Important Alabama licensing distinction: Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance is a General Contractors Board specialty classification, not an Unlimited Home Builders License. Alabama generally requires a general contractor license for covered undertakings costing $100,000 or more. Residential home building may be regulated separately by HBLB. New exemptions effective October 1, 2026 also affect certain routine maintenance and repair services. Confirm your specific project and licensing authority before bidding or contracting.
The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Contractor classification is a specialty classification regulated by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
It addresses qualifying alteration, remodeling, repair, and maintenance work that falls within the specialty scope approved by the Board. The precise work authorized depends on the classification and limits printed on the contractor's license.
Remodeling projects can involve several different construction skills. A contractor may replace doors and windows, alter interior layouts, repair walls, improve building finishes, perform carpentry work, or manage concrete and masonry repairs within the permitted scope.
Existing buildings create challenges that do not always appear in new construction. Walls may hide damaged framing. Openings may need reinforcement. Materials may have deteriorated. Other contractors may need to coordinate electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or specialty systems.
For this reason, Alabama's Remodeling examination covers multiple construction disciplines rather than just one type of repair.
The Board considers licensing qualifications, documented experience, financial information, references, classification, and other requirements when reviewing applications.
The general contractor law's $100,000 threshold does not mean all smaller projects can be performed without any license. Residential HBLB requirements, specialty-trade laws, local permits, and statutory exemptions may still matter.
Licensing authority: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Classification: Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance specialty.
Testing provider: PSI.
Trade examination: 60 multiple-choice questions.
Time limit: 120 minutes.
Passing score: 70%, or 42 correct.
Format: Open book.
Business and Law: Separate 50-question exam for applicable applicants.
Review the official Alabama general contractor application instructions to begin the process. To prepare your examination references, see the Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance Book Package.
Follow the correct classification and application process before scheduling the PSI examinations.
| Step | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm Licensing Jurisdiction | General Contractors Board | Determine whether the work belongs under this specialty classification, HBLB, or another licensing authority. |
| Select the Classification | Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance | Match the requested scope to documented qualifying work. |
| Prepare Experience Records | Qualification Review | Provide project experience and supporting references required by the Board. |
| Prepare Financial Information | Board Evaluation | Submit required financial documents supporting the requested licensing and bid limit. |
| Apply for Contractor Licensing | Current Board Application | Use the appropriate Prime Contractor or Subcontractor application. |
| Receive Examination Eligibility | Board Approval | Wait for the Board's determination before scheduling required PSI examinations. |
| Review the PSI Candidate Bulletin | Approved Test Details | Check questions, time limits, approved books, and testing restrictions. |
| Prepare for Both Examinations | Trade and Business Knowledge | Study remodeling subjects and the separate Business and Law outline. |
| Pass Required PSI Exams | 70% Passing | Meet the trade passing standard and applicable Business and Law requirement. |
| Complete License Issuance | Board Decision | Complete remaining documentation and obtain the approved classification and bid limit. |
The following details use the PSI Alabama General Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin updated January 23, 2026.
| Exam Information | Authority | Current Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Authority | State of Alabama | Licensing Board for General Contractors |
| Classification | General Contractors Board | Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance |
| Testing Provider | PSI | Computer-based contractor testing |
| Trade Questions | PSI Bulletin | 60 |
| Trade Time | PSI Bulletin | 120 minutes |
| Trade Passing Standard | PSI Bulletin | 70%, or 42 correct answers |
| Business and Law Questions | PSI Bulletin | 50 |
| Business and Law Time | PSI Bulletin | 120 minutes |
| Business Passing Standard | PSI Bulletin | 70% |
| Exam Format | PSI | Open book |
| Largest Trade Categories | PSI | Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry, 16 questions each |
| Official Building Code | PSI | 2015 International Building Code |
| Official Concrete Reference | PSI | Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 16th Edition |
| Official Masonry Reference | PSI | Modern Masonry, 8th Edition, 2015 |
| Business Reference | PSI | NASCLA Alabama General, 3rd Edition |
| Published PSI Fee | January 2026 Bulletin | $96 per exam for this classification |
| Prime Application Fee | Board Website | $300 |
| Subcontractor Application Fee | Board Website | $150 |
| General Contracting Threshold | Alabama Law | $100,000 for covered work, subject to exemptions and other licensing laws |
| New Exemptions Effective | 2026 Legislation | October 1, 2026, for certain routine maintenance and other activities |
Testing distinction: The remodeling trade examination is 60 questions in 120 minutes. The separate Business and Law examination is 50 questions in 120 minutes. Both require 70%.
