The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Arkansas Commercial Heavy Construction Contractor Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution

The 1 Package is an all-inclusive solution for contractors preparing to pursue the Arkansas Commercial Heavy Construction contractor classification. It combines the trade and business reference books, one year of course access, contractor application support, business formation, EIN filing, and contractor compliance guidance in one organized package.

This package is designed for professionals working in heavy construction, excavation, underground utilities, concrete operations, reinforcing steel placement, precast concrete erection, equipment planning, site development, and stormwater management. It supports both sides of the contractor licensing process by addressing the Arkansas Heavy Construction–Commercial trade examination and the separate Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination.

Every included exam reference book is professionally highlighted and tabbed. Important chapters, technical sections, tables, safety standards, and commonly reviewed subjects are organized to help candidates move through the books efficiently. This preparation is especially valuable during an open-book examination, where knowing how to locate information quickly can be just as important as understanding the subject.

The package includes Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Placing Reinforcing Bars, the Erectors’ Manual for precast concrete products, Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods, Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, and the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition.

The 1 Package also supports the business side of becoming a contractor. Application Service is included, along with business formation for an LLC or corporation, EIN filing with the IRS, and guidance related to Arkansas contractor compliance. Instead of purchasing separate services and attempting to coordinate the process independently, customers receive a structured solution covering exam preparation, licensing support, and business setup.

Exam Details

The Arkansas Commercial Heavy Construction licensing path includes a trade-specific Heavy Construction–Commercial examination and the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination. PSI administers Arkansas contractor licensing examinations for the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

The Heavy Construction–Commercial examination evaluates knowledge connected with large-scale construction work. Preparation may involve construction safety, excavation, pipe installation, concrete materials, reinforcing steel, precast concrete erection, construction equipment, planning methods, and stormwater management. The included trade references support review across these technical areas.

The Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination is required in addition to applicable trade-specific examinations. The business examination contains 50 questions, requires 35 correct answers for a passing score of 70 percent, and allows 120 minutes.

Published business and law subject areas include business management, contracts and agreements, environmental laws and regulations, estimating and bidding, financial management, insurance and bonding, labor laws, project management, OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, tax laws, Arkansas lien laws, and Arkansas contractor rules and regulations.

The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition is the approved reference for the Arkansas business and law examination. The copy included with this package is highlighted and tabbed to help candidates review major subjects and navigate the book during testing.

PSI examinations are delivered by computer. Candidates view questions on the screen and may return to previously answered questions while examination time remains. An online calculator is available, and candidates may not bring a personal calculator into the examination room.

Open Book Test

The Arkansas Commercial Heavy Construction trade examination and the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination use approved reference materials. Candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted books to the examination center.

The books included in The 1 Package are professionally highlighted and tabbed before delivery. Highlighting draws attention to important concepts, while tabs provide visible navigation points for major chapters and technical topics. This preparation helps candidates build familiarity with the reference library and reduce unnecessary page searching during a timed test.

Arkansas examination rules allow approved references to be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or add indexing after the examination begins. Additional papers, whether loose or attached, are not permitted with the approved books.

Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs, removable flags, Post-it notes, and similar materials that can be removed without tearing the page are not allowed. Downloaded references must be properly bound, such as through spiral binding or placement in a binder.

Although the examinations are open book, candidates should not expect to look up every answer from the beginning. Effective preparation includes learning the layout of each book, understanding which reference applies to a specific topic, reviewing indexes and tables of contents, and practicing timed information searches.

Licensing Steps

1. Choose the appropriate contractor classification. Determine whether Arkansas Commercial Heavy Construction corresponds with the work the company plans to perform.
2. Establish the business entity. Select an LLC or corporation and complete the appropriate business formation process. Business Formation is included in The 1 Package.
3. Obtain an EIN. Complete the Employer Identification Number filing with the IRS. EIN Filing is included and can support business banking, tax administration, hiring, and professional business operations.
4. Prepare the contractor application. Complete the commercial contractor application and organize the required business, ownership, qualifier, experience, financial, and supporting information. Application Service is included.
5. Prepare for the required examinations. Study for the Heavy Construction–Commercial trade examination and the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination using the highlighted and tabbed books and one year of course access.
6. Schedule and complete the examinations. Register for the examinations through PSI and follow the applicable identification, reference-book, scheduling, and examination-center rules.
7. Complete outstanding licensing requirements. Submit examination results and any remaining materials required for review by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
8. Receive licensing approval before contracting. Passing the examinations is one part of the process. The license must be reviewed and issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board before the business represents itself as licensed under the classification.

State Requirements

Arkansas commercial contractor licensing generally applies when qualifying commercial construction work has a total project value of $50,000 or more, including labor and materials. Applicants must select the classification that corresponds with the work they intend to contract and perform.

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board reviews the complete application rather than relying only on examination results. Depending on the application and requested classification, the review can involve business information, ownership records, the designated qualifier, construction experience, references, financial documentation, bonding, and other required materials.

The qualifier is the individual whose experience and examination credentials support the requested classification. The qualifier’s name and information should be entered consistently on the contractor application, PSI examination registration, identification documents, and supporting records.

