The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Arizona NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Licensing & Business Setup

Take a more organized approach to Arizona commercial contractor licensing with an all-inclusive package that combines NASCLA exam preparation, a comprehensive reference-book library, licensing application assistance, and essential business setup services. The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Arizona NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Licensing & Business Setup is designed for contractors who want support beyond a standard exam prep course.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors covers a wide range of commercial construction knowledge. Candidates must prepare for subjects involving planning and estimating, construction management, safety, site construction, concrete, masonry, structural metals, wood framing, thermal and moisture protection, doors and glazing, finishes, and specialized construction systems. Because the examination is open book, candidates must also develop the ability to navigate a large technical reference library efficiently.

The 1 Package combines exam-focused study with the listed reference books, highlighting and tabbing, 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation assistance, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance. The package is intended to help candidates organize both sides of the process: preparing for the NASCLA commercial building examination and establishing the business framework needed to pursue contractor licensing in Arizona.

Package Price: $3,669.

Refundable Book Deposit: $1,000.

Total Initial Payment: $4,669.

All books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders.

Exam Details

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a standardized trade examination accepted by participating contractor licensing agencies. Arizona recognizes NASCLA examination results for applicable classifications through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination contains 115 questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to pass. The examination provides 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, for completion.

The examination covers a broad range of commercial construction topics, including:

• Planning and estimating
• Financial and project management
• Construction safety
• Site construction
• Concrete construction
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood foundations and framing
• Thermal and moisture protection
• Doors, windows, and glazing
• Finishes
• Specialty equipment and conveyance systems

The examination requires candidates to move between practical construction knowledge, technical standards, building codes, safety regulations, and project-management concepts. Contractors with extensive field experience can still benefit from structured exam preparation because licensing examinations often test specific terminology, technical requirements, and reference-based information.

A successful study plan should include practice identifying the correct reference for a question, locating information efficiently, and interpreting tables, code sections, definitions, diagrams, and technical requirements under timed conditions.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may use permitted examination references according to current testing-center rules.

Open book does not mean the examination is easy or that every answer can be researched from the beginning. Candidates have 330 minutes to complete 115 questions, making reference familiarity an important part of preparation.

The books included with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. This organization can help candidates practice moving through the reference library and locating important subject areas more efficiently.

During preparation, candidates should learn which books address specific topics. OSHA questions, for example, may require navigation through 29 CFR Part 1926, while building-code questions may require the International Building Code. Concrete questions can involve ACI requirements or practical concrete references, while construction-management questions may be found in dedicated project and jobsite management books.

Developing these navigation habits before test day can make the open-book format more manageable and help candidates use their available exam time more effectively.

Licensing Steps

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or AZ ROC, administers contractor licensing in Arizona. Passing the NASCLA examination does not automatically create an Arizona contractor license. Applicants must complete the applicable Arizona licensing requirements for their requested classification.

1. Choose the appropriate Arizona contractor classification. Determine which commercial or dual building classification matches the type of contracting work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify a qualifying party. Arizona requires the applicant to identify a qualifying party who has the necessary experience, knowledge, and skills for the requested classification and is regularly employed by the licensee.
3. Complete the required examination process. The qualifying party must satisfy the applicable trade examination requirement unless an approved waiver applies. NASCLA examination results may be submitted for classifications for which Arizona accepts the NASCLA examination.
4. Complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules requirement. The qualifying party must complete Arizona's Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam, commonly referred to as the SRE.
5. Complete required background checks. Arizona requires background checks for the persons named on the contractor license application.
6. Establish the business entity. Arizona contractor licenses may be issued to qualifying sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, or corporations. LLCs and corporations must be properly registered and in good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission before submitting the license application.
7. Obtain the required contractor license bond. Arizona requires applicants to provide proof of the appropriate contractor license bond based on classification and anticipated Arizona gross volume.
8. Submit the license application. Complete the Arizona Registrar of Contractors application and provide the required qualifying-party documentation, examination results, identification, background information, bond, supporting documents, and applicable fees.

The Application Service included with The 1 Package provides support through the contractor application process, while Business Formation and EIN Filing services address important steps associated with establishing the contracting company.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors regulates contractor licensing throughout Arizona. A contractor license belongs to the licensed business entity rather than to the qualifying party personally. Eligible applicants may operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.

Every applicant must identify a qualifying party who possesses the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to supervise or perform the work authorized by the requested classification. The qualifying party may be the sole proprietor, a partner, an LLC member, a corporate officer, or an employee who meets Arizona's requirements.

Arizona also requires the qualifying party to complete the applicable examinations. The Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam is an online, open-book requirement. A trade examination is also required unless the qualifying party qualifies for an approved waiver or satisfies the requirement through an accepted examination such as NASCLA for an applicable classification.

Arizona recognizes NASCLA examination scores for applicable general building classifications, including B-1, B-2, KB-1, and KB-2 applications. Candidates should select the classification that corresponds to the scope of work their company intends to perform.

The B-1 General Commercial Contractor classification permits qualifying commercial construction, alteration, and repair work within the scope established by AZ ROC. Certain work involving electrical, plumbing, air conditioning systems, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water wells must be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors.

The B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor classification applies to qualifying commercial projects of $2,000,000 or less, including labor and materials, within the scope established for that classification.

