Alabama NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set

Prepare for the Alabama Business and Law examination and the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors with a complete reference-book set covering contractor business practices, project management, building codes, jobsite safety, accessibility, concrete, masonry, roofing, excavation, structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, and other core areas of commercial construction.

This complete book set is designed for Alabama commercial general building contractor candidates who need the listed references for both the state Business and Law examination and the NASCLA commercial building trade examination. The collection brings together the Alabama-specific business reference and the technical publications used to study the broad range of subjects addressed by the NASCLA examination.

The NASCLA examination requires candidates to work with a substantial reference library. Effective preparation involves learning the content of the books while also becoming familiar with their indexes, tables of contents, definitions, charts, illustrations, code sections, and technical tables. Candidates who know where information is located can use their exam time more efficiently than candidates who begin searching through unfamiliar books on test day.

The Alabama Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management supports preparation for the state Business and Law examination. The remaining references cover commercial construction management and technical trade subjects, including estimating, scheduling, contracts, quality control, safety, structural concrete, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, precast concrete, steel decking, steel joists, masonry, carpentry, roofing, excavation, stormwater planning, accessibility, building codes, exterior insulation systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

Passing the NASCLA examination does not automatically issue an Alabama contractor license. Candidates must also complete the Alabama licensing process, pass the required Business and Law examination, and meet the applicable application, financial, qualifying-party, and classification requirements.

Exam Details

This complete book set supports preparation for two distinct examinations connected with Alabama commercial contractor licensing: the Alabama Business and Law examination and the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

The Alabama Business and Law examination focuses on the responsibilities involved in establishing and operating a contracting business in the state. The required Alabama reference addresses subjects such as contractor licensing, business organization, financial management, estimating, bidding, contracts, employment practices, insurance, bonding, taxation, project administration, safety, and other legal and operational responsibilities.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is a broad technical trade examination. Its subject areas reflect the knowledge used to plan, supervise, coordinate, and complete commercial building projects. Candidates should be prepared to work with questions involving general construction, project management, site work, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, building codes, safety, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and environmental responsibilities.

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors determines eligibility for the state licensing examination process. PSI administers the Alabama Business and Law examination. Candidates using a passing NASCLA result for the applicable technical examination requirement must still follow Alabama’s application policies and complete the remaining state requirements.

NASCLA examination results are stored in the National Examination Database. After passing, candidates may send an official transcript to participating licensing agencies. Each agency applies its own licensing rules, so acceptance of the NASCLA examination does not replace a state license application.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book examination. Candidates are responsible for obtaining and bringing the permitted references to the testing location. The testing center does not supply the books.

Open-book testing rewards preparation and reference-navigation skills. The number and size of the books make it difficult to research every answer from the beginning during the examination. Candidates should know which reference applies to each major subject and practice locating information through indexes, chapters, tables, code sections, definitions, and illustrations.

A useful preparation method is to divide the reference set into subject groups. Business and project-management books may be studied together, while technical references can be grouped into areas such as concrete, structural systems, masonry, carpentry, roofing, excavation, safety, accessibility, and building systems. This approach helps candidates associate common question topics with the correct publications.

References brought into the examination must comply with current testing rules. Candidates should review the applicable candidate information bulletin before test day. Loose papers, unauthorized inserts, removable notes, and other prohibited materials should not be placed inside the books.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the appropriate Alabama contractor classification. The classification requested should correspond with the type of commercial construction work the applicant intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying party. The applicant must designate the individual who will qualify the company for the requested classification.
3. Complete the Alabama license application. The business must provide the requested ownership, organizational, financial, qualifying-party, and classification information.
4. Submit the required financial documentation. Applicants must satisfy the financial requirements established for Alabama general contractor licensing.
5. Receive examination eligibility. Eligibility is determined through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors application process.
6. Pass the Alabama Business and Law examination. Prime contractor applicants must complete the state-required examination administered through PSI.
7. Pass the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. A passing NASCLA result may satisfy the applicable technical trade-examination requirement.
8. Transmit the NASCLA result. Candidates may send their transcript to Alabama through the NASCLA National Examination Database when required.
9. Complete the state review process. The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors reviews the application, examination results, financial information, and supporting documentation.
10. Receive the appropriate license before contracting. Applicants must obtain the required Alabama license before performing work that falls within the state’s general contractor licensing law.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates qualifying commercial general contracting activity in the state. Alabama law applies general contractor licensing requirements to covered projects when the total cost of the undertaking, including labor and materials, reaches the threshold established by state law.

