Alabama Building Contruction License (under four stories)

• Pre-approval from the board is required for testing. This is done my submitting a completed application.
• General contractors must submit verification of 3 years experience and a financial statement with the completed application.
• Limits are based on the applicants net worth or working capital, whichever the lesser.
• A license is required for any commercial work where the contract is $50,000 or more.
• Please note that this license does not cover residential construction.
• To become a licensed contractor, the General Contractor Business and Law exam must also be passed.

Building Construction under Four Stories (BCU4): Shall include the construction of building structures, including modifications thereof, that do not exceed three stories in height, and any roof structure or component of such structure does not exceed fifty feet in height, which are intended for use for shelter, protection, comfort or convenience. BCU4 shall include the excavation and foundations for buildings and work incidental thereto for buildings less than three stories in height. BCU4 shall include interior nonstructural alterations and repairs to existing buildings exceeding three stories in height. In addition to the above BCU4 shall include the construction of building structures, including modifications thereof exceeding three stories in height on projects but only under the direction and supervision of a General contractor or Construction Manager licensed under Building Construction.

• The Alabama Building Construction (under four stories) Exam has 90 and a time limit of 230 minutes.
• A 70% is required to pass.
• Topics on the exam include sitework, footings and foundation, concrete and concrete reinforcement, metals, masonry, carpentry, roofing, general code and construction knowledge, associated trades, and OSHA.
• The fee for the exam is $96.
• To schedule your exam, you must first obtain pre-approval from the board. Then, contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267.

The following references are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with a permanent index tab) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-952-0910. 

• 2006 International Building Code
• 2006 International Residential Code 
• OSHA Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926
• Carpentry and Building Construction
• Guide to Good Practice for Wood Trusses
• Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete
• Modern Masonry
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
• Gypsum Construction Handbook
• Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joists Girders
• Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
• ACI 530-05 - Building Code Requirements for Masony Structures
• ACI 318-08 - Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary

We offer review for the Alabama Building Construction Exam through 1 ½ day seminar or in a home study/ online course format. The fee for the online class is $149.  The program takes you through each one of the reference books that the exam is based on showing you exactly what to highlight. After your highlighting is completed with each book, you have the option take an online practice test to reinforce concepts presented. Also, there is an extensive math and plans analysis portion. The program narrated and animated.   For more information, or to order, contact our office at 1-800-952-0910.

Online Class Price: $149
Seminar Price: $445