Applicants should distinguish among forming a company, passing the examinations, submitting an application, and receiving a contractor license. These are separate stages. Creating an LLC or corporation does not automatically provide contracting authority, and passing an examination does not automatically issue the license.

The Application Service and Contractor Compliance Guidance included with The 1 Package are intended to provide an organized path through these stages. The service helps customers understand the documents and procedural requirements connected with establishing the business and pursuing Arkansas contractor licensing.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction-safety reference addresses excavation, personal protective equipment, material handling, equipment operation, fall protection, signs, concrete operations, steel erection, and other construction hazards. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This practical reference covers excavation, underground pipe work, trench operations, grading, estimating considerations, equipment, field procedures, and related sitework. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  This reference explains concrete materials, mixture proportioning, production, placement considerations, performance, durability, testing, and quality control. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  This trade reference addresses reinforcing-bar materials, placing practices, supports, tying, detailing, tolerances, handling, and field installation principles used in reinforced concrete construction. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Erectors’ Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  This manual presents practices associated with precast concrete erection, planning, handling, bracing, connections, equipment coordination, and jobsite safety. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods, 10th Edition
  This comprehensive text covers construction planning, production, earthmoving equipment, excavation, hauling, lifting, equipment selection, productivity, and heavy construction methods. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: Storm Water Management for Construction Activities, 1992
  This reference supports study of stormwater concerns related to construction activities, including erosion, sediment control, site planning, pollution-prevention practices, and environmental responsibilities. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition
  This is the business reference for the Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination. It covers business management, contracts, estimating, financial management, insurance, employment matters, project management, taxes, liens, and Arkansas contractor regulations. The included copy is highlighted and tabbed.

Test Information and Study Materials

One year of course access gives candidates a structured way to work through trade and business subjects instead of attempting to read every reference from beginning to end. Study can be organized by book, topic, and examination area, with practice-oriented preparation focused on understanding concepts and locating information.

Heavy construction preparation should include excavation planning, trench safety, pipe installation, construction equipment, productivity, concrete mixtures, reinforcing-bar placement, precast erection, stormwater controls, and OSHA requirements. Candidates should learn which book is most useful for each subject.

Business and law preparation should include contracts, estimating, finance, insurance, project management, labor requirements, taxes, liens, and Arkansas contractor regulations. Because the business examination is timed, candidates should practice moving between major chapters in the NASCLA Arkansas book.

A productive study routine combines reading with timed reference searches. Candidates can select a technical term, locate it through the index, review the surrounding section, and record which book contains the answer. Repeating this process builds speed and familiarity.

Highlighted and tabbed books provide an organized starting point, but candidates should still spend time using them before the examination. Tabs are most effective when the candidate understands what each label represents and has practiced moving between related subjects.

On test day, candidates can begin with questions they understand, mark difficult items for review, and use the references strategically. For a lookup question, identify the primary technical term, select the most relevant book, and use the index, contents, or prepared tabs rather than scanning unrelated chapters.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep brings exam preparation, licensing assistance, and business setup into one coordinated solution. The 1 Package helps reduce the need to purchase books, education, application support, and business services from separate providers.

The highlighted and tabbed reference books support efficient navigation during open-book testing. One year of course access provides organized trade-focused and business-focused review, while practice-oriented preparation helps candidates become comfortable with the material and the examination format.

Application Service provides support with organizing the Arkansas contractor licensing process. Business Formation and EIN Filing help establish the company’s operational foundation, and Contractor Compliance Guidance helps customers understand responsibilities connected with operating a commercial contracting business.

The goal is to give contractors a practical structure for moving from preparation to application and business setup. The package does not replace the decisions of the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board or guarantee an examination result, but it provides resources and support for approaching each stage with greater organization and confidence.

What is included in The 1 Package?

The package includes seven highlighted and tabbed trade references, the highlighted and tabbed NASCLA Arkansas business book, one year of course access, Application Service, LLC or corporation formation, EIN filing, and contractor compliance guidance.

What is the total package cost?

The service and product cost is $2,145. A $400 refundable book deposit brings the initial total package cost to $2,545. The deposit is refundable when the books are returned in similar condition within one year.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The included trade books and NASCLA Arkansas business book are professionally highlighted and tabbed to support organized study and faster reference navigation.

How long does course access last?

The package includes 1 year of course access.

How long should I allow for the book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders because the books require highlighting and tabbing preparation.

Is business formation included?

Yes. Business Formation for an LLC or corporation is included, along with EIN Filing with the IRS.

Is the contractor application service included?

Yes. Application Service is included to support the Arkansas commercial contractor licensing process.

Is the Arkansas Business and Law book included?

Yes. The package includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas, 8th Edition, highlighted and tabbed.

Are the Arkansas contractor exams open book?

The Heavy Construction–Commercial trade examination and Arkansas Contractor Business and Law Examination use approved reference materials. Candidates must follow PSI’s rules concerning permitted books, permanent tabs, annotations, binding, and prohibited loose papers.

Does purchasing the package guarantee a license?

No. Licensing decisions are made by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Applicants must complete the required examinations, application, documentation, and state review process.