A passing examination score is only one part of the licensing process. Applicants must also submit a complete application, identify the appropriate qualifying party, select the proper classification, provide required financial information, and satisfy the Board’s licensing requirements.

All Alabama prime contractor applicants must take the Business and Law examination administered by PSI. Candidates who pass the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination may use that result for the applicable technical trade portion, but they must still complete the Alabama Business and Law examination.

Alabama license applications must be submitted according to the Board’s filing and review schedule. Applications should be complete and supported by all required documentation. Missing financial materials, incomplete forms, or unresolved qualifying-party information may delay review.

The Alabama license is issued through the state Board rather than through NASCLA or PSI. NASCLA provides the accredited trade examination, and PSI administers the Alabama examination program, but the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors makes licensing decisions.

Reference Books

• Alabama Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management, Commercial Contractors
  Required for the Alabama Business and Law examination, this state-specific guide addresses contractor licensing, business organization, financial management, contracts, employment practices, safety, project administration, and related responsibilities.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, jobsite planning, documentation, communication, safety, productivity, coordination, quality control, and day-to-day construction operations.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Reviews project organization, estimating, scheduling, contracts, cost control, risk management, communication, quality, and project closeout.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides requirements and commentary involving structural concrete design, construction, materials, reinforcement, durability, inspection, and quality.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Addresses recommended procedures for receiving, handling, installing, restraining, and bracing metal plate connected wood trusses.
• NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition
  Explains core contractor business practices, project management, financial responsibilities, contracts, insurance, risk, employment, and legal concepts.
• Erectors’ Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Covers precast concrete erection planning, handling, rigging, bracing, alignment, connections, field procedures, and safety.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning – Level 1 Field Fundamentals, 3rd Edition, 2003
  Reviews basic field procedures for handling, placing, stressing, inspecting, and protecting unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Edition, 2016
  Explains steel-deck receiving, storage, placement, fastening, construction loading, field modification, safety, and installation practices.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Covers excavation, grading, trenching, underground utilities, pipe installation, equipment selection, estimating, production, and site safety.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Provides information about gypsum products, wall and ceiling assemblies, fire-resistant systems, installation, finishing, and construction details.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars: Recommended Practices, 10th Edition
  Covers reinforcing-bar identification, supports, placement, splices, tolerances, detailing, field handling, and installation practices.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008
  Provides guidance for receiving, storing, handling, placing, bridging, and erecting steel joists and joist girders.
• Modern Masonry – Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Reviews masonry tools, materials, mortar, layout, brick, concrete block, stone, estimating, construction methods, and safety.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition, Cameron K. Andres and Ronald C. Smith
  Provides broad coverage of commercial construction materials, methods, structural systems, building components, sequencing, and field practices.
• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926, with Latest Available Amendments
  Contains federal occupational safety and health regulations applicable to construction work, equipment, fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, electrical safety, and jobsite operations.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 Student Edition, John L. Feirer and Mark D. Feirer
  Covers building layout, framing, carpentry tools, construction materials, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, interiors, and common building procedures.
• ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2017
  Provides technical accessibility criteria for accessible routes, entrances, rooms, fixtures, controls, communication elements, and building features.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson
  Reviews roofing systems, materials, installation methods, measurements, quantities, estimating, flashing, drainage, and project planning.
• The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, 2018
  Explains concrete materials, preparation, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, testing, quality control, and prevention of common problems.
• Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2nd Edition, 2011
  Introduces sustainable construction, energy efficiency, water conservation, building performance, materials, indoor environmental quality, and responsible site practices.
• International Building Code, 2021 Edition
  Contains commercial building requirements involving occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural provisions, accessibility, and building systems.
• Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites
  Explains stormwater planning, erosion and sediment controls, pollution-prevention practices, inspections, recordkeeping, and construction-site responsibilities.
• ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems and EIFS with Drainage
  Provides requirements involving exterior insulation and finish systems, materials, installation, drainage, flashing, joints, and system performance.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition, 2023
  Covers mechanical, plumbing, fire-protection, electrical, lighting, communications, and building-control systems that construction managers coordinate.

