NASCLA Commercial General Building • PSI • 115 Scored Questions + 10 Pretest • 330 Minutes • 81 Correct to Pass • Open Book • Tennessee BC-B Licensing Path
Ready to prepare for the Tennessee NASCLA Commercial General Contractor exam? This detailed guide explains the national trade exam, Tennessee licensing, study references, twelve exam subjects, and matching resources from Contractor Exam Preps.
Commercial construction is a team sport with more concrete, more contracts, and considerably fewer halftime snacks. A successful general contractor needs to understand the entire project, from excavating the site to closing out the final punch list.
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a nationally standardized trade test for general building work. Tennessee accepts a passing NASCLA result as an alternative to an applicable Tennessee commercial building trade examination. It is not a Tennessee license on its own, and the state still evaluates each license application.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors grants contractor licenses. NASCLA sponsors the accredited exam, and PSI administers that particular national test. Tennessee's own state-administered contractor examinations transitioned to Prov in July 2026. These are different exam programs, so follow the correct bulletin.
The July 2026 PSI bulletin lists 115 scored questions, plus ten unscored pretest questions. You will see 125 questions altogether and cannot identify the ten that do not count. Treat every question as scored.
You receive 330 minutes, or five hours and thirty minutes. The passing score is 81 correct answers out of the 115 scored items. Across all 125 displayed items, the schedule averages roughly two minutes and thirty-eight seconds per question.
Yes, but the PSI exam center permits only authorized reference materials, complying with current book-marking restrictions. Permanent tabs and normal highlighting can help you locate rules, while loose notes and temporary tabs are not allowed. Always check the current official reference list before test day.
Tennessee accepts the NASCLA National Commercial examination toward the trade-exam requirement for appropriate commercial building classifications, including the BC-B path. The Board has final authority over classification, scope, business qualifications, and the license's monetary limit.
A passing score enters the NASCLA National Examination Database, where candidates may purchase official electronic transcripts for jurisdictions that accept it. A state can recognize the trade exam without automatically issuing a contractor license. Applications, experience, business exams, and financial requirements remain state-specific.
Typically yes. New contractor applicants generally must satisfy the separate Tennessee Business and Law examination, even when NASCLA is accepted for the trade portion. That exam covers licensing, contracts, business organization, safety, insurance, finance, taxes and project responsibilities.
The current PSI outline contains twelve subjects. Procurement and Contracting Requirements has 31 questions; General Requirements has 25; and Site Construction has 15. Together, those three topics make up 71 of the 115 scored items. Structural materials, finish work, windows and doors, mechanical systems and electrical systems account for the remaining 44.
The official PSI bulletin lists a broad reference library. Candidates will work with the International Building Code, OSHA construction standards, NASCLA's Basic Business, Law and Project Management Guide, construction management texts, concrete and steel manuals, masonry resources, accessibility standards and other approved books. Editions matter.
Prepare for excavation, drainage, grading, utilities, erosion controls, stormwater protection, soil preparation and temporary site conditions. General contractors must plan site activities even when specialty subcontractors do the actual digging.
Learn how structural concrete is reinforced, placed and cured; how steel decks and joists are erected; and how brick, block and mortar systems are installed. Expect applied construction judgment along with questions that reward quick reference-book lookup.
Extremely important. Procurement and Contracting Requirements alone contains 31 scored questions. Review bids, estimates, subcontractor agreements, change orders, progress payments, scheduling and construction documentation. A perfect roof is not much comfort if the contract falls apart.
Use a six-week schedule that includes reference mapping, major-topic review and full-length timed practice. Put contracts and general requirements early, add sitework and structural trades, then finish with systems and mixed-question drills. The goal is to learn both the answer and where the answer lives.
Start with the Tennessee NASCLA Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package, the Tennessee NASCLA Complete Book Set, or the Tennessee NASCLA Book Rental Package. For guided practice, see the NASCLA Commercial General Building Online Course. The Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package supports the separate state exam.
Confirm Tennessee's BC-B classification and the official NASCLA application route. Apply to NASCLA, receive approval, and schedule the NASCLA test with PSI, not the Tennessee Prov state-exam program. Review all permitted book editions, identification rules, transcript instructions and application deadlines.
