What Does the Arizona B General Residential Contractor License Cover?

Arizona's B General Residential Contractor classification allows a contractor to construct and repair all or any part of a residential structure or appurtenance.

Residential structures can include homes and other qualifying residential buildings. Appurtenances are improvements associated with the residential property.

In practical terms, a B contractor may be involved with:

• New residential construction.
• Residential additions.
• Structural repairs.
• Foundations.
• Concrete.
• Masonry.
• Wood framing.
• Metal framing.
• Roofing and moisture protection.
• Doors and windows.
• Drywall and finishes.
• Site preparation and related residential work.

You can review the current classification directly through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors license classifications.

Important B License Scope Limitations

A broad general residential license does not mean the contractor can personally perform every specialty trade.

Arizona's current B scope requires work related to the following systems to be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors:

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

The B classification also does not include work authorized by Arizona's A, B-1, or B-2 scopes.

Step 1: Confirm the Experience and Exam Requirements

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

The standard examination requirements are:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• The applicable B / B-3 / CR-61 trade examination.

Arizona may approve exam waivers under certain conditions, so applicants should confirm their individual eligibility before scheduling.

Review the Arizona ROC classification requirements before beginning the licensing process.

Step 2: Know About the Combined B / B-3 / CR-61 Exam

The current PSI content outline is shared by:

• B General Residential Contractor.
• B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor.
• CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs.

PSI lists the current combined outline as effective May 9, 2024.

This matters because older books, courses, websites, and study sheets may show different question counts, different approved references, or a different test arrangement.

Step 3: Know the Current Exam Numbers

That average time is generous enough for quick code lookups, but not generous enough to begin learning the table of contents during Question 63.

Step 4: Learn the Official Exam Breakdown

Step 5: Make Sitework a Major Priority

Sitework contains 17 questions, making it one of the three largest exam subjects.

Review:

• Site preparation.
• Excavation.
• Trenching.
• Soil conditions.
• Compaction.
• Grading.
• Drainage.
• Backfill.
• Slope.
• Earthwork quantities.
• Foundation excavation.
• Utility awareness.

Residential construction begins with the site. If grading, excavation, compaction, or drainage is wrong, the building above it may spend many years demonstrating why those steps mattered.

PSI lists Pipe and Excavation Contracting as a study reference for this part of the examination.

Step 6: Study Concrete Thoroughly

Concrete also contains 17 questions.

Review:

• Concrete materials.
• Mixing.
• Forms.
• Reinforcing steel.
• Footings.
• Foundations.
• Slabs.
• Walls.
• Placement.
• Consolidation.
• Curing.
• Joints.
• Concrete quantities.

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

Practice calculating cubic yards and understanding basic placement procedures. It is much easier to correct your concrete math on a practice question than after six mixer trucks arrive.

Step 7: Make Carpentry a Top Study Subject

Carpentry is the third 17-question section.

Study:

• Wall framing.
• Floor framing.
• Roof framing.
• Joists.
• Rafters.
• Trusses.
• Headers.
• Sheathing.
• Wood materials.
• Fasteners.
• Connections.
• Layout.
• Structural openings.

Carpentry and Building Construction is one of PSI's study-only references.

Residential contractors should understand how the building frame transfers loads and how walls, floors, roofs, openings, and connections work together.

Step 8: Study Thermal and Moisture Protection

Thermal and Moisture Protection contains 12 questions.

Review:

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

Water has a remarkable ability to find the one flashing detail nobody wanted to discuss during construction.

Learn correct roof and moisture-protection methods, especially around penetrations, openings, transitions, and exterior assemblies.

Step 9: Prepare for Masonry

Masonry contributes nine questions.

Study:

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

Residential masonry knowledge is important for foundations, exterior walls, fences, fireplaces, and structural features.

Step 10: Review Finishes

Finishes contributes nine questions.

Review:

• Gypsum board.
• Joint finishing.
• Painting.
• Interior wall finishes.
• Exterior finishes.
• Floor finishes.
• Surface preparation.
• Trim.
• Basic repair procedures.

PSI lists the Gypsum Construction Handbook as a study-only reference.

Finished work is what homeowners see every day, so the exam expects a residential contractor to understand more than framing hidden behind the wall.

Step 11: Study Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows contributes seven questions.

Review:

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

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

Step 12: Review Metal Framing

Metal Framing contains six questions.

