What Does the Arizona KB-1 License Cover?

KB-1 is Arizona's Dual Building Contractor classification.

It combines:

• B-1 General Commercial Contractor.
• B General Residential Contractor.

This allows the licensee to perform qualifying general building work in both commercial and residential construction.

That can include constructing, altering, and repairing commercial buildings along with constructing and repairing residential structures and appurtenances.

What Does the Commercial Side of KB-1 Include?

The B-1 side allows construction, alteration, and repair connected with structures built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of people, animals, or movable property.

The scope also includes supervision and management of covered construction work.

This can place a KB-1 contractor in charge of projects involving:

• Sitework.
• Concrete.
• Masonry.
• Structural metals.
• Carpentry.
• Roofing and moisture protection.
• Doors and windows.
• Interior and exterior finishes.
• Building-code compliance.
• Subcontractor coordination.

B-1 does not include Arizona's A General Engineering, B General Residential, or B-3 General Remodeling and Repair scopes by itself. KB-1 adds the B residential scope because it is a dual classification.

What Does the Residential Side of KB-1 Include?

The B General Residential Contractor classification allows the licensee to construct and repair all or any part of a residential structure or appurtenance.

This can include:

• New residential construction.
• Structural residential work.
• Residential additions.
• Residential repairs.
• Residential appurtenances.
• General management and supervision of residential construction.

Combining B with B-1 is what makes KB-1 useful for general contractors who expect to perform both residential and commercial building work.

Important KB-1 Scope Limitations

A broad general contractor license does not mean every specialized system can automatically be self-performed.

Under the underlying B-1 and B residential scopes, work involving certain specialty systems must be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors.

These include:

• Electrical work.
• Plumbing.
• Air conditioning systems.
• Boilers.
• Swimming pools.
• Spas.
• Water wells.

General contractors are expected to understand how these systems affect the project, even when appropriately licensed specialty contractors must perform the actual regulated work.

Step 1: Confirm the KB-1 Experience Requirements

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for the KB-1 Dual Building Contractor classification.

The listed examination requirements include:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• Applicable general building trade examination.

Certain exam waivers may be available under specific Arizona ROC rules, so applicants should verify their individual situation.

Review the Arizona ROC classification requirements before scheduling exams.

Step 2: Know the Current KB-1 Exam Numbers

Four hours sounds comfortable until the International Building Code decides one question deserves an eight-page scavenger hunt.

Good pacing matters from the first question.

Step 3: Understand the Shared PSI Trade Exam

PSI currently uses the same trade examination for:

• B-1 General Commercial Contractor.
• B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor.
• KB-1 Dual Building Contractor.
• KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial.

That is why the official exam outline includes both the International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Even though you are applying for KB-1, prepare according to the current combined PSI outline rather than an older classification-specific study sheet.

Step 4: Learn the Official Exam Breakdown

Step 5: Make Concrete Your Largest Study Category

Concrete contains 14 questions, making it the largest individual subject on the exam.

Study:

• Concrete materials.
• Mix proportions.
• Formwork.
• Reinforcing steel.
• Footings.
• Foundations.
• Slabs.
• Walls and columns.
• Placement.
• Consolidation.
• Curing.
• Joints.
• Weather conditions.
• Concrete quantities.

Understand why concrete procedures are used rather than memorizing random numbers.

Concrete is very patient. It will happily wait years before reminding everyone that somebody rushed the curing process.

Step 6: Study Structural Metals

Metals contributes 13 questions.

Review:

• Structural steel.
• Steel joists.
• Steel decking.
• Columns and beams.
• Bolted connections.
• Welding concepts.
• Joist and girder erection.
• Handling structural members.
• Metal stairs and miscellaneous metals.
• Steel erection safety.

PSI identifies a steel joist and girder reference as study material, so do not assume the permitted IBC will answer every metals question.

Step 7: Prepare Thoroughly for Carpentry

Carpentry contains 12 questions.

Review:

• Wall framing.
• Floor framing.
• Roof framing.
• Wood materials.
• Sheathing.
• Fasteners.
• Connections.
• Headers.
• Joists.
• Rafters and trusses.
• Layout.
• Construction math.

KB-1 covers residential and commercial building, so wood-framing knowledge remains important even if much of your commercial experience involves concrete and steel.

Step 8: Treat OSHA Safety Like a Major Trade Subject

Safety contains 12 questions, tying Carpentry for the third-largest category.

