Arizona NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set

The Arizona NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set is built for contractor candidates preparing for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors as part of the Arizona commercial general contractor licensing path. This complete book set brings together the major references used to study commercial construction, building code requirements, OSHA safety, project management, jobsite management, concrete, masonry, structural systems, roofing, steel deck, wood trusses, accessibility, stormwater pollution prevention, finishes, mechanical and electrical systems, and business management.

The NASCLA commercial general building contractor exam is widely used by participating licensing agencies as a trade examination for commercial general building contractor candidates. In Arizona, applicants applying for B-1 or B-2 General Commercial classifications may choose the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors instead of the Arizona ROC General Commercial trade exam. This product is focused on the NASCLA commercial general building contractor exam path.

Commercial general building work requires broad construction knowledge. Candidates should be prepared to study estimating, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, glazing, finishes, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, procurement, contracting, business responsibilities, and project coordination. This book set supports preparation across the full exam outline with the references needed for open-book study and exam-day lookup.

The NASCLA exam is an open-book examination, but success requires more than bringing books to the testing center. Candidates need to know how each reference is organized, where key information is located, and how to use the indexes, tables, diagrams, and standards under time pressure. A complete book set gives you the foundation, but organized study, highlighting, permanent tabs, and repeated timed lookup practice help turn the books into useful exam tools.

This Arizona NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set is especially useful for qualifying parties, commercial general contractors, construction managers, business owners, project managers, superintendents, estimators, and builders preparing to meet the trade-exam portion of the Arizona licensing process.

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors contains 115 questions. Candidates are allowed 5-1/2 hours to complete the exam, and the minimum passing score is 81 correct answers.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• General Requirements
• Site Construction
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood
• Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Doors, Windows, and Glazing
• Finishes
• Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Procurement and Contracting Requirements

The exam may include questions based on listed references, trade knowledge, and general construction industry practices. Code questions are based on the code edition listed for the examination. For non-code references, candidates may study from later editions as they become available, but edition differences can affect how a topic is presented, so candidates should prepare from the references required for their exam whenever possible.

The exam measures broad commercial construction knowledge rather than a single specialty trade. Candidates should understand how a commercial project is planned, estimated, contracted, scheduled, managed, built, inspected, and closed out. The questions may require practical construction knowledge, code lookup, reference navigation, plan interpretation, project coordination, and management judgment.

Because the exam is timed, candidates should practice pacing. With 115 questions and 5-1/2 hours, candidates have less than three minutes per question on average. Some questions may be answered from knowledge, while others require looking up information in the correct reference. A strong preparation plan includes learning when to answer immediately, when to look up a question, and when to mark a question and return later.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center. The references are not provided at the testing center.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination session. They must otherwise be unmarked and may not contain additional papers, whether loose or attached. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the examination.

References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are the type of tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, including removable sticky notes or Post-It style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Candidates may use a silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator in the examination center. A physical diagram or blueprint packet may also be issued at the testing center for use during the exam.

Because this is an open-book exam with a large reference set, organization is a major part of preparation. Candidates should become familiar with the book titles, table of contents, indexes, topic sections, charts, tables, definitions, and code provisions before exam day. The goal is to reduce search time and increase confidence when moving from a question to the correct book.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Applicants pursuing a commercial general building license should review the current Arizona classification requirements and choose the exam path that matches the license classification they plan to obtain.

Arizona applicants applying for the B-1 or B-2 General Commercial classifications may elect to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors as an option in place of the Arizona-specific trade examination. The NASCLA exam and the Arizona ROC General Commercial exam differ in content and structure, so candidates should select the exam that best supports their licensing and business goals.

After passing the NASCLA commercial general building exam, candidates may use NASCLA’s National Examination Database to transmit exam results to participating agencies that accept the exam. Arizona has accepted this NASCLA exam option for the B-1 and B-2 General Commercial classifications, with transcript timing requirements applying to the application process.

Passing the NASCLA exam does not automatically issue an Arizona contractor license. Applicants must still satisfy Arizona Registrar of Contractors licensing requirements, which may include the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, qualifying party information, business entity documentation, financial responsibility, bonding, background-related forms, and other state-required application documents.

Once the required examination and application requirements are complete, the applicant submits the contractor license application to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for review. The license is issued only after the state approves the application for the applicable classification.

State Requirements

Arizona uses contractor license classifications to define the work a contractor may legally contract for and perform. The B-1 General Commercial Contractor classification is connected to general commercial building work, while the B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor classification is connected to smaller commercial projects within the state’s classification limits.

