United States
Hong KongThe approved reference list
The PSI bulletin names around 24 approved references by specific edition. They are bought from their publishers, and an edition mismatch makes a book useless because page references and provisions differ.
The books are the exam. Choosing and preparing them is most of what preparation means here.
What is on the list
Around 24 references, spanning the twelve categories. Broadly they fall into four groups.
- Safety - the OSHA construction standards at 29 CFR 1926
- Building code - the International Building Code and related documents
- Business and law - the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management
- Trade references - carpentry, masonry, concrete, mechanical and electrical texts
The bulletin names them precisely, with edition and publisher. Work from the bulletin rather than from a course provider's list.
A code book two editions old states provisions that have changed, and every page reference in a tabbing guide will be wrong. A cheaper old edition is not a saving; it is a book you cannot use under time pressure.
Where to buy them
From their publishers, or from resellers who carry the current editions. NASCLA operates a bookstore and other suppliers exist.
We do not supply them and no prep course substitutes for having them. An open-book exam without the books is a closed-book exam you have not prepared for.
Which ones matter most
Follow the question counts. Procurement and Contracting Requirements is 31 questions and General Requirements is 25, so the business and law reference and the OSHA standards carry more weight than any trade text.
Concrete, metals and mechanical are 6 questions each. Electrical is 3. Budget your tabbing time accordingly.
Before you buy
Download the current bulletin and check every edition against it. That is a fifteen-minute job that prevents an expensive mistake.
Common questions
How many books can I bring to the NASCLA exam?
The bulletin names around 24 approved references, and the current list is the authority.
Does the edition matter?
Yes, considerably. An older edition states changed provisions and every page reference in a tabbing guide will be wrong.
Where do I buy the books?
From their publishers or resellers carrying current editions. NASCLA operates a bookstore.
Which references matter most?
The business and law guide and the OSHA standards, since those two categories carry 56 of the 115 scored questions.
Can I pass without the books?
Realistically no. An open-book exam without the books is a closed-book exam you did not prepare for.