Study OSHA topics involving:

• Fall protection.
• Scaffolds.
• Ladders.
• Excavation and trenching.
• Electrical hazards.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Concrete operations.
• Steel erection.
• Hand and power tools.
• Cranes and material handling.
• Housekeeping.
• Jobsite access.

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is allowed in the testing center, so learn how to find exact requirements quickly.

Twelve questions is too much of the exam to treat safety as a bonus chapter.

Step 9: Study Masonry

Masonry contributes 10 questions.

Review:

• Concrete masonry units.
• Brick.
• Mortar.
• Grout.
• Reinforcement.
• Bond patterns.
• Lintels.
• Flashing.
• Movement joints.
• Masonry construction practices.

Modern Masonry is one of the current study-only references, which means you should learn the trade knowledge before entering the exam center.

Step 10: Master Thermal and Moisture Protection

Thermal and Moisture Protection contributes another 10 questions.

Study:

• Roofing systems.
• Underlayment.
• Waterproofing.
• Dampproofing.
• Flashing.
• Insulation.
• Sealants.
• Air and moisture barriers.
• Roof drainage.
• Weather protection.

Buildings tend to work better when water stays where the plans expected it to stay.

Step 11: Do Not Underestimate Sitework

Sitework contains nine questions.

Review:

• Site preparation.
• Excavation.
• Grading.
• Compaction.
• Soils.
• Drainage.
• Trenching.
• Backfill.
• Earthwork quantities.
• Site safety.

Pipe and Excavation Contracting is one of PSI's current study-only references.

A beautifully framed building sitting on badly prepared sitework is still a badly prepared project.

Step 12: Learn the General Building Code

General Building Code contributes nine questions.

The 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code are both currently allowed in the exam center.

Practice locating:

• Occupancy classifications.
• Construction types.
• Building height and area.
• Fire-resistance requirements.
• Means of egress.
• Exit requirements.
• Stair and guard provisions.
• Residential building requirements.
• Structural provisions.
• General code requirements.

KB-1 is a dual classification, so being comfortable with both books makes sense.

Step 13: Know When to Use the IBC and IRC

Candidates often lose time because they know the answer is in a code book but start in the wrong one.

As a basic study habit:

• IBC: Focus on commercial building requirements and broader building-code provisions.
• IRC: Focus on one- and two-family residential construction topics covered by the approved edition.
• OSHA: Use for worker protection and construction safety requirements.

Learn the indexes and chapter structure of both codes.

The fastest code lookup usually begins by opening the correct code.

Step 14: Review Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows contributes five questions.

Study:

• Door types.
• Frames.
• Hardware.
• Fire-rated openings.
• Window installation.
• Flashing.
• Weather protection.
• Residential emergency openings.
• Basic accessibility and egress concepts.

Five questions may be the smallest category, but on a 100-question test that is still five percent of your score.

Step 15: Review Construction Finishes

Finishes contributes six questions.

Review:

• Gypsum board.
• Interior wall finishes.
• Ceiling finishes.
• Floor finishes.
• Painting.
• Surface preparation.
• Exterior finishes.
• Basic finish installation practices.

A general contractor may subcontract many finish trades, but the exam still expects the qualifying party to understand how those systems fit into the building.

Step 16: Get the Correct Exam-Room References

PSI currently allows these references inside the examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, with applicable current amendments or PSI selections.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018.
• International Building Code, 2018.

For a coordinated study set, you can review the Arizona B-1 / KB-1 General Building Contractor Exam Book Package.

Always compare any purchased package with PSI's latest official outline before exam day.

Step 17: Know the Study-Only References

PSI currently identifies several references used to develop exam questions that are not allowed inside the examination center.

• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 2011 or 2016.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, 1987 or 2011.
• Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 2006 or 2008.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2010 or 2016 Student Edition.
• Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, 8th or 9th Edition.

These books still matter.

Open-book does not mean every answer will be sitting in one of the three references you bring through the testing-center door.

Step 18: Prepare Your Approved Books Correctly

PSI allows approved references to be prepared before the examination.

Candidates may:

• Highlight approved references.
• Underline information.
• Annotate before the exam.
• Index the books.
• Use permanent tabs.

Permanent tabs must be attached strongly enough that removing them would tear the page.

Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes and removable markers are not permitted.

Additional loose or attached papers are prohibited.

If an approved reference is printed from the internet, PSI requires it to be properly bound.

Step 19: Practice Code Lookup Drills

Do not wait for a full practice exam to practice using your books.

Try short lookup drills:

1. Choose a code-related question.
2. Identify whether it belongs in the IBC, IRC, or OSHA.
3. Start a timer.
4. Use the index and permanent tabs.
5. Find the actual section or table.
6. Verify the answer.
7. Record how long the search took.

