NASCLA Practice Test 2026 — Free NASCLA Exam Prep Questions
Many state licensing boards accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination in place of their own trade exam for commercial general building contractors. This practice set follows the 12 subject areas in the PSI/NASCLA candidate bulletin. It uses open-book style items built on the listed references: the IBC, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, ACI 318, the NASCLA Contractors Guide and standard construction texts, including estimating and business math.
A nonexempt hourly finisher paid $30 per hour works 10 hours each day Monday through Thursday and 6 hours on Friday in one workweek. No state or union rule applies. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, what are the worker's gross wages for the week?
NASCLA format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at PSI test centers nationwide after NASCLA pre-approval. Open book: bring the listed references (highlighting, underlining and permanent tabs allowed; no handwritten notes or loose papers). A silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator without alphabetic keys is allowed. You can return to and change answers until time runs out.
| Questions | 125 (115 scored + 10 unscored pretest) |
|---|---|
| Time | 330 minutes, plus an untimed tutorial of up to 15 minutes |
| Passing score | 81 of 115 scored questions |
| Open book | Yes: 24 listed references, plus a blueprint packet handed out on site |
| Code editions | IBC 2021 or 2024; ACI 318-14 or 318-19; ICC A117.1-2017; OSHA 29 CFR 1926 |
| Business reference | NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th edition |
| Largest areas | Procurement and Contracting Requirements (31 items) and General Requirements (25 items) |
| Calculator | Your own silent, non-programmable calculator |
| Fees | $65 application + $130 exam |
| Attempts | Up to 3 within one year of approval |
| Accepted by | 20 participating state agencies, in place of their state trade exam |
Facts last verified Oct 18, 2026. Source: test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1458. Always confirm details with NASCLA before your exam.
When can you take the NASCLA?
Once NASCLA approves your application, schedule online (24 hours a day) or by phone at any PSI center offering the exam. Cancel or reschedule at least 2 days ahead to keep your fee.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the NASCLA covers
Every PrepBanq NASCLA test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
General Requirements25 of 115 scored items. | 21.7% | ~25 | 33 questions → |
Site Construction15 items. | 13% | ~15 | 20 questions → |
Concrete6 items. | 5.2% | ~6 | 8 questions → |
Masonry4 items. | 3.5% | ~4 | 5 questions → |
Metals6 items. | 5.2% | ~6 | 8 questions → |
Wood5 items. | 4.3% | ~5 | 7 questions → |
Thermal and Moisture Protection5 items. | 4.3% | ~5 | 6 questions → |
Doors, Windows, and Glazing4 items. | 3.5% | ~4 | 5 questions → |
Finishes5 items. | 4.3% | ~5 | 6 questions → |
Mechanical and Plumbing Systems6 items. | 5.2% | ~6 | 8 questions → |
Electrical Systems3 items. | 2.6% | ~3 | 4 questions → |
Procurement and Contracting Requirements31 items, the largest subject area. | 27% | ~31 | 40 questions → |
How to register for the NASCLA
Eligibility
Anyone may apply; there are no prerequisites to sit for the exam. Apply online through NASCLA's National Examination Database (ned.nascla.org) and wait for approval before scheduling with PSI.
Retake policy
Up to 3 attempts within one year of application approval. After 3 attempts or when the year ends, reapply as a re-applicant.
Score release
You receive a score report at the test center. Passing results are sent to NASCLA's National Examination Database, where you buy transcripts for each state agency.
Credential renewal
Passing results do not expire; a purchased transcript stays viewable by the agency for two years.
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NASCLA FAQ
How many questions are on the NASCLA?
The NASCLA has 125 questions (115 of them scored) and you have 5 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple-choice questions on the computer, one per screen; 10 of the 125 questions are unscored pretest items. Some questions refer to a physical diagram/blueprint packet handed out at the test center..
How long is the NASCLA exam?
Testing time for the NASCLA is 5 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the NASCLA?
NASCLA passing standard: 81 correct out of 115 scored questions.
How much does the NASCLA cost?
The NASCLA registration fee is $65 NASCLA application fee plus $130 PSI examination fee; $45 per transcript sent to a state agency. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the NASCLA?
The NASCLA covers General Requirements (about 21.7%), Site Construction (about 13%), Concrete (about 5.2%), Masonry (about 3.5%), Metals (about 5.2%), Wood (about 4.3%), Thermal and Moisture Protection (about 4.3%), Doors, Windows, and Glazing (about 3.5%), Finishes (about 4.3%), Mechanical and Plumbing Systems (about 5.2%), Electrical Systems (about 2.6%), Procurement and Contracting Requirements (about 27%).
Who administers the NASCLA?
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is administered by NASCLA. Delivery: Computer-based at PSI test centers nationwide after NASCLA pre-approval. Open book: bring the listed references (highlighting, underlining and permanent tabs allowed; no handwritten notes or loose papers). A silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator without alphabetic keys is allowed. You can return to and change answers until time runs out.
Can you retake the NASCLA?
Up to 3 attempts within one year of application approval. After 3 attempts or when the year ends, reapply as a re-applicant.
Is there a free NASCLA practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free NASCLA practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real NASCLA formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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