California 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 set of highlighted and tabbed reference books covering project management, jobsite safety, commercial building codes, accessibility, concrete, masonry, structural systems, roofing, excavation, carpentry, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

The California NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Complete Book Set is designed for contractors pursuing the NASCLA examination and qualifying applicants using the NASCLA trade-exam waiver pathway for the California B – General Building classification. The package includes the listed NASCLA commercial building references prepared with highlighting and permanent tabs to support organized study and faster open-book navigation.

The NASCLA examination uses an extensive technical library. Candidates must understand both commercial construction principles and the organization of the reference books. Efficient preparation includes learning which publication applies to each subject and practicing how to locate information through indexes, tables of contents, code sections, chapter headings, definitions, diagrams, and technical tables.

Highlighting helps direct attention to useful material, while permanent tabs create a practical navigation system for major chapters and subject areas. Candidates should become familiar with the prepared references before test day so they can move through the books confidently and avoid spending unnecessary time searching unfamiliar publications.

California accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination as part of a trade-examination waiver pathway for qualifying out-of-state contractors applying for the California B – General Building classification. The waiver is not automatic and does not replace the California license application or other state requirements.

This set does not include a California Law and Business examination reference. Applicants who are required to take the California Law and Business examination should prepare separately using materials aligned with the current California examination outline.

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed book package orders. This preparation time allows the full set to be assembled, inspected, highlighted, tabbed, and organized before shipment.

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a standardized technical trade examination accepted by participating contractor licensing agencies. It addresses the broad knowledge used to plan, supervise, coordinate, and complete commercial building projects.

The examination covers subjects represented throughout this book set, including construction jobsite management, project management, estimating, contracts, safety, concrete, reinforcing steel, precast construction, post-tensioning, wood trusses, steel deck, steel joists, masonry, excavation, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, building codes, exterior insulation and finish systems, stormwater planning, green building, and mechanical and electrical systems.

Passing candidates can transmit an official examination result to participating licensing agencies through the NASCLA National Examination Database. The NASCLA result may satisfy a participating jurisdiction’s technical trade-examination requirement, but every licensing agency maintains its own application, experience, financial, business, and state-examination requirements.

California recognizes the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination for qualifying applicants seeking a waiver of the B – General Building trade examination. The applicant must meet the California Contractors State License Board’s waiver conditions, complete the original license application, request the waiver, and share the NASCLA examination result with California.

The California waiver pathway applies to qualifying applicants who hold a comparable out-of-state general building contractor license in good standing and have passed the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. CSLB reviews the application and determines whether the trade-examination waiver is approved.

A NASCLA result does not automatically issue a California contractor license. Applicants must complete all remaining licensing requirements, including any required California Law and Business examination, experience verification, fingerprinting, bonding, insurance documentation, application forms, and license-issuance steps.

Open Book Test

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

Open-book testing requires strong reference-navigation skills. Candidates must read each question, determine the primary construction subject, choose the most appropriate publication, locate the supporting information, and select the best answer within the available testing period.

The size of the library makes advance preparation essential. A question about structural concrete may require ACI 318, while a question about reinforcing-bar placement may rely on Placing Reinforcing Bars. Steel construction questions may involve the steel-deck manual or the steel-joist technical digest. Accessibility questions may require ICC A117.1, while broader commercial code questions may rely on the International Building Code.

The highlighted and tabbed format helps candidates move more efficiently between major chapters and subject areas. Highlighting identifies useful information, and permanent tabs create clear reference points throughout the books. Candidates should still practice using indexes, tables of contents, definitions, code sections, and technical tables before examination day.

All books taken into the examination room must comply with current testing rules. Candidates should review the applicable candidate information bulletin before test day and avoid adding loose pages, removable notes, unauthorized inserts, or other prohibited materials.

Licensing Steps

1. Determine whether the California NASCLA waiver pathway applies. The pathway is intended for qualifying applicants who passed the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination and hold a comparable out-of-state license in good standing.
2. Confirm the California classification. The applicable California classification is B – General Building Contractor.
3. Review the experience requirements. California applicants must document the qualifying experience required for the requested classification.
4. Apply for the NASCLA examination. Candidates must complete the NASCLA application and approval process before scheduling the examination.
5. Prepare with the approved references. Candidates should study the listed editions and practice using the highlighted and tabbed books under timed conditions.
6. Pass the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. The passing result is stored in the NASCLA National Examination Database.
7. Complete the California original license application. Applicants must submit the required business, personnel, classification, and experience information.
8. Request the NASCLA trade-exam waiver. The applicant must include a signed and dated request for waiver consideration.
9. Share the NASCLA result with CSLB. The official examination result must be transmitted to California through the NASCLA account and database.
10. Complete the remaining California requirements. These may include the California Law and Business examination, fingerprinting, bonding, insurance documentation, fees, and license-issuance requirements.

State Requirements

The California Contractors State License Board regulates contractors operating in California. An out-of-state license or passing NASCLA result does not independently authorize a contractor to perform work in the state. The applicant must receive the appropriate California license before performing work that requires licensure.

The B – General Building classification applies to contractors whose principal contracting business involves structures built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, property, or movable items when construction requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts.

Qualifying out-of-state contractors who have passed the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination may request a waiver of the California B – General Building trade examination. The applicant must have held a comparable out-of-state general building contractor license in good standing for the previous five years.

