30

Residential Builder Technical Questions

75M

Technical Exam Time Limit

70%

Passing Score for Both Exams

2015

IRC Edition on Technical Outline

Important Arkansas residential licensing note: The current standard Residential Builder application requires an Arkansas Contractor Business and Law passing score, unless an applicable exception applies. PSI also publishes a separate 30-question Residential Builder technical examination, but applicants should not assume they must take both. Confirm your individual examination requirements directly with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board before scheduling or paying for testing. The technical examination outline and the license application serve different purposes.

What Is an Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor?

An Arkansas Residential Builder is a contractor licensed to perform or supervise qualifying residential building construction within the scope established by state law.

This typically includes construction of a single-family residence and may include remodeling of an existing single-family home.

Residential builders coordinate many different construction activities. They review plans, prepare schedules, supervise work, order materials, manage subcontractors, and monitor safety and quality.

A home might begin with clearing and grading the site. Then workers prepare footings, foundations, slabs, floors, and framing.

After the structure is established, contractors coordinate roofing, exterior walls, windows, doors, insulation, mechanical systems, interior finishes, and inspections.

Each step affects the next. A framing mistake can create trouble for roofing or interior finishes. Poor site drainage can cause expensive foundation problems long after a house is complete.

Arkansas law generally requires the Residential Builders License for constructing a single-family residence costing more than $2,000, including labor and materials, unless an exemption applies.

Residential Builder licensing differs from Residential Remodeler licensing and residential specialty contracting. Applicants should choose the credential that matches the actual work they plan to perform.

The standard new-license application calls for four years of appropriate construction experience, supported by three references familiar with the applicant's work.

It also lists a positive-net-worth financial statement, business documents, applicable workers' compensation evidence, a filing fee, and the required Business and Law score.

Passing an examination alone does not issue a contractor license. The Residential Contractors Committee must review and approve the complete application.

Official credential: Arkansas Residential Builders License.

Licensing body: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and Residential Contractors Committee.

General project threshold: More than $2,000 for qualifying single-family residence construction, subject to exemptions.

Standard experience path: Four years of appropriate construction experience and three references.

Business and Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass.

PSI technical exam: 30 questions, 75 minutes, 21 correct to pass when required.

Review the Arkansas Residential Builders licensing instructions.

Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Licensing Path

Use this checklist to prepare for the official Arkansas licensing process.

Step Requirement What to Verify
Choose the License Residential Builder Confirm that your intended work matches single-family residential building rather than remodeling-only or specialty contracting.
Read the Application Official Checklist Review the current Residential Builder application and required documents.
Document Experience Four-Year Standard Route Prepare evidence of appropriate commercial or residential building experience.
Obtain References Three Construction References Use individuals who have observed the work and can explain your experience.
Organize Business Information Entity Records Gather legal business and ownership details, plus Secretary of State records when applicable.
Prepare Financial Records Positive Net Worth Review the current compiled balance sheet requirements and exclusions.
Verify Workers' Compensation When Applicable Provide required documentation if the applicant has employees.
Confirm Required Testing Board Determination Verify whether you need Business and Law only or the separate technical exam as well.
Prepare for Business and Law Arkansas NASCLA Guide Use the Arkansas 8th Edition and the PSI 50-question outline.
Prepare Technical References If Technical Testing Applies Use the 2015 IRC and other approved books.
Complete Required Examinations PSI Follow PSI registration, testing, and identification procedures.
Submit the Application Board Review Submit required forms, references, financial documents, test results, and fees.
Receive License Approval Residential Contractors Committee Wait for issuance before performing work that requires the license.

Arkansas Residential Builder 2026 Exam Snapshot

The Residential Builder technical figures come from PSI's published content outline. The Business and Law figures come from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board PSI bulletin.