Study:

• Metal studs.
• Tracks.
• Fasteners.
• Layout.
• Openings.
• Partitions.
• Connections.
• Drywall attachment.

Even contractors who work mostly with wood framing should be comfortable with basic light-gauge metal framing concepts.

Step 13: Treat OSHA Safety as Real Exam Content

Safety contributes six questions.

Review OSHA topics involving:

• Fall protection.
• Ladders.
• Scaffolds.
• Excavation and trenching.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Electrical hazards.
• Hand and power tools.
• Material handling.
• Concrete operations.
• Housekeeping.

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is currently approved for use in the testing center.

For an organized safety reference, review the OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 highlighted and tabbed reference.

Step 14: Know the Current Open-Book References

PSI currently allows two main references inside the B / B-3 / CR-61 examination center:

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

Contractor Exam Preps offers the 2018 International Residential Code for candidates preparing with the current PSI-listed edition.

Step 15: Know the Study-Only References

PSI currently lists the following references as materials used to develop the examination but not allowed inside the testing 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 still important because PSI may test knowledge based on their material and general trade practices.

You simply need to learn that information before the exam rather than expecting to look it up during testing.

Step 16: Prepare Your Approved References Correctly

PSI allows candidates to prepare approved references before the examination.

References may be:

• Highlighted.
• Underlined.
• Annotated before the examination.
• Indexed.
• Tabbed with 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.

Unauthorized loose or attached papers are also prohibited.

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

For reference organization, browse Contractor Exam Preps permanent book tabs.

Step 17: Learn the 2018 IRC Before Exam Day

Having the IRC beside you is helpful. Knowing how to use it is much better.

Practice finding:

• Footing and foundation requirements.
• Floor construction.
• Wall construction.
• Roof and ceiling construction.
• Roof coverings.
• Doors and windows.
• Emergency escape openings.
• Safety glazing.
• Moisture protection.
• Residential structural provisions.

Practice using both the index and the table of contents.

The goal is to identify the subject, open the correct chapter, and locate the exact section without touring half the book first.

Step 18: Practice OSHA Lookup Drills

OSHA questions often test specific safety requirements.

Practice finding information involving:

• Fall heights.
• Ladder rules.
• Scaffold requirements.
• Trench protection.
• Excavation access.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Power tools.
• Material handling.

If a question asks for a specific distance, depth, height, or protective requirement, use the approved reference when practical instead of relying on a number remembered from a job eight years ago.

Step 19: Practice Residential Construction Math

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

Practice:

• Area.
• Volume.
• Cubic yards.
• Concrete quantities.
• Linear measurements.
• Roof area.
• Slope.
• Material quantities.
• Framing measurements.
• Basic waste calculations.

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

Practice with the same type you expect to use on exam day.

Step 20: Use a Six-Week Study Plan

Step 21: Practice Under the Real Four-Hour Limit

Short quizzes are useful, but the real exam is 100 questions long.

Complete full practice exams using the actual 240-minute limit.

Try a three-pass strategy:

1. First pass: Answer questions you know immediately.
2. Second pass: Complete fast IRC and OSHA lookups.
3. Third pass: Return to calculations and difficult questions.

This prevents one confusing question from eating enough time to become an unofficial exam category of its own.

Step 22: Read Every Question Carefully

Pay attention to words such as:

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

One word can completely change what the question is asking.

Read first. Search second. Calculate third.

Step 23: Know the Current PSI 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 a trade examination must currently wait 30 days before retaking it.

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

Exam fees apply again when retesting, so a good practice test is considerably cheaper than learning your weak categories at PSI.

Step 24: Remember the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam

The B trade examination tests residential construction knowledge.

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

PSI's current bulletin explains that the SRE is an online course and examination maintained by Arizona ROC.

Treat the SRE as a separate study subject instead of expecting residential framing knowledge to explain contractor law.

Review the Arizona ROC licensing process for current application instructions.

Step 25: Passing the Exam Does Not Automatically Issue a License

Passing the trade examination is one major step, but it does not automatically create an Arizona B contractor license.

The licensing process may also involve:

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

PSI currently instructs candidates to submit the completed license application and original score report to Arizona ROC within two years of passing the examination after all licensing requirements are complete.