Current reference distinction: PSI's January 2026 bulletin lists the 2015 IBC, concrete reference 16th Edition, and masonry reference 8th Edition. Retail packages may use newer non-code references. Confirm test-room acceptance before purchasing them specifically for the examination.
The Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance trade examination contains 60 questions covering eight construction subjects.
The two largest categories are Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry. Each contains 16 questions. Together, they account for 32 questions, or more than half of the examination.
Rough Carpentry focuses on structural wood construction and practical building methods. Candidates should understand framing, lumber, layout, fasteners, load paths, floors, walls, roofs, and connections.
Finish Carpentry concerns details that homeowners and building occupants see every day. Study trim, doors, cabinets, interior woodwork, measurements, fitting, and finish installation.
Concrete and Masonry each contain seven questions. These areas require knowledge of building materials, mixture properties, placement, curing, mortar, brick, block, stone, and repair practices.
Safety accounts for six questions. It can involve OSHA construction practices, fall protection, ladders, scaffolding, tools, personal protective equipment, and other jobsite hazards.
Windows and Doors and Siding each contain three questions. Drywall contains two questions. These smaller categories still deserve review because a passing score depends on the entire examination.
The time limit is 120 minutes. With 60 questions, candidates have an average of two minutes per question. That is not much time for searching through several large construction manuals.
The Business and Law examination tests another set of skills: contractor licensing, contracts, payroll, taxes, financial management, estimating, liens, project management, labor regulations, and risk management.
The best preparation combines construction knowledge and reference navigation. Learn which book is most useful for each subject before you start practicing timed questions.
Start with the eight official trade subjects. Rank them by question count, then organize your reference books so you know where to look for common information.
Use the actual books during your preparation sessions. This helps build the same habits you will need during the open-book examination.
Rough Carpentry: Study framing materials, wood construction, structural members, fastening methods, layout, floors, walls, and roofs.
Finish Carpentry: Review trim, doors, cabinets, moldings, layout, measurements, interior woodworking, and fitting techniques.
Concrete: Learn mixture properties, placement, finishing, curing, material selection, and durability concepts.
Masonry: Study brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry tools, layout, and repair techniques.
Windows and Doors: Review openings, flashing, installation, frames, hardware, and basic weather protection.
Siding: Study materials, attachment methods, moisture protection, and exterior installation details.
Drywall: Review panels, fastening, joints, finishing, and practical installation procedures.
Safety: Practice OSHA reference lookups involving ladders, fall protection, scaffolds, tools, and protective equipment.
Business and Law: Prepare for contractor licensing, estimating, contracts, taxes, payroll, financial management, and project supervision.
Build your reference familiarity with the Alabama Remodeling Highlighted and Tabbed Reference Package. For a package combining books, online training, and application support, explore the Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package.
Remodeling work often begins with an existing structure. Contractors must identify what can remain, what needs repair, and what can safely be changed.
Remodeling study illustration showing framing, openings, finishes, and construction layout.
Eight steps from choosing the correct classification to completing the state licensing process.
Review whether your work falls under General Contractors Board specialty licensing, the Home Builders Licensure Board, or another separate trade authority.
Request the classification matching the remodeling, alteration, maintenance, and repair work you are qualified to perform.
Prepare construction experience, references, organizational information, and financial records required by the Board.
Use the applicable Prime Contractor or Subcontractor application and follow the Board's submission instructions.
Wait for the Board's testing approval and confirm which examinations are required for your application.
Prepare rough carpentry, finish carpentry, concrete, masonry, safety, and the remaining technical categories. Review Business and Law separately.
Meet the 70% standard on the Remodeling trade examination and the applicable Business and Law exam.
Meet the remaining Board requirements, receive the approved classification and bid limit, and follow current renewal obligations.