Exam Information Authority Current Detail
State Arkansas Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Residential Licensing Authority State Residential Contractors Committee
License Category State Residential Builder
Testing Provider PSI Arkansas Contractor Licensure Examination Program
Residential Builder Technical Questions PSI 30 scored questions
Technical Exam Duration PSI 75 minutes
Technical Passing Score PSI 21 correct, 70%
General Carpentry PSI 3 questions
Concrete and Reinforcement PSI 5 questions
Estimating and Plan Reading PSI 2 questions
Masonry PSI 6 questions
Roofing PSI 6 questions
Site Work, Footings and Foundations PSI 5 questions
OSHA Safety PSI 3 questions
Technical Exam IRC PSI International Residential Code, 2015 Edition
Technical Exam Format PSI Open book using approved references
Business and Law Questions PSI 50
Business and Law Duration PSI 120 minutes
Business and Law Passing Score PSI 35 correct, 70%
Business and Law Reference PSI NASCLA Contractors Guide, Arkansas 8th Edition
Technical Exam Applicability Board Confirm with the Board for the applicant's specific licensing path
Standard Experience Application Four years appropriate construction experience
Required References Application Three qualifying construction references
Application Fee 2024 Application $100, verify current fee schedule
PSI Examination Fee PSI Bulletin $84 per examination registration, verify checkout
Testing Calculator PSI Online calculator provided; personal calculators prohibited
Business and Law Requirement Application Passing result required unless an applicable exception applies

PSI technical exam: 30 scored questions, 75 minutes, 21 correct to pass. Confirm whether this test applies to your application.

Arkansas Business and Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass. The standard Residential Builder application identifies this passing score.

Technical code edition: The PSI outline lists the 2015 International Residential Code.

Reference caution: Commercial study packages may contain later editions of non-code books. Code questions are based on the listed 2015 IRC, so verify the complete current PSI reference list.

Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Breakdown

The published PSI Residential Builder technical exam contains seven subject categories totaling 30 scored questions.

Masonry contains six questions. Study brick, concrete block, stone, mortar, masonry walls, support, veneer, joints, and moisture protection.

Roofing also contains six questions. Review roofing materials, roof assemblies, ventilation, flashing, drainage, weather protection, and roof-related construction methods.

Concrete and Reinforcement contains five questions. Review concrete materials, mixing, placement, reinforcement, finishing, curing, protection, and quality control.

Site Work, Footings and Foundations contains five questions. Study grading, drainage, excavations, bearing conditions, footings, slabs, foundation walls, and structural support.

These four categories account for 22 of the 30 scored questions. That makes them especially important for technical exam preparation.

General Carpentry contains three questions. Review framing members, floor systems, walls, roof construction, stairs, tools, fasteners, and building materials.

OSHA Safety contains three questions. Study fall hazards, ladders, scaffolding, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, tools, and safe jobsite operations.

Estimating and Plan Reading contains two questions. Practice reading dimensions, understanding construction symbols, measuring quantities, and estimating material needs.

For Arkansas residential licensing, candidates must also understand the separate Business and Law examination.

That examination covers state contractor rules, contracts, estimating, insurance, bonding, financial management, labor laws, tax laws, liens, safety reporting, and project administration.

Residential builders should be comfortable with both construction knowledge and business responsibilities. A house can be framed beautifully, but contracts, scheduling, and insurance still matter.

Always confirm which examinations the Board actually requires for your specific application before paying registration fees.

SEO TopicArkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Prep
Official LicenseArkansas Residential Builders License
Licensing BodyResidential Contractors Committee
Administrative BoardArkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Testing ProviderPSI
Technical ExamResidential Builder, when applicable
Technical Scored Questions30
Technical Exam Time75 minutes
Technical Passing Score21 correct, 70%
Technical Exam FormatOpen book
Listed IRC Code2015 Edition
Masonry6 questions
Roofing6 questions
Concrete and Reinforcement5 questions
Site Work and Foundations5 questions
General Carpentry3 questions
OSHA Safety3 questions
Estimating and Plan Reading2 questions
Business and Law Questions50
Business and Law Time120 minutes
Business and Law Passing35 correct, 70%
Business ReferenceNASCLA Contractors Guide, Arkansas 8th Edition
Typical ExperienceFour years appropriate construction experience
Construction ReferencesThree
Application FinancialsPositive net worth and appropriate balance sheet
Residential Building ThresholdGenerally over $2,000, subject to statutory exemptions
Business and Law PrepArkansas Complete Pass Package

How to Study for the Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam

Begin by confirming your licensing requirements with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

Next, organize the materials for the examination you actually need to pass. If technical testing applies, use the PSI Residential Builder outline. For the standard Business and Law requirement, use the Arkansas NASCLA business guide.

