Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package

Prepare for the Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor licensing process with an all-in-one Ultimate rental package that combines the complete reference-book library, organized exam preparation, extended course access, and contractor Application Service. The Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package is designed for candidates who want a structured approach to the NASCLA trade examination without purchasing the entire technical reference library individually.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors covers a broad range of commercial construction knowledge. Candidates must prepare for project management, estimating, safety, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, mechanical and electrical systems, construction codes, finishes, contracting requirements, and other commercial building subjects.

Because the NASCLA examination is open book, effective preparation involves more than knowing construction terminology and procedures. Candidates also need to understand how the reference books are organized and how to locate technical information efficiently during a timed examination. The rental books included in this Ultimate package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation, helping candidates develop familiarity with the reference library throughout their study period.

This package also provides 1 year of course access and Application Service. The extended access period gives candidates time to work through trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and a consistent study schedule while pursuing the applicable Arkansas contractor licensing requirements.

Package Price: $2,964.

Refundable Book Deposit: $1,000. The deposit qualifies for a refund when the rental books are returned within one year in similar condition.

Total Initial Payment: $3,964.

All rental books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Please allow up to 15 business days for Ultimate book package orders.

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 one of the participating state agencies that accepts the NASCLA commercial examination for applicable licensing purposes.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination contains 115 scored questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to achieve the required passing score. Candidates receive 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, to complete the examination.

The examination covers commercial construction knowledge across numerous technical and management areas, including:

• Planning and estimating
• Financial and project management
• Procurement and contracting
• Construction safety
• Site construction
• Concrete construction
• Masonry
• Structural metals
• Wood construction
• Thermal and moisture protection
• Doors, windows, and glazing
• Finishes
• Mechanical and plumbing systems
• Electrical systems

The breadth of the examination means candidates should prepare across both practical construction knowledge and formal reference material. Contractors with extensive field experience may still encounter questions involving code provisions, technical standards, business practices, management concepts, safety regulations, and subjects outside their regular specialty.

Studying from the examination references helps candidates become familiar with the language and organization used in these technical publications. Combined with practice questions and timed navigation exercises, this can create a more organized preparation strategy for the NASCLA commercial exam.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may bring permitted reference materials into the examination center in accordance with current testing-provider requirements.

The open-book format makes reference navigation an important testing skill. Candidates should not expect to have enough time to begin researching every question from scratch. With 115 scored questions and 330 minutes available, efficient use of the reference books is essential to maintaining a steady testing pace.

During preparation, candidates should practice identifying the topic of a question before opening a book. Once the subject is identified, they can select the reference most likely to contain the information and use the index, table of contents, chapter organization, technical tables, or prepared tabs to narrow the search.

The rental books in this Ultimate package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Regular practice with the prepared references can help candidates become more comfortable moving among construction codes, safety regulations, management books, technical standards, and specialty trade publications.

Licensing Steps

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates applicable commercial contractor licensing in Arkansas. Passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination is an important trade-qualification step, but it does not automatically issue an Arkansas contractor license.

1. Determine the appropriate Arkansas contractor classification. Select the commercial classification that corresponds with the scope of construction work the business intends to perform.
2. Prepare for the applicable trade examination. Arkansas accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors for applicable commercial building licensing purposes.
3. Complete Arkansas Business and Law requirements. Arkansas requires commercial contractor applicants to satisfy the applicable state Business and Law examination requirement.
4. Identify the qualifying party. The contractor application must identify the individual responsible for satisfying the required qualification and examination requirements.
5. Prepare the Arkansas contractor application. Applicants must provide the business, classification, qualifying-party, financial, and supporting information required by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
6. Submit the required documentation. The application and supporting materials must be submitted for Board review.
7. Complete the licensing process. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board determines whether the applicant satisfies the requirements for the requested license and classification.

The Application Service included with this Ultimate package provides support with the contractor application process. This allows candidates to combine exam preparation with assistance navigating the licensing paperwork instead of treating each part of the process as a completely separate project.

