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

Prepare for West Virginia commercial general building contractor licensing with an all-inclusive solution that combines NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam preparation, West Virginia 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 approach to the trade examination, state licensing process, reference-book preparation, and creation of the business that will operate under the contractor license.

The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board participates in the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors. A passing NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination can satisfy the applicable trade-examination requirement for participating jurisdictions such as West Virginia. Passing NASCLA does not itself create a West Virginia contractor license. Applicants must still satisfy the state's Business and Law examination and complete the contractor licensing requirements administered by the West Virginia Division of Labor and Contractor Licensing Board.

The General Building Contractor classification in West Virginia applies to contractors whose principal business involves structures built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, or property when the construction requires more than two contractor classifications, as well as contractors supervising all or part of that construction. The classification applies to commercial, business, industrial, and private-property construction within its defined scope.

The 1 Package combines the listed West Virginia and NASCLA study materials 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, providing candidates with an organized reference library for study and open-book testing.

Package Price: $3,525.

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

Total Initial Payment: $4,525. All-Inclusive – No Hidden Fees!

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

Exam Details

West Virginia requires contractor applicants to pass the Business and Law examination in addition to an applicable trade examination. Contractors pursuing the General Building classification may satisfy the trade component through an accepted examination pathway such as the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.

The NASCLA commercial examination evaluates a broad range of commercial construction knowledge. Candidates should be prepared for subjects involving planning and estimating, construction management, safety, sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, wood construction, building envelopes, accessibility, finishes, specialty systems, and other general building topics.

The NASCLA examination contains 115 questions. Candidates must answer at least 81 questions correctly for the required 70% passing score. Candidates receive 330 minutes, or 5 hours and 30 minutes, to complete the examination.

West Virginia's separate Business and Law examination contains 50 questions and provides 3 hours for completion. Current subject areas include:

• Business Organization
• Contracts
• Estimating and Bidding
• Financial Management
• Labor Law
• Licensing
• Lien Law
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Safety and OSHA
• Tax Law

West Virginia's current contractor examination program is administered by Prov on behalf of the Contractor Licensing Board. Candidates should approach the Business and Law test separately from the NASCLA technical examination because each exam measures a different part of contractor competency.

NASCLA preparation focuses primarily on commercial construction knowledge and reference navigation. West Virginia Business and Law preparation focuses on operating a construction business within the legal and regulatory framework that applies to contractors in the state.

Open Book Test

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

West Virginia contractor examinations are also reference-based, and the current testing bulletin permits candidates to bring the listed references for the specific examination they are taking. This makes familiarity with the books an important part of the preparation process.

An open-book examination still requires substantial study. Candidates should know which publication is likely to contain a particular answer and understand how each book is organized. Searching an entire technical library for every question can consume valuable testing time.

The books included with The 1 Package are highlighted and tabbed for exam preparation. Candidates can repeatedly practice locating important chapters, construction standards, OSHA rules, code provisions, technical tables, management concepts, and specialized construction information.

A productive reference-navigation strategy is to identify the subject first, select the book most likely to address it, and then use the index, table of contents, chapter organization, or prepared tabs to narrow the search. Timed practice can help candidates develop better habits for open-book testing.

Licensing Steps

West Virginia contractor licensing is administered by the Contractor Licensing Board with support from the West Virginia Division of Labor. Passing an examination is only one part of the licensing process.

1. Choose the appropriate contractor classification. Contractors planning to perform broad commercial building work should determine whether the General Building Contractor classification matches their intended scope.
2. Establish the contracting business. Applicants may operate through an appropriate legal business structure and must complete applicable state business registration requirements.
3. Identify the examination qualifier. The individual qualifying the business must satisfy the applicable examination requirements associated with the requested classification.
4. Pass West Virginia Business and Law. West Virginia requires contractors seeking licensure to pass the Business and Law examination in addition to applicable trade testing.
5. Satisfy the trade examination requirement. The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is accepted by the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board for participating commercial general building qualification.
6. Complete applicable business registrations. The contractor business must obtain required state business and tax registrations and provide the information required for licensure.
7. Address workers' compensation and unemployment requirements. Businesses with employees must satisfy applicable West Virginia employment-related registration and coverage requirements.
8. Submit the contractor license application. The business provides the required application, examination, classification, tax, employment, and business information to the Contractor Licensing Board.
9. Receive license approval before contracting. The applicable West Virginia contractor license must be issued before performing work for which state law requires licensure.

Application Service is included with The 1 Package to help organize the licensing workflow while candidates prepare for examinations and complete their business setup.