The PSI trade exam outline assigns 60 questions across eight subject areas. The percentages below are calculated from the official question counts.
Largest categories: Rough and Finish Carpentry represent 32 of the 60 questions, or approximately 53.33% of the examination.
Preparation tip: Allocate significant study time to carpentry, while continuing to practice concrete, masonry, safety, and the smaller finish-work categories.
Chart meaning: The bars represent actual percentages of total trade questions, not estimates of difficulty.
The official PSI bulletin lists seven trade references. Candidates must follow the current approved-reference and book-preparation rules.
| Reference | Official Edition or Status | Study Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA Construction Standards | Latest available amendments, or approved PSI selections | Construction safety, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, and worksite hazards. |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | 2010 or 2016 Student Edition | Rough carpentry, construction methods, framing, walls, floors, roofs, and openings. |
| Finish Carpenter's Manual by Jim Tolpin | 1993 | Interior finish carpentry, trim, fitting, layout, doors, and detailed woodworking techniques. |
| International Building Code | 2015 | Applicable building-code requirements, construction types, building systems, and material rules. |
| Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures | 16th Edition | Concrete mixtures, materials, proportions, strength, placement, and curing. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone | 8th Edition, 2015 | Brick, block, stone, mortar, masonry tools, installation, and repair methods. |
| The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction | 2001, Andy Rae | Cabinet construction, joinery, woodworking materials, furniture assemblies, and related finish carpentry. |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Alabama General | 3rd Edition, separate Business and Law exam | Licensing, estimating, contracts, payroll, financial management, liens, risk, and business operations. |
Retail package difference: Contractor Exam Preps currently lists Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition in its remodeling packages. The PSI bulletin lists the 16th Edition.
Masonry edition: The PSI bulletin specifies Modern Masonry, 8th Edition. Later editions may support general study, but candidates should confirm the exact physical reference permitted during testing.
Building code: PSI specifies the 2015 International Building Code. Unlike non-code technical books, PSI says code questions are based on the listed code edition.
Open-book rules: Authorized materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed, but must otherwise be unmarked and must not contain loose or attached papers. Permanent tabs are permitted; temporary tabs are not.
The open-book format rewards contractors who understand construction methods and can quickly find the right supporting information.
With 60 questions in two hours, a candidate should practice choosing the correct reference without spending several minutes searching through unrelated books.
Two-minute strategy: Practice identifying the subject, choosing the correct book, locating the relevant section, and answering without unnecessary searching.
Book rules: Follow the current PSI candidate bulletin and testing-center reference inspection requirements.
Within the classification approved by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, a remodeling contractor may perform qualifying alteration, maintenance, remodeling, and repair work.
Work can involve framing, finish carpentry, windows, doors, cabinetry, siding, drywall, concrete repairs, masonry, and other construction methods covered by the issued specialty classification.
The classification does not automatically authorize every type of building work. Larger or different projects may require another General Contractors Board classification, and regulated specialty trades may require separate contractors or credentials.
Electrical contracting, plumbing, gas fitting, HVAC, and professional design services have their own licensing rules. A remodeling contractor should confirm who is legally authorized to perform each portion of a project.
Residential work may also come within the jurisdiction of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. That separate licensing system can apply at lower project values than the general contractor threshold.
Important October 2026 development: Alabama enacted additional general contractor licensing exemptions effective October 1, 2026. These include certain routine or regular maintenance, repair, cleaning, and facility support services. Not every project labeled maintenance automatically qualifies for an exemption.
Contractors should review the specific activity, project value, classification, and exemption before bidding or beginning work. When uncertain, contact the Board.
License scope reminder: The specialty classification does not automatically grant unrestricted Building Construction authority.
General contractor threshold: Current law generally uses $100,000 for covered work, subject to statutory exemptions and other licensing requirements.
Residential work: HBLB and specialty-trade rules may apply separately.
For legal requirements, review the Alabama General Contractors Licensing Law.
