What Does the Arizona B-3 License Cover?

Arizona's B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor classification allows the licensee to remodel and repair an existing residential structure or appurtenance.

The B-3 scope also includes the work allowed under Arizona's R-7 Carpentry classification.

This can involve many common residential remodeling activities, including:

• Structural repairs.
• Carpentry.
• Framing changes.
• Doors and windows.
• Roofing-related remodeling work.
• Drywall.
• Interior and exterior finishes.
• Concrete-related repair work.
• Masonry-related repair work.
• Thermal and moisture protection.

What Work Must Be Subcontracted?

The current Arizona B-3 scope requires certain specialized work to be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors.

These areas include:

• Electrical work.
• Plumbing.
• Mechanical work.
• Swimming pools.
• Spas.
• Water wells.

That does not mean a remodeling contractor can ignore these systems. A B-3 contractor still needs to understand sequencing, coordination, inspections, access, structural effects, and how specialty systems fit into the project.

Remodeling is often less about working alone and more about making sure twelve different pieces fit together without anyone installing the countertop before the cabinets.

Step 1: Confirm the Experience Requirement

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for the B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor classification.

The standard examination requirements include:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• The applicable combined general residential/remodeling trade exam.

Examination waivers may be available in specific situations, so always confirm your individual eligibility before registering.

Review the Arizona ROC classification requirements before submitting your application.

Step 2: Do Not Study the Old B-3 Exam

This is one of the most important parts of your preparation.

Older B-3 materials may describe a separate 75-question remodeling exam with a 180-minute time limit.

That is no longer the examination candidates register for.

Arizona ROC states that the B, B-3, and CR-61 examinations have been combined. PSI's current combined outline became effective May 9, 2024.

When using older courses, books, blog posts, or study guides, compare the information against the latest official PSI outline before relying on the exam numbers.

Step 3: Know the Current Exam Numbers

Four hours is enough time if you know the material and can navigate the approved books efficiently.

It is considerably less generous if every code question starts with 10 minutes of wondering which chapter exists.

Step 4: Learn the Official Exam Breakdown

Step 5: Make Sitework a Major Study Priority

Sitework contains 17 questions, tying for the largest section.

Study:

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

Sitework matters during remodeling because additions, patios, foundations, exterior repairs, drainage improvements, and structural modifications often begin below grade.

If the ground preparation is wrong, everything built on top gets to participate in the problem.

Step 6: Study Concrete Thoroughly

Concrete also contains 17 questions.

Review:

• Concrete ingredients.
• Mixing and placement.
• Formwork.
• Reinforcement.
• Footings.
• Foundations.
• Slabs.
• Walls.
• Joints.
• Curing.
• Weather conditions.
• Concrete quantity calculations.

PSI lists the Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction as a study-only reference.

Learn the material before test day because this book is not currently permitted inside the examination center.

Step 7: Make Carpentry a Top Priority

Carpentry is the third 17-question section.

This subject is especially important because Arizona's B-3 scope includes the R-7 Carpentry scope.

Review:

• Wall framing.
• Floor framing.
• Roof framing.
• Joists.
• Rafters.
• Trusses.
• Headers.
• Sheathing.
• Fasteners.
• Wood products.
• Structural repairs.
• Framing alterations.
• Basic finish carpentry.

Remodeling carpentry requires understanding how existing construction reacts when walls, openings, floors, or roof components are changed.

Removing a wall because it "looks nonstructural" is not an engineering method.

Step 8: Study Thermal and Moisture Protection

Thermal and Moisture Protection contains 12 questions, making it the fourth-largest section.

Review:

• Roofing.
• Underlayment.
• Flashing.
• Waterproofing.
• Dampproofing.
• Insulation.
• Sealants.
• Weather barriers.
• Moisture control.
• Roof drainage.

Remodeling often involves tying new work into old work. That transition is one of the places moisture problems love to appear.

Pay special attention to flashing, penetrations, joints, and weatherproof connections.

Step 9: Review Masonry

Masonry contributes nine questions.

Study:

• Concrete masonry units.
• Brick.
• Mortar.
• Grout.
• Reinforcement.
• Lintels.
• Bond patterns.
• Wall repairs.
• Flashing.
• Movement joints.

Remodeling may involve repairing existing block walls, modifying openings, connecting new work to masonry, or correcting deteriorated masonry.

Step 10: Prepare for Finishes

Finishes also contributes nine questions.

Review:

• Drywall finishing.
• Painting.
• Wall coverings.
• Floor finishes.
• Interior trim.
• Exterior finishes.
• Surface preparation.
• Repair procedures.
• Finish-material installation.

Remodeling clients spend a lot of time looking at finished surfaces, which is unfortunate because finished surfaces are also extremely good at revealing every mistake underneath them.

Step 11: Study Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows contributes seven questions.

