Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Complete Book Set - Highlighted & Tabbed

Prepare for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors with a complete highlighted and tabbed reference-book set designed to support organized study and efficient open-book exam navigation. The Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Complete Book Set brings together the construction codes, management references, OSHA regulations, technical standards, and specialty trade publications associated with this comprehensive commercial contractor examination.

The NASCLA commercial building exam covers a broad range of contractor knowledge. Candidates may encounter questions involving project planning, estimating, construction management, contracts, safety, sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, mechanical and electrical systems, finishes, and other areas of commercial building construction. Preparing for that range of material requires familiarity with multiple reference books rather than relying on a single construction manual.

This package is designed to make that large reference library easier to use. The books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation, helping candidates identify important sections and move between major topics more efficiently. For an open-book contractor examination, knowing where information is located can be an important part of preparation.

The package also includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition, supporting preparation for Arkansas-specific contractor business and law requirements. Arkansas requires contractor license classifications to complete the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade examination, including candidates using the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Please allow up to 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed book package orders.

What You Get

This complete Arkansas NASCLA book set includes the 25 references listed below. The collection combines national construction standards and trade references with the Arkansas-specific NASCLA business and law publication.

Books are prepared with highlighting and permanent-style tab organization for exam preparation. This preparation is intended to help candidates develop faster reference-navigation habits while studying and working through practice questions.

• Arkansas contractor business and law reference
• Commercial construction management references
• International Building Code
• Accessibility standards
• OSHA construction safety regulations
• Concrete and reinforcing-steel references
• Masonry construction material
• Carpentry and wood-truss guidance
• Structural steel and steel deck references
• Roofing and gypsum construction references
• Mechanical and electrical systems material
• Excavation and sitework references
• Green building and stormwater guidance
• EIFS construction standards

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a standardized trade examination accepted by participating contractor licensing agencies. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board is a participating agency in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

The NASCLA commercial examination is a comprehensive test of commercial building knowledge. The current examination includes 115 questions and provides 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, for completion. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to achieve the required passing score.

The examination evaluates commercial construction knowledge across numerous subjects. Preparation may involve topics such as:

• Planning and estimating
• Project and financial management
• Construction safety
• Site construction
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood framing and construction
• Thermal and moisture protection
• Doors, windows, and glazing
• Finishes
• Building systems and specialty construction

The examination requires both construction knowledge and effective use of reference materials. Candidates should practice recognizing which book is likely to contain a particular answer and locating that information efficiently.

Arkansas licensing also includes a separate state Business and Law requirement. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board's examination information identifies the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination as required for contractor license classifications in addition to any required trade-specific examination, including NASCLA.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may bring approved examination references into the testing center subject to current examination rules.

Open-book testing changes the way candidates should prepare. Instead of attempting to memorize every code provision or technical requirement, candidates should learn how the references are organized and practice locating information quickly.

Reference materials used at PSI examination centers may generally be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session when permitted for the applicable test. Permanent tabs are allowed where specified by PSI rules, while temporary tabs that can be removed without damaging the page are not permitted for Arkansas contractor examinations. Candidates may not add highlighting, notes, or indexing to their references during the examination session.

A highlighted and tabbed book set can help candidates establish an organized reference system before exam day. Tabs are most useful when candidates understand what each section contains and have repeatedly practiced using the books during study sessions.

Licensing Steps

Passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination does not automatically issue an Arkansas contractor license. Applicants must complete the licensing requirements administered by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

1. Determine the correct Arkansas contractor classification. Applicants should identify the classification that matches the construction work their business intends to perform.
2. Complete the applicable contractor license application. Applicants must submit the required information and documentation to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
3. Satisfy the trade examination requirement. For classifications that accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination, an approved NASCLA result may be used to satisfy the applicable trade examination requirement.
4. Complete the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination. Arkansas requires this examination in addition to applicable trade-specific testing, including NASCLA.
5. Provide the required supporting documentation. Applicants must satisfy the Board's current licensing requirements for the requested classification and license type.
6. Complete Board review. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board determines whether the applicant has satisfied the applicable licensing requirements.

The NASCLA examination is designed to improve contractor mobility among participating jurisdictions, but every state maintains its own licensing process. An applicant using a NASCLA score in Arkansas must still meet Arkansas-specific requirements.

State Requirements

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates contractor licensing for applicable construction work in Arkansas. The Board participates in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Arkansas requires contractors to satisfy the examination requirements associated with the requested classification. Candidates using the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors must also complete the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination when required by the Board.

The Arkansas-specific business and law examination uses the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition. This Arkansas publication is included in this complete book set so candidates can prepare for the state-specific business and law component in addition to the commercial construction trade examination.

A NASCLA passing result is not a national contractor license. It is an examination credential accepted by participating regulatory agencies. Contractors must apply separately for Arkansas licensure and satisfy the Board's state-specific application and qualification requirements.