Residential Building Code: Learn the 2015 IRC chapters covering building planning, structural systems, foundations, floors, walls, and roof construction.

Masonry: Study masonry materials, mortar, brick veneer, block construction, flashing, wall support, and joint requirements.

Roofing: Review roof materials, installation practices, weather protection, roof framing, ventilation, flashing, and drainage.

Concrete: Practice concrete placement, reinforcement, finishing, curing, and quality control.

Foundations: Study excavation, footings, foundation walls, slabs, grading, drainage, and load transfer.

Carpentry: Review floor joists, wall studs, rafters, roof trusses, stairs, openings, fasteners, and basic construction methods.

Safety: Study OSHA requirements involving ladders, scaffolds, fall exposure, excavation, equipment, and personal protective equipment.

Estimating: Practice reading plans and understanding quantities, measurements, materials, and labor costs.

Business and Law: Review contracts, Arkansas contractor rules, estimating, taxes, insurance, bonding, finance, employment laws, liens, and project management.

For technical construction books, consider the Arkansas Residential Builder Highlighted and Tabbed Reference Package.

For the Business and Law examination, use the Arkansas Business and Law Online Exam Prep Course with the appropriate Arkansas NASCLA reference.

Residential Construction, Foundations, Framing, and Roof Systems

A residential builder must understand how the main parts of a house work together. Foundations support the structure, walls carry loads, roof systems protect the building, and drainage helps prevent water problems.

Roofing • framing • concrete • masonry • drainage

Simplified residential building construction and structural support diagram.

  • Understand the foundation: Learn how footings, slabs, and walls support the building.
  • Study load paths: Recognize how roof and floor loads move through structural components.
  • Review framing: Identify studs, joists, rafters, trusses, headers, and connections.
  • Study roofing: Review flashing, roof coverings, drainage, and protection from weather.
  • Practice masonry: Understand block, brick, veneer, mortar, and support.
  • Review sitework: Study grading, drainage, excavation, and foundation preparation.
  • Use approved books: Practice finding the correct reference for each construction question.

Your Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Licensing Roadmap

Eight practical steps from residential construction experience to license application.

1

Choose the Correct Residential License

Review whether the Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, or a residential specialty classification matches your work.

2

Review the Official Application

Check the current Residential Contractors Committee instructions, fees, required forms, and submission schedule.

3

Document Experience and References

Prepare four years of appropriate construction experience and three qualifying references under the standard application path.

4

Prepare Financial and Business Documents

Organize your business registration, required positive-net-worth financial information, and workers' compensation documents when applicable.

5

Confirm Which PSI Exams Apply

Verify the required Business and Law examination and whether the Residential Builder technical examination applies to your application.

6

Study Approved Reference Materials

Prepare the Arkansas NASCLA business guide and, when necessary, the 2015 IRC and technical construction reference books.

7

Pass Your Required Examination

Take the applicable PSI exam or exams and retain the passing score report for your application.

8

Submit and Maintain Your License

Complete Board review, receive your license, and follow applicable renewal and compliance rules.

Arkansas Residential Builder Official Technical Exam Topic Weighting

The PSI Residential Builder technical content outline contains seven categories totaling 30 scored questions. These weights apply to the technical examination only, not the separate 50-question Business and Law exam.

Masonry6 questions • 20%

Roofing6 questions • 20%

Concrete and Reinforcement5 questions • 16.7%

Site Work, Footings and Foundations5 questions • 16.7%

General Carpentry3 questions • 10%

OSHA Safety3 questions • 10%

Estimating and Plan Reading2 questions • 6.7%

Official technical total: 30 scored questions.

