NASCLA Commercial General Building • PSI • 115 Scored Questions • 10 Pretest Questions • 330 Minutes • 81 Passing Points • Open Book • GB-98 Licensing Path
Preparing for the New Mexico NASCLA General Contractor exam? This guide explains the official NASCLA Commercial General Building examination, approved reference books, twelve exam subject areas, New Mexico GB-98 licensing requirements, the state's NASCLA trade-exam waiver conditions, and related study materials available from Contractor Exam Preps.
The NASCLA examination is popular with contractors interested in commercial general building construction.
It covers far more than one construction trade.
Contractors must understand building plans, estimating, contracts, jobsite management, structural materials, safety, and the coordination of multiple construction trades.
That is a lot of information.
Fortunately, the examination is open book.
Unfortunately, the books do not turn their own pages and whisper the answers.
Strong preparation requires construction knowledge, organized references, and an understanding of how the examination works.
NASCLA stands for the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies.
NASCLA developed an accredited examination program for contractors seeking licensing in participating states.
The specific examination covered here is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
It evaluates knowledge required to manage commercial building construction.
Subjects include contracting, procurement, site construction, concrete, masonry, structural metals, wood framing, roofing, accessibility, finishes, plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical coordination.
Contractors who pass the NASCLA examination may request that their results be sent to participating licensing agencies.
This may help satisfy a trade-exam requirement, depending on each state's rules.
No. NASCLA does not issue a national contractor license.
Passing the accredited examination produces an examination result.
That result can be shared with participating states through the NASCLA National Examination Database.
The actual contractor license comes from the state licensing agency.
In New Mexico, that agency is the Construction Industries Division, or CID.
CID determines whether an applicant qualifies for a New Mexico contractor classification.
Applicants must still follow the state's experience, qualifying-party, business, bonding, and application requirements.
Yes. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division is listed as a participating agency for the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination.
However, the state's published NASCLA trade-exam waiver procedure has specific conditions.
The waiver is not automatically available to someone who simply passes the NASCLA examination.
The published New Mexico qualifying-party instructions identify the waiver for qualifying parties applying for GB-98 or EE-98.
For the commercial building pathway, the relevant New Mexico classification is GB-98 General Building.
The applicant must have taken the NASCLA examination, used the score to obtain a contractor license in another state, and held that license for at least one year.
The applicant must also provide a letter of good standing and release the NASCLA examination transcript to New Mexico.
CID reviews the submitted information.
Only if CID approves the waiver does it remove the applicable New Mexico trade examination requirement.
Business and Law and the remaining state licensing requirements still apply.
Always confirm the current eligibility conditions with CID before relying on this pathway.
The official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin updated July 7, 2026 lists 115 scored questions.
There are also 10 additional unscored pretest questions.
That means candidates receive a total of 125 questions during the examination.
The ten pretest questions are used for examination development.
They do not count toward the final score.
PSI does not identify which questions are unscored while candidates are testing.
Students should therefore answer every question seriously.
The examination has a 330-minute time limit.
That equals five hours and thirty minutes.
The time limit includes the ten pretest questions.
With 125 questions displayed, candidates have an average of about two minutes and thirty-eight seconds per question.
That is enough time for prepared candidates to make useful reference lookups, but not enough to research every question from the beginning.
Practice efficient reference navigation before exam day.
The current official PSI bulletin lists a minimum passing score of 81 on the 115 scored questions.
This represents approximately 70% of the scored examination.
The ten unscored pretest questions do not count toward the passing result.
When studying, aim higher than the minimum.
A comfortable margin gives you room for difficult topics, unusual questions, and the occasional moment when every answer seems suspiciously reasonable.
Yes. The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination is open book.
However, PSI restricts the reference materials to its published approved list.
Candidates are responsible for bringing their permitted books to the test center.
PSI supplies a physical diagram or blueprint packet for applicable examination questions.
The reference books themselves are not supplied by PSI.
Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed beforehand.
Permanent tabs are permitted.
Handwritten notes, loose papers, attached extra sheets, and temporary tabs are not permitted.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination contains twelve official categories.
These categories total 115 scored questions.
The largest is Procurement and Contracting Requirements.
General Requirements follows with 25 questions.
Site Construction includes another 15.
These top three categories account for 71 of the 115 scored questions.
They should receive significant study time.
This is the largest NASCLA subject, containing 31 scored questions.
Study construction contracts, procurement processes, bidding, estimating, subcontract agreements, scheduling, and contractor responsibilities.
Review contract documents and construction administration.
Learn the roles of owners, architects, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Understand how change orders, progress payments, and project documentation affect a construction project.
Study purchasing procedures and basic cost control.
Practice recognizing which reference book addresses a contract-administration question.
The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition, is one useful approved reference.
General Requirements contains 25 questions.
Review jobsite management, safety, accessibility, building code requirements, construction administration, and project coordination.
Study construction documents and general commercial building practices.
Know when to consult the International Building Code.
Review the ICC accessibility standard for accessible buildings and facilities.
Study OSHA construction safety requirements.
Understand how inspections, schedules, quality control, and communication affect project performance.
Site Construction contains 15 questions.
Study earthwork, excavation, grading, drainage, trenching, soil preparation, underground work, and site utilities.
Understand the basic sequence of site development.
Review erosion and sediment control.
Learn how stormwater pollution prevention requirements affect construction activities.
Understand the importance of safe excavation and trench protection.
