National NASCLA Commercial Builder Exam

NASCLA Accepted in

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Exam-Ready Tabbed and Highlighted Approved Book Set for Open-Book Exam
  • Live Webinars and Live Class Recordings
  • Bi-Weekly Office Hours with Expert Instructors
  • On-Demand Exam Prep Cram Sessions
  • On-Demand Intensive Learning Bootcamps
  • Contractor Licensing Start-Up Consultation
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$2,849.97 $2,649.97
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Prepare with our Complete Book Set plus online course, exam simulator, and more—built to help you study smarter and pass with confidence!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Exam-Ready Tabbed and Highlighted Approved Book Set for Open-Book Exam
  • Live Webinars and Live Class Recordings
  • Bi-Weekly Office Hours with Expert Instructors
Learn More
 
Complete Book Set
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Get our convenient set of professionally tabbed and highlighted books needed to pass your exam right here!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam-Ready Tabbed and Highlighted Approved Book Set for Open-Book Exam
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What's on the NASCLA Commercial Builder Exam

The NASCLA Commercial Builder Exam is a nationally accredited, open-book exam administered by PSI. It covers all aspects of commercial building construction including site work, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, associated trades, safety, estimating, plan reading, business and law, and code requirements. The exam is accepted by North Carolina and 14+ other states in lieu of their state building contractor trade exam. Candidates who pass NASCLA can apply for licensure in multiple states without retesting.

100 Total questions
70% (70 correct) Passing Score
200 min Time Allowed
Open book Exam Format
PSI Administered By

Exam Content Areas

Subject area # of questions
Site Work 8
Concrete including Reinforcement 9
Masonry 9
Metals 9
Carpentry 9
Thermal and Moisture Protection 8
Associated Trades (Drywall, Metal Framing, Doors, Windows, Glazing) 7
Safety 7
Estimating and Plan Reading 8
General Building Code Requirements, Life Safety, Accessibility, Fire Protection 6
Business and Law (NC-specific) 7
One Call / Erosion and Sedimentation Control 3
Total 100

RESOURCES & REQUIREMENTS

VIEW FULL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

For full details on registration, testing policies, and exam locations, refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

For a complete walkthrough of the licensing process, read our guide Your Need-to-Know About the NASCLA Exam.

HOW WE HELP YOU PASS

  1. Study the right material with exam-aligned content. Master the concepts and references tested on the NASCLA exam with focused lessons, practice questions, and study materials built around the current exam blueprint.
  2. Practice like it's test day with realistic exam simulations. Build confidence and identify knowledge gaps with practice exams that mirror the format, timing, and pressure of the actual NASCLA exam.
  3. Find answers faster using tabbed and highlighted references. Save valuable exam time with reference books organized for fast navigation. Whether you choose pre-tabbed and highlighted books or use DIY tabbing and highlighting guides, you will be equipped to locate key information quickly during the open-book exam.
  4. Follow a proven study plan designed for busy professionals. Know exactly what to study and when. A step-by-step study plan helps you stay on track, maximize study time, and prepare efficiently around work and life commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The NASCLA Accredited Commercial Builder Examination is accepted in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Passing the NASCLA exam can streamline the contractor licensing process by satisfying the trade knowledge examination requirement in participating jurisdictions. 

  • Yes. The exam is partially open book. Only the reference books allowed in the exam center may be used. Study guides and certain references are not permitted inside the exam room.

  • You need to answer at least 81 out of 115 questions correctly — a score of 70% — to pass the NASCLA Accredited Commercial Builder Examination. The exam is computer-based and administered by PSI at testing centers nationwide

  • Apply directly with NASCLA at ned.nascla.org and pay the $35 application fee. Once approved (typically within 7 business days), you'll receive a candidate ID to schedule your exam with PSI. Approved candidates have one year from their approval date to take the exam and may attempt it up to three times during that period.

    Once you pass the exam, your results never expire; however, transcripts are only available for regulatory agencies to view for up to two (2) years after the date of purchase.

  • Once you pass the exam, your results never expire; however, transcripts are only available for regulatory agencies to view for up to two (2) years after the date of purchase.

What Our Students Say

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The exam covers a lot of material. The course sifted through all of that content and highlighted the relevant information I needed. It takes time and commitment to get through it, but it's worth it.

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