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

Prepare for New Mexico commercial general building contractor licensing with an all-inclusive package that combines NASCLA exam preparation, New Mexico Business and Law study, a comprehensive construction reference library, licensing Application Service, and essential business setup assistance. The 1 Package is designed for contractors who want an organized path through the examination, qualifying-party, licensing, and business formation process instead of coordinating each step separately.

New Mexico participates in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division accepts the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination for applicable trade qualification purposes. Passing NASCLA does not automatically create a New Mexico contractor license. The applicant and Qualifying Party must still satisfy the licensing requirements administered by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.

New Mexico requires a Qualifying Party to have the experience applicable to the requested classification and to complete the required examination process. Qualifying Party applicants must also satisfy the New Mexico Contractor Business and Law requirement. This package supports both parts of that preparation by combining the commercial NASCLA reference library with New Mexico contractor law and licensing materials.

The 1 Package includes the reference books listed below, 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 reference material before testing.

Package Price: $4,159.

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

Total Initial Payment: $5,159. 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 commercial construction trade examination accepted by participating licensing agencies. New Mexico's Construction Industries Division is a participating agency in the NASCLA commercial examination program.

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

The NASCLA examination 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 examination requires candidates to work across practical construction concepts, building codes, safety requirements, technical standards, project-management principles, and specialized trade information. Field experience can provide a strong foundation, but exam preparation should also include familiarity with the terminology and structure of the approved reference materials.

New Mexico Qualifying Party applicants must also complete the Contractor Business and Law requirement. Business and Law preparation addresses New Mexico-specific contractor licensing requirements and the responsibilities associated with operating a licensed contracting business.

Preparing for these requirements as separate but coordinated study areas can make the process more manageable. NASCLA preparation should focus primarily on commercial construction knowledge and technical reference navigation, while New Mexico Business and Law preparation should emphasize contractor regulation, licensing requirements, and business responsibilities.

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 examination provider's current testing rules.

The New Mexico Contractor Business and Law examination is also an open book test. New Mexico examination reference materials include the contractor business and law guide, the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act, and New Mexico contractor licensing rules.

The open-book format makes reference-navigation skills an important part of preparation. Candidates should not expect to search multiple large books from beginning to end for every question. Instead, study should develop the ability to recognize a subject, identify the reference most likely to contain the answer, and locate the applicable information efficiently.

All books supplied through The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates can use the prepared references throughout the study period to become familiar with major chapters, tables, code provisions, regulations, safety requirements, and technical construction topics.

A useful practice method is to identify the subject first, select the appropriate book, and then use the index, table of contents, chapter structure, or prepared tabs to narrow the search. Repeating this process can help candidates become more comfortable with the large NASCLA library and New Mexico regulatory references.

Licensing Steps

Contractor licensing in New Mexico is administered by the Construction Industries Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department. Businesses seeking a contractor license must employ or be owned by a properly certified Qualifying Party for the scope of work the business intends to perform.

1. Determine the appropriate New Mexico classification. Applicants should select the classification that corresponds with the construction work the company intends to perform. For broad residential and commercial building work, New Mexico maintains the GB-98 General Building classification.
2. Identify the Qualifying Party. The business must employ or be owned by a Qualifying Party who meets the experience and examination requirements for the requested classification.
3. Document qualifying experience. Qualifying Party applicants must document the required experience for the classification, with qualifying experience falling within the period required by New Mexico rules.
4. Apply for Qualifying Party approval. The Qualifying Party application and required experience documentation must be submitted before scheduling applicable New Mexico examinations.
5. Complete the applicable trade examination requirement. New Mexico participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor program and accepts NASCLA for applicable commercial general building trade qualification.
6. Complete Contractor Business and Law. New Mexico requires Qualifying Party applicants to satisfy the Contractor Business and Law examination requirement.
7. Establish and register the contractor business. The licensing entity must complete the applicable New Mexico business, tax, and entity-registration requirements.
8. Obtain the required license bond. The company must secure the contractor license bond required for New Mexico licensure.
9. Submit the contractor license application. The company provides the required application, Qualifying Party documentation, examination results, bond, tax registration information, and applicable entity documentation.
10. Maintain required workers' compensation coverage. New Mexico requires licensed entities to obtain workers' compensation coverage as applicable to the licensing requirements.

The Application Service included with The 1 Package provides support through the licensing workflow while candidates continue preparing for the NASCLA and New Mexico requirements.

State Requirements

New Mexico contractor licensing is administered through the Construction Industries Division. Contractor licenses are issued to qualifying business entities that employ or are owned by one or more properly certified Qualifying Parties.

The Qualifying Party must have the experience required for the requested classification. New Mexico requires that qualifying experience be obtained within the 10 years immediately preceding the application. The number of years required depends on the classification.

The GB-98 General Building classification requires four years of qualifying experience. This classification covers qualifying residential and commercial building work within the scope established under New Mexico contractor classification rules.

