New Mexico Residential Building
Contractor (GB-2) Practice Exam 100
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which entity licenses GB-2 Residential Building Contractors in New
Mexico?
A. Department of Labor
B. Construction Industries Division (CID)
C. Environmental Protection Agency
D. State Licensing Board
Rationale: CID regulates and licenses contractors in New Mexico.
2. A GB-2 license allows construction on residential buildings of what
maximum number of stories?
A. One story
B. Seven stories
, C. Three stories
D. Unlimited
Rationale: GB-2 covers residential buildings up to 3 stories.
3. What code is primarily used for residential construction in NM?
A. UBC
B. International Residential Code (IRC)
C. NEC only
D. BOCA Code
Rationale: New Mexico has adopted the IRC for residential
structures.
4. A contractor must notify CID of changes to business address within:
A. 90 days
B. 60 days
C. 30 days
D. 10 days
Rationale: State rules require reporting changes within 30 days.
5. Who is responsible for obtaining building permits?
A. Owner only
B. Contractor
C. Real estate agent
D. Architect only
Rationale: Contractor typically pulls permits for work they perform.
, 6. Minimum headroom in stairways:
A. 5'10"
B. 6'2"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'6"
Rationale: IRC requires 6 ft 8 in minimum headroom.
7. Standard live load for sleeping rooms:
A. 20 psf
B. 30 psf
C. 40 psf
D. 50 psf
Rationale: Residential bedroom live load is 30 psf.
8. Minimum width of a residential hallway:
A. 32"
B. 30"
C. 36"
D. 40"
Rationale: IRC requires hallways to be at least 36" wide.
9. Guardrails are required for decks more than:
A. 12" above grade
B. 24"
C. 30"
Contractor (GB-2) Practice Exam 100
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which entity licenses GB-2 Residential Building Contractors in New
Mexico?
A. Department of Labor
B. Construction Industries Division (CID)
C. Environmental Protection Agency
D. State Licensing Board
Rationale: CID regulates and licenses contractors in New Mexico.
2. A GB-2 license allows construction on residential buildings of what
maximum number of stories?
A. One story
B. Seven stories
, C. Three stories
D. Unlimited
Rationale: GB-2 covers residential buildings up to 3 stories.
3. What code is primarily used for residential construction in NM?
A. UBC
B. International Residential Code (IRC)
C. NEC only
D. BOCA Code
Rationale: New Mexico has adopted the IRC for residential
structures.
4. A contractor must notify CID of changes to business address within:
A. 90 days
B. 60 days
C. 30 days
D. 10 days
Rationale: State rules require reporting changes within 30 days.
5. Who is responsible for obtaining building permits?
A. Owner only
B. Contractor
C. Real estate agent
D. Architect only
Rationale: Contractor typically pulls permits for work they perform.
, 6. Minimum headroom in stairways:
A. 5'10"
B. 6'2"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'6"
Rationale: IRC requires 6 ft 8 in minimum headroom.
7. Standard live load for sleeping rooms:
A. 20 psf
B. 30 psf
C. 40 psf
D. 50 psf
Rationale: Residential bedroom live load is 30 psf.
8. Minimum width of a residential hallway:
A. 32"
B. 30"
C. 36"
D. 40"
Rationale: IRC requires hallways to be at least 36" wide.
9. Guardrails are required for decks more than:
A. 12" above grade
B. 24"
C. 30"
