New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Exam – 200 Practice Questions
Utility Lines Certification – Complete Study Guide (LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR) PDF
About the NM GF-9 Utility Lines Exam
The New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Exam is a certification exam for individuals working on
or near utility lines in New Mexico. The exam tests knowledge of safety procedures,
excavation practices, utility identification, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
The GF-9 certification is required for workers who perform excavation, trenching, and utility
line work in New Mexico.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice questions
Passing Score: Typically 70-75%
Certification Period: Varies by employer requirements
Prerequisite: None
Key Topics Covered:
NM Utility Line Regulations (Title 17, Chapter 9 NMAC)
Excavation Safety Procedures
Utility Identification and Marking
Hand Digging vs. Mechanical Excavation
Trenching and Shoring
Damage Prevention and Reporting
One-Call System (811)
Penalties for Violations
Safe Work Practices
,Regulatory Basis: The GF-9 certification is based on the New Mexico Administrative Code
(NMAC) Title 17, Chapter 9, which governs public utility regulations and underground
excavation safety.
Section 1: General Provisions & Liability (Questions 1-25)
1. Which New Mexico Administrative Code chapter governs utility lines and
excavation safety?
A) Title 17, Chapter 8
B) Title 17, Chapter 9
C) Title 17, Chapter 10
D) Title 18, Chapter 9
Answer: B
Rationale: Title 17, Chapter 9 of the New Mexico Administrative Code governs public utility
regulations, including underground facility excavation and safety requirements.
2. The New Mexico One-Call system is known as:
A) 811
B) 911
C) 411
D) 511
,Answer: A
Rationale: 811 is the nationwide "Call Before You Dig" number. In New Mexico, 811
connects callers to the New Mexico One-Call system to mark underground utilities.
3. Who is responsible for notifying the One-Call system before excavation work
begins?
A) The property owner
B) The excavator
C) The utility company
D) The general contractor
Answer: B
Rationale: The excavator is responsible for contacting the One-Call system at least 2
working days before excavation begins to allow utility lines to be marked.
4. What is the minimum advance notice required for excavation work in New Mexico?
A) 24 hours
B) 2 working days
C) 48 hours
D) 3 working days
Answer: B
, Rationale: Excavators must provide at least 2 working days (48 hours) notice to the New
Mexico One-Call system before beginning excavation work.
5. Utility lines that are not marked within the required time frame are considered:
A) Safe to excavate
B) Excavated at the excavator's own risk
C) Exempt from marking
D) Not present
Answer: B
Rationale: If utility lines are not marked within the required time frame, the excavator may
proceed at their own risk but must still exercise reasonable care and use hand digging in the
tolerance zone.
6. The tolerance zone for buried utilities in New Mexico is defined as:
A) The exact location of the utility line
B) 18 inches on each side of the marked utility
C) 24 inches on each side of the marked utility
D) 36 inches on each side of the marked utility
Answer: B
Utility Lines Certification – Complete Study Guide (LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR) PDF
About the NM GF-9 Utility Lines Exam
The New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Exam is a certification exam for individuals working on
or near utility lines in New Mexico. The exam tests knowledge of safety procedures,
excavation practices, utility identification, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
The GF-9 certification is required for workers who perform excavation, trenching, and utility
line work in New Mexico.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice questions
Passing Score: Typically 70-75%
Certification Period: Varies by employer requirements
Prerequisite: None
Key Topics Covered:
NM Utility Line Regulations (Title 17, Chapter 9 NMAC)
Excavation Safety Procedures
Utility Identification and Marking
Hand Digging vs. Mechanical Excavation
Trenching and Shoring
Damage Prevention and Reporting
One-Call System (811)
Penalties for Violations
Safe Work Practices
,Regulatory Basis: The GF-9 certification is based on the New Mexico Administrative Code
(NMAC) Title 17, Chapter 9, which governs public utility regulations and underground
excavation safety.
Section 1: General Provisions & Liability (Questions 1-25)
1. Which New Mexico Administrative Code chapter governs utility lines and
excavation safety?
A) Title 17, Chapter 8
B) Title 17, Chapter 9
C) Title 17, Chapter 10
D) Title 18, Chapter 9
Answer: B
Rationale: Title 17, Chapter 9 of the New Mexico Administrative Code governs public utility
regulations, including underground facility excavation and safety requirements.
2. The New Mexico One-Call system is known as:
A) 811
B) 911
C) 411
D) 511
,Answer: A
Rationale: 811 is the nationwide "Call Before You Dig" number. In New Mexico, 811
connects callers to the New Mexico One-Call system to mark underground utilities.
3. Who is responsible for notifying the One-Call system before excavation work
begins?
A) The property owner
B) The excavator
C) The utility company
D) The general contractor
Answer: B
Rationale: The excavator is responsible for contacting the One-Call system at least 2
working days before excavation begins to allow utility lines to be marked.
4. What is the minimum advance notice required for excavation work in New Mexico?
A) 24 hours
B) 2 working days
C) 48 hours
D) 3 working days
Answer: B
, Rationale: Excavators must provide at least 2 working days (48 hours) notice to the New
Mexico One-Call system before beginning excavation work.
5. Utility lines that are not marked within the required time frame are considered:
A) Safe to excavate
B) Excavated at the excavator's own risk
C) Exempt from marking
D) Not present
Answer: B
Rationale: If utility lines are not marked within the required time frame, the excavator may
proceed at their own risk but must still exercise reasonable care and use hand digging in the
tolerance zone.
6. The tolerance zone for buried utilities in New Mexico is defined as:
A) The exact location of the utility line
B) 18 inches on each side of the marked utility
C) 24 inches on each side of the marked utility
D) 36 inches on each side of the marked utility
Answer: B