New Mexico's licensing process also requires the Qualifying Party to complete the applicable classification examination and Contractor Business and Law examination. Candidates must obtain approval before scheduling the New Mexico examinations associated with Qualifying Party certification.

After the Qualifying Party has satisfied the applicable requirements, the business applies for the contractor license. New Mexico requires the licensed company to secure a license bond and complete applicable tax and business registrations. Corporations and LLCs must provide the entity documentation required for their business structure, while limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships must satisfy the applicable Secretary of State registration requirements.

Workers' compensation coverage is required for licensed entities under New Mexico's contractor licensing process. Applicants should coordinate business formation, tax registration, bonding, Qualifying Party certification, and insurance requirements as part of the overall licensing plan.

The 1 Package combines Application Service with Business Formation, EIN Filing, and Contractor Compliance Guidance to help candidates address these business and administrative responsibilities alongside exam preparation.

Reference Books

• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference addressing business practices, contracts, financial management, project management, and construction administration.
• Included Book: New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13), 2006
  New Mexico statutory material addressing construction-industry licensing and contractor regulation.
• Included Book: New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement (NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3), 2006
  New Mexico administrative rules addressing contractor license requirements and related regulatory provisions.
• 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 building spaces, routes, facilities, and components.
• 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, construction materials, layout, structural components, and general building 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 jobsite supervision, planning, coordination, productivity, documentation, and field-management practices.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses project planning, administration, scheduling, coordination, controls, and construction management.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  Provides business, law, project-management, contracting, and financial-management information relevant to contractor preparation.
• Included Book: Erectors' Manual – Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of PreCast Concrete Products, 2nd Edition, 1999
  Provides standards and field guidance associated with 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, wall and ceiling assemblies, construction 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, means of egress, fire protection, structural provisions, and related building requirements.
• Included Book: ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  Provides technical requirements for structural and 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 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 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 Commercial General Building Contractor examination is open book and uses a designated commercial construction reference library. The New Mexico Contractor Business and Law examination separately uses approved New Mexico business, law, and contractor licensing references.

The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act, and New Mexico Contractor's License Requirement materials support New Mexico Business and Law preparation. The remaining commercial construction references support preparation for the NASCLA trade examination.

All books provided with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates should practice navigating the correct set of references for each examination rather than treating the Business and Law and NASCLA trade libraries as one undifferentiated group.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong New Mexico NASCLA preparation strategy should combine commercial construction review with state-specific Business and Law study. Candidates should divide the reference library by subject and connect each examination topic with the books most likely to contain the answer.

Building-code preparation should include repeated navigation through the 2021 International Building Code. OSHA preparation should focus on 29 CFR Part 1926. Concrete study should combine practical concrete construction with ACI structural requirements, while specialized references support masonry, reinforcing steel, roofing, wood trusses, steel deck, excavation, accessibility, gypsum systems, and mechanical or electrical building systems.

New Mexico Business and Law preparation should focus on contractor licensing requirements, the Construction Industries Licensing Act, contractor rules, business responsibilities, and project-management concepts.

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 develop a consistent study routine and revisit difficult material throughout the preparation period.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps New Mexico contractor candidates combine exam preparation, licensing assistance, reference navigation, and business setup within one organized package. The 1 Package is designed to support both the technical preparation required for the NASCLA commercial examination and the practical steps involved in establishing a licensed contracting business.

The highlighted and tabbed books support reference-navigation practice, while the course provides structured study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure. With 1 year of course access, candidates can prepare consistently rather than attempting to learn the entire reference library immediately before testing.

Application Service supports candidates through the contractor 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 support for understanding New Mexico contractor requirements as the company moves toward licensing and operation. Together, these services provide a broader contractor preparation solution than a stand-alone exam prep course.

Does New Mexico accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination?

Yes. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division is a participating agency in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors.

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me a New Mexico contractor license?

No. NASCLA satisfies an accepted trade examination requirement. Applicants must still complete the New Mexico licensing process and satisfy the requirements for the requested classification.

Does New Mexico require a Contractor Business and Law exam?

Yes. Qualifying Party applicants must satisfy the Contractor Business and Law requirement in addition to the applicable classification examination requirements.

How much experience is required for the New Mexico GB-98 classification?

The GB-98 General Building classification requires four years of qualifying experience. New Mexico requires the applicable experience to fall within the 10 years immediately preceding the application.

What is a Qualifying Party in New Mexico?

A Qualifying Party is the individual associated with the licensed business who demonstrates the required experience and satisfies the examination requirements for the scope of work the company intends to perform.

Does New Mexico require a contractor license bond?

Yes. The licensed company must secure the contractor license bond required as part of the New Mexico licensing process.

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

What is the package price?

The package price is $4,159. With the $1,000 refundable book deposit, the total initial payment is $5,159.

When is the refundable book deposit returned?

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.