Important 2026 Tennessee NASCLA update: Tennessee uses Prov for newly scheduled state contractor exams as of July 1, 2026, but the national NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building examination is administered by PSI after NASCLA approval. The July 7, 2026 NASCLA/PSI bulletin specifies 115 scored questions plus ten unscored pretest items, 330 minutes and 81 correct scored answers to pass. Tennessee accepts the NASCLA trade exam where applicable, but a Tennessee contractor license still requires a Board application, generally the separate Tennessee Business and Law examination, financial qualifications and insurance. Confirm the latest NASCLA/PSI bulletin and Tennessee Board exam guidance before scheduling.
For this exam-preparation pathway, “NASCLA commercial general contractor” means a candidate using the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building examination toward an appropriate Tennessee commercial building contractor license. NASCLA supplies the qualifying trade test; Tennessee supplies the actual license.
Tennessee identifies commercial building construction within its Building Construction classifications, including BC-B. Applicants must identify the correct classification, demonstrate qualifying business and financial standing, and respect the Board-assigned monetary limit. NASCLA is an exam qualification, not a national license card.
License regulator: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
National trade exam: NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
Exam operator: PSI for NASCLA, separate from Tennessee Prov state testing.
Exam format: 115 scored + 10 pretest questions, 330 minutes, minimum 81 scored answers.
State licensure: Application, Business and Law, financial review or approved alternative, insurance and Board approval.
The following chart separates the national NASCLA trade examination from the Tennessee Board licensing process and shows where Contractor Exam Preps study resources fit.
| Requirement | Published Information | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| State | Tennessee | Board issues the license, not NASCLA. |
| Trade examination | NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building | Use the accredited exam for recognized BC-B trade qualification. |
| Exam sponsor | NASCLA | Approves applicants, maintains National Examination Database. |
| National exam provider | PSI | Schedules the NASCLA exam after NASCLA approval. |
| Tennessee state exam provider | Prov since July 1, 2026 | Different from the national NASCLA test. |
| NASCLA application | NASCLA pre-approval required | Application instructions |
| NASCLA application fee | $65 published by NASCLA | Check current charges before applying. |
| NASCLA exam fee | $130 listed in PSI bulletin | Separate from NASCLA application and transcript fees. |
| NASCLA exam questions | 115 scored, 10 unscored pretest | 125 questions displayed. |
| NASCLA exam duration | 330 minutes | 5 hours, 30 minutes. |
| NASCLA passing threshold | 81 of 115 scored answers | About 70.4% of scored items. |
| Format | Open book on computer | Bring only approved physical references. |
| Exam reference authority | July 7, 2026 PSI NASCLA bulletin | Official bulletin |
| Question outline | 12 scored categories | Total 115 scored questions. |
| Largest category | Procurement and Contracting: 31 | Put serious study time into contracts and estimates. |
| General Requirements | 25 questions | Jobsite administration, building-code coordination and safety. |
| Site Construction | 15 questions | Earthwork, utilities and stormwater. |
| Concrete | 6 questions | Reinforcement, placement, formwork and curing. |
| Masonry | 4 questions | Masonry units and mortar. |
| Metals | 6 questions | Steel deck, joists and erection. |
| Wood | 5 questions | Carpentry and truss bracing. |
| Thermal and Moisture Protection | 5 questions | Roofing, waterproofing and insulation. |
| Doors, Windows, and Glazing | 4 questions | Openings and code coordination. |
| Finishes | 5 questions | Gypsum and finishes. |
| Mechanical and Plumbing | 6 questions | Mechanical/plumbing construction coordination. |
| Electrical Systems | 3 questions | Electrical systems interfaces. |
| Procurement and Contracting | 31 questions | Largest domain. |
| Tennessee building classification | BC-B commercial building, as applicable | Board classification outline |
| Tennessee license threshold | Generally $25,000 for covered work | License required before bidding or contracting. |
| Business and Law | Separate Tennessee examination generally required | Not replaced by national NASCLA trade passing. |
| Qualifying agent | Owner, officer or full-time employee as allowed | Follow Tennessee QA requirements. |