Different contractor classifications and licensing boards regulate different types of construction work.
| Credential | Main Purpose | Qualification | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance | Qualifying remodeling and repair work within the approved specialty scope | Board application, trade exam, and applicable Business and Law requirements | Specialty classification under General Contractors Board |
| Building Construction Contractor | Broader qualifying building construction work | Separate experience, classification, and examination requirements | Broader building scope than this remodeling specialty |
| Unlimited Home Builder | Qualifying residential home construction and remodeling | Alabama HBLB licensing requirements | Different licensing board and residential work scope |
| Electrical Contractor | Electrical installation and contracting | Separate electrical licensing | Electrical work is regulated independently |
| Plumbing or HVAC Contractor | Specialty mechanical and plumbing systems | Separate applicable trade licensing | A remodeling specialty license does not replace trade credentials |
| Routine Maintenance Exemption | Certain qualifying activities exempted by state law | Must actually satisfy statutory exemption conditions | An exemption is not a separate contractor credential |
Prime versus Subcontractor: Alabama has different application pathways. Prime Contractor applicants are subject to the Board's Business and Law requirement. Confirm the examinations required for your specific application.
Do not confuse examination eligibility with licensing approval: Passing PSI examinations is only one part of obtaining a General Contractors Board license.
Focus on carpentry first, then reinforce construction materials, safety, business law, and timed test performance.
The Alabama Remodeling contractor exam can be challenging because it combines multiple construction disciplines within a two-hour testing period.
Rough and Finish Carpentry are especially important. Together, they account for more than half of the trade exam. Candidates who are strong at framing but less experienced with cabinets, trim, and interior finish methods should dedicate additional study time to finish carpentry.
Concrete and masonry also deserve attention. Questions may require knowledge of materials, mixing, curing, mortar, masonry methods, and practical building repairs.
The open-book format helps candidates who know how to find information quickly. It is less helpful if every question becomes a long search through several unfamiliar manuals.
With 60 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have an average of two minutes per question. A complex calculation or difficult construction question may use more time, so efficient pacing matters.
The separate Business and Law examination presents a different challenge. Contractors may have years of jobsite experience but less familiarity with insurance, taxes, financial statements, lien rules, and employment regulations.
Another concern is book editions. Some retail packages include later non-code references than those named in the PSI bulletin. Candidates must review the latest reference policy and use the listed building code edition.
A good preparation program should use the official content outline, compliant references, practical trade review, and repeated timed practice.
A contractor may know how to repair an entire room, but that does not automatically mean they can find an answer in a seven-book reference library within two minutes. That is why open-book navigation deserves its own study time.
PSI timing: The trade exam allows 120 minutes for 60 questions. Practice an average pace of two minutes per question.
Book preparation: Use approved permanent tabs and highlighting. Do not include unauthorized notes or added papers.
Contractor Exam Preps offers preparation resources for the Alabama Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance specialty examination, including highlighted books, rental options, online course access, and business references.
Edition caution: The Contractor Exam Preps remodeling book packages list some newer technical editions than the January 2026 PSI bulletin. Check reference acceptance with PSI before purchasing books specifically for testing-center use.
Rental terms: Review the refundable deposit, book-return requirements, course access, and order-processing information on the current product page.
Product availability: Pricing, stock status, and package contents can change. Confirm details before purchasing.
This credential-style study illustration features building framing, renovation tools, and Alabama remodeling contractor branding. It is designed for examination preparation, not as an official Alabama-issued license or certificate.
• Alabama Remodeling specialty classification
• General Contractors Board licensing
• PSI contractor examinations
• 60-question trade exam
• 120-minute trade time limit
• 70% passing requirement
• Separate Business and Law examination
• Rough and finish carpentry
• Windows, doors, and siding
• Concrete and masonry
• Drywall and interior finish work
• OSHA construction safety
• 2015 International Building Code
• Contractor business responsibilities
Prepare for both examinations with the correct books, an organized study plan, and repeated timed practice.
Alabama Remodeling Contractor Licensing
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees this specialty classification and the licensing process.
Yes. It is a specialty classification under the General Contractors Board's Building Construction classification structure.
No. The General Contractors Board and Home Builders Licensure Board regulate different construction activities and license categories.
Alabama generally requires General Contractors Board licensing for covered undertakings costing $100,000 or more, subject to exemptions and other licensing requirements.
