PSI • NASCLA Commercial General Building • 115 Scored Questions • 5.5 Hours
Prepare for the Arkansas NASCLA General Contractor Exam with a practical study plan covering commercial construction, project management, bidding, estimating, contracts, building codes, OSHA safety, sitework, concrete, masonry, structural steel, wood framing, roofing, and building systems.
The official examination is called the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
Arkansas accepts this examination as a trade-testing option for qualifying commercial general building contractors. The actual contractor license is issued separately by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
The NASCLA examination is administered by PSI and contains 115 scored questions plus 10 additional unscored pretest questions. Candidates receive 330 minutes and need at least 81 correct scored answers to pass.
It is an open-book exam, but that does not mean you can simply bring any construction manual and start searching. Candidates must use approved reference editions and comply with PSI's book-marking rules.
Arkansas also requires the separate Contractor Business and Law examination. NASCLA does not eliminate that state requirement.
Contractor Exam Preps offers the Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set, which includes national construction references plus the Arkansas-specific Business and Law guide.
For prepared books, explore the Arkansas NASCLA Highlighted and Tabbed Book Set.
For guided study, the Arkansas NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course provides open-book training, practice questions, book organization techniques, and exam simulation.
Whether your goal is to qualify for Arkansas commercial building work or pursue licensing in other participating states, this guide explains the examination, approved study references, and state licensing process.
Important Arkansas licensing distinction: Passing the NASCLA Commercial General Building exam does not automatically provide an Arkansas general contractor license. A NASCLA result may satisfy the accepted trade-examination requirement for a qualifying commercial classification, but the applicant must still complete the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board application. Arkansas also requires a separate Contractor Business and Law examination, along with applicable experience, references, financial documentation, bonding, and Board approval. Confirm NASCLA acceptance for your exact classification before registering.
NASCLA stands for the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies.
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a standardized trade exam recognized by participating state contractor licensing agencies.
The program helps contractors who want to apply for commercial general building licenses in more than one state.
Instead of repeating different trade examinations everywhere, eligible applicants may use their NASCLA score in states that accept the exam for their requested classification.
Arkansas participates in the NASCLA program. A candidate who passes the national examination can request that an official score transcript be sent to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
However, Arkansas still reviews every license application.
The NASCLA exam covers a broad range of commercial building responsibilities. General contractors must understand how different parts of a construction project fit together.
A commercial project may involve grading, excavation, concrete foundations, masonry, structural steel, wood framing, roofing, windows, finishes, mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical installations.
The general contractor also manages subcontractors, scheduling, contracts, inspections, budgets, safety, and overall quality.
That is why NASCLA tests both construction methods and business-related construction management subjects.
The examination includes twelve major subject categories.
Procurement and Contracting, General Requirements, and Site Construction contain the largest number of questions.
Passing the examination can demonstrate substantial knowledge of commercial building construction. It does not, however, provide unlimited permission to perform work in every state.
Each licensing board determines which classifications accept NASCLA and what other requirements must be completed.
Official examination: NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
Testing provider: PSI.
Arkansas authority: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Exam questions: 115 scored plus 10 unscored.
Time allowed: 330 minutes.
Passing requirement: 81 correct scored answers.
Review the official NASCLA Commercial Examination program for current eligibility and registration instructions.
Use this pathway to organize the national trade examination and the separate Arkansas commercial contractor license application.
