Oregon NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set

Prepare for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors and the Oregon contractor licensing process with a complete collection of business, project-management, code, safety, and commercial construction references.

This Oregon NASCLA complete book set combines the Oregon Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management for Commercial Contractors with the listed technical references associated with the NASCLA commercial general building examination. The collection supports organized study across contractor business practices, construction management, structural systems, site development, federal safety requirements, accessibility, building codes, environmental responsibilities, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

The Oregon business guide supports preparation for the Oregon contractor examination covering laws, rules, and business practices. It addresses subjects such as contractor licensing, business organization, financial management, estimating, contracts, employment responsibilities, insurance, safety, project administration, and the legal responsibilities involved in operating a construction business.

The remaining references cover the broad technical knowledge associated with commercial general building construction. Candidates can review jobsite supervision, project management, structural concrete, reinforcing steel, precast erection, unbonded post-tensioning, steel decking, steel joists, wood trusses, excavation, gypsum construction, masonry, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, stormwater planning, exterior insulation systems, sustainable construction, and building-service systems.

Oregon accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. Applicants who have passed the NASCLA examination are exempt from Oregon’s standard 16-hour pre-license training requirement, but they must still pass the Oregon examination covering laws, rules, and business practices.

The NASCLA examination uses an extensive open-book reference library. Effective preparation involves more than reading construction textbooks. Candidates should understand which publication applies to each subject and practice locating information through indexes, tables of contents, chapter headings, definitions, code provisions, diagrams, and technical tables.

Studying with the complete set allows candidates to organize the books into manageable subject groups and practice a repeatable reference-navigation process. Familiarity with the actual publications can help reduce unnecessary searching and create a clearer approach to open-book exam preparation.

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a standardized technical trade examination accepted by participating contractor licensing agencies. Oregon is a participating jurisdiction through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

The examination evaluates knowledge used to plan, supervise, coordinate, and complete commercial building projects involving multiple construction trades. Its broad scope reflects the responsibilities of a commercial general building contractor rather than the work of one specialty contractor.

The listed references address project management, jobsite operations, estimating, scheduling, contracts, safety, structural concrete, reinforcing steel, precast construction, post-tensioning, steel decking, steel joists, wood trusses, masonry, excavation, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, commercial building codes, environmental controls, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

The examination library includes both broad construction textbooks and specialty technical references. Construction Jobsite Management and Construction Project Management address field supervision, project planning, documentation, communication, cost control, quality management, and project closeout.

Concrete subjects are distributed across ACI 318-19, Placing Reinforcing Bars, and The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction. These publications address structural concrete requirements, reinforcement, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, testing, inspection, and quality control from different perspectives.

Additional specialty references cover precast erection, unbonded post-tensioning, steel deck installation, steel joist handling, wood-truss restraint and bracing, masonry, excavation, gypsum systems, carpentry, roofing, accessibility, stormwater planning, exterior insulation systems, and mechanical and electrical systems.

After passing the NASCLA examination, a candidate can use the NASCLA National Examination Database to send an official transcript to Oregon or another participating jurisdiction. The examination result is then reviewed as part of the applicable state licensing process.

The NASCLA result does not independently issue an Oregon Construction Contractors Board license. Applicants must complete the Oregon application process, designate a Responsible Managing Individual, pass the Oregon laws, rules, and business-practices examination, select the proper endorsement and business structure, and satisfy applicable bonding and insurance requirements.

Oregon applicants who have passed the NASCLA commercial general building examination do not have to complete the standard 16-hour pre-license training. They are still required to pass the Oregon contractor examination based on the Oregon version of the NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law and Project Management.

Open Book Test

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

Oregon’s examination covering laws, rules, and business practices is also open book. Candidates may use the approved Oregon reference manual during the examination under the current testing rules.

Open-book testing allows candidates to consult approved publications, but it does not remove the need for preparation. The NASCLA technical library contains thousands of pages across textbooks, codes, standards, manuals, and specialty construction guides.