Highest-weight topics: Masonry and Roofing contain six questions each.

Top four categories: Masonry, Roofing, Concrete and Reinforcement, and Site Work / Footings / Foundations total 22 questions, approximately 73.3% of the technical exam.

Licensing reminder: Confirm that the technical examination applies to your specific Residential Builder application before registering.

Arkansas Residential Builder Exam Reference Books

These references support Arkansas Residential Builder technical preparation and the separate Business and Law examination. The PSI outline and product packages may list different editions of non-code books.

Reference Book Edition Purpose
International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings 2015 Residential building planning, foundations, floors, framing, walls, roof systems, openings, and code requirements.
Carpentry and Building Construction 2010 or 2016 Student Edition Framing, materials, tools, layout, stairs, openings, and residential construction practices.
The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction 3rd Edition, 2005, in PSI outline Concrete materials, reinforcement, placement, finishing, curing, and quality.
Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone 8th Edition in PSI outline Masonry materials, mortar, brick, block, stone, veneers, support, and installation methods.
OSHA Construction Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 Latest amendments or approved PSI selections Falls, ladders, scaffolding, excavation, tools, personal protection, and jobsite hazards.
NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas 8th Edition The separate Arkansas Business and Law examination.
Arkansas Residential Builder Highlighted and Tabbed Package Includes later non-code concrete and masonry editions Five prepared technical study books. Verify the actual books against the current PSI reference policy.
Arkansas Business and Law Complete Pass Package Arkansas NASCLA 8th Edition-based Highlighted reference, flash cards, and online course for business and law study.

Code edition: The PSI technical outline bases code questions on the 2015 IRC.

Non-code editions: PSI allows candidates to base answers on later editions of non-code references as they become available, subject to the current examination rules.

Store bundle distinction: Contractor Exam Preps lists the 4th Edition concrete guide and the 10th Edition Modern Masonry in its prepared five-book technical package, while PSI's printed outline names older editions.

Separate Business and Law book: The NASCLA Contractors Guide, Arkansas 8th Edition, is not part of the five-book technical package.

How to Prepare for Arkansas's Open-Book Contractor Exams

The Arkansas PSI technical and Business and Law examinations are open book with specific approved references.

That does not mean every study guide or printed note may enter the testing room. Follow the exact PSI reference rules.

Build These Habits

  • Confirm your required examination path.
  • Use the official PSI bulletin.
  • Review the 2015 IRC.
  • Learn the book indexes.
  • Prepare compliant permanent tabs.
  • Study masonry and roofing.
  • Practice foundations and concrete.
  • Review carpentry and framing.
  • Read OSHA construction rules.
  • Practice Arkansas Business and Law.
  • Complete timed reference lookups.
  • Review missed questions.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Scheduling an unnecessary technical exam.
  • Using the wrong IRC edition.
  • Bringing removable tabs.
  • Adding loose study notes to books.
  • Writing in reference books during testing.
  • Bringing unapproved books.
  • Bringing a personal calculator.
  • Ignoring Arkansas contractor rules.
  • Skipping financial management.
  • Studying only framing.
  • Spending too long on one lookup.
  • Assuming exam passage creates a license.

Reference markings: PSI permits approved materials to be highlighted, underlined, annotated, or indexed before testing. Candidates may not add markings during the exam.

Tabs: Only permanent tabs meeting PSI's rules are allowed.

Calculator: PSI provides an online calculator. Candidates may not bring their own.

Preparation tip: Practice selecting the correct reference book before searching for the answer.

What Can an Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Do?

An Arkansas Residential Builder may undertake qualifying single-family residence construction within the license scope established by the Residential Contractors Committee.

The state also recognizes remodeling of a single-family residence as work allowed under the Residential Builders License.

Residential construction involves coordinating many different building systems.

Builders may plan the project, prepare estimates, manage schedules, order materials, and supervise approved subcontractors.