The approved reference list includes Pipe and Excavation Contracting and an EPA stormwater planning guide.
Concrete includes six scored questions.
Study reinforced concrete, placement, curing, formwork, reinforcing bars, precast products, and post-tensioning.
Review ACI 318 structural concrete requirements.
Learn how reinforcement and placement affect structural performance.
Study concrete construction quality and inspection concepts.
Know how to find applicable structural concrete requirements in the approved references.
Metals contains six questions.
Review structural steel, steel joists, joist girders, steel deck, handling, erection, and construction sequencing.
Understand temporary support and erection safety.
Study the Steel Deck Institute Manual of Construction with Steel Deck.
Review the technical digest covering steel joists and joist girders.
Mechanical and Plumbing Systems contains six questions.
Commercial general contractors coordinate the installation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and related building systems.
Study mechanical equipment locations, building system coordination, plumbing principles, and construction sequencing.
The approved reference includes Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition.
Remember that general building licensing does not automatically authorize unlicensed self-performance of regulated specialty work.
Wood contains five questions.
Review framing, lumber, roof trusses, floor systems, carpentry methods, fasteners, and temporary bracing.
Study the approved BCSI wood truss handling and bracing guide.
Learn how truss handling and temporary restraint affect jobsite safety.
Carpentry and Building Construction is another listed reference.
Thermal and Moisture Protection contains five questions.
Study roofing, waterproofing, insulation, vapor control, and exterior weather barriers.
Review roof installation and estimating principles.
Learn why moisture management is critical to building durability.
Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson is on the approved reference list.
Finishes contains five questions.
Study gypsum walls, ceilings, finish systems, installation methods, and interior building assemblies.
Review the Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th Edition.
Understand how finish materials relate to fire resistance, durability, and construction coordination.
Masonry contains four questions.
Review brick, block, stone, mortar, grouting, reinforcement, and masonry construction methods.
Study installation practices and general masonry terminology.
The approved reference includes Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, 9th Edition.
This category contains four questions.
Study commercial openings, door assemblies, glazing, installation requirements, and accessibility.
Review how opening protection and building code requirements affect the construction design.
Electrical Systems contains three questions.
General contractors should understand basic electrical construction coordination, equipment arrangements, and building system interfaces.
Study the general role of electrical distribution and commercial equipment.
Electrical work requiring a separate trade license must be performed under the applicable New Mexico rules.
The official New Mexico qualifying-party instructions list four years, or 8,000 hours, for GB-98 General Building.
GB-98 applicants must document appropriate general building construction experience.
New Mexico's general building experience standard also requires qualifying commercial experience.
Applicants should review the current CID classification requirements and the General Building Work Experience Affidavit.
Experience normally must fall within the ten years immediately preceding the application.
Submitting a NASCLA examination result does not eliminate the underlying experience requirement.
New Mexico's published waiver process is designed for applicants who have already used a NASCLA examination result in another licensing jurisdiction.
The qualifying party must show an applicable out-of-state contractor license held for at least one year.
A letter of good standing confirms the license status.
The applicant must release their NASCLA examination transcript to New Mexico.
CID reviews the experience, supporting documents, and transcript before deciding whether to approve the waiver.
Therefore, a contractor with no existing out-of-state license should not assume that passing NASCLA immediately replaces the New Mexico GB-98 examination.
Confirm the exact pathway before paying for an exam or study package.
NASCLA examination applicants start through the NASCLA National Examination Database.
NASCLA must approve the application before the candidate can schedule the exam with PSI.
The current NASCLA examination approval is valid for one year.
Candidates may attempt the examination up to three times during that eligibility period.
The current published PSI examination fee is $130.
NASCLA also charges its own application fee.
Transcript orders involve a separate fee when candidates send their results to licensing agencies.
New Mexico contractor applicants must generally satisfy a Business and Law requirement.
Applicants may pass the PSI Business and Law examination or complete a state-approved Business and Law course.
The current New Mexico Business and Law exam contains 50 questions.
Candidates have 130 minutes.
The passing requirement is 75%, listed as 38 points.
The reference list includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition.
It also includes the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act and New Mexico contractor licensing regulations.
Contractor Exam Preps sells a New Mexico Business and Law Complete Pass Package.
Yes. The NASCLA Basic 14th Edition appears on the current NASCLA Commercial General Building reference list.
It is also a listed reference for the separate New Mexico Business and Law examination.
The same title can therefore support preparation for both exams.
However, New Mexico Business and Law requires additional state-specific legal materials.
Those state materials are not a substitute for the large technical reference library used in the NASCLA trade examination.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination uses a broad set of reference publications.
These include construction management books, OSHA safety regulations, the International Building Code, accessibility standards, structural concrete references, masonry, carpentry, steel systems, roofing, excavation, plumbing, and electrical coordination.
The current approved International Building Code editions are 2021 or 2024.
For other reference publications, only the specific listed editions and PSI's edition rules should guide exam-day decisions.
The full official list appears in the July 2026 NASCLA Candidate Information Bulletin.
Contractor Exam Preps sells a New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set.
The store also offers a highlighted and tabbed book set.
For students who prefer renting, the New Mexico NASCLA Books and Courses Rental Package includes a prepared reference library and course access.
The store separately sells the New Mexico NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course.
These products cover commercial construction topics and open-book examination preparation.
Always confirm the current PSI reference list, product contents, availability, and rental terms before ordering.
Start with the official twelve-category examination outline.
