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NEW MEXICO GF-9 UTILITY LINES EXAMINATION
2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES.
UTILITY LINES
Prepare effectively for the New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Examination with this
focused study resource. It supports review of utility line construction principles,
installation practices, safety procedures, materials, equipment, and applicable New
Mexico requirements. Use the material to reinforce your technical knowledge, review
key topics, and identify areas that may require additional study. This resource is suited
for utility contractors, construction professionals, and candidates preparing for the
New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines examination.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
SECTION 1: LICENSING, SCOPE OF WORK & ADMINISTRATION (Questions
1–25)
1. What is the primary scope of work authorized under the New Mexico
GF-9 Utility Lines license?
• A. Electrical power line installation over 600 volts
• B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and communication
lines
• C. Standalone paving and surfacing of parking lots
• D. Residential building construction
Answer: B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and
communication lines
Rationale: The GF-9 license classification specifically authorizes
contractors to construct, install, alter, and repair utility lines and systems
designed for the transmission of sewage, natural gas, water, and
communication lines.
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2. A licensed GF-9 contractor is hired to install a new water main. The
work requires cutting through an asphalt parking lot. The contractor's
scope of work includes:
• A. Installing the water main only; paving must be subcontracted to a GA-
1 contractor
• B. Installing the water main and restoring the paving as long as it is
incidental to the utility work
• C. Installing the water main and performing any paving work, regardless
of scope
• D. Only performing the excavation, with no responsibility for restoration
Answer: B. Installing the water main and restoring the paving as long as it
is incidental to the utility work
Rationale: The GF-9 license authorizes paving and surfacing only when it
is "necessary and incidental to the completion of the installation of such
facilities." While it does not authorize standalone paving projects, it does
allow a GF-9 contractor to restore any paving they had to cut or remove to
complete the utility work.
3. What is the minimum verified work experience required for a Qualifying
Party (QP) to obtain a GF-9 license?
• 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. 2 years (4,000 hours)
Rationale: The GF-9 Utility Lines classification requires the Qualifying
Party to have at least two years (4,000 hours) of verified work experience
in the utility line trade.
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4. Which New Mexico agency governs the GF-9 Utility Lines license?
• A. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
• B. New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
• C. Construction Industries Division (CID)
• D. Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
Answer: C. Construction Industries Division (CID)
Rationale: The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) is the
governing body that issues contractor licenses and regulates the
construction industry in New Mexico, including the GF-9 Utility Lines
classification.
5. In addition to the GF-9 trade exam, what other exam must a candidate
pass to obtain a GF-9 license?
• A. OSHA 30 certification exam
• B. Business and Law Exam
• C. First Aid and CPR certification
• D. New Mexico State Plumbing Exam
Answer: B. Business and Law Exam
Rationale: The GF-9 license requires passage of the Business & Law Exam
in addition to the GF-9 trade exam.
6. A GF-9 contractor is asked to pave a large commercial parking lot with
no associated utility work. Can the contractor legally perform this work?
• A. Yes, under the GF-9 license
• B. Yes, if the contractor has experience in paving
• C. No, this requires a separate paving classification (e.g., GA-1 or GA-98)
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• D. No, paving is not allowed under any New Mexico license
Answer: C. No, this requires a separate paving classification (e.g., GA-1 or
GA-98)
Rationale: The GF-9 classification authorizes paving and surfacing only
when it is "necessary and incidental to the completion of the installation
of such facilities." Standalone paving projects require a GA-1, GA-98, or
other appropriate paving classification.
7. Which of the following is NOT within the scope of a GF-9 license?
• A. Installing a natural gas distribution line
• B. Boring under a road for a water line
• C. Installing overhead electrical transmission lines
• D. Installing a sewer main
Answer: C. Installing overhead electrical transmission lines
Rationale: The GF-9 license covers utility lines for sewage, natural gas,
water, and underground communication lines. Overhead electrical
transmission lines require a different classification (such as EL-1J or EL-
98).
8. What is the minimum number of questions on the GF-9 trade exam?
• A. 25 questions
• B. 35 questions
• C. 50 questions
• D. 75 questions
Answer: B. 35 questions
Rationale: The GF-9 Utility Lines examination consists of 35 questions.
NEW MEXICO GF-9 UTILITY LINES EXAMINATION
2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES.