| Financial qualifications | Reviewed/audited financial statement or qualifying bond route | Monetary limit based on Board rules. |
| Surety-bond option | Board-approved alternative available since July 2026 | Bond generally at least half requested monetary limit. |
| Liability insurance | Required where applicable | Check insurance limits and policy evidence. |
| Workers' compensation | Coverage or valid exemption | Depends on state law and situation. |
| Trade transcript | NASCLA National Examination Database | Send official state transcript |
| NASCLA transcript fee | $45 per state, currently published | Separate from exam registration. |
| Initial state license fee | Check Board current application schedule | State licensing instructions |
| Product: highlighted & tabbed | Tennessee NASCLA package | View prepared reference books |
| Product: complete book set | Tennessee NASCLA | View standard book set |
| Product: course | NASCLA commercial general building | View NASCLA online course |
| Product: Business & Law | Tennessee state exam | View business package |
| Detail | Information | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Tennessee BC-B Commercial Building pathway | Board issues license |
| National trade examination | NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building | Trade-test path accepted by Tennessee |
| NASCLA testing provider | PSI | Separate from Tennessee Prov |
| NASCLA approval | Before scheduling PSI | Use NED application |
| Scored items | 115 | Count for pass/fail |
| Additional items | 10 unscored | Not identifiable |
| Displayed exam items | 125 | Answer all questions |
| Test duration | 330 minutes | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Minimum score | 81 of 115 | About 70.4% |
| Test format | Open book | Approved references only |
| Exam references | PSI official bulletin | Some code editions are specific |
| Business and Law | Separate Tennessee test | Generally required for new applicants |
| Initial license | Board application required | Trade pass alone does not license |
| Licensing project threshold | Generally $25,000 | Covered prime contracting and other work |
| Trade results | NASCLA NED | Transcript sent electronically |
| Topic count | 12 | 115 scored questions total |
| Procurement and Contracting Requirements | 31 scored questions | 27.0% of scored test |
| General Requirements | 25 scored questions | 21.7% of scored test |
| Site Construction | 15 scored questions | 13.0% of scored test |
| Concrete | 6 scored questions | 5.2% of scored test |
| Metals | 6 scored questions | 5.2% of scored test |
| Mechanical and Plumbing Systems | 6 scored questions | 5.2% of scored test |
| Wood | 5 scored questions | 4.3% of scored test |
| Thermal and Moisture Protection | 5 scored questions | 4.3% of scored test |
| Finishes | 5 scored questions | 4.3% of scored test |
| Masonry | 4 scored questions | 3.5% of scored test |
| Doors, Windows, and Glazing | 4 scored questions | 3.5% of scored test |
| Electrical Systems | 3 scored questions | 2.6% of scored test |
National exam provider: PSI, not Prov.
Test length: 330 minutes for 125 displayed questions.
Passing requirement: 81 correct out of the 115 scored items.
Tennessee: NASCLA can satisfy the applicable trade test but not the entire state licensing process.
Bids, estimating, contract documents, purchasing, scope, payment, change orders and closeout.
Read management references for bid documents, change orders, subcontract agreements, progress payments and final closeout.
Jobsite administration, code coordination, OSHA safety, quality control, permits and accessibility.
Connect permit requirements, OSHA duties, code definitions, quality control and accessibility to real construction decisions.
Grading, earthwork, trenching, soil, drainage, utilities, erosion and stormwater management.
Review stormwater management, grading, utilities, trenching and earthwork safety.
Formwork, reinforcing steel, placement, curing, precast and post-tensioned components.
Study ACI concrete references, forming, reinforcement, placement and curing.
Structural steel, decking, joists, connections, temporary bracing and erection safety.
Review steel joist, structural steel, metal deck and bracing requirements.
HVAC and plumbing coordination, equipment, piping and sequencing.
Learn how mechanical and plumbing subcontractors coordinate their work with the overall construction plan.
Framing, carpentry, wood trusses, bracing, handling and fastening.
Study carpentry, lumber framing, truss restraint and installation procedures.
Roofing, waterproofing, insulation, EIFS and building-envelope details.
Understand roofing, vapor movement, wall coverings, EIFS and water intrusion prevention.