Focus on Procurement and Contracting Requirements, General Requirements, and Site Construction.
These three subjects account for 71 scored questions.
Next study concrete, metals, masonry, wood, roofing, finishes, and building systems.
Organize approved books by subject.
Practice finding answers in the correct reference.
Take timed quizzes and review missed questions.
Finally, complete a full 330-minute practice session.
The NASCLA examination rewards candidates who understand construction topics and can find the right information efficiently.
Important 2026 NASCLA and New Mexico Update: The official July 7, 2026 PSI/NASCLA Commercial General Building bulletin lists 115 scored questions, 10 additional unscored pretest questions, 330 minutes, and a minimum passing score of 81. The exam is open book and currently permits the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code. NASCLA is not a general contractor license. New Mexico's published NASCLA waiver instructions apply to GB-98 and EE-98 qualifying parties and require an applicant to have used the NASCLA result to obtain an out-of-state license held for at least one year. A NASCLA transcript, letter of good standing, experience documentation, and CID approval are required. The waiver covers only the approved trade-exam requirement. Business and Law and all remaining licensing obligations still apply. Candidates should confirm current waiver eligibility directly with CID before choosing this route.
The NASCLA Commercial General Building examination is a standardized trade examination recognized by participating contractor licensing agencies.
It can help contractors who want to qualify for commercial general building work across multiple states.
New Mexico recognizes the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination through its contractor licensing system, but applies its own waiver conditions.
The relevant general building classification is GB-98.
A passing NASCLA result can be part of an accepted trade-exam waiver application.
It does not independently create a New Mexico contractor license or qualifying-party certificate.
Official exam: NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
Exam sponsor: NASCLA.
Testing provider: PSI.
New Mexico licensing agency: Construction Industries Division.
Relevant classification: GB-98 General Building.
State waiver: Conditional, subject to CID approval and published requirements.
| Requirement | Current Information | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| State | New Mexico | Review CID licensing rules. |
| Relevant Classification | GB-98 General Building | Confirm your work scope. |
| NASCLA Organization | National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies | Apply through NASCLA. |
| Accredited Exam | Commercial General Building | Prepare using the official blueprint. |
| Testing Provider | PSI | Schedule after NASCLA approval. |
| Current Bulletin | July 7, 2026 | Verify before testing. |
| Scored Questions | 115 | Study all twelve subjects. |
| Unscored Questions | 10 | Answer all questions. |
| Total Presented | 125 | Practice 125-question pacing. |
| Testing Time | 330 Minutes | Practice a 5.5-hour simulation. |
| Minimum Passing | 81 | Aim higher than minimum. |
| Format | Open Book | Bring approved references. |
| Subject Categories | 12 | Follow exact PSI outline. |
| NASCLA Exam Eligibility | One Year | Test before approval expires. |
| NASCLA Attempts | Maximum Three During Eligibility | Use a structured study plan. |
| PSI Exam Fee | $130 | Pay during scheduling. |
| NASCLA Application Fee | Separate NASCLA Fee | Check NED at application. |
| Transcript | NASCLA National Examination Database | Send result electronically. |
| New Mexico Authority | Construction Industries Division | Apply for state license. |
| Trade Waiver Classifications | GB-98 and EE-98 | Follow published QP instructions. |
| GB-98 Experience | Four Years, 8,000 Hours | Document qualifying work. |
| Experience Period | Previous Ten Years | Prepare notarized affidavits. |
| Out-of-State License | At Least One Year | Required for published NASCLA waiver route. |
| Prior NASCLA Use | Score Used for Out-of-State License | Document the qualifying license. |
| Good Standing Letter | Required for Waiver | Obtain from issuing state. |
| CID Waiver Decision | Approval Required | Do not assume acceptance. |
| Waiver Scope | Trade Exam Only | Meet all other requirements. |
| Business and Law | Separate Requirement | Exam or approved course. |
| Business Exam Questions | 50 | Study New Mexico licensing law. |
| Business Exam Time | 130 Minutes | Practice timed questions. |
| Business Exam Passing | 75%, 38 Points | Prepare approved references. |
| Business NASCLA Book | Basic 14th Edition | Use correct publication. |
| New Mexico Licensing Act | NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13 | Study state statute. |
| New Mexico License Rules | NMAC Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 3 | Study state regulations. |
| QP Application | $36 Current State Guide | Submit to PSI. |
| Company Application | $36 Processing Plus License Fees | Finish CID application. |
| Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Maintain required surety bond. |
| License Period | Three Years | Maintain renewal compliance. |
| Business Registration | State Requirements Apply | Provide applicable records. |
| IBC Reference | 2021 or 2024 | Use approved edition. |
| NASCLA Business Reference | Basic 14th Edition | Prepare for both relevant exams. |
| Detail | Exam or Agency | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Name | NASCLA | Accredited Commercial General Building |
| Exam Sponsor | NASCLA | National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies |
| Testing Provider | PSI | Computer-Based |
| Scored Items | NASCLA | 115 |
| Pretest Items | NASCLA | 10 |
| Total Presented | NASCLA | 125 |
| Time | NASCLA | 330 Minutes |
| Minimum Score | NASCLA | 81 |
| Open Book | NASCLA | Yes |
| Blueprint Packet | PSI | Provided Onsite |
