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National Contractors License Bureau
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State Test Contents

A - General Engineering

The Examination is divided into several major sections. Note that all percentages are estimations. These sections are:

  1. Estimation, Plans, and Specifications (20%)
    • Plans and specifications
    • Estimation
    • Standards, codes, & regulations
    • General building mathematics

  2. Principles of Structures (8%)
    • Structural framing
    • Seismic safety
    • Basic engineering

  3. Safety (18%)
    • Worker and site safety
    • Traffic control
    • Environmental impact

  4. Earthwork and Surveying (15%)
    • Earthwork
    • Soils and geology
    • Surveying
    • Site preparation

  5. Subsurface Work (20%)
    • Shoring and scaffolding
    • Permanent and temporary piling
    • Waterproofing
    • Utilities
    • Tunneling, drilling, and boring
    • Drainage and water work
    • Trenching and pipeline
    • Sewers, water, and storm drain systems

  6. Foundation and Form Work (9%)
    • Concrete principles and placement
    • Forms and falsework
    • Foundations

  7. Buildings and Related Work (5%)
    • Industrial plants
    • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
    • Masonry
    • Painting and coating
    • Demolition

  8. Surface Work and Paving (5%)
    • Highways and roads
    • Parking lots