| Step | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Classification | Arkansas Commercial Building | Confirm whether Building or Light Building matches your planned construction work. |
| Choose License Level | Restricted or Unrestricted | Restricted covers projects under $1.5 million. Unrestricted allows projects of any size within approved classifications. |
| Verify Construction Experience | Relevant Work History | Review the five-year experience requirement associated with major commercial classifications. |
| Collect References | Three References | Obtain references from individuals familiar with your construction work. |
| Confirm NASCLA Acceptance | Trade Exam Credit | Confirm that NASCLA meets the trade exam requirement for your requested Arkansas classification. |
| Apply Through NASCLA | Examination Eligibility | Complete the NASCLA application and receive approval to schedule. |
| Schedule with PSI | National Trade Exam | Reserve the correct NASCLA Commercial General Building examination. |
| Prepare References | Approved Books | Match the current PSI book list and approved editions. |
| Pass NASCLA | 81 Correct | Complete the 330-minute exam and earn the passing result. |
| Request Score Transcript | NASCLA Database | Have your official score sent to Arkansas. |
| Pass Arkansas Business and Law | Separate State Exam | Prepare the Arkansas 8th Edition business reference. |
| Prepare Financial Documents | State Application | Obtain the required financial statement, bond, and company information. |
| Submit Arkansas Application | Board Approval | Complete all required forms, payments, and supporting records. |
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination is a national trade exam. Arkansas also has its own commercial contractor licensing requirements and Business and Law examination.
| Exam Information | Authority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Trade Exam | NASCLA | Commercial General Building Contractor |
| Test Provider | PSI | Computer-based examination |
| Scored Questions | PSI | 115 |
| Pretest Questions | PSI | 10 unscored |
| Total Questions Presented | PSI | 125 |
| Time Limit | PSI | 330 minutes |
| Passing Requirement | NASCLA | 81 correct scored answers |
| Format | PSI | Open book with approved references |
| Content Categories | PSI | 12 |
| Procurement and Contracting | PSI | 31 questions |
| General Requirements | PSI | 25 questions |
| Site Construction | PSI | 15 questions |
| Concrete | PSI | 6 questions |
| Masonry | PSI | 4 questions |
| Metals | PSI | 6 questions |
| Wood | PSI | 5 questions |
| Thermal and Moisture Protection | PSI | 5 questions |
| Doors, Windows, and Glazing | PSI | 4 questions |
| Finishes | PSI | 5 questions |
| Mechanical and Plumbing | PSI | 6 questions |
| Electrical Systems | PSI | 3 questions |
| International Building Code | PSI | 2021 or 2024, as listed in the current bulletin |
| NASCLA Basic Business Guide | PSI | 14th Edition |
| Arkansas Business and Law | Arkansas | Separate 50-question state examination |
| Arkansas Business and Law Time | PSI | 120 minutes |
| State Exam Passing | PSI | 35 correct answers |
| Arkansas State Guide | Arkansas | NASCLA Arkansas Business and Law 8th Edition |
| Restricted Commercial License | Arkansas | Commercial projects under $1.5 million |
| Unrestricted Commercial License | Arkansas | Commercial projects of any size |
| Commercial Bond | Arkansas | $10,000 contractor bond |
National trade exam: 115 scored questions, 10 unscored pretest questions, 330 minutes.
Passing requirement: At least 81 scored answers correct.
Arkansas Business and Law: Separate 50-question examination requiring 35 correct answers.
Licensing: The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board makes the final license decision.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building exam tests twelve categories of construction knowledge.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements is the largest category, with 31 scored questions. Study bidding, estimating, contracts, purchasing, subcontracting, changes, payments, and project documentation.
General Requirements contains 25 questions. Review project management, scheduling, safety, accessibility, construction planning, quality control, and building code responsibilities.
Site Construction contains 15 questions. Study earthwork, excavation, grading, drainage, erosion control, utility installation, and site preparation.
These three categories contain 71 of the 115 scored questions, representing approximately 61.7% of the examination.
Concrete contains six questions. Review reinforcement, placement, finishing, curing, structural concrete, and quality practices.
Metals also contains six questions. Study structural steel, steel framing, decking, joists, and erection requirements.
Mechanical and Plumbing Systems contains six questions. General contractors should understand system coordination, plans, equipment, and installation requirements.
Wood contains five questions. Review lumber, carpentry, framing, trusses, connections, and bracing.
Thermal and Moisture Protection contains five questions. Study roofing, waterproofing, flashing, insulation, and weather barriers.