Your goal is to make common lookups routine.

A beautifully highlighted code book that takes six minutes to navigate is still taking six minutes.

Step 20: Practice Construction Math

Construction math can appear across Concrete, Sitework, Carpentry, Masonry, and other categories.

Practice:

• Area.
• Volume.
• Cubic yards.
• Concrete quantities.
• Masonry quantities.
• Roofing areas.
• Linear measurements.
• Slope.
• Material quantities.
• Basic estimating calculations.

PSI currently permits a basic silent, nonprinting, non-programmable, non-scientific calculator.

Practice with the same type of calculator you plan to use during the exam.

Step 21: Consider the NASCLA Trade-Exam Option

Arizona ROC currently allows KB-1 applicants to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors instead of the Arizona ROC trade examination.

This may be worth considering if you plan to seek general building licenses in multiple jurisdictions that participate in the NASCLA program.

The NASCLA exam uses its own reference list, format, policies, and registration process, so do not mix a NASCLA book list with your Arizona PSI book list.

Passing NASCLA also does not automatically issue an Arizona KB-1 license. Arizona ROC still controls the state licensing requirements.

Candidates considering that route can review the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Online Exam Prep Course.

Step 22: Should You Take Arizona PSI or NASCLA?

There is no universal answer.

Compare the current candidate information for both examinations before purchasing books or registering.

Step 23: Use a Six-Week KB-1 Study Plan

Step 24: Practice Under the Real Four-Hour Limit

Set a timer for 240 minutes and complete 100 practice questions.

Use a three-pass strategy:

1. First pass: Answer questions you know without opening a book.
2. Second pass: Complete fast IBC, IRC, and OSHA lookups.
3. Third pass: Return to difficult calculations and longer searches.

Do not spend ten minutes defending your answer to Question 18 while Question 19 through Question 100 quietly wait for attention.

Step 25: Watch the Wording Carefully

Pay close attention to words such as:

• MINIMUM
• MAXIMUM
• FIRST
• MOST
• LEAST
• NOT
• EXCEPT
• REQUIRED

Code questions often include several answers that look believable.

Read the wording carefully before opening your reference.

Step 26: Know the Current PSI Fees and Retake Rules

PSI currently lists $66 for one Arizona trade examination.

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam currently costs $61.

Candidates who fail an examination must currently wait 30 days before retaking it.

Candidates receive three attempts. After three failed attempts, a 90-day waiting period applies before another attempt.

PSI also states that the examination fee applies again when repeating an exam.

Step 27: Remember the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam

The KB-1 trade examination focuses on construction knowledge.

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam focuses on contractor laws, rules, and licensing requirements.

Treat them as separate study subjects.

The current SRE is provided as an online course and examination through Arizona ROC.

Review the Arizona ROC contractor licensing process before submitting your application.

Step 28: Passing the Exam Is Only Part of Getting Licensed

Passing the Arizona PSI trade examination or an accepted NASCLA examination does not automatically issue a KB-1 license.

The licensing process can also include:

• Selecting the KB-1 Dual Building Contractor classification.
• Designating the qualifying party.
• Documenting four years of qualifying experience.
• Completing the required trade-exam pathway.
• Completing the SRE unless an applicable waiver is granted.
• Completing required background checks.
• Obtaining the appropriate contractor license bond.
• Meeting residential recovery-fund requirements applicable to a dual license.
• Providing business and identification information.
• Submitting the Arizona ROC application.
• Paying applicable licensing fees.

PSI currently instructs applicants to complete licensing requirements and submit the completed license application and examination documentation to Arizona ROC within two years of passing the required examination.

Arizona KB-1 Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm that KB-1 matches your residential and commercial building plans.
2. Verify your four years of qualifying experience.
3. Confirm the SRE requirement.
4. Choose the Arizona PSI or accepted NASCLA trade-exam pathway.
5. If using PSI, follow the current combined B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 outline.
6. Obtain the 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, and OSHA reference.
7. Study the non-exam-room trade references.
8. Prepare approved books with permanent tabs and highlighting.
9. Make Concrete a major study priority.
10. Study Metals, Carpentry, and Safety heavily.
11. Review Masonry and Thermal and Moisture Protection.
12. Study Sitework and General Building Code.
13. Review Doors and Windows and Finishes.
14. Practice construction math.
15. Practice IBC, IRC, and OSHA lookups.
16. Complete full four-hour practice exams.
17. Review every missed answer.
18. Verify current PSI and ROC requirements before test day.
19. Complete the Arizona ROC license application.