Applicants must also obtain the contractor license bond required for their license type and anticipated gross volume. Arizona's commercial general contractor bond amounts increase according to anticipated annual Arizona gross volume, so the required amount depends on the applicant's specific circumstances.

Reference Books

The following books are included with The 1 Package and are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation:

• Included Book: Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  Covers mechanical and electrical building systems from the perspective of commercial construction management.
• Included Book: ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  Provides technical requirements for accessible and usable building elements, spaces, routes, and facilities.
• Included Book: BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Addresses recommended practices for handling, installation, restraint, and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Covers framing, carpentry, building materials, layout, construction methods, and structural building components.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Contains federal construction safety regulations addressing workplace hazards and OSHA requirements.
• Included Book: Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses jobsite planning, supervision, personnel coordination, productivity, documentation, and field-management practices.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Covers commercial construction project planning, administration, coordination, scheduling, and management principles.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference addressing business operations, project management, contracts, and construction administration.
• Included Book: Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Provides standards and guidance concerning precast concrete erection practices and field procedures.
• Included Book: Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces principles associated with sustainable construction and environmentally responsible building practices.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, wall and ceiling systems, assemblies, and installation practices.
• Included Book: Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  Addresses handling and erection procedures for steel joists and joist girders.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  A primary commercial construction code covering occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural requirements, and other building provisions.
• Included Book: ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  A structural concrete standard containing technical requirements for reinforced concrete construction.
• Included Book: Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Covers fundamental field concepts and practices involving unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Covers masonry materials, tools, layout, brick, block, stone, and practical masonry construction methods.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Addresses excavation, trenching, pipe installation, underground construction, equipment, and sitework practices.
• Included Book: Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  A comprehensive commercial construction reference covering building materials, systems, techniques, and construction practices.
• Included Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Covers roofing systems, construction methods, materials, measurements, and estimating concepts.
• Included Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  Provides technical information regarding reinforcing steel placement and practices used in reinforced concrete construction.
• Included Book: SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  Covers steel deck handling, placement, installation, and related construction practices.
• Included Book: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  Covers concrete materials, preparation, placement, finishing, workmanship, and quality construction practices.
• Included Book: ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017
  Addresses exterior insulation and finish systems and EIFS assemblies incorporating drainage.
• Included Book: Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – A Guide for Construction Sites, United States Environmental Protection Agency
  Provides guidance for developing and implementing stormwater pollution prevention plans on construction sites.

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is open book and uses approved examination references. The listed books support preparation for the examination and provide candidates with the technical material used across the tested construction subjects.

All books supplied through The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates should practice with their books throughout the study process so that the location of important subjects, chapters, tables, and technical requirements becomes familiar before examination day.

Test Information and Study Materials

An effective NASCLA study plan should combine construction review with repeated reference-navigation practice. Begin by dividing the examination into major subject areas and connecting each area to the books most likely to contain the necessary information.

For safety topics, become comfortable using OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. For general commercial building requirements, practice navigating the International Building Code. Concrete preparation should include both practical concrete-construction material and ACI technical requirements. Construction-management preparation should incorporate estimating, project administration, field management, scheduling, contracts, and jobsite coordination.

Practice questions under timed conditions. When a question requires research, first identify the likely reference and then use the index, table of contents, chapter organization, or prepared tabs to locate the applicable information. Repeated use of this process can help turn a large book collection into a working exam-day reference system.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates approach Arizona contractor licensing with a structured combination of exam preparation, licensing assistance, reference organization, and business setup support. The 1 Package is designed for contractors who want to address more of the licensing process through one coordinated program.

The included 1 year of course access provides time for organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference-navigation work. Highlighted and tabbed books help candidates practice finding technical information across the NASCLA reference library.

Application Service provides support with the contractor licensing workflow, while Business Formation assistance helps establish an LLC or corporation for the contracting business. EIN Filing with the IRS supports important business activities such as opening business bank accounts, managing taxes, hiring employees, and operating under a dedicated business tax identification number.

Contractor Compliance Guidance adds support for understanding requirements associated with operating an Arizona contracting business. Together, these services help candidates move beyond exam preparation alone and work toward establishing an organized foundation for contractor licensing and business operations.

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 General Building exam?

The NASCLA examination contains 115 questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to pass.

How much time is allowed for the NASCLA commercial exam?

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

Does Arizona accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination?

Yes. Arizona accepts NASCLA examination scores for applicable contractor classifications, including eligible B-1, B-2, KB-1, and KB-2 applications.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me an Arizona contractor license?

No. NASCLA can satisfy an applicable trade examination requirement, but applicants must still complete the Arizona Registrar of Contractors licensing requirements.

Does The 1 Package include course access?

Yes. The package includes 1 year of course access for exam preparation.

Is Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included with The 1 Package.

Does the package include business formation?

Yes. Business Formation assistance for an LLC or corporation is included, along with EIN Filing with the IRS and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. All books included with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation.

What is the price of The 1 Package?

The package price is $3,669. A $1,000 refundable book deposit brings the total initial payment to $4,669.

How long should I allow for The 1 Package book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders.

Does Arizona require a contractor license bond?

Yes. Arizona contractor license applicants must provide the required license bond. The required amount depends on the license classification and anticipated annual gross volume.

Who can serve as the qualifying party for an Arizona contractor license?

The qualifying party may be a sole proprietor, a partner, an LLC member, a corporate officer, or a qualifying employee who is regularly employed by the licensee and meets the applicable experience, knowledge, and skill requirements.