Gypsum, wall and ceiling systems, finish coordination and installation quality.
Review drywall, finish assemblies, suspended ceilings and installation quality.
Brick, block, mortar, grout, reinforcement and construction tolerances.
Study brick, stone and masonry unit installations, including reinforcing, mortar and grout.
Openings, glazing safety, weather protection and accessible circulation.
Review accessible openings, doors, windows, glazing and protection from wind and rain.
Power distribution, electrical coordination, equipment connections and safety.
Focus on electrical-system interfaces and construction coordination without confusing a GC exam with an electrician license.
Official scored total: 115 questions over twelve subject categories.
Highest priorities: Procurement and Contracting (31), General Requirements (25), and Site Construction (15).
Practice aim: Locate reference answers quickly while maintaining contractor-level judgment.
First, confirm that the national NASCLA exam will meet the trade qualification for your intended Tennessee contractor classification. Follow the Board's BC-B guidance and submit the national exam application through NASCLA.
Next, download the current PSI/NASCLA Candidate Information Bulletin. Sort the reference list by subject and compare the official accepted editions against the books you already own.
Give early attention to the two largest categories: Procurement and Contracting Requirements and General Requirements. Combined, these make up 56 of 115 scored questions. Practice estimates, contracts, project documentation, safety and codes before diving into smaller trades.
Spend focused time on Site Construction. Understand excavation, grading, drainage, utilities, shoring, trenching, temporary erosion controls and stormwater pollution prevention.
Rotate through concrete, metals, masonry, wood, roofing, glazing, finishes, MEP and electrical-system coordination. Every category counts. A three-question section still matters when you are close to the passing score.
Prepare your reference books according to current testing rules. Train your eyes to find an index term, locate a chapter and confirm an exception without taking five minutes to open the right book.
At least twice before exam day, complete a full-length simulation using 125 displayed questions and a 330-minute timer. Record which books slowed you down, and address those subjects during the final week.
Consider the NASCLA Commercial General Building Online Exam Prep Course for structured exercises alongside the Tennessee Highlighted and Tabbed Reference Package or Tennessee Complete Book Set. Plan separately for the Tennessee Business and Law exam.
Step 1: Confirm Tennessee's classification and NASCLA acceptance.
Step 2: Get PSI's current NASCLA bulletin and approved book list.
Step 3: Practice all twelve categories with reference lookups.
Step 4: Complete NASCLA, Tennessee Business and Law, and the full license application.
This diagram follows the same building-systems overview format as the original blog. It shows the main responsibilities a commercial general contractor must coordinate instead of focusing on only one trade.
Educational overview only. Project documents, adopted codes and qualified design professionals control actual work.
Use the Board classification outline to determine whether BC-B or another building classification fits your actual projects.
Read Tennessee's acceptance policy and the July 2026 NASCLA PSI bulletin for format, references, fees and exam rules.
Apply through NASCLA's National Examination Database and await the exam approval notice.
Gather the listed books, check accepted editions, and apply only compliant permanent markings and tabs.
Put procurement, general requirements and site construction first, then work through the nine remaining categories.
Book the NASCLA exam with PSI, take the 125-item session, and meet the 81-of-115 scored passing requirement.
Take the separate state examination as required, submit qualifying-agent and business details, and satisfy insurance and financial criteria.
Arrange a NASCLA electronic transcript for Tennessee and wait for the Board to issue your contractor license before bidding on covered projects.
The July 2026 PSI NASCLA outline divides 115 scored questions into twelve subjects. The bars below represent the share of scored questions, not the ten experimental items.
Total: 115 scored questions. Plus ten pretest items, not included in the subject weighting.
Three largest categories: Procurement and Contracting (31), General Requirements (25), Site Construction (15).
Official breakdown: Confirm against the current NASCLA PSI Candidate Bulletin.
