Louisiana 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 Louisiana reference package featuring highlighted and permanently tabbed books. This set combines the Louisiana NASCLA Business Book with the listed commercial construction references to support organized business-law review, technical trade study, and open-book exam navigation.

The Louisiana NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Complete Book Set is designed for candidates who need an extensive commercial construction library but do not want to prepare every reference from the beginning. Each book is highlighted and tabbed to help candidates locate important chapters, definitions, tables, standards, code provisions, and construction topics more efficiently.

The included references cover construction jobsite management, project management, contractor business practices, structural concrete, reinforcing steel, precast erection, post-tensioning, steel decking, steel joists, wood trusses, excavation, gypsum construction, masonry, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, safety, building codes, green construction, stormwater planning, exterior insulation systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

Open-book contractor testing requires more than access to the correct publications. Candidates must understand the subject of each question, determine which reference applies, and locate the supporting information within the available testing period. An organized highlighting and tabbing system helps candidates develop a consistent approach to working through the complete library.

The Louisiana NASCLA Business Book supports review of contractor business and law topics associated with operating a contracting company in Louisiana. Candidates can use it to study licensing responsibilities, contracts, financial management, insurance, employment practices, safety, project administration, and related business subjects.

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

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a broad technical trade examination designed for commercial general building contractor candidates. It addresses the knowledge used to plan, supervise, coordinate, and complete commercial construction projects involving multiple building trades.

The technical subjects represented by this book set include project planning, jobsite supervision, estimating, contracts, safety, concrete construction, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, precast concrete, wood trusses, structural metals, masonry, excavation, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, commercial building codes, environmental controls, exterior systems, and building-service systems.

The examination requires candidates to work across multiple books rather than rely on one general textbook. Some topics overlap between publications, making it important to recognize the specific focus of each reference. A structural concrete question may require ACI 318, while a concrete field-quality question may be found in The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction.

A passing NASCLA result may be submitted to participating contractor licensing agencies for consideration toward an applicable technical trade-examination requirement. Licensing agencies continue to apply their own application, qualifying-party, financial, insurance, classification, and business requirements.

Louisiana applicants using a NASCLA result must still complete the licensing process administered by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Examination credit does not independently issue a contractor license or authorize a business to perform regulated contracting work.

Louisiana also maintains a Business and Law requirement for qualifying parties using NASCLA examination credit. The Louisiana-focused business reference in this package provides useful preparation for understanding state contractor operations, while applicants must complete the current Business and Law requirement through the process directed by the licensing board.

Open Book Test

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

Open-book testing does not eliminate the need to study. The examination library contains thousands of pages distributed across textbooks, standards, codes, manuals, and specialty construction guides. Candidates who are unfamiliar with the references may spend too much time searching through unrelated publications.

A practical open-book method begins with subject recognition. After reading a question, the candidate should identify the primary construction topic, choose the publication most likely to address it, and use the index, table of contents, chapter headings, definitions, code sections, or technical tables to locate the information.

The highlighting and permanent tabs in this package help support that process. Highlighting draws attention to useful material, while tabs create reference points for important chapters and subject areas. Candidates should practice with the prepared books before test day so the navigation system becomes familiar.

The references must comply with the current examination rules. Candidates should not add loose papers, removable notes, unauthorized inserts, or other materials that may be prohibited. The current candidate bulletin should be reviewed before the books are taken to the examination center.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the appropriate Louisiana contractor classification. The requested classification should match the commercial construction work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying party. The contractor must designate the individual who will qualify the company for the requested classification.
3. Complete the Louisiana contractor application. Submit the requested business, ownership, qualifying-party, classification, and contact information.
4. Provide supporting documentation. Supply the financial, insurance, business, and qualifying-party documents required for the selected license and classification.
5. Apply for the NASCLA examination. Complete the applicable NASCLA application process and receive authorization before scheduling the technical trade examination.
6. Study the listed reference books. Review the technical content and practice locating information through the highlighted and tabbed library.
7. Pass the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. The result may be sent to Louisiana for consideration toward the applicable technical examination requirement.
8. Complete the Louisiana Business and Law requirement. Qualifying parties using NASCLA examination credit must complete the state process assigned through the Louisiana contractor portal.
9. Submit the NASCLA result. Follow the required transcript or examination-credit procedure so the licensing board can review the result.
10. Complete the licensing review. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors evaluates the application, classification, qualifying-party information, examination credit, and supporting documents.
11. Receive the license before contracting. The business must obtain the appropriate Louisiana contractor license before performing work that requires state licensure.

State Requirements

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors regulates commercial contractors and determines the classifications under which licensed businesses may operate. Applicants should select the classification that accurately reflects the work they intend to bid, supervise, or perform.

The contractor license is issued to the business entity. A qualifying party is associated with the company and must satisfy the applicable technical knowledge requirements for the requested classification.