Arizona KB-1 Dual Building Contractor Exam Prep Resources

The KB-1 exam is broad because the license itself combines residential and commercial general building authority.

Strong preparation means knowing construction trades, navigating both major code books, understanding OSHA, practicing calculations, and completing full-length timed exams.

Conclusion: How to Pass the Arizona KB-1 Dual Building Contractor Exam

Passing the Arizona KB-1 Dual Building Contractor exam is much easier when you prepare according to the official PSI question distribution instead of trying to study the entire construction industry with equal enthusiasm.

The current examination contains 100 questions, allows four hours, and requires a 70% passing score. Because KB-1 combines residential and commercial building authority, PSI tests a broad range of construction knowledge.

Concrete is the biggest section with 14 questions. Metals follows with 13. Carpentry and Safety each contain 12 questions. Together, those four categories represent 51% of the exam. If your preparation time is limited, those are the subjects that deserve the largest blocks on your calendar.

Masonry and Thermal and Moisture Protection each add 10 questions. Sitework and General Building Code contribute nine questions each. Finishes adds six, while Doors and Windows adds five.

The approved book list is much shorter than the complete study list. PSI currently allows OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2018 International Building Code, and the 2018 International Residential Code inside the exam center. The concrete, excavation, steel, carpentry, and masonry trade books listed by PSI are study-only.

That means you need two different skills. First, learn the actual construction knowledge before exam day. Second, become fast at using the three books you are allowed to bring with you.

Practice code navigation until the IBC and IRC feel familiar. Know which code is more likely to answer the question before you start searching. Practice OSHA lookups for fall protection, scaffolds, excavation, steel erection, PPE, ladders, and other major construction-safety subjects.

Full-length practice tests are also important. Four hours can feel very different from a short practice quiz. Answer easy questions first, complete fast lookups next, and save the longest calculations and difficult code questions for your final pass.

KB-1 applicants also have an important choice. Arizona currently allows the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building examination instead of the Arizona ROC trade exam. Contractors interested in licensing across multiple participating jurisdictions should compare that option before purchasing their books.

Finally, remember that an exam score is not a contractor license. Arizona still requires four years of qualifying experience, the appropriate qualifying party, SRE compliance, background checks, bonding, applicable residential recovery-fund requirements, and the formal license application.

Build your exam preparation like a real project. Start with the plans, identify the high-value work, organize the books, schedule the difficult subjects early, inspect your weak areas, and finish with full practice runs. It is much cheaper to discover a weak section during a practice exam than during the real one.

Plain-Language Summary

The Arizona KB-1 Dual Building Contractor license is designed for general contractors who want both residential and commercial building authority. It combines the B-1 General Commercial Contractor and B General Residential Contractor scopes.

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for KB-1. Applicants must also complete the applicable Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam and trade-exam requirements unless an approved waiver applies.

PSI currently uses the same trade test for B-1, B-2, KB-1, and KB-2. The exam has 100 scored questions, allows 240 minutes, and requires a 70% passing score.

Concrete is the largest section with 14 questions. Metals has 13 questions. Carpentry and Safety each have 12. Masonry and Thermal and Moisture Protection each contain 10 questions.

Sitework and General Building Code each have nine questions. Finishes has six, and Doors and Windows has five.

Candidates should focus heavily on concrete, structural steel, wood framing, OSHA safety, masonry, roofing and waterproofing, excavation, grading, building codes, doors, windows, and finish systems.

The current approved exam-room references are OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2018 International Building Code, and the 2018 International Residential Code.

PSI also lists separate study-only books covering concrete, excavation, structural steel, carpentry, and masonry. Candidates need to learn that material before test day because those books are not currently permitted in the exam center.

Approved books can be prepared with highlighting, annotations, indexing, and permanent tabs according to PSI rules. Candidates should practice finding information quickly rather than opening the books for the first time during the real examination.

Arizona also currently allows KB-1 applicants to take the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building examination instead of the Arizona ROC trade examination. Contractors planning to pursue licenses in several participating jurisdictions may want to compare this option carefully.

Full-length timed practice is important. Candidates should practice 100 questions under the real four-hour limit and review every incorrect answer.

Passing the trade exam is only one part of becoming licensed. Arizona applicants must still satisfy applicable requirements involving the qualifying party, experience, the SRE, background checks, bonding, recovery-fund requirements, and the contractor license application.

For Arizona KB-1 books, exam preparation, and contractor licensing resources, browse the Contractor Exam Preps Arizona collection.