| Exam Fee | PSI | $130 |
| Exam Approval | NASCLA | Required Before PSI Scheduling |
| Eligibility Period | NASCLA | One Year |
| Maximum Attempts | NASCLA | Three Per Eligibility Period |
| Procurement and Contracting | NASCLA | 31 Questions |
| General Requirements | NASCLA | 25 Questions |
| Site Construction | NASCLA | 15 Questions |
| Concrete | NASCLA | 6 Questions |
| Masonry | NASCLA | 4 Questions |
| Metals | NASCLA | 6 Questions |
| Wood | NASCLA | 5 Questions |
| Thermal and Moisture | NASCLA | 5 Questions |
| Doors, Windows, Glazing | NASCLA | 4 Questions |
| Finishes | NASCLA | 5 Questions |
| Mechanical and Plumbing | NASCLA | 6 Questions |
| Electrical Systems | NASCLA | 3 Questions |
| IBC Editions | NASCLA | 2021 or 2024 |
| Accessibility Reference | NASCLA | ICC A117.1-2017 |
| Concrete Reference | NASCLA | ACI 318-14 or ACI 318-19 |
| Construction Safety | NASCLA | OSHA 29 CFR 1926 |
| Business Reference | NASCLA | NASCLA Basic 14th Edition |
| New Mexico Classification | CID | GB-98 General Building |
| GB-98 Experience | CID | Four Years, 8,000 Hours |
| NASCLA Waiver | CID | Conditional Trade-Exam Waiver |
| Out-of-State License | CID | At Least One Year for Published Waiver |
| Letter of Good Standing | CID | Required for Waiver |
| Transcript Submission | NED | Electronic Release to New Mexico |
| Business and Law Questions | New Mexico PSI | 50 |
| Business and Law Time | New Mexico PSI | 130 Minutes |
| Business Passing | New Mexico PSI | 75%, 38 Points |
| Business Alternative | CID | Approved Business and Law Course |
NASCLA commercial: 115 scored questions plus 10 pretest items, 330 minutes, minimum 81.
New Mexico Business and Law: 50 questions, 130 minutes, 75% passing.
Important: The New Mexico waiver is not automatic. Applicants must meet the published waiver conditions and obtain CID approval.
Study bids, estimates, procurement, subcontract agreements, contract terms, payment procedures, change orders, construction administration, project documentation, and contract responsibilities.
Review building code rules, accessibility, jobsite management, construction documents, OSHA safety, field supervision, quality control, communication, and general commercial building requirements.
Study excavation, grading, earthwork, drainage, trenching, underground utilities, stormwater management, and construction-site development.
Review reinforced concrete, concrete placement, curing, reinforcing bars, formwork, precast concrete, and post-tensioning.
Study brick, block, stone, mortar, grouting, reinforcement, and masonry construction methods.
Review structural steel, joists, joist girders, steel deck, erection, temporary support, and jobsite handling.
Study carpentry, framing, roof trusses, installation practices, bracing, and common wood construction materials.
Review roofing, waterproofing, insulation, weather barriers, membranes, and moisture management.
Review doors, windows, glazing, accessible openings, and commercial installation requirements.
Study gypsum assemblies, walls, ceilings, finishing systems, and interior construction methods.
Review basic commercial mechanical and plumbing system coordination, equipment, installation sequencing, and general building interfaces.
Study electrical distribution concepts, equipment coordination, construction sequencing, and basic commercial building systems.
Official scored total: 115.
Additional unscored pretest items: 10.
Largest category: Procurement and Contracting Requirements, 31.
Top three categories combined: 71 scored questions.
Begin with the current official PSI/NASCLA Candidate Information Bulletin.
Check the examination requirements, subject outline, and reference list.
Organize your books by subject.
Learn which book addresses construction management, concrete, masonry, steel, safety, accessibility, and sitework.
Review the largest subjects first.
Practice procurement, contracts, project administration, and general requirements.
Next study site construction and structural materials.
Review building systems and construction finishes.
Practice open-book reference lookups regularly.
Use timed blocks to build examination speed.
The New Mexico NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course offers structured commercial construction study.
The highlighted and tabbed reference book set can help students practice efficient reference navigation.
First: Confirm New Mexico's licensing and NASCLA waiver conditions.
Second: Use the July 2026 NASCLA subject outline.
Third: Check all approved reference editions.
Fourth: Practice identifying the correct book before looking up an answer.
Fifth: Complete full timed practice testing.
The NASCLA examination covers the coordination of major commercial building systems, from sitework and foundations to finishes and mechanical equipment.
Simplified commercial construction illustration for study. It is not an approved construction plan or engineering detail.
Review GB-98 General Building, its scope, and the work you want to perform in New Mexico.
Check CID's conditions, including the required qualifying out-of-state license history. Do not assume a newly passed exam is enough for a waiver.
Read the July 2026 bulletin, obtain the approved references, and organize the twelve content categories.
Obtain NASCLA approval through NED, then register and pay for PSI testing.
Complete the 330-minute open-book examination and earn at least 81 on the scored questions.
When eligible, prepare the work affidavit, qualifying-party application, out-of-state good-standing letter, and NASCLA transcript release for CID review.
Pass the state's PSI Business and Law examination or complete an approved alternative course, as applicable.
Submit the applicable business documents, qualifying-party records, surety bond, registrations, and licensing fees after CID approval.
Percentages are calculated from the 115 scored questions in the July 2026 PSI/NASCLA examination blueprint.
Official scored total: 115.
Pretest items: 10 more.
Largest three categories: 71 scored questions, approximately 61.7%.