Louisiana accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination as an examination-credit option for applicable commercial building work. The NASCLA result addresses technical trade knowledge but does not replace the Louisiana license application or the remaining state requirements.

Applicants may be required to submit ownership information, financial documentation, qualifying-party records, insurance materials, classification details, and other supporting documents. The exact materials depend on the license type, business structure, and classification requested.

Qualifying parties using NASCLA examination credit must also complete Louisiana’s current Business and Law requirement. Access to the applicable process is provided through the contractor portal after the licensing application has been submitted and processed.

Incomplete applications, missing financial information, unresolved ownership details, or missing qualifying-party documents may delay review. Applicants should provide accurate and complete materials and respond promptly to requests from the licensing board.

Passing the examination and purchasing the reference set do not guarantee licensing approval. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors determines whether the applicant has satisfied the requirements for the requested license and classification.

Reference Books

• Louisiana NASCLA Business Book
  Supports review of Louisiana contractor business and law topics, including licensing, contracts, financial management, insurance, employment responsibilities, safety, and project administration.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, jobsite planning, communication, documentation, safety, productivity, quality control, coordination, and daily construction operations.
• Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Reviews project organization, estimating, scheduling, contracts, cost control, risk management, communication, quality, and project closeout.
• ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides structural concrete requirements and commentary involving materials, design, reinforcement, 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 core contractor business practices, project management, finance, contracts, insurance, employment, safety, and risk management.
• Erectors’ Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Precast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Covers precast concrete 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 procedures 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 modifications, and installation safety.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Dave Roberts, 2011
  Covers excavation, grading, trenching, underground utilities, pipe installation, equipment, estimating, productivity, 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, 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, structural systems, building components, sequencing, methods, and field practices.
• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926, with Latest Available Amendments
  Contains federal construction safety requirements involving jobsite operations, fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, equipment, 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, rooms, 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 requirements involving occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, structural provisions, 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 by separating the Louisiana business reference from the NASCLA technical library. This creates a focused path for reviewing state contractor operations while studying the broad commercial trade material separately.

Organize the technical books into groups such as project management, safety, building codes, accessibility, concrete, masonry, structural systems, carpentry, roofing, excavation, environmental controls, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical systems.

Practice selecting the correct book before searching for an answer. Read a sample question, identify the main subject, choose the publication most likely to contain the information, and use the index, permanent tabs, or table of contents to locate the relevant section.

Timed navigation exercises can help candidates develop speed and consistency. The objective is to recognize the subject, select the correct reference, find the supporting information, and evaluate the answers without spending unnecessary time searching unrelated books.

Review incorrect answers carefully. A missed question may indicate a content weakness, an incorrect reference choice, a misunderstood term, or inefficient navigation. Identifying the cause can help candidates adjust their preparation and focus on areas that need additional study.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Louisiana contractor candidates turn an extensive business and technical library into an organized exam-preparation system. The highlighted and permanently tabbed books reduce the initial setup work and provide a consistent structure for study.

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

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to use the books actively. Students can work through questions, identify key terms, select the correct publication, and use the prepared tabs to locate relevant construction information.

Reference-navigation practice is especially valuable for an open-book examination with a large library. Familiarity with the highlighting, indexes, chapters, code provisions, and technical tables helps candidates develop a clearer and more efficient testing method.

The Louisiana business reference also helps candidates review the responsibilities involved in operating a contracting company. This supports a stronger understanding of licensing, contracts, finance, employment, insurance, safety, and project administration.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee a passing score, licensing approval, or license issuance. The complete highlighted and tabbed set provides organized study support, trade-focused references, navigation practice, and a confidence-building preparation structure.

FAQ Section

What is included in this complete book set?

The package includes the Louisiana NASCLA Business Book and all 24 listed technical references for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. The complete set is highlighted and permanently tabbed.

How long does book preparation take?

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

Is the Louisiana NASCLA Business Book included?

Yes. The Louisiana NASCLA Business Book is included to support review of contractor business and law topics.

Does Louisiana accept the NASCLA examination?

Louisiana accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination for applicable technical examination credit within the state licensing process.

Is the NASCLA examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may bring permitted references that comply with the current examination rules. The testing center does not provide the books.

Does passing NASCLA automatically issue a Louisiana license?

No. Applicants must complete the Louisiana licensing process and satisfy all applicable business, qualifying-party, financial, insurance, classification, and documentation requirements.

Why are highlighting and tabs useful?

Highlighting identifies useful material, while permanent tabs help candidates reach important chapters, code sections, tables, and technical subjects more efficiently.

Should I study with the prepared books before test day?

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

Are the books supplied at the examination center?

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

Can I add loose notes to the books?

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

Does purchasing this set guarantee licensing approval?

No. Licensing decisions are made by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors after reviewing the applicant’s examination credit, application, and supporting documentation.