NASCLA's July 2026 PSI bulletin includes an extensive approved list. The examples below explain the purpose of commonly used titles; check the exact bulletin edition and listing before buying or bringing a reference to the exam.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Jobsite Management | 5th Edition | Jobsite operations, planning and safety |
| Construction Project Management | 5th Edition | Scheduling, projects and contract administration |
| ACI 318 | ACI 318-14 or ACI 318-19 as permitted | Structural concrete standards |
| BCSI Wood Truss Guide | 2018 updated 2020 or 2025 | Truss handling, installation and bracing |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide, Basic | 14th Edition | Trade exam procurement and business concepts |
| International Building Code | 2021 or 2024 | Building-code requirements |
| ICC A117.1 | 2017 | Accessibility requirements |
| OSHA Construction Standards | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety |
| Modern Masonry | 9th Edition (2020) | Brick, block, stone and mortar |
| Gypsum Construction Handbook | 7th Edition | Wall, ceiling and gypsum installation |
| Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction | 11th Edition (2024) | General commercial building knowledge |
| Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers | 4th Edition (2024) | MEP coordination and construction |
| Pipe and Excavation Contracting | 2011 | Site construction and utilities |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | 1995 (reprinted 2022) | Roofing and moisture protection |
| Tennessee NASCLA Business, Law and Project Management Guide | Tennessee 4th Edition | Separate Tennessee Business and Law exam preparation |
| Steel Deck Institute Manual | 3rd edition (2016) | Metal deck systems |
| Technical Digest 9 | 3rd edition (2008) | Steel joists and girders |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars | 10th edition, listed PSI specifications | Reinforcement placement |
| Green Building Fundamentals | 2nd edition (2011) | Sustainable building basics |
| Tennessee NASCLA Book Collection | Current Contractor Exam Preps product | NASCLA trade references with Tennessee business study title |
| NASCLA Commercial Online Course | Current store listing | Guided study and practice questions |
Reference warning: Codes have edition-specific rules. The July 2026 PSI bulletin lists 2021 or 2024 International Building Code; older store packages can differ.
Two business references: The NASCLA Basic guide supports national trade exam study. The Tennessee-specific NASCLA guide supports the separate Tennessee Business and Law exam.
Study packages: Compare contents against the official allowed reference list before taking all purchased books to PSI.
The NASCLA trade test is open book, but there is no prize for bringing the most books if you cannot find the right page. Know which reference answers which kind of question, then practice using the index, chapter headings, figures and tables.
Your goal is consistent speed. With 125 displayed questions and 330 minutes, each item has about two minutes and thirty-eight seconds on average. Some answers should come from knowledge, while others need a targeted lookup. Keep a short list of time-consuming questions during practice and return to them later.
Tennessee's commercial building licensing classification, commonly BC-B, concerns commercial work such as public-use and occupancy buildings, larger residential buildings and other buildings meeting the classification description. The actual authority is determined by the contractor's Tennessee license and classification, not simply by passing the NASCLA exam.
Commercial general contractors may oversee project planning, foundations, steel or concrete structures, site improvements, building shells, roofing, interior finishes and the coordination of subcontractors. Regulated specialty work may require appropriately licensed trades. Contractors also must respect permits, codes, contract values and the Tennessee Board monetary limit.
The usual Tennessee licensing threshold for covered prime contracts is $25,000, including bidding and negotiating. Related rules differ for certain subcontractors and project types. Check the Board's current directions when planning work.
Construction classification: BC-B commercial building as applicable.
Exam recognition: NASCLA may serve as an accepted trade exam.
Not automatic: Electrical, mechanical and other separately regulated trade privileges.
Before accepting jobs: Confirm current Board classification, permits and monetary limit.
| Exam or Classification | Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| NASCLA Commercial General Building | Accredited national trade exam | Recognized where accepted, including Tennessee, but not itself a license. |
| Tennessee BC-B | Commercial building contractor license | State-issued authority for approved commercial work. |
| Tennessee BC-A | Residential building classification | Separate project scope and trade requirements. |
| Tennessee BC-A/r | Restricted residential limited licensing path | Special approved course alternative under conditions. |
| Tennessee BC-b(sm) | Small commercial classification | State monetary cap and classification restrictions apply. |
| Tennessee BC-C | Industrial building construction | Separate industrial classification and rules. |
| Tennessee Business and Law | Business-management and licensing exam | Generally separate from NASCLA trade qualification. |
| Tennessee CMC | Mechanical contracting classification | A separate specialty scope, not granted by NASCLA passing. |
| Tennessee CE | Electrical contracting classification | Separate specialty licensing requirements. |
| NASCLA NED transcript | Trade-exam score communication | Electronically communicates NASCLA passing to accepting boards. |
Best for: Applicants who want an accepted national commercial trade examination
Best for: Candidates seeking Tennessee commercial building authority
Best for: Students who want a clear study system and organized reference library
The NASCLA Commercial General Building exam can feel challenging because it checks how a contractor thinks across an entire project. The exam includes contracts, construction management, OSHA safety, grading, concrete, metals, masonry, carpentry, roofing, openings and building systems. Many candidates know one or two of these subjects well. The hard part is switching between them efficiently.