The NASCLA commercial general building exam may be used as an alternative trade exam option for Arizona B-1 and B-2 General Commercial applicants. Candidates should apply for the classification that matches the work they intend to perform and should operate only within the scope of the license issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Commercial general building contractors coordinate multiple trades and construction disciplines. A general building license can involve project management responsibilities, subcontractor coordination, code compliance, safety responsibilities, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, and quality control. The exam reflects this broad role by covering both construction trade knowledge and project management topics.

Some projects may require additional permits, inspections, specialty contractors, design professionals, utility coordination, or local jurisdiction approvals. Exam preparation is one part of the larger licensing and compliance process. Contractors should follow Arizona licensing rules and project requirements before bidding, contracting, or performing work.

Reference Books

This Arizona NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set includes the following references:

• Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th
  This reference supports study of building mechanical and electrical systems, including coordination issues that commercial construction managers and general contractors encounter during project planning and execution.
• ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  This accessibility standard supports preparation for accessible building features, routes, clearances, fixtures, spaces, and usability requirements for commercial buildings and facilities.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  This truss reference supports study of wood truss handling, installation, restraint, bracing, jobsite safety, and proper coordination of metal plate connected wood truss systems.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  This construction reference supports study of framing, materials, layout, wood construction, building systems, tools, and practical construction methods used across commercial building projects.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference covers federal construction industry safety standards and supports preparation for jobsite safety, hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, excavation, tools, and safe work practices.
• Construction Jobsite Management 5th edition
  This reference supports preparation for jobsite supervision, scheduling, communication, safety, documentation, quality control, coordination, and practical management of construction operations.
• Construction Project Management, 5th edition
  This project management reference supports study of planning, estimating, contracts, scheduling, cost control, procurement, risk, documentation, leadership, and project delivery.
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th
  This contractor business reference supports preparation for business organization, contracts, financial management, insurance, bonding, estimating, project administration, labor, safety, and construction law concepts.
• Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  This precast concrete reference supports study of erection planning, handling, rigging, bracing, tolerances, safety, and field coordination for precast concrete products.
• Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd edition
  This green building reference supports study of sustainable construction concepts, resource efficiency, building systems, environmental considerations, and energy-conscious construction practices.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition
  This reference supports study of gypsum board systems, drywall products, wall and ceiling assemblies, finishing methods, fire-resistance concepts, and interior construction practices.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008
  This steel joist reference supports preparation for handling, erection, stability, bridging, safety, and coordination of steel joists and joist girders on commercial projects.
• International Building Code, 2021
  This building code reference supports preparation for code questions involving occupancy, construction type, fire-resistance, means of egress, accessibility coordination, structural systems, materials, safety, and commercial building requirements.
• ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  This concrete standard supports study of structural concrete requirements, design provisions, reinforcement, concrete construction, inspection concepts, and code commentary used in commercial construction.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  This reference supports study of post-tensioning field fundamentals, materials, installation practices, stressing concepts, safety, and quality considerations for unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter 10th edition
  This masonry reference supports study of brick, block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, masonry tools, wall systems, workmanship, restoration, and practical masonry construction.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This reference supports study of excavation, trenching, sitework, pipe installation, underground construction, utility work, soils, drainage, and safe excavation practices.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction 11th Edition
  This commercial construction reference supports study of building systems, project organization, materials, construction methods, scheduling, estimating, and coordination across major commercial trades.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  This roofing reference supports study of roofing materials, roof systems, estimating, installation practices, flashing, drainage, repairs, and thermal and moisture protection topics.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This reinforcing steel reference supports study of rebar placement, splicing, supports, tolerances, drawings, installation practices, inspection concerns, and concrete reinforcement coordination.
• SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  This steel deck reference supports study of steel deck installation, fastening, handling, accessories, tolerances, safety, and coordination with structural framing and concrete work.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  This concrete reference supports study of concrete materials, placement, finishing, curing, quality control, troubleshooting, field practices, and workmanship expectations.
• Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites, United States Environmental Protection Agency
  This stormwater reference supports preparation for erosion control, construction site runoff, pollution prevention planning, best management practices, inspection concepts, and environmental compliance.
• ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
  This EIFS standard supports study of exterior insulation and finish systems, drainage EIFS, materials, installation requirements, design considerations, and performance expectations for exterior wall assemblies.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparation for the NASCLA commercial general building exam should begin with the content outline. The outline covers general requirements, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, doors and glazing, finishes, mechanical and plumbing systems, electrical systems, and procurement and contracting requirements. Each of these areas connects to one or more books in this complete set.

General requirements and procurement topics should be studied through the project management, jobsite management, and NASCLA business references. Candidates should review contracts, bidding, estimating, scheduling, submittals, change orders, documentation, quality control, safety planning, closeout, risk, insurance, bonding, and project administration.

