Step 1 · 1-Day
NASCLA 1-Day Exam Prep Class
- Understand how the exam actually works
- Organize your reference books
- Test-taking strategy + question walk-through
- Clear study roadmap to follow after
$350FREE
NASCLA Commercial Exam Prep
Pass the NASCLA Exam — The First Time
Open book, with 115 scored questions and a 5.5-hour (330-minute) time limit — you pass by answering 81 of the 115 correctly (about 70%). Two structured prep paths designed to get you there with confidence.
NASCLA Exam Facts
Know What You're Walking Into
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is fully open-book — but with 5.5 hours, 115 scored questions, and 81 correct needed to pass, it's no walk-through. The challenge is speed and navigation, not memorization.
115
Scored Questions
+10 unscored pretest
5h 30m
Exam Duration
330 minutes
81 / 115
Min. Pass Score
≈ 70% to pass
~$195
Fees to Test
$65 NASCLA + $130 PSI
📖 Fully open book · accepted in 17 states + the U.S. Virgin Islands. Passing covers the trade portion — in North Carolina you also sit the separate Business & Law exam (40 questions, a 90-minute time limit, and a 70% minimum score to pass).
The NASCLA exam covers commercial construction principles, business and project management, and code compliance across your approved reference set. Because it's open book, the real test is fluency in your books under time pressure — that's exactly what our prep is built around.
Not sure if NASCLA or the NC state exam is right for you? → Take the 60-second Which-License guide. · Full specs, fees, and books are also in the NC Contractor Knowledge Hub.
Who This Is For
Built for Contractors Taking the NASCLA Commercial Exam
NC Contractor Academy is a Board-approved provider serving licensed North Carolina general contractors with continuing education, NASCLA exam prep, and professional development built for the realities of running a construction business.
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Contractors moving into commercial
Stepping up from residential into commercial general building work and need the trade credential to qualify.
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Multi-state contractors
Want one exam that unlocks licensure across 17 states + the U.S. Virgin Islands instead of sitting a separate trade exam in every state.
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NC commercial GC applicants
Pursuing the North Carolina Building (General) license through the NASCLA accredited-exam route.
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Retakers who ran out of time
You sat it before and got lost in the books. You don't need to memorize more — you need a faster reference strategy.
Why NASCLA
One Credential, Many States — Here's How It Actually Works
The NASCLA Accredited Examination is built for reciprocity. Pass it once and you can use it to qualify for a commercial general building contractor license in any participating jurisdiction — without sitting a brand-new trade exam in each state. Just be clear on the two agencies and the separate NC Business & Law exam.
One Exam · 17 States + USVI
Pass once and your result is stored in the NASCLA National Examination Database (NED). Send your transcript to any participating state ($45 each) instead of re-testing the trade portion.
Two Agencies, Two Fees
NASCLA application $65 (ned.nascla.org, valid 1 year) PLUS the PSI exam sitting $130 = about $195 to test. They're commonly confused — you pay both.
NC Is a Two-Exam Path
NASCLA covers the TRADE portion only. In North Carolina you still pass the separate Business & Law exam — 40 questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass, open book.
Two Ways to Prep
Save $350 With the Combo
The 1-Day class teaches you HOW to study. The 4-Week Boot Camp gives you the structure to actually do it. Together, you walk into exam day prepared. Buy them as a combo and save $350.
Step 2 · 4-Week Boot Camp
NASCLA 4-Week Boot Camp
- Weekly guided study sessions
- Built-in accountability + weekly goals
- Step-by-step study path
- Eliminates procrastination + overwhelm
$2,000
Combo Total
$2,000Save $350 vs. buying separately
1-Day Only
NASCLA 1-Day Exam Prep Class
- Focused jumpstart for self-disciplined studiers
- One focused day, live online via Zoom or in person
- Walk away with a clear study plan
$350Get 1-Day Class
Boot Camp Only
NASCLA 4-Week Boot Camp
- 4 weeks of guided study + accountability
- Online cohort (Zoom)
- Best for contractors who need structure
$2,000Get Boot Camp
What the Prep Covers
We Teach You How to Pass — Not What to Memorize
NC Contractor Academy is a Board-approved provider serving licensed North Carolina general contractors with continuing education, NASCLA exam prep, and professional development built for the realities of running a construction business.