Finishes contains five questions. Review gypsum, interior finishes, exterior finishes, and related installation concepts.
Masonry contains four questions. Study block, brick, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and masonry construction practices.
Doors, Windows, and Glazing contains four questions. Review openings, accessibility, glass requirements, and installation.
Electrical Systems contains three questions. Understand general electrical coordination and how electrical work fits into commercial construction.
A successful study plan covers every subject while giving extra time to the most heavily tested areas.
Begin by reviewing the official NASCLA content outline and reference book list.
Then build your study plan around the examination's twelve categories.
Contracts and Procurement: Review bidding, estimating, subcontract agreements, payments, purchasing, and project documentation.
Project Management: Study scheduling, quality control, contract administration, and supervision.
Building Codes: Review occupancy classifications, construction types, accessibility, and general code requirements.
OSHA Safety: Study fall protection, excavation safety, personal protective equipment, and jobsite hazards.
Sitework: Learn grading, excavation, erosion control, drainage, and underground work.
Concrete: Review foundations, reinforcement, placement, curing, and quality.
Masonry and Steel: Study structural systems, steel erection, masonry materials, and construction methods.
Wood Framing: Practice questions involving lumber, trusses, bracing, and connections.
Building Envelope: Review roofing, flashing, waterproofing, windows, and insulation.
Building Systems: Understand plumbing, mechanical, and electrical coordination.
Practice choosing the correct reference before trying to find an answer.
For example, a question about a subcontract agreement may require a business reference, while a structural concrete question may point you toward an ACI publication.
Repeated practice helps you recognize the right reference much faster.
Consider using the Arkansas NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course together with the Highlighted and Tabbed Arkansas NASCLA Book Set.
Commercial general contractors need to understand how construction systems fit together. Reading plans and recognizing the relationship between sitework, foundations, structural framing, and building systems are useful NASCLA skills.
Simplified construction study diagram. Not an engineering or construction drawing.
Eight steps to organize your NASCLA exam preparation and Arkansas contractor licensing process.
Determine whether Building or Light Building fits the type of commercial construction you plan to perform.
Review Arkansas's experience requirements and gather three references familiar with your construction work.
Ask the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board whether NASCLA satisfies the trade exam requirement for your classification.
Complete the examination registration process and receive approval before scheduling with PSI.
Organize approved books, review the official content outline, and practice open-book exam questions.
Complete 115 scored questions and 10 unscored questions within the five-and-a-half-hour limit.
Prepare for the separate state examination using the NASCLA Arkansas Business and Law 8th Edition reference.
Submit the appropriate financial documentation, bond, references, business information, and examination results for Board approval.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination includes 115 scored questions across twelve categories.
Total: 115 scored questions.
Highest-weight categories: Procurement and Contracting, General Requirements, and Site Construction.
Combined total: 71 questions, or approximately 61.7% of the scored examination.
Important: The additional ten pretest questions are unscored and are not included in these category counts.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building exam uses a broad library of construction reference books.
Verify the complete list and exact approved editions in the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before buying or preparing your references.
