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

Prepare for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination and the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors with a complete set of highlighted and tabbed reference books. This package brings together the Arkansas business-law reference and the technical books used to study commercial construction, project management, jobsite safety, building codes, accessibility, concrete, masonry, structural systems, roofing, excavation, carpentry, and building systems.

The Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Complete Book Set is designed for candidates who want an organized reference library for both the state-required business examination and the NASCLA commercial building trade examination. Each book is prepared with highlighting and permanent tabs to support efficient study and faster navigation through important chapters, definitions, tables, code provisions, and technical requirements.

Contractor examinations that permit reference books still require extensive preparation. The NASCLA library contains thousands of pages across numerous publications. Candidates must learn which book applies to each construction subject, how each publication is organized, and how to locate relevant information without spending excessive time searching.

The highlighted and tabbed format helps candidates develop a repeatable navigation method. Highlighting draws attention to useful information, while permanent tabs help identify major sections and commonly reviewed subjects. Students should practice with the prepared books before test day so the organization of the complete set becomes familiar.

The Arkansas NASCLA Business Book is included for preparation for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination. Arkansas contractor classifications must complete the state 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 an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed book package orders. This preparation period allows the complete reference set to be assembled, inspected, highlighted, tabbed, and organized before shipment.

Exam Details

This complete book package supports preparation for two examinations associated with the Arkansas commercial contractor licensing process: the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination and the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

The Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination focuses on the responsibilities involved in operating a contracting business in the state. Candidates should be prepared to study contractor licensing, business organization, financial management, estimating, bidding, contracts, project administration, employment responsibilities, insurance, bonding, safety, and other business subjects contained in the Arkansas NASCLA Business Book.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination addresses the technical trade knowledge used in commercial construction. The reference library covers subjects such as project management, jobsite operations, concrete, reinforcing steel, precast construction, post-tensioning, masonry, structural systems, wood trusses, steel decking, steel joists, excavation, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, building codes, safety, stormwater controls, exterior insulation systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board uses PSI Services to administer its contractor examination program. Arkansas contractor classifications must take the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade-specific examination. This requirement also applies when the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is used for the trade portion.

A passing NASCLA result may be transmitted to participating licensing agencies through the NASCLA National Examination Database. Passing the NASCLA examination does not automatically issue an Arkansas contractor license. Applicants must complete the Arkansas licensing process and satisfy all application, classification, financial, qualifying-party, experience, and state examination requirements that apply to the requested license.

Open Book Test

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

An open-book examination measures more than a candidate’s ability to find information. Candidates must understand construction principles, interpret the question correctly, choose the appropriate reference, and locate the relevant answer within the available testing period.

The number of books makes reference familiarity especially important. A concrete question may require ACI 318, the quality concrete guide, or the reinforcing-bar reference. A structural question may involve the wood-truss guide, precast manual, post-tensioning reference, steel-deck manual, or steel-joist digest. Accessibility and code questions may require ICC A117.1 or the International Building Code.

The highlighted and tabbed books support this navigation process by helping candidates identify important areas more quickly. Students should still practice using indexes, tables of contents, chapter headings, code sections, charts, and technical tables before the examination.

All references brought into the testing room must comply with current testing rules. Candidates should review the applicable candidate information bulletin and NASCLA examination instructions before test day. Loose papers, removable notes, unauthorized inserts, and prohibited written material should not be added to the books.

Licensing Steps

1. Determine the appropriate Arkansas contractor classification. The requested classification should match the type of commercial construction work the company intends to perform.
2. Review the Arkansas licensing requirements. Applicants should understand the business, financial, experience, qualifying-party, examination, and supporting-document requirements for the requested license.
3. Complete the contractor license application. The applicant must provide accurate company, ownership, classification, financial, and qualifying-party information.
4. Submit the required supporting documents. Arkansas may require financial information, references, experience documentation, and other materials based on the application and classification.
5. Register for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination. Contractor classifications must complete the state business-and-law examination through PSI.
6. Apply for the NASCLA examination. Candidates using the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination must complete the applicable NASCLA application process.
7. Schedule the examinations. Approved candidates follow the testing provider’s registration and scheduling procedures.
8. Pass the required examinations. Candidates must complete the Arkansas business-and-law examination and any applicable trade examination requirement.
9. Transmit the NASCLA result when required. A passing NASCLA transcript may be sent to the Arkansas licensing agency through the NASCLA National Examination Database.
10. Complete the licensing review. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board reviews the application, examination results, and supporting documentation before issuing a license.

State Requirements

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates contractor licensing in the state. Applicants must obtain the appropriate license before performing covered commercial contracting work that falls within Arkansas licensing requirements.

Arkansas contractor license classifications require the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade-specific examination. Candidates using the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination must still complete the Arkansas business-and-law requirement.

The contractor license is issued through the Arkansas licensing process rather than by NASCLA or PSI. NASCLA provides the accredited trade examination, PSI administers the Arkansas contractor examination program, and the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board makes licensing decisions.

Applicants must choose the correct classification and submit the forms and supporting documentation required for that license. Depending on the classification and application, the Board may review business information, experience, financial responsibility, references, ownership, and qualifying-party documentation.