Minimum passing score: 81.
These are the principal technical and business references listed in the July 2026 NASCLA Candidate Information Bulletin. The complete bulletin controls the allowed editions and alternatives.
| Reference | Edition | Study Area |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 or 2024 | Commercial building regulations. |
| ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings | 2017 | Accessibility. |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management | Basic 14th | Business, contracts, management. |
| Construction Jobsite Management | 2017 4th or 2024 5th | Jobsite supervision. |
| Construction Project Management | 2014 4th or 2022 5th | Project administration. |
| OSHA Construction Regulations | 29 CFR 1926 | Safety, excavations, scaffolds. |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers | 4th, 2024 | Building system coordination. |
| BCSI Wood Truss Safety Guide | 2018 Updated 2020, or 2025 | Wood truss installation. |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | 2016 | Carpentry and framing. |
| ACI 318 Structural Concrete | ACI 318-14 or 318-19 | Structural concrete. |
| Erectors' Manual for Precast Concrete | 2nd, 1999 | Precast erection. |
| Green Building Fundamentals | 2nd, 2011 | Sustainable construction. |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook | 7th, 2014 | Gypsum systems. |
| Technical Digest No. 9: Steel Joists and Girders | 3rd, 2008 | Steel joists. |
| Training of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning | 3rd, 2003 | Post-tensioning. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone | 9th, 2020 | Masonry. |
| Pipe and Excavation Contracting | 2011 | Excavation and utilities. |
| Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction | 11th, 2024 | Commercial construction. |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | 2022 Reprint | Roofing and estimating. |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars | 10th, 2019 or Later Printing | Reinforcement. |
| SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck | 2016 | Steel deck. |
| Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | 4th, 2018 | Concrete field practices. |
| Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan | EPA 2007 | Stormwater and sitework. |
| ANSI/EIMA 99-A Standard for EIFS | 2017 | Exterior insulation systems. |
| Physical Diagram and Blueprint Packet | Provided Onsite | Plan-reading questions. |
Approved IBC editions: 2021 or 2024.
Important: For code questions, use the editions explicitly approved by PSI.
Other books: Earlier or later editions may create answer conflicts. Verify PSI's edition policy before substituting a book.
References: Candidates supply their own approved books. PSI supplies the blueprint packet.
NASCLA is a large open-book examination.
Its approved reference list covers many different construction subjects.
Success requires identifying which book relates to each question.
For accessibility, practice using ICC A117.1.
For structural concrete, practice using ACI 318.
For OSHA construction hazards, use the construction safety regulations.
For contracts, review the NASCLA Basic business guide and construction management references.
For sitework, learn where excavation and stormwater information appears.
GB-98 is New Mexico's general building contractor classification.
It applies to qualifying general building construction activities under state classification rules.
The scope can involve managing broader construction projects, coordinating multiple trades, supervising building work, and performing activities authorized by the classification.
A general building contractor may work with foundations, framing, roofing, building envelopes, and other building components within the allowed scope.
Specialty trade work may require separately licensed contractors or other authorized personnel.
Passing the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination does not create independent authority to perform work before CID issues the required license.
New Mexico classification: GB-98 General Building.
NASCLA examination: National commercial general building trade examination.
State license: Issued through New Mexico CID, not NASCLA.
Work scope: Governed by the applicable New Mexico classification rules.
Specialty work: Follow separate license requirements where applicable.
| Exam or License | Main Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| NASCLA Commercial General Building | National commercial building trade examination. | 115 scored questions plus 10 pretest, 330 minutes. |
| New Mexico GB-98 General Building | State general building contractor classification. | Requires CID licensing approval. |
| New Mexico GB-98 State Trade Exam | State-specific general building technical qualification. | May be waived only when CID approves an applicable NASCLA waiver. |
| New Mexico Business and Law | State contractor business and legal knowledge. | Separate exam or approved course requirement. |
| New Mexico GB-2 Residential Building | Residential building contractor classification. | Different classification and experience requirements. |
| New Mexico GS Specialty Licenses | Individual construction specialties. | NASCLA does not automatically replace specialty trade requirements. |
| NASCLA Examination Transcript | Shares accredited exam results. | Evidence of exam passage, not a contractor license. |
| New Mexico Qualifying Party | Provides experience and technical qualification for a business. | Separate state approval and documentation. |
115 Scored • 10 Pretest • 330 Minutes
Four Years Experience • Prior License • CID Approval
50 Questions • 130 Minutes • 75% Passing
The NASCLA examination is challenging because it covers many construction trades and management topics.
Candidates must answer 125 presented questions during a 330-minute testing session.
Only 115 are scored.
The other ten are unscored pretest questions.
Questions involve contracts, project management, construction safety, building codes, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, and multiple building systems.
The exam uses a large library of technical references.
Even experienced general contractors may be less familiar with some of these areas.
For example, a contractor experienced in concrete may need additional study time for accessibility, roofing, or construction contracts.
A contractor with strong project-management experience may need extra help with steel deck, masonry, or wood truss details.
Preparation is most effective when candidates build broad knowledge and practice fast reference lookup.
In New Mexico, understanding the separate GB-98 waiver eligibility conditions is just as important as choosing the right exam preparation.
These real products are listed on ContractorExamPreps.com and relate directly to NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor preparation.
The study products support examination preparation. Purchasing them does not grant eligibility for New Mexico's separate NASCLA waiver.