| Reference Book | Edition | Study Topic |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 or 2024 | Building codes, classifications, accessibility, and safety. |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide, Basic | 14th Edition | Business, law, contracts, and project management for the national exam. |
| Construction Jobsite Management | Approved 4th or 5th Edition | Field coordination and jobsite management. |
| Construction Project Management | Approved 4th or 5th Edition | Scheduling, contracts, and project controls. |
| OSHA Construction Regulations | Approved 29 CFR 1926 reference | Construction safety. |
| ICC A117.1 | 2017 | Accessible and usable buildings. |
| ACI 318 Structural Concrete | Approved listed edition | Structural concrete requirements. |
| BCSI Wood Truss Guide | Approved listed edition | Truss handling, installation, and bracing. |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | 2016 | Framing and construction methods. |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers | 4th Edition | Building system coordination. |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook | 7th Edition | Gypsum and finish construction. |
| Modern Masonry | 9th Edition | Brick, block, and masonry construction. |
| Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction | 11th Edition | Commercial building materials and methods. |
| Pipe and Excavation Contracting | 2011 | Sitework and underground construction. |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | Approved listed edition | Roofing systems and estimating. |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars | 10th Edition | Reinforcement placement and procedures. |
| Steel Deck Institute Manual | 2016 | Structural steel decking. |
| Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | 4th Edition | Concrete quality and field practices. |
| Post-Tensioning Field Fundamentals | 3rd Edition | Post-tensioned concrete. |
| Green Building Fundamentals | 2nd Edition | Sustainable construction. |
| Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Guide | EPA publication | Construction site stormwater controls. |
| NASCLA Arkansas Business and Law Guide | Arkansas 8th Edition | Separate Arkansas Contractor Business and Law examination. |
Important: The NASCLA Basic 14th Edition and the Arkansas NASCLA 8th Edition are not interchangeable references.
National exam: Use the approved NASCLA commercial construction reference list.
Arkansas state exam: Use the Arkansas Business and Law 8th Edition.
Book preparation: Confirm highlighting, permanent tabbing, and reference rules with the current PSI bulletin.
The NASCLA exam is open book, but candidates must follow strict reference rules.
The best preparation combines construction knowledge with fast book navigation.
Open-book strategy: Know which book to open before beginning your search.
Reference preparation: Follow current PSI rules for highlighting, underlining, and permanent tabs.
Time management: Practice completing 125 presented questions within 330 minutes.
A contractor who passes NASCLA and receives the appropriate Arkansas commercial contractor license may perform and manage construction work within the classifications and limits approved by the state.
Arkansas offers major commercial classifications that include Building and Light Building.
These classifications are not identical, so applicants should choose carefully.
Commercial general building projects can include excavation, concrete, masonry, steel, framing, roofing, windows, building finishes, and other systems.
General contractors commonly coordinate specialty subcontractors while managing overall project responsibilities.
Those responsibilities may include contracts, budgets, material purchasing, labor planning, schedules, inspections, and quality control.
Contractors must also understand workplace safety and how construction regulations apply to their projects.
Arkansas uses Restricted and Unrestricted Commercial license levels.
A Restricted Commercial License is limited to commercial projects costing less than $1.5 million, including labor and materials.
An Unrestricted Commercial License allows projects of any size within the contractor's approved classifications.
Arkansas generally requires commercial contractor licensing for covered commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more.
The NASCLA examination can help applicants demonstrate the trade knowledge needed for certain commercial general building classifications.
However, the license itself controls the approved scope of construction work.
Separate trade credentials may still be required for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other regulated specialty work.
The safest approach is to confirm your classification and any subcontractor licensing obligations before bidding on projects.
Commercial Building: Major general building classification.
Light Building: Separate commercial construction classification.
Restricted Commercial: Under $1.5 million.
Unrestricted Commercial: Projects of any size.
NASCLA: Trade examination credit where Arkansas accepts it.
| Credential | Authority | Purpose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASCLA Commercial General Building | NASCLA / PSI | National trade examination | An exam result, not a contractor license. |
| Arkansas Commercial Building | Arkansas Licensing Board | Approved building construction | State classification and licensing requirements apply. |
| Arkansas Light Building | Arkansas Licensing Board | Approved light-building construction | Different work scope from general Building. |
| Restricted Commercial | Arkansas Licensing Board | Projects below $1.5 million | Restricted project limit. |
| Unrestricted Commercial | Arkansas Licensing Board | Projects of any size | Different financial requirements and no stated project cost ceiling. |
| Arkansas Business and Law | Arkansas / PSI | State contractor business examination | Separate from NASCLA trade testing. |
| Arkansas Residential Builder | Residential Contractors Committee | Qualifying single-family residential construction | Separate residential licensing pathway. |
| Specialty Contractor | Arkansas Licensing Board | Specific construction specialties | Limited to approved specialty classifications. |
Major Commercial Classification
National NASCLA Plus Arkansas Requirements
Arkansas Licensing Board
Restricted Commercial: The Arkansas application describes compiled financial statements.