Test Information and Study Materials

A complete reference set gives candidates access to the books used for preparation, but the books are most effective when paired with a disciplined study plan. Begin by reviewing the examination subject areas and matching each subject with its primary reference.

Use the Alabama Contractors’ Guide for state business-law preparation. Study contractor licensing responsibilities, business planning, financial management, contracts, insurance, bonding, employment issues, safety, and project administration. Practice locating answers through the guide’s index and chapter structure.

For the NASCLA examination, divide the technical library into manageable categories. Study concrete references together, followed by masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, site work, safety, accessibility, project management, and building systems. This method helps reinforce the relationship between a question topic and the publication most likely to contain the answer.

Practice timed reference searches. Read a sample question, identify the key subject, select a book, locate the relevant section, and confirm the answer. Repeating this process helps develop the speed and familiarity needed for a large open-book examination.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates organize a large technical library into a practical study system. The complete book set places the Alabama business reference and the NASCLA commercial building references together so students can prepare for both parts of the examination process.

Trade-focused review helps candidates understand how the reference books connect with commercial construction topics such as concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, roofing, excavation, safety, accessibility, project management, and building systems.

Reference-navigation practice helps students recognize important terms, select the correct publication, use indexes effectively, and locate code provisions, technical tables, and construction requirements more efficiently.

An organized preparation structure can also help candidates balance studying with active projects and business responsibilities. Breaking the library into subject areas makes the preparation process more manageable and helps students track their progress.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee a passing score, licensing approval, or examination outcome. The goal is to provide the required books and a clearer framework for preparing confidently and responsibly.

Does this set include the Alabama Business and Law book?

Yes. The set includes the Alabama Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management for Commercial Contractors, which is required for the Alabama Business and Law examination.

Does this set include the NASCLA trade references?

Yes. The set includes the listed technical and project-management references used to prepare for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination.

Is the NASCLA examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may bring approved references that comply with the current examination rules. The testing center does not provide the books.

Does passing the NASCLA exam automatically provide an Alabama license?

No. Candidates must still complete the Alabama licensing process, pass the required Alabama Business and Law examination, and satisfy all applicable application and financial requirements.

Who administers the Alabama Business and Law exam?

PSI administers the Alabama examination program. Examination eligibility is determined through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Why are so many books required?

The NASCLA examination covers a broad range of commercial construction and project-management subjects. Separate publications provide detailed guidance for codes, safety, concrete, masonry, structural systems, roofing, accessibility, excavation, and other specialty areas.

How should I study the book set?

Group the references by subject, learn which book applies to each topic, and practice locating information through indexes, chapter headings, tables, and code sections under timed conditions.

Can I use older editions?

Candidates should use the editions listed in the current examination reference list. Different editions may contain changed code sections, page numbers, technical requirements, or organizational structures.

Are the books supplied at the test center?

No. Candidates are responsible for obtaining and bringing all permitted references to the examination location.

Can I add notes or loose papers to the books?

Books must comply with the current testing rules. Loose papers, removable notes, and unauthorized inserts should not be added. Candidates should review the current candidate bulletin before preparing their references.