Residential projects often include site preparation, footings, foundations, slabs, framing, roof systems, siding, windows, doors, insulation, and finishes.

Contractors must also understand permits, inspections, safe working conditions, and workmanship standards.

A builder's responsibilities extend beyond the physical work. Project management includes tracking expenses, handling contracts, communicating with customers, and maintaining documentation.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other regulated trades may require separately licensed or qualified professionals.

A Residential Builder license does not remove those specialty requirements.

Applicants should also understand the difference between Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, and residential specialty contractor credentials.

Arkansas law provides certain exemptions, including specific owner-builder situations and projects not exceeding the statutory monetary threshold. Contractors should not assume an exemption applies without reviewing the law.

The license is issued after the Board or Committee determines that the applicant has met the applicable experience, financial, testing, and application requirements.

Primary scope: Qualifying single-family residence construction.

Additional scope: Remodeling of a single-family residence within state rules.

Separate regulation: Specialized electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other regulated work may need additional credentials.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee.

Arkansas Residential Contractor License and Examination Comparison

Arkansas residential licenses and contractor examinations serve different purposes.

Credential or Examination Authority Main Purpose Important Difference
Residential Builder License Residential Contractors Committee Qualifying single-family home construction The standard application specifically lists the Arkansas Business and Law passing result.
Residential Remodeler License Residential Contractors Committee Qualifying residential remodeling Different scope and application requirements.
Residential Specialty Contractor Residential Contractors Committee Specified residential construction trades Limited to the approved specialty classification.
PSI Residential Builder Technical Exam PSI Residential construction technical knowledge 30 questions, 75 minutes, 21 correct. Confirm whether required for your path.
Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Exam PSI Arkansas contractor business responsibilities 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct. Standard builder application lists this score.
Commercial Contractor License Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board Qualifying commercial construction Separate license and project threshold rules.
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam NASCLA and PSI Commercial general building trade examination Different test from Arkansas Residential Builder technical and Business and Law exams.

Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Licensing Requirements

Construction Experience

Standard Application Path
  • Four years appropriate construction experience
  • Three qualifying construction references
  • Relevant residential or commercial building experience
  • Documented project responsibilities
  • Accurate work descriptions
  • Business information
  • Committee review
  • Required application forms

Application and Financial Records

Residential Contractors Committee
  • $100 fee listed in the application
  • Completed application
  • Positive-net-worth financial documentation
  • Business entity filings when applicable
  • Workers' compensation proof when required
  • Required test score report
  • Experience references
  • Committee approval
  • Ongoing renewal compliance

Technical testing: PSI maintains a separate Residential Builder exam. Verify with the Board whether you must take it.

Timing: The published application instructs applicants to submit the completed application three weeks before the relevant committee meeting.

Financial records: Follow the current application and committee requirements rather than relying on a generic contractor licensing checklist.

Six-Week Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Prep Plan

A practical schedule covering technical construction knowledge, Arkansas Business and Law, and open-book reference navigation.

Week 1

License Requirements and Reference Setup

  • Read the Residential Builder application
  • Confirm required exams
  • Review PSI outlines
  • Organize approved books
  • Study the 2015 IRC
  • Practice code lookups
Week 2

Masonry and Roofing

  • Review brick and block systems
  • Study mortar and veneer
  • Review roofing materials
  • Study flashing and drainage
  • Practice masonry questions
  • Complete timed roofing practice
Week 3

Concrete, Sitework, and Foundations

  • Review concrete materials
  • Study reinforcement
  • Practice finishing and curing topics
  • Review excavation and grading
  • Study footings and foundations
  • Practice sitework questions
Week 4

Carpentry, Plans, and OSHA

  • Study floors and walls
  • Review rafters and roof trusses
  • Practice plan reading
  • Review material quantities
  • Study fall protection
  • Review ladders and excavation safety
Week 5

Arkansas Business and Law

  • Review contractor rules
  • Practice contract questions
  • Study estimating and bidding
  • Review insurance and bonding
  • Study liens, tax, and labor rules
  • Complete business-law practice tests
Week 6

Timed Testing and Final Review

  • Complete 30-question technical drills if needed
  • Complete 50-question Business and Law drills
  • Review incorrect answers
  • Improve reference lookup speed
  • Check permanent tabs
  • Confirm exam appointments

How Hard Is the Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam?