A practical open-book method begins with identifying the primary subject of the question. The candidate should then select the publication most likely to contain the answer and use the index, table of contents, chapter headings, definitions, code sections, diagrams, or technical tables to locate the applicable material.

Structural concrete questions may require ACI 318-19, while reinforcing-bar placement questions may involve Placing Reinforcing Bars. Concrete field-practice questions involving preparation, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, testing, or quality control may be addressed in The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction.

Steel-deck questions may require the SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, while steel-joist and joist-girder questions may involve Technical Digest No. 9. Wood-truss handling, installation, restraint, and bracing questions may require the BCSI guide.

Precast erection questions may be located in the Erectors’ Manual, while unbonded post-tensioning questions may require the Level 1 Field Fundamentals publication. Masonry questions may involve Modern Masonry, and excavation or underground utility questions may require Pipe and Excavation Contracting.

Accessibility questions may involve ICC A117.1, while broader commercial building-code questions may require the International Building Code. Federal construction-safety questions may involve 29 CFR Part 1926, and stormwater-planning questions may require Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Candidates should practice using the listed editions because page numbers, code provisions, technical requirements, illustrations, and publication organization may differ between editions. Working with the correct references helps build familiarity before examination day.

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

Licensing Steps

1. Determine the appropriate Oregon contractor endorsement. Review the available residential, commercial, and combined endorsement options and choose the endorsement that matches the work the business intends to perform.
2. Select the business structure. Determine whether the contractor will operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or another approved business form.
3. Designate a Responsible Managing Individual. The RMI must be an owner or employee of the business and must manage or supervise its construction activities.
4. Prepare for the NASCLA examination. Study the commercial construction subjects and practice locating information throughout the listed technical reference library.
5. Apply for the NASCLA examination. Complete the current NASCLA application and examination-registration process.
6. Pass the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination. The passing result may be transmitted to Oregon through the NASCLA National Examination Database.
7. Prepare for the Oregon examination. Study the Oregon Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management and review state laws, rules, licensing responsibilities, and business practices.
8. Pass the Oregon laws, rules, and business-practices examination. Applicants using a NASCLA result remain responsible for completing this Oregon-specific examination.
9. Register the business when applicable. File the corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or assumed business name with the Oregon Secretary of State when required.
10. Obtain the required contractor bond. Secure the bond amount associated with the selected endorsement and business structure.
11. Obtain general liability insurance. Provide a company-specific certificate showing the insurance coverage required for the selected endorsement.
12. Submit the Oregon CCB application. Upload the examination records, bond, insurance certificate, business information, RMI information, and other required materials.

State Requirements

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board licenses and regulates construction contractors in the state. Contractors performing covered construction work must obtain the appropriate CCB license and endorsement before advertising, bidding, contracting, or performing work that requires licensure.

The contractor license is issued to the business entity. The business must identify a Responsible Managing Individual who is connected with the company and manages or supervises its construction activities.

The RMI must satisfy the applicable education and examination requirements. Under the standard pathway, the RMI completes at least 16 hours of approved pre-license training and passes the Oregon examination covering laws, rules, and business practices.

An applicant who has passed the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is exempt from the 16-hour pre-license training requirement. The applicant must still pass the Oregon examination and complete the remaining licensing steps.

The Oregon examination is based on the Oregon version of the NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law and Project Management. The examination is open book and focuses on state laws, rules, business practices, licensing responsibilities, contracts, employment matters, safety, insurance, and related contractor obligations.

Applicants must select the correct endorsement type. Oregon contractor endorsements distinguish between residential, commercial, and combined contracting activity and may also include different commercial levels based on the type and size of work performed.

The selected endorsement affects the contractor’s bond and insurance requirements. Applicants should obtain coverage in the exact business name shown on the CCB application and confirm that the policy and bond satisfy the current requirements for the requested endorsement.

Corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and businesses using an assumed business name must complete the applicable registration with the Oregon Secretary of State. The legal name and registration details should remain consistent throughout the licensing documents.

