Arkansas NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set

Prepare for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors with a comprehensive reference library covering commercial construction, project management, safety, codes, concrete, masonry, structural systems, roofing, sitework, accessibility, and other major examination subjects. The Arkansas NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set brings together the books candidates need for structured study and open-book exam preparation.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is designed for contractors pursuing commercial building licensure in participating jurisdictions, including Arkansas. Candidates who pass the NASCLA examination may use their results in place of the applicable state-specific trade examination where accepted, but Arkansas applicants must still complete the licensing requirements established by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

This complete book set combines the national NASCLA commercial examination references with the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition. That Arkansas-specific reference supports preparation for the separate Arkansas Business and Law examination required for commercial contractor applicants.

Because the NASCLA examination is open book, preparation should include more than reviewing construction concepts. Candidates should become familiar with the organization of the reference library, identify which publication applies to each subject, and practice locating information efficiently under timed conditions.

The collection includes the 2021 International Building Code, OSHA construction regulations, accessibility standards, concrete standards, construction-management publications, carpentry references, masonry resources, structural steel information, roofing material, excavation guidance, mechanical and electrical systems, and other technical references associated with the NASCLA commercial examination.

What You Get

This complete Arkansas NASCLA book set includes the 25 references listed below. Together, the books support preparation for both the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor trade examination and the Arkansas-specific Business and Law requirement.

• Arkansas contractor business and law reference
• Construction project and jobsite management references
• Commercial building-code material
• OSHA construction safety regulations
• Accessibility requirements
• Concrete and reinforcing-steel standards
• Masonry construction material
• Wood framing and truss guidance
• Structural steel and steel deck references
• Roofing and gypsum construction references
• Mechanical and electrical construction systems
• Excavation and underground construction material
• EIFS and stormwater guidance
• Commercial construction methods and practices

This product is the complete book set. Candidates can use the references throughout their study process to learn how the different construction topics are organized and where technical information is located.

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors contains 115 scored questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to achieve the required passing score. The examination provides 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, for completion.

The current NASCLA examination content outline includes the following subject areas:

• General Requirements: 25 questions
• Site Construction: 15 questions
• Concrete: 6 questions
• Masonry: 4 questions
• Metals: 6 questions
• Wood: 5 questions
• Thermal and Moisture Protection: 5 questions
• Doors, Windows, and Glazing: 4 questions
• Finishes: 5 questions
• Mechanical and Plumbing Systems: 6 questions
• Electrical Systems: 3 questions
• Procurement and Contracting Requirements: 31 questions

PSI also administers 10 non-scored pretest questions. These experimental questions are not included in the candidate's score, and the examination time accounts for their administration.

The content outline demonstrates why candidates need a broad commercial construction reference library. Procurement and Contracting Requirements and General Requirements represent large portions of the scored exam, while technical subjects such as site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, mechanical systems, electrical systems, finishes, and moisture protection are also tested.

Questions may rely on the listed reference books as well as general trade knowledge and accepted industry practices. Code questions are based on the code editions identified for the examination.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may bring the permitted reference materials identified for the examination into the testing center.

PSI permits examination reference materials to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam. References may also be tabbed or indexed using permanent tabs. Temporary tabs such as Post-It notes are not permitted and must be removed before the examination begins.

Reference books must otherwise remain unmarked and may not contain additional loose or attached papers. The approved references are not supplied at the examination center, so candidates who plan to use them are responsible for bringing their own books.

Open-book testing makes reference-navigation practice especially important. Candidates should become familiar with each book's index, table of contents, chapter structure, terminology, and common technical tables. Knowing which book is likely to contain an answer can save significant time compared with searching through several references for every question.

A practical study strategy is to identify the subject first, select the most relevant reference, and then use the index or chapter structure to narrow the search. Repeating this process during preparation can help candidates become more efficient with the large NASCLA reference library.

Licensing Steps

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates commercial contractor licensing in Arkansas. Passing the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination can satisfy an accepted trade-examination requirement, but candidates must still complete Arkansas-specific licensing requirements.

1. Determine the appropriate Arkansas commercial classification. Applicants should select the classification that corresponds with the type of construction work they intend to perform.
2. Complete the Arkansas commercial contractor application. Commercial contractor applicants must submit the required application and supporting documentation to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
3. Identify the qualifying party. Arkansas contractor license applications must be supported by a qualifying party who completes any examination required by the Board.
4. Complete the applicable trade examination requirement. Arkansas participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor program and accepts the NASCLA examination for applicable licensing purposes.
5. Complete the Arkansas Business and Law examination. Arkansas commercial license applicants are required to complete the state Business and Law test unless an applicable Board-recognized alternative applies.
6. Submit required financial and supporting documentation. Commercial licensing requirements include financial qualification and other supporting information required by the Board for the requested license.
7. Complete Board review. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board reviews the application and determines whether all requirements have been satisfied before issuing a license.

A NASCLA examination result is not a contractor license. NASCLA provides an accredited trade examination that participating state agencies can accept in place of their own trade examination. The applicant must still apply directly to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and meet all Arkansas requirements.

State Requirements

Arkansas requires a commercial contractor license when a contractor performs covered work valued at $50,000 or more, including labor and materials, on a commercial project. For licensing purposes, the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board identifies commercial projects as projects other than single-family residences.

A Business and Law test is required for a new Arkansas commercial contractor license. The Arkansas Business and Law examination is separate from the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor trade examination.