UTILITY LINES
Prepare effectively for the New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines Examination with this
focused study resource. It supports review of utility line construction principles,
installation practices, safety procedures, materials, equipment, and applicable New
Mexico requirements. Use the material to reinforce your technical knowledge, review
key topics, and identify areas that may require additional study. This resource is suited
for utility contractors, construction professionals, and candidates preparing for the
New Mexico GF-9 Utility Lines examination.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
SECTION 1: LICENSING, SCOPE OF WORK & ADMINISTRATION (Questions
1–25)
1. What is the primary scope of work authorized under the New Mexico
GF-9 Utility Lines license?
• A. Electrical power line installation over 600 volts
• B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and communication
lines
• C. Standalone paving and surfacing of parking lots
• D. Residential building construction
Answer: B. Installation of underground water, sewer, gas, and
communication lines
Rationale: The GF-9 license classification specifically authorizes
contractors to construct, install, alter, and repair utility lines and systems
designed for the transmission of sewage, natural gas, water, and
communication lines.
, Page 2 of 64
2. A licensed GF-9 contractor is hired to install a new water main. The
work requires cutting through an asphalt parking lot. The contractor's
scope of work includes:
• A. Installing the water main only; paving must be subcontracted to a GA-
1 contractor
• B. Installing the water main and restoring the paving as long as it is
incidental to the utility work
• C. Installing the water main and performing any paving work, regardless
of scope
• D. Only performing the excavation, with no responsibility for restoration
Answer: B. Installing the water main and restoring the paving as long as it
is incidental to the utility work
Rationale: The GF-9 license authorizes paving and surfacing only when it
is "necessary and incidental to the completion of the installation of such
facilities." While it does not authorize standalone paving projects, it does
allow a GF-9 contractor to restore any paving they had to cut or remove to
complete the utility work.
3. What is the minimum verified work experience required for a Qualifying
Party (QP) to obtain a GF-9 license?
• 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. 2 years (4,000 hours)
Rationale: The GF-9 Utility Lines classification requires the Qualifying
Party to have at least two years (4,000 hours) of verified work experience
in the utility line trade.
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4. Which New Mexico agency governs the GF-9 Utility Lines license?
• A. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
• B. New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
• C. Construction Industries Division (CID)
• D. Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
Answer: C. Construction Industries Division (CID)
Rationale: The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) is the
governing body that issues contractor licenses and regulates the
construction industry in New Mexico, including the GF-9 Utility Lines
classification.
5. In addition to the GF-9 trade exam, what other exam must a candidate
pass to obtain a GF-9 license?
• A. OSHA 30 certification exam
• B. Business and Law Exam
• C. First Aid and CPR certification
• D. New Mexico State Plumbing Exam
Answer: B. Business and Law Exam
Rationale: The GF-9 license requires passage of the Business & Law Exam
in addition to the GF-9 trade exam.
6. A GF-9 contractor is asked to pave a large commercial parking lot with
no associated utility work. Can the contractor legally perform this work?
• A. Yes, under the GF-9 license
• B. Yes, if the contractor has experience in paving
• C. No, this requires a separate paving classification (e.g., GA-1 or GA-98)
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• D. No, paving is not allowed under any New Mexico license
Answer: C. No, this requires a separate paving classification (e.g., GA-1 or
GA-98)
Rationale: The GF-9 classification authorizes paving and surfacing only
when it is "necessary and incidental to the completion of the installation
of such facilities." Standalone paving projects require a GA-1, GA-98, or
other appropriate paving classification.
7. Which of the following is NOT within the scope of a GF-9 license?
• A. Installing a natural gas distribution line
• B. Boring under a road for a water line
• C. Installing overhead electrical transmission lines
• D. Installing a sewer main
Answer: C. Installing overhead electrical transmission lines
Rationale: The GF-9 license covers utility lines for sewage, natural gas,
water, and underground communication lines. Overhead electrical
transmission lines require a different classification (such as EL-1J or EL-
98).
8. What is the minimum number of questions on the GF-9 trade exam?
• A. 25 questions
• B. 35 questions
• C. 50 questions
• D. 75 questions
Answer: B. 35 questions
Rationale: The GF-9 Utility Lines examination consists of 35 questions.
