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

Prepare for Arkansas commercial contractor licensing with an all-inclusive package that brings together NASCLA exam preparation, the complete reference-book library, licensing application support, and essential business setup services. The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Licensing & Business Setup is designed for contractors who want a more organized path from exam preparation through business formation and contractor licensing.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors covers a wide range of commercial construction subjects, including project management, estimating, safety, site construction, concrete, masonry, structural metals, wood construction, accessibility, roofing, building codes, mechanical and electrical systems, finishes, and specialty construction topics. Because the exam is open book, candidates also need to know how to navigate a large reference library efficiently.

The 1 Package combines the listed NASCLA and Arkansas reference books with 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation assistance, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance. All books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation, giving candidates an organized reference system for study and open-book exam navigation.

This package also includes the Arkansas-specific NASCLA business and law publication, supporting preparation for the separate Arkansas Business and Law requirement in addition to the national NASCLA commercial building trade examination.

Package Price: $3,664.

Refundable Book Deposit: $1,000.

Total Initial Payment: $4,664.

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 commercial contractor trade examination accepted by participating licensing agencies, including the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

The examination contains 115 scored questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly to achieve the required passing score. Candidates are allowed 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, to complete the examination.

The NASCLA commercial examination covers major commercial construction knowledge areas such as:

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

The exam requires candidates to apply practical construction knowledge while also using technical references, codes, safety regulations, construction-management books, and specialty trade manuals. Contractors with substantial field experience may still benefit from focused exam preparation because the test covers formal standards, terminology, procedures, and subjects that may extend beyond a candidate's daily specialty.

Preparation should include both content review and reference-navigation practice. Candidates should learn which book is most likely to address a particular topic and become comfortable using indexes, tables of contents, code chapters, diagrams, technical tables, and other reference tools.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may use permitted reference materials in accordance with the testing provider's current examination rules.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used to organize reference material. Temporary removable tabs, such as Post-It notes, are not permitted. Reference books are not supplied at the examination center, so candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted books.

The open-book format makes navigation skills important. Candidates have 330 minutes to work through the examination, so searching multiple books for every question can consume valuable time. Preparation should focus on recognizing the subject, selecting the appropriate reference, and locating the relevant information efficiently.

All books supplied through The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates can use those prepared references throughout the study process to become familiar with major chapters, tables, standards, and construction topics before exam day.

Licensing Steps

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates commercial contractor licensing in Arkansas. Passing the NASCLA examination can satisfy an applicable trade examination requirement, but a passing score is not itself an Arkansas contractor license.

1. Select the appropriate Arkansas contractor classification. The applicant should identify the classification that matches the type of commercial construction work the company intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying party. Arkansas license applications must be supported by a qualifying party who has satisfactorily completed the examination required by the Board.
3. Complete the NASCLA trade examination requirement. Arkansas accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors for applicable commercial licensing purposes.
4. Complete Arkansas Business and Law requirements. Arkansas commercial contractor applicants must satisfy the applicable state Business and Law examination requirement.
5. Prepare the contractor license application. Applicants must provide the required business, classification, qualifying-party, financial, and supporting information.
6. Provide required financial documentation. Arkansas establishes financial requirements based on the commercial contractor classification and license type requested.
7. Submit the application for Board review. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board evaluates the application before issuing the requested license and classification.

The Application Service included with The 1 Package provides support with the contractor application process while candidates continue preparing for the examination and organizing the business.

State Requirements

Arkansas contractor licenses are issued under the business name and structure shown on the application. Arkansas recognizes applications filed as an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or another business organization recognized by the Secretary of State.

Each contractor license application must be supported by a qualifying party who has satisfactorily completed the examination required by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. For applicants using the NASCLA commercial examination, the NASCLA trade result addresses the applicable commercial trade examination component, while Arkansas-specific licensing requirements remain separate.

Arkansas commercial contractor licensing also includes financial qualification requirements. Current rules establish minimum business-related net worth requirements by classification. For a Building classification, the minimum business-related net worth is $50,000, and new applicants must have at least one-half of the required minimum net worth in cash.

Arkansas distinguishes between restricted and unrestricted commercial licenses for financial reporting purposes. Applicants should ensure that the financial documentation submitted with the application corresponds with the license type they are pursuing.

The 1 Package helps connect exam preparation with the practical business setup work that contractors often need to complete alongside licensing. Business Formation, EIN Filing, Application Service, and Contractor Compliance Guidance are included so candidates can approach the licensing process with a more organized business structure.