Arkansas requires commercial license applications to be filed under a recognized business form, such as an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or another business organization recognized by the state. Each license application must be supported by a qualifying party who has completed the examination requirements established by the Board.

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board evaluates contractor qualifications using factors that include construction experience, business capability, financial condition, and other licensing considerations established under Arkansas law and Board rules.

Applicants pursuing a commercial contractor license should prepare for both sides of the licensing process: the applicable trade qualification and the Arkansas-specific Business and Law requirement. This complete book set supports both by including the commercial NASCLA references and the Arkansas edition of the NASCLA Contractors Guide.

Reference Books

• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition
  The Arkansas-specific contractor reference covering business, licensing, law, project management, and related topics used for the Arkansas Business and Law examination.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  A construction-management reference addressing 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 standard covering accessibility requirements for 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 the handling, installation, restraint, and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Covers carpentry, framing, building materials, layout, structural components, and general construction methods.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Contains federal construction-industry safety regulations involving workplace hazards, protective measures, and OSHA requirements.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses jobsite supervision, coordination, planning, productivity, documentation, and field-management practices.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Covers project planning, scheduling, administration, coordination, controls, and commercial construction management.
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference addressing business practices, project management, contracts, financial concepts, and construction administration.
• Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  A specialized reference covering practices and standards related to precast concrete erection.
• Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces sustainable construction principles, green building practices, and environmentally responsible construction concepts.
• Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, wall and ceiling assemblies, systems, installation procedures, and construction applications.
• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  Addresses field practices for handling and erecting steel joists and joist girders.
• International Building Code, 2021
  A primary commercial building code addressing occupancy, construction types, means of egress, fire protection, structural provisions, and other building requirements.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  A technical structural concrete standard addressing reinforced concrete requirements, structural systems, detailing, and construction provisions.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  A specialized reference covering fundamental field practices associated with 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
  Provides practical information on excavation, trenching, pipe installation, underground construction, equipment, and site conditions.
• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  A comprehensive reference addressing commercial construction materials, building systems, methods, and field practices.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Covers roofing materials, systems, installation methods, measurements, quantities, and estimating concepts.
• Placing Reinforcing Bars
  A technical reference covering reinforcing-steel placement and recommended 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 preparation, materials, 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 addressing the development and implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is open book, and the current examination bulletin identifies the commercial construction references used for exam preparation and permitted in the examination center. The reference library includes the national construction publications listed in this complete set.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs, including removable Post-It-style tabs, are not allowed. Additional loose or attached papers may not be placed inside the books.

The Arkansas-specific NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition is intended for the separate Arkansas Business and Law examination rather than as a national NASCLA commercial trade reference.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong NASCLA study plan should combine construction review with repeated reference-navigation practice. Start by connecting each major content area with the books most likely to contain the information needed for that subject.

For General Requirements and Procurement and Contracting Requirements, candidates should spend meaningful time with the construction-management and business references. These two areas account for a substantial portion of the scored examination.

For building-code questions, become comfortable with the 2021 International Building Code. Practice locating occupancy requirements, construction types, fire-resistance provisions, means-of-egress requirements, and other commonly referenced commercial building subjects.

Concrete preparation should combine practical concrete construction knowledge with the technical requirements contained in ACI 318. Masonry candidates should become familiar with Modern Masonry, while metals preparation should include steel joists, steel deck, reinforcing steel, and related structural construction references.

OSHA preparation should include learning how 29 CFR Part 1926 is organized so that safety requirements can be located efficiently. Site-construction preparation can involve excavation, stormwater, and related field-management references.

During timed practice, candidates should avoid immediately opening a book for every question. First determine whether the answer is known from construction experience or previous study. When research is needed, identify the likely reference and search strategically using the index, chapter structure, tables, or prepared navigation system.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates organize a large reference library into a more practical study system. Preparing for NASCLA involves both understanding commercial construction concepts and developing the ability to locate technical information efficiently.

Trade-focused review can help candidates identify the subjects that deserve the most study time, while practice-oriented preparation reinforces how exam questions connect with the books. Reference-navigation practice can also help candidates become more comfortable moving between codes, standards, management publications, safety regulations, and specialty trade references.

1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-based preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure. The objective is to help candidates approach the examination with a clear method rather than relying on unstructured reading or last-minute review.

For Arkansas applicants, preparation should also include the state Business and Law requirement. Using the Arkansas-specific NASCLA guide alongside the commercial building references can help candidates maintain separate study plans for the state examination and the national NASCLA trade examination.

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 building exam?

The examination contains 115 scored questions, and candidates must answer at least 81 correctly to pass. PSI also administers 10 non-scored pretest questions.

How much time is allowed for the NASCLA examination?

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

Does Arkansas accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam?

Yes. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board is a participating agency in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me an Arkansas contractor license?

No. Passing NASCLA can satisfy an applicable trade examination requirement, but applicants must still apply to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and satisfy state licensing requirements.

Does Arkansas require a separate Business and Law examination?

Yes. New Arkansas commercial contractor license applicants are required to complete the Arkansas Business and Law examination unless an applicable Board-recognized alternative applies.

Is the Arkansas Business and Law reference included in this set?

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

When is an Arkansas commercial contractor license required?

Arkansas requires a commercial license for covered commercial construction work valued at $50,000 or more, including labor and materials.

Can I highlight and tab my NASCLA exam books?

Yes. Permitted NASCLA references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam. Permanent tabs are allowed, while temporary removable tabs are prohibited.

Are the reference books provided at the testing center?

No. Candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted reference materials to the examination center.