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How the Exam Actually Works
The format, the subject weightings, and how to pace 115 questions across 5.5 hours so you never run out of time.
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Reference-Book Organization & Tabbing
The #1 skill for a fully open-book exam — setting up and tabbing your reference set so you can find any answer in seconds.
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Test-Taking Strategy & Walk-Throughs
Question strategy and worked examples so the format and the clock never catch you off guard on exam day.
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A Clear Study Roadmap
Exactly what to study and in what order — the 1-Day class teaches you HOW to study; the 4-Week Boot Camp gives you the structure to actually do it.
NASCLA Class Schedule
Pick Your NASCLA Prep Date
Click any highlighted date to see NASCLA prep classes available — live online via Zoom and in-person dates. Lock in your seat; exam prep classes fill up fast.
Verifying the RulesOfficial Sources
Where to Verify the Rules Yourself
NC Contractor Academy is a Board-approved provider serving licensed North Carolina general contractors with continuing education, NASCLA exam prep, and professional development built for the realities of running a construction business.
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NASCLA / NED (ned.nascla.org)
The official source for the accredited exam, the participating-state list, your application, and your National Examination Database transcript.
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PSI Examination Services
Administers the NASCLA exam sitting. Confirm the current candidate bulletin, the approved reference-book list, and required editions before you register.
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NC Licensing Board (NCLBGC)
For the North Carolina license itself — application, the separate Business & Law exam, and classification approval. nclbgc.org
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NCCA — Your Prep Provider
We prepare you for the exam. We don't administer it or set the rules, so always verify specs, fees, and the book list on the official bulletins above.
Or Pick by Location
NASCLA Prep — Online Statewide + In-Person Dates
Live online via Zoom for NC contractors statewide, plus scheduled in-person class dates.
Don't see your city? Online classes serve every NC contractor statewide.
NASCLA Questions
Common NASCLA Questions
Which states accept the NASCLA exam?
The NASCLA Accredited Examination is currently accepted in 17 states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands (18 jurisdictions), including North Carolina. Your result is stored in the NASCLA National Examination Database (NED), so you can send a transcript to any participating state. The list changes over time — always confirm the current list at ned.nascla.org before you register.
What does it cost to take the exam?
Two agencies, two fees: the NASCLA application is $65 (at ned.nascla.org, valid one year) and the PSI exam sitting is $130 — about $195 total to test. Sending your transcript to each participating state runs about $45 each. These are the exam/agency fees, separate from your prep class and your NC license application.
Is it open book — and what books can I bring?
Yes, the NASCLA exam is fully open book. It permits a large approved reference set (roughly 23 bound titles — IBC, ACI 318, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, the NASCLA Basic Code, and more). You may use approved bound books only; you can highlight and add permanent tabs beforehand, but no writing in the books during the exam and no loose papers. Always confirm the exact titles and editions on the current PSI bulletin before buying — editions change.
Does NASCLA cover everything I need for my NC license?
No — NASCLA covers the trade portion. In North Carolina you also pass a separate Business & Law exam (40 questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass, open book) and apply through the NC Licensing Board (nclbgc.org). Our prep helps you get ready for the trade exam and points you to what's left.
Do you provide the reference books or study materials?
No — this is exam preparation only. We provide the instruction, strategy, book-organization guidance, and a study plan. You bring your own reference books and any study materials; we don't supply books or materials yet. We'll tell you exactly which books matter and how to tab them.
How long should I study?
Most successful candidates spend 4–8 weeks studying after the 1-Day Class, or work through the 4-Week Boot Camp with the structure and accountability already built in.
What if I don't pass?
You can retake the exam — but each attempt costs time and another sitting fee. That's exactly why our prep is built around passing the first time. Call (910) 227-9002 for retake guidance and a focused plan.
Do I still need annual CE if I'm pursuing NASCLA?
If you're already a licensed NC General Contractor, yes — you still owe your annual 8 hours of Continuing Education. NASCLA exam prep is a separate track and doesn't count toward CE.
Ready to start prepping?
Stop Studying Without a Plan
Pick the program that fits your situation and start building real momentum toward exam day.