Reference Books

• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition
  The Arkansas-specific contractor reference addressing business, law, licensing, financial, employment, project-management, and regulatory topics associated with the state's Business and Law examination.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  A construction-management reference covering mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems encountered on commercial projects.
• ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  A technical accessibility standard covering requirements for accessible and usable building elements, spaces, routes, and facilities.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Addresses recommended practices for handling, installing, restraining, and bracing metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  A broad trade reference covering carpentry, framing, construction materials, layout, building methods, and structural components.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Contains federal OSHA construction-industry safety regulations covering workplace hazards and required safety practices.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers jobsite organization, field supervision, personnel coordination, documentation, productivity, and construction-management practices.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses construction planning, project administration, coordination, scheduling, controls, and management principles.
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference covering business practices, contracts, project management, financial concepts, and construction administration.
• Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Provides guidance and standards related to precast concrete product erection and associated field practices.
• Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces principles and practices associated with sustainable and environmentally responsible building construction.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, assemblies, wall and ceiling systems, construction applications, and installation practices.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  A specialized structural steel reference covering handling and erection procedures for steel joists and joist girders.
• International Building Code, 2021
  A primary commercial construction code addressing occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural provisions, and other building requirements.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  A structural concrete standard covering technical requirements for reinforced concrete design and construction.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  A specialized reference addressing fundamental field concepts and practices for unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Covers masonry materials, tools, layout, brick, block, stone, and practical masonry construction methods.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  A practical construction reference covering excavation, trenching, pipe installation, underground work, site conditions, and related operations.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  A comprehensive commercial construction reference covering building systems, materials, construction methods, and field practices.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Covers roofing systems, materials, construction methods, measurements, quantities, and estimating concepts.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  Provides technical guidance concerning reinforcing steel placement and field practices for reinforced concrete construction.
• SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  Addresses steel deck handling, installation, placement, and construction practices.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  A practical concrete reference covering materials, preparation, placement, finishing, workmanship, and quality construction practices.
• ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
  A technical standard addressing exterior insulation and finish systems and EIFS assemblies incorporating drainage.
• Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites, United States Environmental Protection Agency
  A construction-site guide covering development and implementation of stormwater pollution prevention planning.

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination uses an approved reference library for the open-book trade exam. The construction references in this complete set are intended to support preparation for that examination, while the Arkansas 8th Edition NASCLA guide supports the separate Arkansas Contractor Business and Law examination.

Candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted references to the testing center. Books should be prepared according to current examination rules before arriving. Permanent tabs can be used to organize approved references where allowed, while removable temporary tabs are not accepted under Arkansas PSI book rules.

Because exam-reference policies can distinguish between the national NASCLA trade exam and the Arkansas-specific Business and Law examination, candidates should use each reference for the examination for which it is designated.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparing with a large NASCLA reference library works best when candidates create a structured study system. Start by grouping books according to subject. Codes and standards can form one group, management references another, and specialty trade publications another.

Practice choosing the correct book before searching for an answer. If a question concerns construction safety, begin with OSHA. Accessibility questions may direct you toward ICC A117.1. General commercial building-code questions may require the International Building Code. Structural concrete questions can involve ACI 318, while practical concrete questions may be addressed in the concrete construction references.

The same approach applies to masonry, roofing, steel construction, wood trusses, excavation, gypsum systems, EIFS, reinforcing steel, and mechanical or electrical systems. Learning which reference covers each topic can reduce unnecessary searching.

Timed practice is especially useful for the NASCLA exam. With 115 questions and 330 minutes available, candidates need to balance knowledge-based answers with reference research. Highlighting and tabs can support this process, but candidates should repeatedly use the prepared books before test day so that the reference organization becomes familiar.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates organize their preparation around the actual demands of an open-book construction examination. A large reference library becomes more useful when candidates understand the purpose of each book and know how to navigate it efficiently.

This highlighted and tabbed Arkansas NASCLA book package provides a structured starting point for reference-based study. Instead of beginning with an unorganized collection of technical publications, candidates can focus on learning construction concepts, reviewing major exam subjects, and practicing how to retrieve information from the books.

1 Exam Prep supports students through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure. These methods can help candidates develop a consistent study routine while preparing for both the NASCLA commercial trade examination and applicable Arkansas contractor testing requirements.

The objective is not simply to own the exam books. Effective preparation means knowing how to use them. Consistent practice with the highlighted and tabbed references can help candidates become more comfortable moving between codes, standards, management publications, and trade manuals while working through contractor exam questions.

Is the Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book examination using approved reference materials.

How many questions are on the NASCLA commercial building exam?

The examination contains 115 questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to pass.

How much time is allowed for the NASCLA exam?

Candidates receive 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, to complete the examination.

Does Arkansas accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination?

Yes. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me an Arkansas contractor license?

No. NASCLA is an examination program rather than a contractor license. Applicants must complete the licensing requirements established by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

Do Arkansas contractors also need a Business and Law examination?

Yes. Arkansas requires contractor license classifications to complete the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade-specific examination, including NASCLA.

Is the Arkansas Business and Law book included?

Yes. This set includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation and organized reference navigation.

Can permanent tabs be used for Arkansas contractor examinations?

PSI's Arkansas contractor examination rules permit permanent tabs where allowed for the applicable reference. Temporary removable tabs such as Post-It notes are not permitted.

How long should I allow for my highlighted and tabbed book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed book package orders.