There are 125 displayed questions, including ten that do not affect the score, and only 330 minutes to finish. You need 81 correct scored answers out of 115. The best way to make the clock manageable is to answer familiar questions quickly and use the approved books for targeted lookups.
Procurement and Contracting Requirements and General Requirements together make up 56 scored questions. Those subjects deserve as much respect as concrete and structural steel. Memorizing one favorite trade will not help with subcontract language or construction document administration.
Practice is more useful when you record why each missed answer was wrong. Was it a weak concept, the wrong reference book, an overlooked exception, or simply spending too much time searching? Fixing the cause is better than reading the same paragraph five times and hoping it becomes friendlier.
The separate Tennessee licensing process adds another layer. Plan for the Business and Law exam, application, financial responsibilities, insurance and any qualifying-agent paperwork while you prepare for the national test.
These are relevant, real ContractorExamPreps.com products. Store-package contents support study; the national PSI bulletin, not the seller, controls permitted exam-room references.
Best for: Candidates wanting pre-organized reference material
Best for: Candidates who prefer to mark and organize their own reference books
Best for: Candidates looking for guided practice and timed review
Additional learning option: Tennessee NASCLA Book Rental and Course Package supports an alternative to buying the full collection.
Separate Tennessee requirement: The Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package focuses on the state business exam.
Important: Always compare store listings with the current official NASCLA reference and marking rules.
Actual Tennessee NASCLA Commercial General Building study-product artwork hosted on ContractorExamPreps.com.
This is a retail study-package image, not a government license, official credential certificate or promise of exam passage.
NASCLA Commercial General Building • PSI • 2026 • Tennessee BC-B Path • 115 Scored Questions • 330 Minutes
View Tennessee NASCLA Commercial Building Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package
Tennessee Commercial Contractor Licensing
Yes. Tennessee accepts the NASCLA National Commercial exam toward an appropriate contractor trade-exam requirement. The Board still reviews the requested classification and license application.
No. It is an accredited trade examination. Each state that accepts it still makes its own licensing decision.
BC-B is Tennessee's commercial building classification. Confirm the exact business scope and category with the Board before applying.
For covered work, a license is generally required before bidding or contracting at $25,000 or more. Additional rules apply to certain subcontractor scopes.
No. You must receive the applicable Tennessee contractor license and stay within its classification and monetary limit.
New contractor applicants generally need Tennessee Business and Law in addition to an accepted trade examination or recognized alternative.
The qualifying agent is the person designated to qualify the contractor business under Tennessee rules. Ownership or employment relationships and documentation may apply.
You may request transcripts for accepting jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction has its own application, experience and eligibility requirements.
NASCLA Accredited PSI Examination
PSI administers the national NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building examination following NASCLA application approval.
Tennessee switched new state contractor exam scheduling to Prov in July 2026. The separate national NASCLA accredited exam still uses PSI.
The July 2026 bulletin lists 115 scored questions.
Yes, ten additional pretest questions are unscored. You will see 125 questions and cannot distinguish the pretest items.
330 minutes, or five hours and thirty minutes.
You need 81 correct out of 115 scored answers, about 70.4%.
Yes. PSI permits listed reference materials under the current bulletin's book and marking rules.
PSI permits a silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator meeting its published restrictions.
Yes. Apply through NASCLA first. Once approved, candidates can schedule the examination through PSI.
NASCLA currently allows up to three attempts during its one-year eligibility period. Confirm the current rules before scheduling.
Commercial Building Exam Topics
Procurement and Contracting Requirements, with 31 scored questions.