Construction Codes • Project Management • Concrete • Safety
Best for: Contractors wanting a physical technical reference library for comprehensive NASCLA commercial building study.
Important: Compare the current product contents with the July 2026 PSI-approved reference list before testing. New Mexico waiver eligibility is a separate state decision.
Prepared References • Permanent Tabs • Open-Book Navigation
Best for: Students who want an organized physical book collection to support open-book examination navigation.
Important: Prepared references still must comply with PSI's current examination rules. Confirm editions and allow for processing time.
Rental Reference Library • Online Course • Study Support
Best for: Contractors who want access to a large reference library without purchasing every book permanently.
Important: This package is a rental with a refundable deposit subject to terms. Confirm current availability, price, included editions, and return requirements before ordering.
Online-only option: New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Online Exam Prep Course.
Business and Law option: New Mexico Business and Law Complete Pass Package.
Before ordering: Confirm the approved NASCLA reference list and the state's trade-waiver conditions.
Actual New Mexico NASCLA commercial general building study image hosted by ContractorExamPreps.com.
The product image represents the store's NASCLA Complete Book Set. It is not an official NASCLA certificate or a New Mexico state contractor license.
NASCLA Commercial General Building • PSI Testing • New Mexico GB-98 • Construction Management • Open-Book References
NASCLA Examination Basics
It is an accredited commercial general building trade examination developed by NASCLA and administered by PSI. Participating state agencies may accept its result toward an applicable trade examination requirement.
The official July 2026 bulletin lists 115 scored questions.
Yes. Candidates also receive ten unscored pretest questions, making 125 questions presented in total.
The examination allows 330 minutes, or five hours and thirty minutes.
PSI lists a minimum passing score of 81 on the 115 scored questions.
Yes. Candidates may bring references allowed under the current PSI/NASCLA bulletin.
No. NASCLA provides an accredited examination result. Actual contractor licenses are issued by individual state licensing agencies.
New Mexico NASCLA Waiver Conditions
Yes. New Mexico CID is a participating agency, but its published trade-exam waiver procedure has additional conditions that must be met before a waiver is approved.
No. NASCLA is not a contractor license. New Mexico requires qualifying experience, state application approval, applicable Business and Law, and other licensing requirements. The published waiver also requires qualifying out-of-state license history.
The published qualifying-party instructions identify GB-98 and EE-98. The NASCLA Commercial General Building exam is relevant to the GB-98 building pathway.
Under the published instructions, the applicant must have used NASCLA scores to obtain an out-of-state license and held that license for at least one year.
It is documentation from the out-of-state licensing agency confirming the applicant's license status. New Mexico requires it for the published NASCLA trade-waiver route.
Yes. The waiver instructions require release of the NASCLA examination transcript through the National Examination Database.
No. CID verifies the examination transcript and eligibility documents before approving or denying the requested waiver.
No. A CID-approved NASCLA waiver applies to the qualifying trade examination only. Business and Law and the remaining licensing requirements continue to apply.
Qualifying Party and GB-98 Requirements
The published New Mexico qualifying-party instructions list four years or 8,000 hours of qualifying experience for GB-98 General Building.
A qualifying party is the individual who provides the required experience and examination qualifications for a contractor business classification.
Yes. The current New Mexico contractor licensing rules require a $10,000 contractor surety bond for applicable licensed business entities.
No. They are different state classifications with different scope and experience requirements.
Reference Books and Exam Topics
Procurement and Contracting Requirements is the largest category with 31 scored questions.
There are 25 General Requirements questions.
Yes. Site Construction contains 15 scored questions.
The current NASCLA PSI bulletin lists the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code.
Yes. NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition, is on the current commercial building reference list.
Yes. The current bulletin permits permanent tabs and prior highlighting or underlining, but not handwritten notes, loose papers, or temporary tabs.
Yes. The official NASCLA bulletin states that a physical diagram or blueprint packet is provided at the testing center.
No. Candidates bring the approved reference materials themselves.
Scheduling, Fees and Business Law
Apply through the NASCLA National Examination Database. After NASCLA approval, schedule the exam with PSI.
NASCLA approval is valid for one year under the July 2026 bulletin.
The current bulletin permits a maximum of three attempts during a one-year eligibility period.
The July 2026 bulletin lists a $130 PSI examination fee. NASCLA's application and transcript fees are separate.
The New Mexico Business and Law examination contains 50 questions and allows 130 minutes. The passing requirement is 75%, listed as 38 points.
New Mexico permits a state-approved Business and Law course as an alternative to its PSI Business and Law examination where the candidate meets the applicable rules.
Contractor Exam Preps Products
Yes. The store lists a New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractors Complete Book Set.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps sells a highlighted and tabbed New Mexico NASCLA complete book set for open-book preparation.
Yes. The store offers a New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Books and Courses Rental Package. Confirm the current deposit, rental period, and return policy.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps lists a New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Online Exam Prep Course.
No. Study products support preparation but cannot guarantee an exam score, eligibility for the state waiver, CID approval, or contractor licensing.
Watch this related 1ExamPrep NASCLA Commercial General Building video to learn more about contractor exam preparation, reference book organization, and commercial building study topics.
The video supports general NASCLA examination preparation.
It does not replace New Mexico CID's licensing or waiver instructions.
For the current test format, use the official July 2026 PSI/NASCLA bulletin.
Video source: 1ExamPrep's New Mexico NASCLA General Contractor guide.
Exam topic: NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor.