Unrestricted Commercial: The application describes reviewed or audited financial statements.
Important: Additional financial qualifications may depend on classification. Follow the current Arkansas application instructions.
Use six weeks to learn the reference books, strengthen high-weight topics, and build exam-day speed.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination can be challenging because it covers many construction disciplines.
General contractors must understand more than one trade. They need working knowledge of construction methods, safety, scheduling, estimating, contract requirements, and project administration.
The examination includes 115 scored questions and ten additional unscored questions.
Candidates receive five and a half hours to answer all questions.
One of the biggest challenges is choosing the correct reference book quickly.
For example, a question involving building occupancy may require the International Building Code, while a question about jobsite hazards may require the OSHA reference.
Another question may focus on bidding procedures or construction contracts.
The largest NASCLA category is Procurement and Contracting, containing 31 questions.
General Requirements follows with 25 questions, and Site Construction adds another 15.
These three categories make up approximately 61.7% of the scored exam.
Technical construction knowledge still matters. Contractors should understand structural materials, concrete, masonry, roofing, framing, and specialty system coordination.
A strong preparation plan involves consistent practice questions and repeated reference lookups.
Start by identifying what each question is asking. Then locate the book most likely to contain the answer.
Practice under timed conditions so you become comfortable moving between subjects.
The reference library is large, but it becomes much easier to use when you know where important information is located.
Think of your books as a well-organized toolbox. If you cannot find the right tool, owning more tools does not help much!
National examination: 115 scored questions plus ten unscored questions.
Time allowed: 330 minutes.
Passing: 81 correct scored answers.
After passing: Request that NASCLA send your official result to Arkansas.
Contractor Exam Preps offers complete Arkansas NASCLA book packages, highlighted references, online preparation, and rental options.
National References and Arkansas Business Guide
Prepared Open-Book Reference Library
Guided Study and Practice Questions
Rental Option: Explore the Arkansas NASCLA Ultimate Rental Package.
Complete Preparation: The NASCLA Complete Exam Prep Package offers broader national commercial building preparation.
Arkansas Business and Law: Review the Arkansas NASCLA 8th Edition Business and Law Guide.
Before Ordering: Confirm current product contents, approved reference editions, pricing, shipping, and rental terms.
This custom graphic features the Arkansas state outline, a commercial building, structural framing, construction crane, hard hat, and blueprints.
It represents NASCLA Commercial General Building exam preparation and is not an official Arkansas license or government-issued credential.
• Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
• NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam
• PSI Testing
• 115 Scored Questions
• 10 Unscored Questions
• 330-Minute Examination
• 81 Correct Answers to Pass
• Open-Book References
• Building Codes
• Construction Safety
• Contract Administration
• Estimating and Bidding
• Project Management
• Site Construction
• Foundations
• Concrete and Masonry
• Steel and Wood Framing
• Roofing and Finishes
• Mechanical and Electrical Coordination
• Arkansas Business and Law
Prepare for the national trade examination and understand the separate Arkansas commercial contractor licensing requirements.
Arkansas NASCLA Licensing
Yes. Arkansas accepts NASCLA as a trade-examination option for qualifying commercial general building contractor applications.
No. Arkansas separately reviews the contractor's application, qualifications, examinations, financial documents, and bonding.
The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Participating states may accept NASCLA results for qualifying trade examination requirements. Each state still controls its own licensing decisions.
NASCLA Exam Questions and Passing Score
There are 115 scored questions.
Yes. There are ten additional unscored pretest questions, making 125 questions presented.
The examination allows 330 minutes, or five hours and 30 minutes.
At least 81 correct answers among the 115 scored questions.