State Requirements

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board administers contractor licensing for applicable commercial construction work in Arkansas. Arkansas is a participating state agency in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Passing the NASCLA examination can satisfy the applicable commercial trade examination requirement accepted by participating agencies. It does not create a national contractor license. Applicants must still meet Arkansas-specific licensing requirements before performing work that requires an Arkansas contractor license.

Arkansas commercial contractor applicants must also address state Business and Law requirements. The NASCLA Arkansas, 8th Edition included with this package provides Arkansas-specific business and law material for preparation.

Applicants should keep the NASCLA trade examination and Arkansas Business and Law requirements organized as separate areas of preparation. The NASCLA trade examination focuses broadly on commercial general building construction, while the Arkansas-specific material addresses contractor business, law, and state licensing topics.

NASCLA participation can also be valuable to contractors planning to pursue licensing in additional participating jurisdictions. A passing NASCLA examination result may be accepted for the trade examination component by participating agencies, but every jurisdiction retains its own application and licensing requirements.

Reference Books

The following rental references are included with the Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package:

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

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is open book and uses an approved reference library. Candidates are responsible for bringing permitted references to the testing center and following current testing-provider requirements for book preparation and use.

The national commercial construction books included in this rental package provide the reference material associated with NASCLA exam preparation. The Arkansas-specific NASCLA 8th Edition supports preparation for Arkansas Business and Law requirements.

All rental books supplied through this Ultimate package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates should repeatedly practice with the prepared books throughout the one-year rental period so they become familiar with the location of major chapters, technical tables, definitions, code provisions, and specialty subjects.

Test Information and Study Materials

A large open-book reference library becomes more manageable when candidates organize study around specific exam subjects. Begin by matching each content area with the books most likely to address it. This reduces unnecessary searching and helps build a repeatable process for researching questions.

For commercial building-code topics, spend time navigating the 2021 International Building Code. OSHA questions should be paired with regular practice using 29 CFR Part 1926. Concrete preparation can combine practical concrete construction references with ACI 318 technical requirements.

Masonry, structural steel, reinforcing steel, roofing, wood trusses, gypsum systems, accessibility, excavation, EIFS, mechanical systems, and electrical systems each have specialized references within the package. Construction-management books support preparation for planning, project administration, jobsite management, contracts, and related management subjects.

The included 1 year of course access provides an extended period for structured study. Candidates can combine course review with practice questions, reference-navigation exercises, and timed preparation sessions while working toward the examination.

A useful practice routine is to identify the subject first, select the most likely book, locate the relevant section, and then evaluate the available answer choices. Repeating this process can improve familiarity with the reference library and build better time-management habits.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arkansas NASCLA candidates approach a demanding commercial contractor examination with an organized combination of books, course preparation, reference navigation, and licensing application support.

The highlighted and tabbed rental library helps candidates spend more time learning how to locate information and less time beginning with completely unorganized references. The included course provides trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and structured study guidance across the major NASCLA construction subjects.

With 1 year of course access, candidates can establish a realistic study schedule and revisit difficult subjects as needed. Reference-navigation practice reinforces how codes, standards, safety regulations, management publications, and specialty construction manuals connect to the types of questions encountered during contractor examination preparation.

The included Application Service adds another layer of support by helping candidates address the licensing application process alongside exam preparation. This creates a more complete preparation package for contractors pursuing the applicable Arkansas commercial building license.

Is the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam open book?

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

How many questions are on the NASCLA commercial exam?

The examination contains 115 scored questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 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 is a participating agency in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

How long is course access included?

The Ultimate package includes 1 year of course access.

Is Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included with the Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package.

Are the books purchased or rented?

The books provided with this package are rentals. They must be returned within one year in similar condition for the refundable deposit to qualify for a refund.

What is the refundable book deposit?

The refundable book deposit is $1,000. The package price is $2,964, making the total initial payment $3,964.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

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

How long should I allow for the Ultimate package book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for Ultimate book package orders.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me an Arkansas contractor license?

No. NASCLA is an examination program, not a contractor license. Applicants must still meet the licensing requirements established by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

Why is reference-navigation practice important?

The NASCLA examination covers many commercial construction subjects and uses an extensive open-book reference library. Practicing how to select and navigate the correct book can help candidates use their examination time more efficiently.