Current format: 115 scored questions plus ten unscored items.
Time: 330 minutes.
Minimum score: 81.
New Mexico note: CID must approve the applicable NASCLA trade-exam waiver.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for study products and NASCLA, PSI, and New Mexico CID for current examination and licensing rules.
National exam: NASCLA Commercial General Building, 115 scored questions, 10 pretest items, 330 minutes, minimum 81.
New Mexico classification: GB-98 General Building.
Waiver: Conditional, with required prior out-of-state licensing and CID approval under the published instructions.
Business and Law: Separate New Mexico requirement.
Books: Verify the current PSI-approved NASCLA reference editions before buying or renting.
Preparing for the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor examination is an important goal for experienced construction professionals who want to improve their commercial building knowledge and pursue licensing opportunities in participating jurisdictions.
The NASCLA examination covers many areas of commercial construction.
Unlike a specialty examination focused on one trade, it evaluates knowledge of construction contracts, project management, sitework, structural materials, safety, building codes, and coordination of multiple building systems.
The official examination is called the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
It is sponsored by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies.
PSI administers the examination.
Applicants must receive NASCLA examination approval before scheduling.
The current NASCLA PSI bulletin was updated July 7, 2026.
It lists 115 scored questions and ten unscored pretest questions.
Candidates receive 125 questions in total.
They have 330 minutes to complete the examination.
The minimum passing score is 81 on the scored portion.
The examination is open book.
However, only approved references may be used.
PSI publishes the reference book list and permitted editions.
Candidates must provide their own books.
PSI supplies the physical diagram or blueprint packet used for applicable questions.
Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing.
Permanent tabs are permitted.
Handwritten notes, loose papers, and temporary tabs are prohibited.
It is important to understand that NASCLA is not a contractor license.
A passing NASCLA examination result can support a trade-exam waiver application with a participating licensing agency.
Each state makes its own licensing decisions.
New Mexico participates in the NASCLA Commercial General Building program.
The relevant state classification is GB-98 General Building.
However, the published New Mexico NASCLA waiver process has conditions that applicants must understand.
The waiver instructions apply to qualifying parties seeking GB-98 or EE-98.
For the commercial building pathway, an applicant must have used the NASCLA examination result to obtain an out-of-state contractor license and held that license for at least one year.
The applicant must also provide a letter of good standing from the other state.
The NASCLA examination transcript must be released to New Mexico.
CID reviews the documentation and decides whether to approve the waiver.
The waiver applies only to an accepted trade-exam requirement.
It does not eliminate required experience, Business and Law, licensing applications, or bonding.
New Mexico's published GB-98 qualifying-party requirements list four years of qualifying general building experience.
That is equal to 8,000 hours.
Applicants should document their experience carefully and use the correct work experience affidavit.
They should also confirm their NASCLA waiver eligibility directly with CID before choosing that pathway.
The NASCLA examination contains twelve official subject categories.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements is the largest with 31 questions.
General Requirements follows with 25 questions.
Site Construction contains 15 questions.
These three categories total 71 of the 115 scored questions.
They deserve significant study time.
Procurement and contracting topics include bidding, estimating, contract documents, subcontracts, project administration, cost control, and change orders.
General Requirements includes commercial building rules, jobsite supervision, construction documents, safety, and accessibility.
Site Construction covers excavation, grading, utilities, drainage, trenching, and stormwater responsibilities.
The remaining subjects include concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, openings, finishes, mechanical and plumbing systems, and electrical systems.
Concrete study includes reinforcing steel, precast products, post-tensioning, placement, curing, and quality control.
Structural metals includes steel joists, steel decks, and construction procedures.
Wood construction includes carpentry, framing, truss handling, and bracing.
Thermal and moisture protection includes roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and weather barriers.
Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical topics focus on how building systems fit into commercial construction projects.
The exam requires a broad reference library.
The approved list includes the International Building Code, ICC accessibility standard, OSHA construction regulations, NASCLA Business Guide, project-management books, ACI concrete references, masonry, carpentry, roofing, steel construction, excavation, and other technical publications.
The current bulletin accepts the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code.
The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition, is also an approved reference.
Students should verify all editions before preparing the books for testing.
Good reference navigation is especially valuable because the examination is long and covers many disciplines.
A candidate should be able to recognize the question's subject, select the appropriate book, find the relevant section, and confirm the answer.
Repeating this process during practice builds speed.
New Mexico also has a separate Business and Law requirement.
Applicants may need to pass the PSI Business and Law exam or complete an approved alternative course.
The current examination has 50 questions, a 130-minute limit, and a 75% passing requirement.
The approved reference list includes NASCLA Basic 14th Edition and New Mexico-specific laws and regulations.
The Business and Law requirement remains separate from NASCLA commercial trade examination credit.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several related study products.
The New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set provides commercial construction references.
The Highlighted and Tabbed Book Set offers prepared references for open-book navigation.
The New Mexico NASCLA Books and Courses Rental Package includes a prepared reference library and structured course access.
The store also sells the New Mexico NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course.
For the separate state business requirement, a New Mexico Business and Law Complete Pass Package is available.
These resources can help organize preparation, but they do not guarantee exam passage or New Mexico waiver approval.
A six-week study schedule can help contractors begin.
Start with the official NASCLA reference list and state eligibility rules.
Study contracts, procurement, and general requirements next.
Continue with sitework, safety, concrete, steel, masonry, and wood.