The PSI Residential Builder technical examination can be challenging because it covers several construction trades in a short testing period.

Candidates have 75 minutes for 30 scored questions. That averages only two and a half minutes per question.

The test includes masonry, roofing, concrete, foundations, carpentry, OSHA safety, and plan reading.

Builders who have strong experience in one trade may need extra study in another. A skilled framer, for example, might know roof construction very well but need more practice with masonry or concrete.

Masonry and roofing are the largest technical categories. Together, they account for 40% of the scored examination.

Concrete and sitework also deserve significant attention.

The exam is open book, but candidates still need to locate the correct reference quickly.

For Arkansas Business and Law, the challenge is different. Candidates must understand contracts, insurance, estimating, licensing rules, financial management, liens, taxes, and project administration.

The Business and Law examination has 50 questions and allows two hours.

Many candidates benefit from using a highlighted and tabbed Arkansas NASCLA guide during their preparation.

Practice questions are useful because they reveal weak areas before test day.

If you miss a question, return to the relevant chapter and learn why the correct answer applies.

Remember that the official Residential Builder license application specifically names the Business and Law score, while the technical examination requires an individual applicability check with the Board.

Preparation should match the examinations you actually need.

The goal is not to turn your study desk into a second lumberyard. It is to know your subjects, organize your books, and use your time carefully.

Arkansas Residential Builder PSI Exam Day Checklist

Do This

  • Confirm the exact exam required by the Board.
  • Check your PSI appointment.
  • Arrive 30 minutes early.
  • Bring valid identification.
  • Use only approved reference books.
  • Review the 2015 IRC if taking the technical exam.
  • Prepare permanent tabs.
  • Practice technical topic lookups.
  • Study Arkansas contractor rules.
  • Review Business and Law questions.
  • Practice timed exam sessions.
  • Save your PSI score report.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Assuming both exams are always required.
  • Bringing the wrong code edition.
  • Using removable tabs.
  • Adding loose pages to references.
  • Writing in books during testing.
  • Bringing a personal calculator.
  • Using unapproved study materials.
  • Forgetting required identification.
  • Ignoring Arkansas Business and Law.
  • Spending too long on one question.
  • Confusing Residential Builder and Remodeler exams.
  • Assuming a passing score automatically issues a license.

Identification: The PSI bulletin requires one valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification document meeting the testing requirements.

Calculator: PSI provides an online calculator. Personal calculators are not allowed.

Scoring: PSI provides examination results following completion.

After passing: Complete the application and wait for the Residential Contractors Committee's licensing decision.

Arkansas Residential Builder Exam Prep Options from Contractor Exam Preps

Contractor Exam Preps provides Arkansas residential construction study books and separate Business and Law preparation resources.

Choose the product that matches your required exam or your technical study goal.

Arkansas Business and Law Complete Pass Package

Prepared Arkansas Guide + Flash Cards + Online Course
  • Arkansas NASCLA Business and Law reference
  • Highlighted and tabbed study book
  • Business and Law flash cards
  • Online Arkansas Business and Law course
  • Contractor licensing rules
  • Contracts and agreements
  • Estimating and bidding
  • Insurance and bonding
  • Finance and project management
  • Arkansas lien laws
  • Practice-oriented preparation
  • Separate from technical construction books

View Arkansas Business and Law Complete Pass Package

Arkansas Business and Law Online Exam Prep

Self-Paced Contractor Licensing Study
  • Arkansas contractor laws
  • Business organization
  • Contract obligations
  • Estimating and bidding
  • Insurance and risk management
  • Financial responsibilities
  • Labor and employment rules
  • Tax obligations
  • Project administration
  • Arkansas lien laws
  • Exam-style study
  • Reference book sold separately unless stated otherwise

View Arkansas Business and Law Online Course

Practice questions: The Arkansas Business and Law Online Practice Questions provide a separate review option.

