What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The core of the NASCLA-Accredited Examination is a comprehensive assessment of the technical knowledge and business management skills necessary for a commercial general building contractor. This exam is a single, national trade examination for commercial contractors. The examination tests knowledge across 12 primary subject areas. Key topics include Project Management, Bidding and Estimating, Contracting Requirements, Site Construction, Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Wood, Thermal and Moisture Protection, Doors, Windows, and Glazing, Finishes, and Safety. Understanding the use and interpretation of specified reference materials is a critical part of the content, as the actual exam is open-book and allows for specific, approved code books and technical standards to be brought into the testing center.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The final NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a robust test. It consists of 115 multiple-choice questions, and you are given 5.5 hours (or 330 minutes) to complete it. In addition to the 115 scored questions, there are typically 10 unscored pilot questions. To achieve a passing score, you must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions, which equals a raw score of 81 out of 115. As an open-book exam, candidates can bring in approved reference materials, provided they meet strict guidelines (e.g., no loose notes, permanent tabbing, and highlighting of existing text only). Results are usually provided immediately at the test center. While a numerical score is not provided for passing candidates, it is a detailed pass/fail report that allows you to provide verification of completion to participating state boards.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effectively preparing for the NASCLA exam requires a dynamic approach. We recommend simulating exam conditions by using official NASCLA-approved practice exams, such as the one described, focusing on speed and accurate retrieval of information from reference materials. Create a strict study schedule, dedicating ample time to each of the 12 key topic areas. Invest in and become deeply familiar with the required reference books, learning to navigate them using a strategic tabbing and highlighting method that is compliant with PSI rules. Take multiple timed practice exams to improve your time management skills and to identify areas where you need further review.

The actual exam is administered solely at authorized PSI Testing Centers nationwide. You cannot take this exam online from home. To register and schedule your test, you must first be pre-approved by NASCLA. Once approved, you will receive a unique candidate ID which allows you to schedule your appointment at a convenient PSI center through the PSI online portal or by phone. It is vital to confirm the specific center, time, and to arrive with valid, government-issued identification.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully passing the NASCLA Accredited Examination and obtaining a contractor's license through participating state agencies opens up a wide array of career opportunities. This qualification is particularly valuable as it streamlines licensing in many states, increasing your marketability and mobility as a contractor. Specific job titles and career paths this achievement can unlock include:

• Commercial General Contractor

• Construction Project Manager

• Construction Superintendent

• Estimator for Commercial Projects

• Design-Build Contractor

• Federal Government Contractor

• State-Level Commercial Construction Manager

• Building Inspector (in some jurisdictions)

• Construction Consultant

• Owner of a Multi-State Construction Business