Then review roofing, waterproofing, finishes, mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical coordination.
Finish with timed practice examinations and careful reference review.
With practical construction experience, consistent study, correct reference books, and a clear understanding of New Mexico's licensing rules, contractors can approach the NASCLA examination with greater confidence.
New Mexico NASCLA General Contractor Exam Prep helps construction professionals understand the NASCLA Commercial General Building examination and its relationship to New Mexico contractor licensing.
NASCLA is the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies.
Its Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is designed to evaluate knowledge of commercial construction.
The examination is recognized by participating licensing agencies.
However, NASCLA does not issue a national contractor license.
Actual licenses are issued by individual states.
New Mexico contractor licensing is regulated by the Construction Industries Division.
The relevant general building classification is GB-98.
New Mexico's published NASCLA waiver procedure includes specific conditions for qualifying parties.
The candidate must have passed NASCLA, used that result to obtain a license in another state, and held the out-of-state license for at least one year.
A letter of good standing is required.
The candidate must also release their NASCLA examination transcript to New Mexico.
CID reviews the documents before deciding whether the trade-exam waiver may be approved.
Passing NASCLA alone is not enough to secure the waiver or obtain a New Mexico license.
The applicant must still meet experience and other state requirements.
The current GB-98 qualifying-party experience requirement is four years, equal to 8,000 hours.
Qualifying experience must be properly documented.
The official NASCLA examination is administered by PSI.
The July 2026 bulletin lists 115 scored questions.
It also includes ten additional unscored pretest questions.
Candidates therefore see 125 questions.
The exam lasts 330 minutes, or five hours and thirty minutes.
The minimum passing score is 81 on the scored questions.
The exam is open book.
Only approved reference publications may be used.
There are twelve official subject categories.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements contains 31 questions.
General Requirements contains 25 questions.
Site Construction contains 15 questions.
Concrete contains six questions.
Masonry contains four questions.
Metals contains six questions.
Wood contains five questions.
Thermal and Moisture Protection contains five questions.
Doors, Windows, and Glazing contains four questions.
Finishes contains five questions.
Mechanical and Plumbing Systems contains six questions.
Electrical Systems contains three questions.
These categories total 115 scored questions.
The top three subjects total 71 scored questions.
This makes procurement, contracting, general requirements, and sitework especially important for preparation.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements includes bids, estimates, contracts, purchasing, subcontracts, construction administration, and project documents.
General Requirements covers commercial construction administration, safety, accessibility, building codes, and jobsite management.
Site Construction covers earthwork, excavation, grading, utilities, drainage, and stormwater management.
Concrete study includes reinforcement, precast concrete, structural requirements, and construction quality.
Metals includes steel framing, joists, and steel decks.
Wood covers framing, carpentry, and roof trusses.
Masonry includes brick, block, mortar, and grout.
Thermal and Moisture Protection includes roofing, insulation, exterior systems, and waterproofing.
Finishes includes gypsum assemblies and construction finishing systems.
Mechanical and Plumbing Systems and Electrical Systems involve construction coordination and basic building system concepts.
The approved reference library is large.
It includes construction management books, the International Building Code, ICC accessibility standards, OSHA construction regulations, ACI concrete publications, masonry, carpentry, steel construction, roofing, excavation, and technical building systems references.
The current International Building Code options are the 2021 or 2024 editions.
The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition, is also on the approved list.
Students must check the current PSI bulletin before ordering or preparing the books.
Approved reference books can be highlighted and indexed before testing.
Permanent tabs may be used.
Handwritten notes, loose papers, and temporary tabs are prohibited.
PSI provides a physical diagram or blueprint packet during the examination.
Other approved reference books must be brought by the candidate.
NASCLA examination candidates must receive program approval before scheduling with PSI.
The current eligibility period is one year.
Three attempts are allowed during that period.
The current PSI examination fee is $130.
NASCLA application and transcript fees are separate.
New Mexico's Business and Law requirement is another part of the licensing process.
The PSI Business and Law exam contains 50 questions and allows 130 minutes.
The passing requirement is 75%, listed as 38 points.
An approved Business and Law course is an alternative where accepted.
The approved references include NASCLA Basic 14th Edition and New Mexico-specific licensing law materials.
Contractor Exam Preps offers New Mexico NASCLA study resources.
These include the New Mexico NASCLA Commercial General Building Complete Book Set and a highlighted and tabbed book package.
The store also offers a NASCLA Books and Courses Rental Package with commercial construction references and course access.
For candidates who prefer flexible study, a New Mexico NASCLA Online Exam Prep Course is available.
The New Mexico Business and Law Complete Pass Package provides another study option for the separate state requirement.
Products should be reviewed for current approved reference editions, pricing, stock, rental terms, and course availability.
A practical study schedule begins with the exam bulletin and reference books.
Then study contracts, procurement, general requirements, and site construction.
Continue with structural concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, accessibility, and building systems.
Practice identifying the correct reference before searching for the answer.
Finish with timed 330-minute simulations.
Preparation for the NASCLA examination should always be paired with an understanding of New Mexico's separate licensing and waiver requirements.
With the correct information, practical construction experience, and organized reference study, candidates can make more confident decisions about their NASCLA examination and New Mexico contractor licensing path.
Explore NASCLA commercial general building study guides, reference book collections, highlighted and tabbed books, online courses, contractor business materials, and New Mexico exam preparation at ContractorExamPreps.com.