The CCB application may require proof of examination completion, RMI information, business-structure records, bond documentation, general liability insurance, ownership information, and other supporting materials.

Passing the NASCLA examination and purchasing this complete book set do not guarantee license approval. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board determines whether an applicant has completed the legal, examination, business, bonding, insurance, and administrative requirements for the requested license.

Reference Books

• Oregon Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management, Commercial Contractors
  Supports preparation for Oregon’s laws, rules, and business-practices examination with material involving licensing, business organization, finance, estimating, contracts, insurance, employment responsibilities, safety, and project management.
• Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, jobsite planning, communication, documentation, productivity, quality control, safety, 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, reinforcement, design, durability, construction, and inspection.
• BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Addresses recommended practices 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, finance, contracts, insurance, employment responsibilities, 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 systems, fire-resistant assemblies, 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, 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, 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, material selection, 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, 2023
  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 Oregon business reference from the NASCLA technical library. This creates a focused study plan for the Oregon laws, rules, and business-practices examination while allowing the technical references to be organized by construction discipline.

Divide the NASCLA books into project management, safety, codes, accessibility, site work, concrete, masonry, structural systems, carpentry, roofing, environmental controls, exterior systems, and mechanical and electrical coordination.

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

Timed navigation exercises help candidates develop a repeatable open-book method. The objective is to recognize the subject, select the correct reference, locate the supporting material, and evaluate the available answers without searching unrelated books.

Review incorrect responses carefully. A missed question may reveal a technical knowledge gap, an incorrect reference choice, misunderstood terminology, or an inefficient search method. Identifying the cause helps candidates focus future study more effectively.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Oregon contractor candidates turn a large business and technical reference library into an organized examination-preparation system. The complete set brings together the Oregon business guide and the NASCLA commercial building references for coordinated study.

Trade-focused review becomes more manageable when the books are grouped 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 references actively. Students can work through questions, identify important terms, select the correct publication, and practice locating code provisions, definitions, diagrams, tables, and technical requirements.

Reference-navigation practice is especially important for the open-book NASCLA examination. Familiarity with indexes, chapter headings, code sections, and technical tables can help candidates develop a clearer and more efficient examination routine.

The included Oregon business guide also supports review of contractor licensing, endorsement selection, contracts, financial management, insurance, employment responsibilities, safety, and project administration.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee a passing examination result, licensing approval, or license issuance. The complete book set provides organized study materials, trade-focused references, navigation practice, and a confidence-building foundation for pursuing Oregon contractor licensing goals.

FAQ Section

What is included in this complete book set?

The package includes the Oregon Contractors’ Guide to Business Law and Project Management for Commercial Contractors and all 24 listed NASCLA commercial building technical references.

Does Oregon accept the NASCLA examination?

Yes. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Does passing NASCLA eliminate Oregon pre-license training?

Applicants who have passed the NASCLA commercial general building examination are exempt from Oregon’s standard 16-hour pre-license training requirement.

Is the Oregon examination still required?

Yes. NASCLA candidates must still pass the Oregon examination covering laws, rules, and business practices.

Is the NASCLA examination open book?

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

Is the Oregon contractor examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may use the approved Oregon reference manual during the examination under the current testing rules.

What is a Responsible Managing Individual?

The Responsible Managing Individual is an owner or employee who manages or supervises the licensed business’s construction activities and satisfies the applicable examination requirements.

Does passing NASCLA automatically issue an Oregon license?

No. Applicants must complete the Oregon CCB application and satisfy the applicable RMI, examination, endorsement, business-registration, bond, insurance, and documentation requirements.

Are the books provided at the examination center?

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

How should I study the complete set?

Group the books by subject, learn which publication applies to each construction topic, and practice locating information through indexes, chapters, code sections, definitions, diagrams, and technical tables.

Does purchasing the set guarantee license approval?

No. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board determines whether the applicant has satisfied the requirements for the requested license and endorsement.