United States
Hong KongNASCLA Contractor Exam guide
One open-book examination that 17 states accept in place of their own commercial general building trade exam, and how to pass it.
Overview
- Questions
- 125
Questions presented
- Time
- 330min
Exam time
- Format
- Multiple choice
Open book
- Pass mark
- 81/115
Scored questions correct
The twelve categoriesOpen the published blueprint
| Category | Topics | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Procurement and Contracting Requirements | 8 | 31 |
| 2. General Requirements | 8 | 25 |
| 3. Site Construction | 5 | 15 |
| 4. Concrete | 4 | 6 |
| 5. Metals | 4 | 6 |
| 6. Mechanical and Plumbing Systems | 4 | 6 |
| 7. Wood | 3 | 5 |
| 8. Thermal and Moisture Protection | 4 | 5 |
| 9. Finishes | 3 | 5 |
| 10. Masonry | 3 | 4 |
| 11. Doors, Windows and Glazing | 3 | 4 |
| 12. Electrical Systems | 2 | 3 |
Guide topics
Start hereNASCLA Contractor Exam Master Guide 2026Application, open-book format, references, scoring and practice. Free practiceNASCLA Contractor Exam: 5 free practice questionsAnswer without an account, check your score and read the explanations.Exam overview
What the NASCLA exam is, what it costs, how you apply and what open book really means.
15 articlesExam difficulty
Why an open-book exam still fails people, and what actually separates a pass from a fail.
9 articlesExam topics
Every category PSI publishes, and the reference book each one sends you to.
275 articlesStudy plans
How to tab your books and build the index that decides your result.
14 articlesPractice tips
How to work 125 questions in 330 minutes without running out of either.
15 articlesState licensing
Which states accept the result, and what each of them still wants from you.
25 articlesCareers and pay
What a commercial general building license opens up, and what it is worth.
14 articlesComparisons
Prep courses, reference packages, and the state exams people weigh this one against.
13 articlesCommon questions
The questions contractors ask before they apply.
16 articles