Yes. New exemptions effective October 1, 2026 cover certain routine or regular maintenance, repair, cleaning, and facility support activities. The Board recommends checking uncertain projects individually.
No. Work must stay within the approved classification and bid limit. Additional licenses may be required for other construction or regulated trade activities.
PSI Remodeling Trade Examination
PSI administers the required contractor examinations under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors testing program.
The current trade examination contains 60 questions.
The trade exam allows 120 minutes, or two hours.
The minimum passing score is 70%, or 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.
Yes. PSI allows approved references that meet current testing rules.
Rough Carpentry and Finish Carpentry each contain 16 questions. Together they account for 32 of the 60 trade questions.
Safety, Windows and Doors, Siding, Drywall, Concrete, and Masonry are the other published subject areas.
Business and Law Examination
Yes. The Board requires the Business and Law exam for prime General Contractor applicants. Confirm your own required examinations with the Board.
The current PSI Business and Law exam contains 50 questions.
The examination allows 120 minutes and requires 70% to pass.
Topics include licensing, estimating, bidding, liens, finances, payroll, taxes, employment, project management, contracts, business organization, insurance, risk, and safety recordkeeping.
The official reference is NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Alabama General, 3rd Edition.
Exam Books and PSI Reference Rules
The January 2026 PSI bulletin lists the 2015 International Building Code.
The official bulletin lists Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 16th Edition. Some retail packages advertise the 17th Edition.
PSI lists Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, 8th Edition, 2015. Check the current testing policy for any alternative edition.
Yes. The bulletin permits approved highlighting, underlining, indexing, and permanent tabs. The books must otherwise remain unmarked.
No. Temporary tabs and Post-it notes are not permitted. Loose or attached additional papers are also prohibited.
Applications and Contractor Exam Preps
Yes. Applicants must follow the Board's application and eligibility process before scheduling the required PSI exams.
The January 2026 PSI bulletin lists $96 per examination for this classification. Confirm current fees when registering.
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors currently lists a $300 Prime Contractor application fee. Verify the current amount when applying.
Yes. The store lists a highlighted and tabbed trade book package and an Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package with trade references, the NASCLA Alabama business book, course access, and application assistance.
The advertised package includes seven trade books, NASCLA Alabama General, 3rd Edition, highlighted and tabbed preparation, one year of course access, and Application Service. Rental and deposit terms apply.
The store asks customers to allow up to 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed remodeling packages. Verify processing and shipping timing before ordering.
No. Passing completes the examination portion. The Board must still approve the application, qualifications, classification, and applicable licensing requirements.
Watch this 1 Exam Prep contractor examination video for practical study guidance on preparing for open-book testing, organizing reference books, and improving exam-day navigation.
Related topic: Alabama contractor licensing exam preparation and open-book reference navigation.
Remodeling exam reminder: This specialty trade exam contains 60 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires 70% to pass.
The video is a supplementary study resource rather than an official PSI examination bulletin.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for books, study packages, and preparation resources. Use the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors and PSI for official licensing classifications, examination requirements, approved references, fees, and applications.
Final examination verification: Confirm the current PSI bulletin, trade and Business and Law exam requirements, reference editions, and test-center restrictions before scheduling.
Business classification: Confirm that Remodeling, Alteration, and Maintenance is the correct classification for your actual experience and planned projects.
2026 exemption reminder: New maintenance-related exemptions became effective October 1, 2026. Contractors should verify whether an exemption applies to their particular work rather than relying only on a project description.
Prepare for the Alabama Remodeling contractor examination with stronger knowledge of rough carpentry, finish carpentry, concrete, masonry, OSHA safety, windows and doors, siding, drywall, and building code navigation.
Build the Business and Law knowledge needed for contractor licensing, including estimating, bidding, contracts, payroll, taxes, financial management, personnel, project management, licensing, and risk.
Practice the 60-question, two-hour PSI trade format and the separate 50-question Business and Law examination. Verify the approved references, learn to navigate your books, and follow the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors requirements.
Contractor Exam Preps offers highlighted and tabbed reference books, remodeling rental packages, business reference materials, and structured study options to support exam preparation.
Find more contractor licensing preparation at ContractorExamPreps.com.
