and Estimating: Quantity takeoffs, construction budgeting, and the importance of maintaining a $10,000 surety bond . Building Codes and Construction Methods: Compliance with the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial construction, New Mexico building codes, and the International Residential Code (IRC), as well as best practices for concrete, masonry, framing, and site work . Licensing Requirements: The GB-98 license requires four years of experience and the submission of a completed application, proof of financial responsibility (a $10,000 surety bond), a tax registration number, and proof of insurance, including workers' compensation, to PSI . Sample Questions (from the exam): What is the main building code adopted for commercial construction in New Mexico? A. IRC B. UBC C. IBC D. BOCA Answer: C. IBC — The International Building Code (IBC) governs commercial buildings under the New Mexico Construction Industries Division . A Qualifying Party (QP) must demonstrate which of the following to obtain a GB-98 license? A. Ownership of a construction equipment fleet B. Minimum of four years of verifiable construction experience C. Completion of a four-year engineering degree D. Residency in New Mexico for at least two years Answer: B. Minimum of four years of verifiable construction experience. — The QP must provide documented experience (4 years for GB-98) in the relevant trade to qualify . Who is responsible for verifying jobsite safety compliance? A. Building officials B. The contractor C. Property owner D. Architect Answer: B. The contractor. — Contractors are responsible for ensuring OSHA compliance and safety on-site .