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

Prepare for Louisiana commercial contractor licensing with an all-inclusive package that combines NASCLA exam preparation, a comprehensive commercial construction reference library, licensing Application Service, and essential business setup support. The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Louisiana NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Licensing & Business Setup is designed for contractors who want a structured solution for preparing for the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors while addressing the Louisiana licensing and business requirements that follow.

Louisiana participates in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors. Passing the NASCLA examination can satisfy an applicable trade-examination requirement accepted by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, but NASCLA is not itself a contractor license. Applicants must still complete Louisiana's application, qualifying-party, financial, Business and Law, and classification requirements.

This package combines the NASCLA commercial construction reference books listed below with 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation assistance, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance. All included books are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation to help candidates build familiarity with the extensive open-book reference library.

The combination of study support and licensing assistance makes The 1 Package useful for candidates who want to approach the process as a complete contractor-business project rather than treating the examination, application, books, and company setup as unrelated tasks.

Package Price: $3,269.

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

Total Initial Payment: $4,269. All-Inclusive – No Hidden Fees!

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, including the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

The NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination contains 115 scored 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 exam covers a broad range of commercial construction knowledge, 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 NASCLA examination is intended to measure commercial general building knowledge across multiple construction disciplines rather than one specialty. Candidates may need to work with building codes, safety regulations, technical standards, construction-management principles, practical trade knowledge, and detailed industry references.

Louisiana also requires the qualifying party for a commercial contractor license to complete the state's Business and Law requirement. The Louisiana Business and Law test is completed through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors portal after the qualifying party receives approval. The current Louisiana Business and Law test contains 50 questions and requires a score of 70 or higher to pass.

Open Book Test

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open book test. Candidates may use approved reference materials under the current examination-provider rules.

Open-book testing makes familiarity with the reference library an important part of exam preparation. Candidates should not rely on having enough time to search through several books for every question. Instead, preparation should develop the ability to recognize the subject, select the correct reference, and locate the applicable information efficiently.

The books included with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates can use the prepared references throughout their study period to become familiar with chapter organization, indexes, technical tables, construction standards, safety requirements, and other frequently researched information.

A practical study method is to identify the topic first, choose the reference most likely to address it, and then use the index, table of contents, chapter headings, or prepared tabs to narrow the search. This approach can be practiced repeatedly while working through contractor exam questions.

Louisiana's Business and Law requirement is completed separately through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Candidates should prepare for the national NASCLA trade examination and Louisiana-specific Business and Law requirement as distinct parts of the licensing process.

Licensing Steps

Commercial contractor licensing in Louisiana is administered by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Applicants must complete the applicable state licensing requirements even when using a NASCLA examination result for an accepted trade classification.

1. Select the appropriate Louisiana commercial classification. Applicants must identify the classification or subclassification that matches the commercial work the company intends to perform.
2. Establish the applicant business. The contractor license may be issued to an individual or qualifying business entity. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must maintain active and good-standing status with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
3. Complete the Louisiana contractor application. Applicants submit the required business, ownership, classification, and qualifying-party information through the licensing process.
4. Designate a Qualifying Party. Commercial applicants must designate a qualifying party to represent the licensed entity and satisfy applicable classification and examination requirements.
5. Complete the Business and Law requirement. The qualifying party must complete Louisiana's Business and Law course and test unless that requirement has previously been satisfied.
6. Satisfy the applicable trade requirement. A NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination result may satisfy an accepted trade examination requirement for applicable Louisiana licensing purposes.
7. Provide the required financial statement. Louisiana commercial contractor applicants must submit a current financial statement meeting the Board's requirements.
8. Complete Board review. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors issues the license after all application, document, qualifying-party, examination, and classification requirements are completed.

Application Service is included with The 1 Package, helping candidates organize the licensing workflow while continuing their examination preparation and business setup.

State Requirements

Louisiana generally requires a Commercial contractor license for commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more, including labor and materials. Commercial subcontractors and specialty contractors performing qualifying work may also be subject to licensing requirements.

Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing commercial projects have a lower licensing threshold. Louisiana requires the applicable commercial license when these projects exceed $10,000, including labor and materials. Certain regulated activities, including asbestos, hazardous waste, lead-based paint abatement or removal, and underground storage tank work, are subject to licensing beginning at $1.

Commercial applicants must provide a financial statement showing at least $10,000 in net worth. The financial statement must meet the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors' application requirements and be current within the required period.

Every commercial applicant must designate a Qualifying Party. The Qualifying Party represents the contractor for compliance with licensing laws, Business and Law requirements, and applicable classification requirements.

Applicants forming a corporation, LLC, or limited partnership must have an active and good-standing registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Business applicants must provide the legal company name, Federal Tax ID or EIN, and applicable entity documentation during the licensing process.