Review:

• Door installation.
• Door frames.
• Hardware.
• Window installation.
• Flashing.
• Weatherproofing.
• Safety glazing.
• Emergency escape openings.
• Residential code requirements.

The 2018 International Residential Code is especially useful in this section.

Step 12: Review Metal Framing

Metal Framing contains six questions.

Study:

• Metal studs.
• Tracks.
• Fasteners.
• Openings.
• Nonbearing partitions.
• Basic framing layout.
• Drywall attachment relationships.

Metal framing often appears in remodeling where interior layouts change or new partitions are added.

Step 13: Do Not Ignore Safety

Safety contributes six questions.

Review:

• Fall protection.
• Ladder safety.
• Scaffolding.
• Excavation safety.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Power tools.
• Electrical hazards.
• Material handling.
• Housekeeping.
• Demolition-related hazards.

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is currently allowed in the testing center.

Six questions can easily be the difference between passing and scheduling another exam next month.

Step 14: Get the Correct Approved References

PSI currently allows the following references inside the combined B / B-3 / CR-61 examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, with the latest available amendments or PSI's approved OSHA selections.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018.

Candidates can browse the 2018 International Residential Code and other Arizona contractor materials through Contractor Exam Preps.

Step 15: Know the Study-Only References

PSI currently lists four major study references that are not permitted inside the examination center:

• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, 1987 or 2011.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2010 or 2016 Student Edition.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014.
• Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, 2018.

These books are important because PSI may develop questions from them even though you cannot bring them into the testing room.

This is where preparation separates itself from book collecting.

Owning the book is nice. Knowing the material when the book is sitting at home is better.

Step 16: Prepare Your Open-Book References Correctly

PSI allows approved references to be prepared before the examination.

Candidates may:

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

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

Temporary tabs, Post-it notes, and removable page markers are not permitted.

Candidates may not bring unauthorized loose or attached papers.

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

For permanent organization options, review Contractor Exam Preps reference tabs.

Step 17: Practice IRC Navigation

The 2018 IRC can help with questions involving residential construction requirements.

Practice finding:

• Foundations.
• Wall construction.
• Floor systems.
• Roof construction.
• Doors.
• Windows.
• Glazing.
• Emergency escape openings.
• Moisture protection.
• Residential safety provisions.

Learn the index, chapter layout, tables, and common sections.

The exam does not award extra points because you eventually found the answer after reading three unrelated chapters.

Step 18: Practice Construction Math

The combined exam covers several areas where basic construction calculations matter.

Practice:

• Area.
• Volume.
• Cubic yards.
• Concrete quantities.
• Linear measurements.
• Roof areas.
• Material quantities.
• Grade and slope.
• Basic framing calculations.
• Waste allowances.

PSI permits a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator.

Practice with the same type before exam day.

Step 19: Use a Six-Week B-3 Study Plan

Step 20: Practice Under the Real Four-Hour Limit

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

Use a three-pass approach:

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

Do not let one strange concrete problem steal time from five carpentry questions you know how to answer.

The goal is 70% or better across the whole examination, not a personal victory over Question 36.

Step 21: Consider a Structured B-3 Prep Course

Candidates who want guided preparation can review the Arizona B-3 / CR-61 Remodeling and Repair Exam Prep Course.

Because Arizona changed B-3 to the combined B / B-3 / CR-61 examination, always confirm that any course, package, or product page you use has been updated to the current 100-question outline.

Contractor Exam Preps also offers a B-3 / CR-61 remodeling and repair book package.

Compare included books and exam information against PSI's latest outline before purchasing or preparing your references.

Step 22: Know the Current Fees and Retake Rules

PSI currently charges $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 unsuccessful attempts, a 90-day waiting period applies before another attempt.

Exam fees apply again when retesting.

Step 23: Remember the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam

The trade examination focuses on residential construction, remodeling, repair, and safety knowledge.

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

Treat them as separate subjects.

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

Step 24: Passing the Exam Does Not Automatically Issue a License

Passing the combined trade examination is only one part of becoming an Arizona B-3 contractor.

The licensing process can also involve:

• Selecting the B-3 General Remodeling and Repair classification.
• Designating a qualifying party.
• Documenting four years of qualifying experience.
• Completing the required trade examination.
• Completing the SRE unless an applicable waiver applies.
• Completing required background checks.
• Obtaining the required contractor license bond.
• Meeting applicable Residential Recovery Fund requirements.
• Providing business and identification information.
• Submitting the Arizona ROC application.
• Paying applicable licensing fees.

Arizona ROC also states that exam results generally must be used for the matching classification within the applicable two-year period.