State Requirements

The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board regulates contractor licensing, while the Division of Labor provides administrative support and enforcement. Contractors must obtain the appropriate classification before engaging in work that requires a state contractor license.

The West Virginia General Building Contractor classification covers work involving structures used for support, shelter, and enclosure where construction involves more than two contractor classifications, as well as supervision of the whole or a portion of qualifying building construction. West Virginia describes a General Building Contractor as a commercial, business, or industrial contractor, and the classification applies to both commercial and private properties.

The General Building classification does not automatically authorize every regulated specialty. A General Building Contractor who intends to perform electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and cooling, piping, or general engineering contracting work must obtain the appropriate additional classification where required.

Every contractor applicant must satisfy the Business and Law examination requirement in addition to applicable trade testing. The NASCLA commercial examination can provide the accepted trade qualification for participating commercial general building licensing, but the contractor must still complete West Virginia's state-specific requirements.

Businesses operating with employees may have obligations involving workers' compensation, unemployment registration, tax accounts, employment eligibility verification, and other employer responsibilities. These requirements should be coordinated with the business formation and contractor licensing process.

Business Formation assistance included with The 1 Package helps establish an LLC or corporation. EIN Filing with the IRS helps obtain the federal identification number used for business banking, tax management, hiring employees, and professional operations. Contractor Compliance Guidance provides additional assistance understanding requirements relevant to operating as a West Virginia contractor.

Reference Books

• Included Book: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act Study Guide
  A West Virginia-focused study resource addressing contractor licensing, business responsibilities, laws, and regulatory concepts relevant to state contractor preparation.
• Included Book: Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition
  Covers mechanical, electrical, plumbing, 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 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, layout, structural components, and general 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, planning, coordination, productivity, and project documentation.
• Included Book: Construction Project Management, 5th Edition
  Addresses project planning, scheduling, administration, coordination, controls, and commercial construction management.
• Included Book: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 14th Edition
  A contractor-focused reference covering business practices, contracts, project management, financial concepts, 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 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 systems, assemblies, and installation practices.
• 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 commercial building code addressing occupancy, construction types, means of egress, fire protection, structural requirements, and related provisions.
• 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 techniques.
• 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 building materials, 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, 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 developing and implementing stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong West Virginia NASCLA preparation strategy should separate national commercial construction review from West Virginia Business and Law preparation. NASCLA study should focus on trade knowledge and efficient use of the technical construction references, while state study should address contractor licensing, business management, contracts, labor law, lien law, financial management, taxation, risk management, and project administration.

Candidates should become comfortable with the 2021 International Building Code for commercial building topics and 29 CFR Part 1926 for OSHA construction safety. Concrete preparation can combine ACI structural requirements with practical concrete references. Other books support masonry, roofing, structural steel, accessibility, excavation, gypsum construction, wood trusses, reinforcing steel, and mechanical and electrical systems.

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 study schedule, revisit difficult topics, and practice working with the books under timed conditions.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps West Virginia contractor candidates combine exam preparation, licensing support, organized reference navigation, and business setup within one structured package. The program supports both the NASCLA commercial trade component and the state-specific requirements that accompany West Virginia contractor licensing.

The highlighted and tabbed reference books support efficient navigation practice, 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 topics and strengthen familiarity with the extensive reference library.

Application Service provides support through the West Virginia 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 assistance understanding business and licensing responsibilities relevant to West Virginia contractors. Together, these services provide a comprehensive contractor preparation solution that extends beyond an exam prep course alone.

FAQ Section

Does West Virginia accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam?

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

Does passing NASCLA automatically give me a West Virginia contractor license?

No. NASCLA can satisfy an accepted trade-examination requirement, but applicants must still complete West Virginia's contractor licensing process.

Does West Virginia require a Business and Law exam?

Yes. West Virginia requires contractor applicants to pass the Business and Law examination in addition to applicable trade examinations.

How many questions are on the West Virginia Business and Law exam?

The current West Virginia Business and Law examination contains 50 questions and provides three hours for completion.

What does the West Virginia General Building Contractor classification cover?

The classification applies to qualifying building construction involving more than two contractor classifications and to supervision of qualifying construction. It is considered a commercial, business, or industrial contractor classification and applies to commercial and private properties.

Can a General Building Contractor automatically perform electrical or plumbing work?

No. West Virginia requires a General Building Contractor to obtain the applicable additional classifications before performing regulated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, piping, or general engineering contracting work.

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 setup?

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 total initial payment?

The package price is $3,525. With the $1,000 refundable book deposit, the total initial payment is $4,525.

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.