Reference Books

• Included Book: NASCLA Arkansas, 8th Edition
  Arkansas-specific contractor material covering business, law, licensing, and project-management topics associated with state contractor requirements.
• Included Book: Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  Covers mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related commercial building systems from a construction-management perspective.
• Included Book: ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  Provides accessibility requirements for buildings, facilities, routes, spaces, and building elements.
• Included Book: BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining, and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025
  Addresses handling, installation, restraint, and bracing practices for metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Covers carpentry, framing, materials, layout, building methods, and structural 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
  Covers field supervision, planning, productivity, documentation, coordination, and jobsite management.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses planning, scheduling, administration, project controls, coordination, and construction management.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  Covers contractor business practices, contracts, financial management, project management, and construction administration.
• Included Book: Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Provides standards and guidance related to precast concrete erection.
• Included Book: Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces sustainable construction concepts and green building practices.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, assemblies, wall and ceiling systems, and installation methods.
• Included Book: Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  Addresses handling and erection practices for steel joists and joist girders.
• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  A primary commercial building code covering occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural provisions, and other requirements.
• Included Book: ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides technical structural concrete requirements for reinforced concrete construction.
• Included Book: Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Covers fundamental field practices for unbonded post-tensioning construction.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Covers masonry materials, tools, brick, block, stone, layout, and construction practices.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Addresses excavation, trenching, underground pipe installation, equipment, and site conditions.
• Included Book: Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  A comprehensive commercial construction reference covering materials, methods, building systems, and field practices.
• Included Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Covers roofing systems, materials, construction methods, measurements, quantities, and estimating.
• Included Book: Placing Reinforcing Bars
  Provides technical guidance for reinforcing-steel placement in concrete construction.
• Included Book: SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  Addresses steel deck handling, placement, installation, and related construction practices.
• Included Book: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  Covers concrete preparation, materials, 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 construction-site guidance for stormwater pollution prevention planning.

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is open book and uses an approved reference list. The commercial construction references included with The 1 Package support preparation for the NASCLA examination, while the Arkansas-specific NASCLA publication supports Arkansas Business and Law study.

Permitted exam references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing. Permanent tabs may be used. Temporary removable tabs are not allowed, and candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted references to the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

The NASCLA examination rewards candidates who can combine commercial construction knowledge with efficient research skills. Study should focus on both the content of the references and the ability to find information quickly.

For building-code questions, candidates should become comfortable navigating the 2021 International Building Code. OSHA preparation should include repeated use of 29 CFR Part 1926. Concrete study should combine practical construction knowledge with ACI technical requirements, while masonry, structural steel, roofing, excavation, accessibility, and building systems each have dedicated references.

The included 1 year of course access provides time for structured review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference-navigation training. Candidates can build a consistent study schedule and revisit difficult subjects while becoming more familiar with the reference library.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arkansas contractors approach licensing through an organized combination of exam preparation, reference-book navigation, application support, and business setup services. The goal is to help candidates manage the trade examination and the business side of contractor licensing within one structured package.

The highlighted and tabbed books support efficient reference navigation, while the online course provides trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure. With 1 year of course access, candidates have time to develop familiarity with codes, standards, safety requirements, management concepts, and technical construction subjects.

Application Service helps candidates address the licensing paperwork, while Business Formation assistance supports establishing an LLC or corporation. EIN Filing with the IRS helps the business obtain the federal tax identification number used for activities such as opening business bank accounts, managing taxes, hiring employees, and operating professionally.

Contractor Compliance Guidance adds support for understanding Arkansas contractor requirements as the business moves toward licensing and operation. Together, these services create an all-inclusive approach that goes beyond exam preparation alone.

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 exam?

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination contains 115 scored questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 correctly to pass.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

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

Does Arkansas accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination?

Yes. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board is a participating agency in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination program.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me an Arkansas contractor license?

No. Passing the NASCLA exam can satisfy an applicable trade examination requirement, but applicants must still complete Arkansas-specific contractor licensing requirements.

How long is course access included?

The 1 Package includes 1 year of course access.

Is Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included with The 1 Package.

Does The 1 Package include business formation?

Yes. The package includes Business Formation assistance for an LLC or corporation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. All included books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation and organized reference navigation.

What is the package price?

The package price is $3,664. The refundable book deposit is $1,000, making the total initial payment $4,664.

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

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

What financial requirement applies to the Arkansas Building classification?

Arkansas currently requires a minimum business-related net worth of $50,000 for the Building classification, with new applicants required to have at least one-half of that minimum in cash.