New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package

Prepare for the New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam with a comprehensive Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package that combines an extensive commercial construction reference library, structured online exam preparation, highlighted and tabbed rental books, and Application Service in one organized solution. This package is designed for candidates who want a complete preparation system for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors while also working through the New Mexico contractor licensing process.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam covers a wide range of commercial construction subjects. Candidates may be tested on general requirements, site construction, structural concrete, masonry, metals, wood construction, thermal and moisture protection, doors and glazing, finishes, mechanical and plumbing systems, electrical systems, and procurement and contracting requirements. Because of that broad scope, preparation requires both technical knowledge and a practical strategy for using a large open-book reference library.

This Ultimate package gives you access to the listed reference books throughout the rental period, with all books highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. It also includes 1 year of course access, giving you a structured preparation resource to use alongside the books, plus Application Service to support your licensing process.

New Mexico Construction Industries Division participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program. Passing the NASCLA examination can satisfy the trade examination requirement for participating agencies, but the NASCLA exam itself is not a contractor license. Applicants must still complete the applicable New Mexico licensing requirements for their classification.

Package Price: $3,159

Refundable Book Deposit: $1,000 when the rental books are returned within one year in similar condition.

Total Initial Payment: $4,159

Order Processing: Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed 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. New Mexico Construction Industries Division is one of the agencies that accepts this NASCLA examination.

• Exam: NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors
• Number of Questions: 115
• Time Allowed: 330 minutes
• Minimum Passing Score: 70%, or 81 correct answers

The current NASCLA exam content outline distributes questions across multiple construction categories. General Requirements account for 25 questions, while Procurement and Contracting Requirements account for 31. The examination also includes Site Construction, Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Wood, Thermal and Moisture Protection, Doors, Windows and Glazing, Finishes, Mechanical and Plumbing Systems, and Electrical Systems.

This broad distribution means candidates should prepare across commercial construction disciplines rather than relying only on experience in one area. A contractor may have strong field knowledge but still need additional review in project administration, accessibility, OSHA safety, building codes, concrete, estimating, contracts, steel construction, or other subjects represented on the exam.

Time management is also a major part of preparation. With 115 questions and 330 minutes, candidates need to balance construction knowledge with efficient reference use. Training yourself to recognize whether a question can be answered directly or requires a book lookup can help protect valuable exam time.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is an Open Book Test. Approved reference materials may be used during the examination in accordance with applicable testing-center requirements.

The open-book format makes reference familiarity especially important. A large collection of books is useful only when you understand which reference applies to a particular construction subject and how that book is organized. Searching several unfamiliar references for every answer can quickly consume examination time.

The rental books included with this Ultimate package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Those features provide an organized starting point, but candidates should still practice regularly with the references. Learn the indexes, chapter structures, definitions, technical tables, code sections, and subject terminology used throughout the library.

For New Mexico open-book contractor examinations, approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the exam. References containing writing are not permitted. Candidates may not bring additional loose or attached papers with approved references, and permanent tabs are required when books are tabbed. Temporary removable tabs are not permitted.

A useful preparation method is to practice a find-and-confirm workflow. First, determine what the question is testing. Next, identify the most likely reference. Then locate and confirm the specific provision, table, standard, requirement, or construction detail you need. The goal is to use the books strategically rather than treating each question like a research project.

Licensing Steps

1. Determine the appropriate New Mexico contractor classification. Contractor licensing is classification-specific, and the scope of work you intend to perform determines the classification you should pursue.
2. Identify the Qualifying Party. New Mexico contractor businesses operate under qualifying individuals who satisfy the applicable requirements for the classification.
3. Meet the applicable experience requirements. The Qualifying Party must demonstrate experience appropriate to the classification being requested.
4. Complete the applicable application process. Submit the required forms, experience documentation, and other requested information.
5. Receive approval for testing. New Mexico candidates must complete the applicable approval process before scheduling required contractor examinations.
6. Complete the accepted trade examination requirement. For applicable commercial general building licensing purposes, the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors can satisfy the trade examination requirement.
7. Satisfy New Mexico Business & Law requirements. The state licensing process includes applicable business and law requirements in addition to the technical examination component.
8. Complete the remaining licensing requirements. After qualification and examination requirements are satisfied, the contractor business must complete the remaining licensing steps for the applicable classification.

State Requirements

New Mexico contractor licensing is administered through the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. PSI provides examination services for New Mexico Construction Industries licensing.

The New Mexico contractor licensing structure uses Qualifying Parties. A licensed business must have the appropriate qualifying individual for the classification of work being performed. The Qualifying Party is responsible for satisfying the experience and examination requirements applicable to that classification.

New Mexico accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors as part of its participation in the NASCLA Commercial Exam Program. The NASCLA examination can eliminate the need to retake the commercial building trade examination in participating jurisdictions, subject to each jurisdiction's licensing requirements.

Passing NASCLA does not automatically create a New Mexico contractor license. Candidates must still complete the applicable New Mexico classification, application, qualifying-party, business, and licensing requirements before becoming licensed.