Arizona B General Residential Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm that the B residential scope matches the work you intend to perform.
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 approved OSHA reference.
6. Study the four study-only trade references.
7. Prepare allowed references with permanent tabs and highlighting.
8. Make Sitework a major study priority.
9. Study Concrete heavily.
10. Study Carpentry heavily.
11. Review Thermal and Moisture Protection.
12. Study Masonry and Finishes.
13. Review Doors and Windows.
14. Review Metal Framing and Safety.
15. Practice residential construction math.
16. Practice IRC lookup drills.
17. Practice OSHA lookup drills.
18. Complete full 100-question timed exams.
19. Review every incorrect answer.
20. Complete the Arizona ROC licensing process.

Arizona B General Residential Exam Prep Resources

The current B trade exam covers a wide range of residential construction topics, so a good study plan should combine field knowledge, code navigation, math practice, OSHA preparation, and full-length practice testing.

Conclusion: How to Pass the Arizona B General Residential Contractor Exam

Passing the Arizona B General Residential Contractor exam becomes much more manageable when you start with the current PSI outline instead of trying to study every residential construction topic equally.

The current examination is shared by B General Residential, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair, and CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs. It contains 100 questions, allows four hours, and requires a 70% passing score.

The largest subjects are easy to identify. Sitework contains 17 questions, Concrete contains 17, and Carpentry contains 17. Together, those three categories represent 51% of the entire examination. They should receive the biggest blocks of your study time.

Thermal and Moisture Protection is the next major category with 12 questions. Masonry and Finishes each contain nine. Doors and Windows has seven, while Metal Framing and Safety each contain six.

A strong preparation plan should therefore begin with excavation, grading, compaction, foundations, concrete, and framing. Once those subjects are solid, move into roofing, flashing, waterproofing, masonry, finishes, doors, windows, metal framing, and OSHA safety.

The open-book portion of the exam also requires a specific strategy. PSI currently allows OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 and the 2018 International Residential Code inside the testing center. The excavation, carpentry, gypsum, and concrete references listed by PSI are study-only.

That means you cannot depend on searching a shelf full of books during the test. Much of your trade knowledge needs to be learned beforehand. Your two approved references should be used for targeted code and safety searches, not as emergency textbooks for every question.

Prepare the approved books properly. Use permanent tabs, highlighting, indexing, and permitted notes before test day. Practice locating common IRC subjects such as foundations, framing, roofing, doors, windows, glazing, and moisture protection. Practice OSHA searches for excavation, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, PPE, and tools.

Full-length practice should be part of your final preparation. Complete 100 questions under the actual 240-minute limit. Answer familiar questions first, handle fast reference searches next, and save difficult calculations or longer questions for the final pass.

The licensing requirements matter too. Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for the B classification, plus the applicable SRE and trade examination requirements. The applicant must also complete the broader Arizona ROC licensing process.

Residential contracting involves dozens of systems working together. The exam reflects that reality. You do not need to know every sentence in every construction book, but you do need broad trade knowledge, strong fundamentals, fast reference skills, and enough practice that a 100-question exam feels familiar instead of like a surprise inspection.

Plain-Language Summary

The Arizona B General Residential Contractor license allows contractors to construct and repair residential structures and appurtenances. It is a broad residential license covering many parts of home construction.

The classification does have important limits. Electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water-well work must be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors.

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

The current trade test is shared by B General Residential, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair, and CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs.

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

Sitework, Concrete, and Carpentry are the biggest sections with 17 questions each. Together, those three subjects make up 51% of the scored exam.

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

Candidates should spend the most time studying excavation, grading, concrete, foundations, framing, roofing, waterproofing, masonry, finishes, doors, windows, metal framing, and OSHA safety.

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

PSI also lists four study-only references covering excavation, carpentry, drywall, and concrete. Candidates should learn the material in those books before the examination because the books cannot currently be brought into the testing center.

Approved references should be prepared before exam day using permitted highlighting, indexing, annotations, and permanent tabs. Candidates should practice locating IRC and OSHA information quickly.

Full-length practice is also important. Take 100-question practice exams under the real four-hour limit and review every incorrect answer.

Passing the examination does not automatically issue the license. Applicants still need to complete applicable Arizona ROC requirements involving qualifying experience, the qualifying party, the SRE, background requirements, bonding, business information, and the formal license application.

For Arizona B General Residential exam books, study resources, permanent tabs, and contractor preparation materials, visit the Contractor Exam Preps Arizona collection.