The Business Formation and EIN Filing services included with The 1 Package help address these business setup needs. Contractor Compliance Guidance provides additional assistance understanding requirements that affect contractors operating in Louisiana.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  Covers mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems from a construction-management perspective.
• Included Book: ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  Provides technical 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 recommended practices for handling, installing, restraining, and bracing metal plate connected wood trusses.
• Included Book: Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Covers framing, carpentry, building materials, structural components, layout, and construction methods.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Contains federal construction-industry safety regulations addressing workplace hazards and OSHA requirements.
• Included Book: Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition
  Covers field supervision, jobsite organization, coordination, productivity, documentation, and construction management.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses project planning, scheduling, administration, coordination, controls, and management practices.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference covering 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 field guidance concerning precast concrete erection.
• Included Book: Green Building Fundamentals, Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd Edition
  Introduces sustainable construction principles and green building practices.
• Included Book: Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition
  Covers gypsum products, assemblies, wall and ceiling systems, 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 commercial building code covering occupancy, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, structural requirements, and related provisions.
• Included Book: ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides technical structural and reinforced concrete construction requirements.
• Included Book: Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  Covers fundamental field practices associated with unbonded post-tensioning systems.
• Included Book: Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Covers masonry materials, tools, brick, block, stone, layout, and practical construction methods.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Addresses excavation, trenching, underground piping, equipment, site conditions, and related construction practices.
• Included Book: Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition
  A comprehensive commercial construction reference covering materials, building systems, construction methods, and field practices.
• Included Book: Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Covers roofing materials, systems, construction methods, measurements, quantities, and estimating concepts.
• 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, installation, placement, 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 construction-site guidance for developing and implementing stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Exam Room Approved Books

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book examination using the designated NASCLA reference library. The listed construction references support preparation across the commercial building subjects covered by the examination.

All books included with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates should use the prepared references during study sessions to build familiarity with chapters, indexes, technical standards, tables, code provisions, and specialty construction topics before test day.

The Louisiana Business and Law requirement is separate from the NASCLA commercial trade examination and is completed through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors process.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong NASCLA preparation strategy combines commercial construction review with repeated reference-navigation practice. Candidates should begin by grouping the reference books according to major examination subjects and identifying which publications are most useful for each area.

Building-code preparation should include familiarity with the 2021 International Building Code. OSHA preparation should include regular navigation through 29 CFR Part 1926. Concrete study should combine practical concrete construction material with ACI structural concrete requirements. Specialized references can be used for masonry, structural steel, reinforcing steel, roofing, excavation, accessibility, gypsum systems, post-tensioning, and mechanical or electrical topics.

The included 1 year of course access provides time for organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference-navigation exercises. Candidates can build a consistent schedule and revisit difficult topics throughout the preparation period.

During practice, candidates should identify the subject first and then select the book most likely to contain the answer. Repeating that process helps build a working relationship with the reference library and can improve efficiency during a timed open-book examination.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Louisiana contractor candidates combine exam preparation, licensing assistance, reference organization, and business setup in one structured package. The goal is to help contractors prepare for both the NASCLA commercial examination and the practical requirements involved in establishing a licensed Louisiana contracting business.

The highlighted and tabbed books support reference navigation, while the course provides organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure. With 1 year of course access, candidates have time to work through commercial construction subjects and practice using the extensive reference library.

Application Service provides support with the Louisiana licensing workflow. Business Formation assistance helps establish an LLC or corporation, while EIN Filing with the IRS supports business banking, tax administration, hiring employees, and professional company operations.

Contractor Compliance Guidance adds assistance understanding requirements associated with operating as a Louisiana contractor. Together, these services create a comprehensive solution that extends beyond a stand-alone exam prep course.

Does Louisiana accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination?

Yes. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors is a participating agency in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me a Louisiana contractor license?

No. NASCLA is an examination credential rather than a contractor license. Applicants must still complete Louisiana's licensing requirements for the requested commercial classification.

Does Louisiana require Business and Law?

Yes. The qualifying party for a Louisiana commercial contractor license must complete the Louisiana Business and Law requirement unless it has already been satisfied.

How many questions are on Louisiana Business and Law?

The Louisiana Business and Law test contains 50 questions and requires a score of 70 or higher to pass.

When is a Louisiana Commercial contractor license generally required?

A Louisiana Commercial contractor license is generally required for covered commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more, including labor and materials. Lower thresholds apply to certain regulated trades.

What financial requirement applies to a Louisiana Commercial license?

Commercial applicants must submit a qualifying financial statement showing at least $10,000 in net worth.

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 package include business setup?

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

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

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

What is the package price?

The package price is $3,269. With the $1,000 refundable book deposit, the total initial payment is $4,269.

When is the book deposit refundable?

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

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

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