Reference Books

• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  Covers contractor business practices, project management, contracts, financial management, and construction administration concepts.
• Included Book: New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act, NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13, 2006
  Contains statutory provisions addressing construction industries licensing and contractor regulation in New Mexico.
• Included Book: New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement, NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3, 2006
  Addresses New Mexico contractor licensing requirements and related regulatory provisions.
• Included Book: Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  Reviews mechanical and electrical building systems and coordination considerations for construction managers.
• Included Book: ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  Provides accessibility and usability requirements for buildings, facilities, spaces, and related construction elements.
• Included Book: BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Covers handling, installation, restraint, and bracing practices for metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Reviews carpentry, framing, building materials, construction methods, tools, and general building practices.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Contains federal occupational safety and health requirements applicable to construction activities.
• Included Book: Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, documentation, communication, jobsite coordination, and construction management practices.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Reviews project planning, scheduling, administration, cost control, and construction management systems.
• Included Book: Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Provides standards and guidance associated with handling and erecting precast concrete products.
• Included Book: Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces sustainability, green construction practices, materials, and environmentally responsible building concepts.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, assemblies, wall and ceiling systems, installation methods, and construction applications.
• Included Book: Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  Provides technical guidance regarding the handling and erection of steel joists and joist girders.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  Provides commercial building requirements involving occupancy, construction types, means of egress, fire and life safety, and other building provisions.
• Included Book: ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Contains structural concrete requirements and supporting commentary applicable to reinforced concrete construction.
• Included Book: Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Reviews field fundamentals associated with unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Covers masonry materials, methods, tools, construction techniques, and brick, block, and stone applications.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Addresses excavation, trenching, underground piping, site operations, and related construction practices.
• Included Book: Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  Provides broad coverage of commercial construction systems, methods, materials, sequencing, and project execution.
• Included Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Reviews roofing systems, materials, installation methods, construction practices, and estimating concepts.
• Included Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  Provides guidance regarding reinforcing steel placement, detailing, handling, and reinforced concrete field practices.
• Included Book: SDI Steel Deck Institute Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  Covers steel deck construction, installation, handling, and related field procedures.
• Included Book: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition
  Reviews concrete planning, placement, finishing, quality practices, and practical construction procedures.
• Included Book: ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
  Provides standards for exterior insulation and finish systems, including EIFS with 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.

Test Information and Study Materials

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination includes 115 questions, allows 330 minutes for completion, and requires a minimum score of 70%, or 81 correct answers. The exam covers both construction knowledge and the practical application of information across multiple commercial building disciplines.

Study according to the exam outline. General Requirements and Procurement and Contracting Requirements represent significant portions of the exam, but candidates should also prepare for site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, finishes, building systems, and other categories.

Connect each construction subject with the right reference. Accessibility preparation should involve direct use of the accessibility standard. OSHA questions should be practiced with 29 CFR Part 1926. Structural concrete preparation should involve the concrete references, while building-code study should include direct navigation of the International Building Code.

Use your highlighted and tabbed rental books throughout your study period. Becoming familiar with the tabs, indexes, tables of contents, chapter organization, and terminology can improve the speed of focused lookups.

Practice timed question sets. Open-book exams can encourage candidates to search too often. Timed practice can help you recognize when you already know enough to answer and when a technical reference lookup is worthwhile.

Use the course and books together. The Ultimate package includes 1 year of course access. Study a construction topic through the course and then navigate the associated reference. This helps connect exam concepts with the actual books used during preparation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps New Mexico contractor candidates organize a large commercial construction examination into a more focused preparation routine. The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam reaches across many disciplines, so candidates benefit from a study system that combines knowledge review, practice, reference navigation, and licensing support.

Organized study guidance helps divide the exam into manageable subject areas so you can build knowledge progressively rather than becoming overwhelmed by the size of the reference library.

Trade-focused review reinforces major areas such as construction management, safety, structural concrete, masonry, carpentry, steel construction, roofing, accessibility, site work, building codes, and building systems.

Practice-oriented preparation helps you apply construction knowledge through exam-style thinking. Practice can strengthen your ability to identify the subject being tested, interpret the situation presented, and decide whether reference confirmation is needed.

Reference navigation supports efficient use of an open-book library. Working with the highlighted and tabbed books throughout your preparation can help you become more familiar with indexes, chapters, code sections, technical standards, and tables.

Confidence-building study structure develops through regular study and repetition. With 1 year of course access, candidates have an extended preparation period for reviewing material, working through practice-oriented content, and developing familiarity with the reference set.

Application Service is also included in this Ultimate package, bringing licensing application support together with the books and exam preparation resources.

What Is Included in the New Mexico NASCLA Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package?

The package includes the listed rental reference books, highlighting and tab preparation, 1 year of course access, and Application Service.

What Is the Package Price?

The Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package price is $3,159. A refundable $1,000 book deposit is also required, bringing the total initial payment to $4,159.

Is the $1,000 Book Deposit Refundable?

Yes. The $1,000 book deposit is refundable when the rental books are returned within one year in similar condition.

How Long Is Course Access Included?

The Ultimate package includes 1 year of course access.

Does the Ultimate Package Include Application Service?

Yes. Application Service is included with this Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package.

Are the Rental Books Highlighted and Tabbed?

Yes. All rental books included with the package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

How Many Questions Are on the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam?

The exam contains 115 questions, allows 330 minutes for completion, and requires a minimum passing score of 70%, or 81 correct answers.

Is the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam Open Book?

Yes. The examination is open book and allows approved references according to the applicable testing requirements.

Does New Mexico Accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam?

Yes. New Mexico Construction Industries Division participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

Does Passing NASCLA Automatically Give Me a New Mexico Contractor License?

No. NASCLA is an examination rather than a contractor license. Candidates must still complete all New Mexico licensing requirements applicable to their classification.

Why Is Reference Navigation Important?

The exam is open book but timed. Knowing which reference applies to a question and how to locate the relevant information efficiently can help you make better use of the available testing time.

How Long Should I Allow for My Ultimate Rental Package Order?

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

Does This Package Guarantee a Passing Score or New Mexico Contractor License?

No. This package provides rental reference books, course access, Application Service, and organized exam preparation support. Exam performance and licensing decisions depend on the candidate's preparation, qualifications, application, and successful completion of applicable licensing requirements.