General Requirements has 25 scored questions.
Site Construction has 15 scored questions.
Yes. Concrete has six questions, with other construction references useful for related trade knowledge.
Yes. Metals is a six-question category, including steel and deck construction concepts.
Yes. Wood has five scored questions.
Yes. Masonry has four scored questions.
Roofing-related material is primarily within the five-question Thermal and Moisture Protection category.
Yes. Mechanical and Plumbing Systems has six questions, while Electrical Systems has three.
Books, Marking Rules and Study Resources
The July 2026 PSI bulletin lists the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code. Only the listed code editions should be relied upon.
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is a listed reference for construction safety.
ICC A117.1-2017 is included in the approved NASCLA reference list.
Not automatically. Compare the package contents and editions to the current PSI list, and bring only authorized references.
Compliant permanent tabs, highlighting and underlining are generally permitted under the current bulletin. Review the exact inspection rules.
No. The PSI bulletin restricts loose materials, temporary tabs and handwritten notes.
Prioritize procurement, general requirements and site construction, then study all remaining technical categories with timed practice.
Yes. The store lists Tennessee NASCLA complete book sets, highlighted and tabbed options, and rental packages.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers a NASCLA Commercial General Building online course with study materials and practice questions.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps lists a Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package for the separate state examination.
Applications, Transcripts and Licensing
After passing, use NASCLA's National Examination Database to purchase and transmit an electronic transcript to the Tennessee Board.
NASCLA currently publishes a $45 fee for each electronic transcript sent to a state licensing agency.
NASCLA states that a passing exam record does not expire, but state access to a purchased transcript is limited in time. Check current NASCLA rules.
Tennessee has offered a Board-approved surety-bond alternative since July 2026, subject to its qualifying rules and required bond amount.
No. Preparation products do not guarantee passing scores, classification approval, financial qualification or a Tennessee contractor license.
Watch this relevant 1ExamPrep NASCLA Commercial General Building video for an overview of exam subjects, reference navigation, construction management and commercial general building preparation. The presentation is a helpful study companion, but the NASCLA/PSI bulletin controls official testing requirements.
As you watch, note the difference between commercial building topics tested nationally and Tennessee's separate state contractor application. One passing exam may serve the trade requirement in accepting jurisdictions, but it does not grant a license by itself.
Creator/topic: 1ExamPrep commercial general building exam content overview.
Trade exam: NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building Contractor.
Current PSI outline: 115 scored + 10 pretest questions, 330 minutes, 81 correct scored responses.
Tennessee license: Separate Board approval and Business and Law requirements.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for study materials and the Board, NASCLA and PSI for final licensing and examination rules. Compare publication editions, package contents, application charges and book restrictions with the latest official instructions.
NASCLA trade exam: 115 scored items plus ten pretest items, 330 minutes and 81 correct scored answers.
Tennessee pathway: NASCLA trade recognition does not replace Business and Law or the state contractor application.
Study books: Verify code editions and the current official PSI allowed-reference list.
Preparing for the Tennessee NASCLA Commercial General Contractor exam is a worthwhile project for builders who want to qualify for commercial building contracting. It is also different from preparing for a single trade test. A commercial general contractor must understand how construction contracts, sitework, structural materials, safety rules and building systems fit together. The NASCLA accredited examination reflects that broad responsibility. You may be excellent at concrete construction, but the test will still ask about change orders, roofing, excavation and project paperwork.
The first job is to confirm the correct Tennessee license classification. The state recognizes the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors toward an appropriate trade-exam requirement, including the commercial BC-B pathway where accepted. NASCLA does not issue Tennessee contractor licenses. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors decides the classification, qualifying-agent requirements, monetary limit and final application approval. Applicants should review the state rules before signing contracts or bidding on work requiring a license.
The national exam also has its own registration system. NASCLA approves candidates first, and PSI administers the accredited commercial building test. This matters in 2026 because Tennessee's newly scheduled state contractor exams moved to Prov. The state provider change does not mean that the separate national NASCLA test moved to Prov. Follow NASCLA's application steps and the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the accredited exam, then follow the Tennessee Board for state licensure.