All Arkansas products: Browse the Arkansas Contractor Exam Prep Collection.

Important distinction: The highlighted residential technical book package does not include the Arkansas NASCLA Business and Law reference.

Before ordering: Confirm your examination requirement, book editions, product contents, current prices, stock, and shipping times.

ARKANSAS RESIDENTIAL BUILDER CONTRACTOR EXAM PREP Study illustration • Not a state-issued license

Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Prep

This Arkansas-specific credential-style illustration features an Arkansas outline, residential home framing, roof structure, concrete foundation, hammer, and construction plans.

The graphic represents residential contractor examination preparation, not an official license or certification issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

• Arkansas Residential Builders License

• Residential Contractors Committee

• PSI contractor examinations

• 30-question technical exam when applicable

• 75-minute technical examination

• 21 correct technical answers to pass

• Arkansas Business and Law

• 50-question Business and Law exam

• 120-minute Business and Law exam

• 35 correct Business and Law answers to pass

• 2015 International Residential Code

• Residential masonry

• Roofing systems

• Concrete and reinforcement

• Sitework and foundations

• General carpentry and framing

• OSHA construction safety

• Construction plans and estimating

• Business licensing and contracts

• Financial and insurance requirements

Use the Board's official application to determine which exams and documents apply to your licensing path.

Explore Arkansas Builder Exam Prep Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Residential Builder Licensing

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and its Residential Contractors Committee oversee the licensing program.

Arkansas generally requires this license to construct a single-family residence when the project cost exceeds $2,000 including labor and materials, unless a statutory exemption applies.

Yes. Arkansas states that a Residential Builders License also permits remodeling of a single-family residence within its authorized scope.

No. They are separate residential contractor licensing paths with different scopes and application considerations.

Arkansas law provides a limited owner-builder exemption for constructing one's own residence, subject to its conditions. Review the statute before assuming an exemption applies.

PSI Residential Builder Technical Exam

Yes. PSI publishes a Residential Builder content outline with 30 scored questions and a 75-minute time limit.

Do not assume so. The standard Residential Builder application explicitly requires the Arkansas Business and Law passing result. Confirm whether a separate technical exam applies to your individual route with the Board.

The official PSI content outline lists 30 scored questions.

The time limit is 75 minutes.

The PSI outline requires 21 correct answers out of 30, or 70%.

Yes. Candidates may use PSI-approved references under the testing-center rules.

Masonry and Roofing each contain six questions, or 20% of the scored examination.

Yes. Concrete and Reinforcement contains five questions, while Site Work, Footings and Foundations contains another five.

Yes. The Residential Builder technical outline assigns three questions to OSHA Safety.

Arkansas Contractor Business and Law

The standard Residential Builder application specifically lists the passing score for Arkansas Contractor Business and Law unless an applicable exception applies.

The PSI exam has 50 questions.

Candidates receive 120 minutes.

You must answer 35 out of 50 questions correctly, which equals 70%.

The approved reference is the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas 8th Edition.

Study Arkansas rules, contracts, estimating, bidding, insurance, bonding, finance, project management, labor, taxes, liens, and OSHA reporting.

Residential Code and Reference Books

The PSI Residential Builder outline lists the 2015 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.

Do not assume so. PSI says code questions are based on the listed code edition. Verify the current outline before testing.

Carpentry and Building Construction, 2010 or 2016 Student Edition.

The printed technical outline identifies The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 3rd Edition. PSI permits later editions of non-code references under its stated policy.

Yes. PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, annotated, or indexed before the examination, subject to its rules.

No. PSI permits permanent tabs but prohibits temporary tabs such as Post-it notes.

No. PSI provides an online calculator during the examination.