Yes. Only approved references and editions are allowed under PSI's testing rules.
PSI administers the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination.
Exam Topics
Procurement and Contracting, with 31 scored questions.
There are 25 scored General Requirements questions.
Site Construction contains 15 scored questions.
Yes. Concrete and Metals each contain six scored questions.
Approved Books and References
The current PSI bulletin lists the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code. Confirm approved editions before testing.
The national NASCLA reference list identifies the Basic 14th Edition.
Use the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Arkansas 8th Edition, for the separate Arkansas examination.
PSI permits approved references to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed under its current preparation rules.
Yes, when they comply with PSI's permanent tab rules.
Temporary removable tabs and unauthorized papers are prohibited.
Arkansas Business and Law
Yes. Arkansas requires a separate Contractor Business and Law result for the applicable commercial licensing pathway.
There are 50 questions, with two hours allowed.
At least 35 correct answers out of 50.
Arkansas Commercial Licensing
Under the Arkansas commercial application, Restricted Commercial licenses apply to projects costing less than $1.5 million.
It allows commercial projects of any size, within the approved classification and applicable laws.
Yes. The standard commercial application requires three qualifying references.
The published commercial application lists a $10,000 contractor bond.
The Arkansas application lists a five-year experience standard for major classifications such as Building and Light Building.
Contractor Exam Preps Products
Yes. The store offers an Arkansas NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers a highlighted and tabbed Arkansas NASCLA reference package.
Yes. The Arkansas NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course includes structured review and practice resources.
Contractor Exam Preps lists rental options for NASCLA preparation. Review current rental terms before ordering.
No. Exam preparation does not guarantee a passing result or Arkansas contractor licensing approval.
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep YouTube video covering NASCLA Commercial General Building exam preparation and the importance of organizing your open-book references. Confirm the latest exam specifications and book editions with PSI before test day.
Video: NASCLA Examination Commercial General Building Contractor.
Channel: 1 Exam Prep.
Related topics: NASCLA exam preparation, reference books, open-book study, and contractor licensing.
Official exam: 115 scored questions, ten unscored questions, 330 minutes.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for NASCLA books, highlighted references, online courses, and Arkansas Business and Law materials. Use official state and examination resources to confirm your requirements.
NASCLA trade exam: 115 scored questions, ten unscored questions, 330 minutes.
Arkansas requirement: Separate Business and Law examination and contractor license application.
Important book rule: Confirm the current PSI-approved editions before ordering.
Contractor licensing: Restricted and Unrestricted Commercial classifications have different project limits and requirements.
Prepare for the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination with stronger knowledge of construction management, procurement, contracts, estimating, bidding, building codes, safety, sitework, concrete, masonry, steel, wood framing, roofing, finishes, and building systems.
The national examination includes 115 scored questions and ten unscored pretest questions. Candidates receive 330 minutes and must answer at least 81 scored questions correctly.
Because this is an open-book examination, learning to organize and navigate approved reference materials is essential.
Focus on the three largest exam categories: Procurement and Contracting, General Requirements, and Site Construction.
Together, those subjects account for approximately 61.7% of the scored examination.
Do not overlook the remaining construction categories. General contractors need working knowledge of multiple building systems and materials.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Arkansas NASCLA book packages, highlighted and tabbed references, online preparation, and rental options.
Arkansas also requires a separate Contractor Business and Law examination. The Arkansas NASCLA Business and Law 8th Edition is a study reference for that state exam.
After passing NASCLA, request your official score transcript and complete the Arkansas licensing application.
The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board will review the requested classification, experience, references, financial documents, bonding, examination results, and other required information.
A smart preparation plan involves more than memorizing construction facts. It teaches you how to find information quickly, interpret the correct requirements, and make informed decisions.
Prepare consistently, practice with a timer, and build confidence with every reference lookup.
Find more contractor licensing and examination preparation at ContractorExamPreps.com.