The July 2026 exam bulletin describes 115 scored questions, ten additional unscored pretest questions, and a 330-minute time limit. Candidates need 81 correct answers on the scored portion. Because the unscored questions are not identified, every question deserves a serious attempt. The test is open book, but using the books well requires practice. A candidate who spends several minutes finding every heading may run short of time even when the correct answers are somewhere in the reference library.
The official exam outline identifies twelve subject areas. Procurement and Contracting Requirements has 31 questions, General Requirements has 25, and Site Construction has 15. Those three categories alone account for 71 scored questions. Prepare thoroughly for estimating, contract documents, payment terms, project administration, safety, excavation, grading and utility coordination. Then study concrete, metals, masonry, wood framing, roofing, glazing, finishes and building systems. Every smaller category can contribute points toward a passing result.
Good preparation is organized preparation. Use the current authorized reference list, check code editions carefully, and practice locating tables, definitions and exceptions. Contractor Exam Preps offers Tennessee NASCLA complete book sets, highlighted and tabbed references, rental options and an online course. These can support your studies, but the latest PSI bulletin controls what you may bring into the examination room. Study with the same compliant references you expect to use on test day.
Finally, remember the state business requirements. Tennessee contractor applicants generally must complete a separate Business and Law exam along with required applications, financial qualifications, insurance and qualifying-agent documentation. A NASCLA transcript communicates your national trade result; it does not replace the Tennessee Board's review. Study one topic at a time, complete full timed practice exams, organize your paperwork and use the official sources for current rules. That is a sensible route from test preparation to licensed commercial construction.
The Tennessee NASCLA Commercial General Contractor exam is a national trade examination that Tennessee accepts for certain commercial building contractor licensing purposes. The full name is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. It helps qualifying builders demonstrate a broad knowledge of commercial construction. The exam is not a license. Contractors must still obtain a license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before doing work that requires one.
The Tennessee commercial building classification is generally called BC-B. It covers commercial building construction under the state's classification rules. The classification a company receives determines what kind of work it may undertake. The Board also sets a monetary limit and reviews business, insurance and financial responsibilities. Applicants should check the Board's rules to confirm that the NASCLA trade exam is the right test for their planned work.
NASCLA runs the accredited exam program, and PSI delivers the exam. Tennessee switched newly scheduled state contractor tests to Prov in July 2026, but that is a separate testing program. If you are applying to take the NASCLA accredited commercial exam, you apply through NASCLA first and then schedule with PSI when approved. Do not confuse the two systems, because they have different instructions.
The current NASCLA commercial general building exam includes 115 questions that count toward the score. There are also ten extra questions that do not count, so you will see 125 questions in total. You have 330 minutes, or five hours and thirty minutes, to finish. You must answer at least 81 scored questions correctly to pass. You will not know which ten questions are experimental, so answer all of them.
The test is open book. That means you can bring approved reference materials, not every construction book you own. Important reference topics include the International Building Code, OSHA construction safety, contracts and business management, accessibility, concrete, steel, masonry, carpentry, roofing, excavation and building systems. You should know where to find information inside these books. Familiarity saves time when a question requires a quick lookup.
The three biggest tested subjects are procurement and contracting, general requirements and site construction. They account for 31, 25 and 15 scored questions. These subjects include estimating, bidding, project contracts, jobsite administration, safety, grading, drainage and underground utilities. Other topics cover concrete, metals, wood, masonry, roofing, finishes, doors, windows, glazing, plumbing, mechanical systems and basic electrical coordination.
A six-week study plan can make the work easier. Begin by checking your exam eligibility and book list. Focus next on the largest categories, then review sitework and building materials. Study smaller categories without ignoring them. Finish with full timed practice tests and check where you lose time. Contractor Exam Preps offers Tennessee NASCLA books, prepared highlighted-and-tabbed book sets, rental products and a commercial building online course.
After passing, you can use NASCLA's National Examination Database to send an official transcript to Tennessee. You will still need to satisfy the separate Tennessee Business and Law requirement in most new contractor applications, along with the Board's other licensing conditions. The basic approach is simple: choose the right classification, use the correct references, practice the full test, and complete the state application before starting licensed work.