The contractor must complete California’s Application for Original Contractor License and include a signed and dated statement requesting the NASCLA Commercial General Builders examination waiver. The applicant must also request that the official NASCLA examination result be shared with California.

CSLB reviews the license verification, application, experience documentation, NASCLA result, and waiver request. Approval is determined by California, and the Board may require additional information when reviewing an application.

The waiver applies to the eligible trade examination and does not automatically waive the California Law and Business examination. Applicants must also complete all other requirements that apply to the individual, qualifying person, and business entity.

California residents who do not qualify under the NASCLA waiver pathway generally follow the state-specific examination process for the B – General Building classification. Candidates should select preparation materials that match the examination pathway applicable to their licensing situation.

Reference Books

• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers jobsite supervision, field planning, communication, documentation, productivity, safety, quality control, coordination, and daily construction operations.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Reviews project organization, estimating, scheduling, cost control, contracts, risk management, communication, quality, and project closeout.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides requirements and commentary involving structural concrete 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, financial management, insurance, employment, safety, and risk.
• Erectors’ Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Covers precast erection planning, handling, rigging, bracing, alignment, connections, field procedures, and safety.
• 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 loading, field modification, and installation safety.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Covers excavation, trenching, grading, 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 materials, mortar, tools, 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 involving construction operations, equipment, fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, and electrical safety.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 Student Edition, John L. Feirer and Mark D. Feirer
  Covers carpentry tools, construction materials, layout, foundations, framing, floors, walls, roofs, interiors, and common building procedures.
• ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2017
  Provides accessibility criteria for routes, entrances, spaces, fixtures, controls, communication elements, and building features.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson
  Reviews roofing systems, materials, installation methods, measurements, quantities, flashing, drainage, estimating, and project 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, materials, building performance, and indoor environmental quality.
• International Building Code, 2021 Edition
  Contains commercial building provisions involving occupancy, construction types, fire protection, egress, accessibility, structural requirements, and building systems.
• Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites
  Explains stormwater planning, erosion and sediment controls, pollution prevention, 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

Begin preparation by dividing the books into manageable subject groups. Create separate groups for project management, safety, codes, accessibility, site work, concrete, structural systems, masonry, carpentry, roofing, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical systems.

Practice identifying the correct reference before opening a book. Read a sample question, determine the primary construction topic, select the publication most likely to contain the answer, and use the tabs, index, or table of contents to locate the relevant section.

Timed practice helps candidates build a consistent open-book method. The goal is to recognize the topic, choose the correct publication, locate the supporting material, and evaluate the available answers without searching through unrelated books.

Use the prepared highlighting as a guide, but continue studying the surrounding sections and context. Examination questions may require interpretation, calculations, code application, or comparisons between related requirements rather than simple word matching.

Candidates pursuing the California NASCLA waiver should prepare separately for any California-specific examination that remains required. This reference set supports the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination and is not a substitute for California Law and Business materials.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates transform a large technical library into an organized contractor exam-preparation system. The highlighted and tabbed books reduce the initial setup work and provide a practical structure for reviewing the major NASCLA commercial building subjects.

Trade-focused preparation helps candidates connect commercial construction questions with the books most likely to contain the relevant information. Concrete, masonry, steel, roofing, excavation, accessibility, safety, project management, and building-system topics can be studied in focused groups.

Reference-navigation practice helps students recognize key terms, select the appropriate publication, use indexes effectively, and locate code provisions, technical tables, diagrams, and construction requirements more efficiently.

The prepared books also support candidates who need to balance examination study with active construction projects, employment, and business responsibilities. Organized subject groups and a familiar tabbing system make it easier to plan study sessions and monitor progress.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee an examination result, California trade-exam waiver, licensing approval, or license issuance. The complete highlighted and tabbed book set provides a practical foundation for organized study, reference navigation, and confidence-building preparation.

FAQ Section

What is included in this complete book set?

The package includes the 24 listed NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination references prepared with highlighting and permanent tabs.

How long does order preparation take?

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

Is a California Law and Business book included?

No. The listed set is focused on the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor trade examination. California Law and Business preparation materials are separate.

Does California accept the NASCLA examination?

California accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination for qualifying out-of-state applicants seeking a waiver of the B – General Building trade examination.

Who may qualify for the California NASCLA waiver?

A qualifying applicant must have passed the NASCLA commercial building examination and held a comparable out-of-state general building contractor license in good standing for the previous five years.

Does passing NASCLA automatically provide a California license?

No. Applicants must complete the California license application and satisfy all applicable experience, examination, fingerprinting, bonding, insurance, and license-issuance requirements.

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.

Why are highlighted and tabbed books helpful?

Highlighting identifies useful information, while permanent tabs help candidates reach important chapters and technical subjects more efficiently during study and permitted open-book testing.

Should I study with the prepared books before test day?

Yes. Repeated practice helps candidates learn which publication applies to each subject and become familiar with the tabbing and highlighting system.

Are the books supplied by the examination center?

No. Candidates are responsible for obtaining and bringing all approved references to the NASCLA examination location.

Can I use older editions of the books?

Candidates should use the editions shown on the current examination reference list because code provisions, technical requirements, page numbers, and book organization may differ.

Can I add loose notes to the books?

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