Arizona B-3 Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm that B-3 matches your remodeling and repair work.
2. Verify your four years of qualifying experience.
3. Confirm your SRE and trade-exam requirements.
4. Use the current combined B / B-3 / CR-61 outline.
5. Obtain the 2018 IRC and OSHA reference.
6. Study Pipe and Excavation Contracting before test day.
7. Study Carpentry and Building Construction.
8. Review the Gypsum Construction Handbook.
9. Study quality concrete construction.
10. Make Sitework, Concrete, and Carpentry your biggest priorities.
11. Study Thermal and Moisture Protection.
12. Review Masonry and Finishes.
13. Study Doors and Windows, Metal Framing, and Safety.
14. Practice construction math.
15. Practice fast IRC and OSHA lookups.
16. Complete full four-hour practice exams.
17. Review every missed answer.
18. Verify current PSI rules before test day.
19. Complete the Arizona ROC licensing process.

Arizona B-3 Remodeling and Repair Exam Prep Resources

The current B-3 exam is broad because it now shares the same trade examination with B General Residential and CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs.

Strong preparation combines remodeling experience, broad residential construction knowledge, construction math, OSHA safety, code navigation, and repeated timed practice.

Conclusion: How to Pass the Arizona B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor Exam

Passing the Arizona B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor exam starts with preparing for the correct test. Older B-3 information can still appear online, but Arizona now uses a combined trade examination for B General Residential, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair, and CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs.

The current examination contains 100 questions, allows four hours, and requires a 70% passing score. This broader test means B-3 candidates need solid general residential construction knowledge instead of studying only a narrow list of remodeling tasks.

Sitework, Concrete, and Carpentry are the biggest areas with 17 questions each. Together they make up 51% of the entire test. If you are deciding where to spend your first study hours, those three categories are the obvious place to begin.

Thermal and Moisture Protection is the next major category with 12 questions. Remodeling contractors need to understand roofing, flashing, waterproofing, insulation, sealants, drainage, and the difficult transitions between existing and new construction.

Masonry and Finishes each contribute nine questions. Doors and Windows contributes seven, while Metal Framing and Safety each contain six. Every one of these subjects matters, but the official breakdown lets you organize preparation by value rather than guessing.

Another important part of preparation is understanding the reference rules. PSI currently permits OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 and the 2018 International Residential Code in the examination center. The excavation, carpentry, gypsum, and concrete books are currently study-only.

That means you need to learn much of the trade material before exam day. Do not build a strategy around looking up every answer. Instead, learn Sitework, Concrete, Carpentry, Masonry, drywall, and finish concepts in advance while becoming extremely fast with the IRC and OSHA.

Organize approved references with permanent tabs, highlighting, indexing, and permitted annotations. Then practice timed searches. Knowing that a rule is somewhere in a 900-page code book is not nearly as useful as knowing which chapter to open.

Full-length practice is also important. Complete 100-question exams under the actual four-hour limit. Answer familiar questions first, perform quick reference searches second, and save the hardest calculations and longer searches for the final pass.

Finally, remember that the test is only part of becoming licensed. Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying experience for B-3, along with the applicable SRE, qualifying-party requirements, background checks, bonding, recovery-fund requirements, and the formal ROC application.

Remodeling teaches contractors to expect surprises. Exam preparation should remove as many surprises as possible. Study the current outline, know the biggest categories, organize the correct references, practice under the real time limit, and walk into PSI already knowing what those 100 questions are likely to throw at you.

Plain-Language Summary

The Arizona B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor license is for contractors who remodel and repair existing residential structures and appurtenances. The scope also includes the work allowed under Arizona's R-7 Carpentry classification.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool, spa, and water-well work must be subcontracted to contractors with the appropriate licenses.

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for B-3. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam and trade-exam requirements.

One of the most important changes is the trade exam itself. B-3 no longer uses the older separate 75-question examination. Arizona now uses one combined test for B General Residential, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair, and CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs.

The current combined examination contains 100 questions, allows 240 minutes, and requires a 70% passing score.

Sitework has 17 questions, Concrete has 17, and Carpentry has 17. Those three subjects alone make up more than half the examination.

Thermal and Moisture Protection contains 12 questions. Masonry and Finishes each have nine. Doors and Windows has seven, while Metal Framing and Safety each contain six.

Candidates should spend the most study time on excavation, grading, concrete placement and reinforcement, wood framing, structural repairs, roofing, waterproofing, flashing, and insulation.

The current open-book references are OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 and the 2018 International Residential Code. Candidates should organize these books with approved permanent tabs, highlighting, indexing, and permitted annotations.

Other books covering excavation, carpentry, drywall, and concrete are currently study-only. Candidates should learn the material from these references before exam day because the books cannot be used during the test.

A strong study plan should include construction math, IRC lookup practice, OSHA lookup drills, and full-length 100-question practice tests under the real four-hour limit.

Passing the trade exam does not automatically issue a license. Applicants must still complete applicable Arizona ROC requirements involving qualifying experience, the qualifying party, SRE requirements, background checks, bonding, recovery-fund requirements, business information, and the formal license application.

For Arizona B-3 study resources, books, courses, and reference organization tools, visit the Contractor Exam Preps Arizona collection.