United States
Hong KongHow many hours to study
Between 60 and 120 hours for most candidates, spread over six to sixteen weeks. Roughly a third goes into buying, tabbing and learning the reference books rather than into the subject matter.
Sixty to a hundred and twenty hours. That range is ours; neither NASCLA nor PSI publishes a recommendation.
How it divides
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Buying, verifying and tabbing the books | 20 to 35 |
| Procurement and General Requirements | 20 to 35 |
| Site Construction and the trades | 10 to 25 |
| Practice questions throughout | 10 to 20 |
| Two full timed mocks and review | 12 |
A third of the total goes into the books. That surprises people and it is where the exam is actually won.
Who needs less
A commercial contractor with genuine experience of contracts, bonding and OSHA compliance. Perhaps 60 hours, mostly on tabbing and on the categories they meet least.
Who needs more
Somebody coming from residential work, or from the field rather than the office. Contracts, liens, bonding and financial management are the gap, and it is a real one.
The test is a full timed mock landing above 90 of 125, twice, with the actual books. Somebody can reach that in 60 hours and somebody else can miss it in 130.
Spread it
Six to sixteen weeks. Tabbing benefits from repetition over time - you remember where things are because you have been there several times, not because you did it all at once.
Where the time is wasted
Reading the reference books. There are around 24 of them and reading is not the skill being tested.
Common questions
How long should I study for the NASCLA exam?
Between 60 and 120 hours over six to sixteen weeks for most candidates. That range is ours.
How much of that is the books?
Roughly a third, on buying, verifying editions and tabbing.
How long if I have commercial experience?
Perhaps 60 hours, mostly on tabbing and on the categories you meet least.
What is the readiness test?
A full timed mock above 90 of 125, twice, with the actual books.
Where do people waste time?
Reading the reference books. There are around 24 and reading is not the skill being tested.