Site construction preparation should include excavation, pipe work, stormwater pollution prevention, soils, grading, erosion control, drainage, trenching, underground work, and site safety. The Pipe and Excavation Contracting reference and the EPA stormwater guide are important for this part of the exam.

Concrete study should include ACI requirements, reinforcing bars, post-tensioning fundamentals, precast concrete erection, concrete quality, placement, finishing, curing, tolerances, forms, reinforcement, inspection, and field procedures. Because commercial construction often involves several concrete systems, candidates should be comfortable using multiple concrete references.

Masonry, metals, wood, roofing, gypsum, EIFS, doors, windows, glazing, finishes, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and electrical systems should each receive focused study time. General contractors are tested on coordination and construction knowledge across multiple trades, so candidates should understand how different building systems connect on a commercial project.

Building code preparation should include the International Building Code and ICC A117.1 accessibility standard. Candidates should become familiar with code organization, definitions, occupancy concepts, construction types, fire-resistance requirements, means of egress, accessibility coordination, materials, and general building safety provisions.

Safety preparation should include OSHA construction standards and trade-specific jobsite hazards. Candidates should review fall protection, scaffolding, ladders, excavations, cranes and rigging concepts, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, silica-related concerns, tools, electrical safety awareness, material handling, and safe construction operations.

Because the exam uses a large reference set, candidates should practice book selection. A major part of test performance is identifying which reference is most likely to contain the answer. Timed practice should include moving from question topic to book, then from book to index, table, chapter, or standard section.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps commercial general contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, reference navigation support, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building structure. For the Arizona NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, candidates need a plan that covers a large reference set and a wide range of construction management and trade topics.

This exam requires broad preparation. Candidates must study jobsite management, project management, business and law concepts, OSHA safety, building code requirements, accessibility, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, finishes, gypsum systems, EIFS, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and environmental controls. 1 Exam Prep helps students organize those subjects into a practical study path.

Open-book exams reward candidates who know how to use their books. Reference navigation improves with repetition. Candidates should practice finding code provisions, OSHA rules, concrete requirements, steel deck information, masonry guidance, roofing estimating topics, accessibility rules, and project management concepts before exam day. Organized highlighting, permanent tabs, and repeated lookup practice can help reduce wasted time during the test.

1 Exam Prep supports students by encouraging topic-by-topic review, book organization, timed practice, reference familiarity, and realistic exam preparation habits. The goal is to help candidates understand the material, improve their ability to work through the books, and approach the Arizona contractor licensing process with a stronger preparation foundation.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee passing, licensing approval, state approval, or exam outcomes. The value of preparation comes from consistent study, correct reference materials, and disciplined practice before test day.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set?

This complete book set includes the listed NASCLA commercial general building references for building code, OSHA safety, accessibility, project management, jobsite management, commercial construction, concrete, masonry, wood, metals, roofing, gypsum, EIFS, stormwater, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and business management.

Is the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractors exam open book?

Yes. The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book exam. Candidates must bring their own approved references to the examination center.

How many questions are on the NASCLA commercial general building exam?

The exam contains 115 questions. Candidates are allowed 5-1/2 hours, and the minimum passing score is 81 correct answers.

Can Arizona commercial contractor applicants use the NASCLA exam?

Yes. Arizona applicants applying for the B-1 or B-2 General Commercial classifications may choose the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors as an option instead of the Arizona ROC General Commercial trade exam.

Does passing the NASCLA exam automatically give me an Arizona contractor license?

No. Passing the NASCLA exam supports the trade-exam portion of the process. Applicants must still meet Arizona Registrar of Contractors licensing requirements and receive approval for the appropriate license classification.

What topics are covered on the NASCLA commercial general building exam?

The exam covers general requirements, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, doors, windows, glazing, finishes, mechanical and plumbing systems, electrical systems, and procurement and contracting requirements.

Can I highlight and tab my NASCLA books before the exam?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, loose papers, attached papers, and writing in the books during the exam are not allowed.

Can I use a calculator on the NASCLA commercial general building exam?

Yes. Candidates may use a silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator during the examination.

How should I study with this complete book set?

Start with the exam content outline, organize the books by subject, add permanent tabs, highlight important sections, and practice timed lookup drills. Focus on learning which book applies to each topic so you can move quickly during the open-book exam.

Is this book set useful for multi-state licensing?

The NASCLA commercial general building exam is accepted by participating agencies for certain commercial general building classifications. Candidates who pass may use NASCLA’s database to send exam transcripts to participating agencies, but each state still controls its own licensing requirements.