Experience, Application, and Fees

The standard Residential Builder application requires references supporting four years of appropriate construction experience.

The standard application requires three references from people familiar with the applicant's construction experience.

Yes. The published application lists a current compiled balance sheet and positive net worth. Follow the latest committee instructions and applicable rules.

The standard application requires workers' compensation evidence if the applicant has one or more employees, subject to applicable rules.

The published application lists a $100 nonrefundable filing fee. Check the current state fee schedule before submission.

The published PSI Arkansas contractor candidate bulletin lists $84 per examination registration. Confirm current pricing with PSI.

No. The Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee must still review the complete application and required supporting documents.

Contractor Exam Preps Products

It contains five prepared technical references: 2015 IRC, OSHA construction regulations, Carpentry and Building Construction, The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, and Modern Masonry.

Yes. The Arkansas Residential Builder package includes professional highlighting and permanent reference tabs.

No. The Arkansas NASCLA Business and Law reference is sold separately or offered through a different package.

The product includes a highlighted and tabbed Arkansas NASCLA guide, business and law flash cards, and an online preparation course.

Yes. The Arkansas Business and Law Online Practice Questions product provides a separate study option.

No. Study products support preparation but do not guarantee examination results, application approval, or licensing.

Watch: Contractor Exam Prep Made Easy by 1 Exam Prep

Watch this 1 Exam Prep video introducing contractor license preparation, study books, courses, and exam readiness. It is also featured on the 1 Exam Prep Arkansas Residential Builder information page. Use it as a general preparation introduction, then follow Arkansas's current PSI technical outline and the official Business and Law requirements for specific exam details.

Video: Contractor Exam Prep Made Easy.

Channel: 1Exam Prep.

Related topics: Contractor license preparation, study guides, exam courses, practice questions, and organizing your licensing study plan.

Arkansas-specific testing: PSI publishes a 30-question Residential Builder technical exam and a separate 50-question Business and Law examination.

Licensing reminder: Confirm with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board which examination or examinations apply to your application.

Watch Contractor Exam Prep Made Easy on YouTube.

Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Prep Resources

Use Contractor Exam Preps for technical books and Arkansas Business and Law preparation. Use the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and PSI for current licensing and examination requirements.

Arkansas technical exam: 30 scored questions, 75 minutes, 21 correct to pass, if required for the candidate's application.

Arkansas Business and Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 35 correct to pass.

Technical code reference: 2015 International Residential Code.

Business and Law reference: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas 8th Edition.

Licensing distinction: The Board's standard Residential Builder application specifically calls for the Business and Law passing score.

Before purchasing: Verify the current reference editions, exam applicability, fees, and licensing requirements directly with the Board and PSI.

Ready for Arkansas Residential Builder Contractor Exam Prep?

Prepare for Arkansas residential construction responsibilities with stronger knowledge of roofing, masonry, concrete, site preparation, footings, foundations, carpentry, framing, OSHA safety, estimating, and plan reading.

Study the PSI Residential Builder technical examination if it applies to your licensing path. Its published content outline contains 30 scored questions, a 75-minute time limit, and a 70% passing requirement.

Give masonry, roofing, concrete, and foundations extra attention because these categories make up most of the technical examination.

Prepare for the separate Arkansas Contractor Business and Law examination. This test contains 50 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires 35 correct answers.

Review Arkansas contractor rules, contracts, insurance, bonding, estimating, finance, labor, tax, liens, and project management.

Remember that the standard Residential Builder application specifically requires the Business and Law result, while applicants should confirm whether technical testing is also required for their situation.

Contractor Exam Preps offers highlighted and tabbed Arkansas residential construction books, Arkansas NASCLA Business and Law packages, online courses, and practice questions.

Choose study materials that match your required exam. Practice using approved references, review incorrect answers, and make a steady study schedule.

Then complete the licensing process with appropriate experience, construction references, financial records, required examination results, and final committee approval.

Good preparation helps you understand both sides of contracting: building a home correctly and managing a construction business responsibly.

Find more contractor exam preparation resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.