A passing examination result does not replace the license application. Candidates must complete all state requirements before operating as a licensed contractor. Incomplete applications, missing documentation, or incorrect classification information may delay the review process.

Reference Books

• Arkansas NASCLA Business Book
  Used for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination and focused on contractor licensing, business management, finance, contracts, employment responsibilities, safety, and project administration.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, jobsite planning, documentation, communication, safety, productivity, quality control, coordination, and daily construction operations.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Reviews project organization, estimating, scheduling, cost control, contracts, communication, risk management, quality, and project closeout.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides structural concrete requirements and commentary involving design, reinforcement, materials, durability, construction, and inspection.
• 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 contractor business practices, project management, contracts, finance, insurance, employment, risk, safety, and legal responsibilities.
• Erectors’ Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Covers planning, rigging, handling, bracing, alignment, connections, field procedures, and safety during precast concrete erection.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning – Level 1 Field Fundamentals, 3rd Edition, 2003
  Reviews field practices for handling, installing, 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 loads, field modifications, and installation safety.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Covers excavation, grading, trenching, underground utilities, pipe installation, equipment, estimating, production, and site safety.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition, 2014
  Provides information about gypsum products, wall and ceiling assemblies, fire-resistant systems, installation methods, finishing, and construction details.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars: Recommended Practices, 10th Edition
  Covers reinforcing-bar identification, supports, placement, splices, tolerances, detailing, handling, and field installation.
• 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 requirements for construction work, equipment, excavation, scaffolding, fall protection, and jobsite operations.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 Student Edition, John L. Feirer and Mark D. Feirer
  Covers construction materials, carpentry tools, layout, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, interiors, and common building procedures.
• ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2017
  Provides technical accessibility criteria for routes, entrances, spaces, fixtures, controls, communication elements, and building features.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson
  Reviews roofing materials, systems, installation methods, measurements, quantities, flashing, drainage, estimating, and planning.
• The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, 2018
  Explains concrete materials, preparation, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, testing, quality control, and problem prevention.
• Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2nd Edition, 2011
  Introduces sustainable construction, energy efficiency, water conservation, building performance, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
• 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, documentation, 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
  Covers mechanical, plumbing, fire-protection, electrical, lighting, communication, and building-control systems coordinated during commercial construction.

Test Information and Study Materials

A complete highlighted and tabbed book set provides a strong foundation for preparation, but candidates should develop a study plan that combines subject review with repeated reference-navigation practice.

Begin with the Arkansas NASCLA Business Book and review the major business-law subjects. Practice locating information involving contractor licensing, contracts, estimating, finance, insurance, employment responsibilities, safety, and project administration through the index and chapter headings.

For the NASCLA trade examination, divide the technical books into manageable groups. Study concrete references together, followed by masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, excavation, safety, accessibility, building codes, exterior systems, project management, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

Practice identifying the best reference before opening a book. Read a sample question, isolate the important construction terms, select the publication most likely to contain the answer, and use the index or tabs to locate the applicable section.

Timed practice can help candidates improve this process. The goal is to recognize the subject, select the correct book, locate the information, and evaluate the available answers without unnecessary searching.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates turn an extensive technical library into an organized preparation system. The highlighted and tabbed books reduce the initial setup work and provide a consistent navigation structure for studying.

Trade-focused review becomes more manageable when the references are organized by subject. Candidates can connect questions involving concrete, masonry, steel, roofing, excavation, accessibility, safety, project management, and building systems with the publications most likely to contain the required information.

Reference-navigation practice helps students learn how to use indexes, chapter headings, code provisions, tables, and technical diagrams. Repeating this process supports faster book selection and more confident exam-day navigation.

The complete set also helps candidates prepare for both the Arkansas business-law requirement and the NASCLA technical examination. Keeping the state and trade references together creates a clearer path through the overall contractor examination process.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee a passing score, licensing approval, or a specific examination outcome. The prepared book set provides organized study support, trade-focused review, navigation practice, and a confidence-building structure for pursuing the candidate’s licensing goal.

FAQ Section

What is included in this complete book set?

The package includes the Arkansas NASCLA Business Book and all listed references for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. The books are highlighted and permanently tabbed.

How long does preparation take?

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed book package orders.

Is the Arkansas Business and Law book included?

Yes. The Arkansas NASCLA Business Book used for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination is included.

Must Arkansas contractors take the Business and Law exam?

Arkansas contractor license classifications must complete the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade-specific 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 NASCLA automatically provide an Arkansas license?

No. Applicants must still complete the Arkansas licensing process and satisfy all applicable state requirements.

Why are highlighting and tabs helpful?

Highlighting identifies useful material, while permanent tabs help candidates reach major subjects and frequently reviewed sections more efficiently.

Should I study with these books before the examination?

Yes. Regular practice helps candidates learn which reference applies to each topic and become familiar with the prepared navigation system.

Are books provided at the testing center?

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

Can I add loose notes to the books?

References must comply with current testing rules. Candidates should avoid loose papers, removable notes, unauthorized inserts, and other prohibited materials.