Course Offerings

This course is designed to prepare candidates for success in the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractor. Through comprehensive study and practical application, participants will gain a deep understanding of the various subject areas covered in the examination, including general requirements, site construction, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, doors/windows/glazing, finishes, mechanical/plumbing/electrical systems, and procurement/contracting requirements.

Course Objectives

Prepare to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractor

Outline of Instruction

Introduction to NASCLA Examination: Program overview, exam structure and format, passing criteria and time allocation, importance of licensure and benefits of NASCLA accreditation

General Requirements: Study of general building requirements and regulations, building codes and standards, safety protocols and regulations

Site Construction: Site preparation and grading, excavation and foundation construction, site utilities and drainage systems

Concrete: Properties and characteristics of concrete; concrete mixing, pouring, and curing; reinforcement and formwork

Masonry: Types of masonry materials, masonry construction techniques, mortar mixing and application

Metals: Metal fabrication and installation, structural steel construction, welding and fastening techniques

Wood: Wood framing and construction methods, timber selection and treatment, wood finishing and preservation

Thermal and Moisture Protection: Insulation materials and installation, vapor barriers and moisture control, roofing systems and waterproofing techniques

Doors, Windows and Glazing: Selection and installation of doors and windows, glazing methods and materials, hardware and security features

Finishes: Interior and exterior finishing materials, surface preparation and application techniques, decorative finishes and detailing

Mechanical and Plumbing Systems: HVAC systems and components, plumbing layout and installation, fire protection systems

Electrical Systems: Electrical wiring and distribution, lighting and power systems, electrical codes and safety regulations

Procurement and Contracting Requirements: Contract management and administration, project bidding and estimation, legal and regulatory considerations

Examination Preparation Strategies: Effective study techniques and time management, practice exams and simulated testing scenarios, review of sample questions and case studies

Professional Development and Career Opportunities: Professional ethics and conduct, continuing education and industry certifications, career advancement pathways in commercial construction

Contact Hours

40

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors

Website

http://www.nclbgc.org

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

Upon successful completion of this class and in conjunction with other requirements as set forth by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, students will be able to sit for the General Contractors License Examination for commercial, industrial, institutional and all types of residential building construction.

Upon successfully passing the State exam and by complying with the rules as stated in North Carolina Administrative Code Title 21; Chapter 12 of the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, a license will be issued.

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

NOTE: We have 24 NASCLA books and three business law books (the instructor will provide information on where to get the business law textbooks) for 27 total books:

"North Carolina Contractors' Guide to Business Law and Project Management, Commercial Contractors" (required for the business and law exam)
"Construction Jobsite Management, 5th Edition"
"Construction Project Management, 5th Edition"
"ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary"
"BCSI: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, 2025"
"NASCLA Contractors' Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 14th Edition"
"Erectors' Manual - Standards and Guidelines for the Erection of Pre Cast Concrete Products, 1999, 2nd Edition"
"Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals, 2003, 3rd Edition"
"SDI (Steel Deck Institute) Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 2016, 3rd Edition"
"Pipe and Excavation Contracting, 2011," by Dave Roberts
"Gypsum Construction Handbook, 7th edition, 2014"
"Placing Reinforcing Bars, Recommended Practices, 10th edition"
"Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, 3rd Edition, 2008"
"Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone," by Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
"Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, 11th Edition," by Cameron K. Andres and Ronald C. Smith
"Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)," with latest available amendments
"Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016 (Student Edition)" by John L. Feirer and Mark D. Feirer
"ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2017"
"Roofing Construction and Estimating," by Daniel Atcheson
"The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 2018, 4th Edition"
"Green Building Fundamentals," by Michael Montoya, 2011, 2nd edition
"International Building Code, 2021 Edition"
"Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan - A Guide for Construction Sites"
"ANSI/EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage, 2017"
"Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 4th Edition, 2023"
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Students can purchase the books from 1 Exam Prep by calling toll-free 877-775-9400 or online at https://1examprep.com/products/north-carolina-nascla-examination-for-co…

The books are also available via Amazon or directly from the distributors. Wake Tech does not carry these books in the campus bookstores. For additional information, see NASCLA guidelines at
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1458

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Pass practice exam with a grade of 70% or higher

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Builders; general contractors; city, county and state personnel

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Commercial General Contractors, Home Builders, Home Owners, Real Estate Professionals, City, County and State Personnel

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Yes

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Planning Department

Public Utilities

Real Estate

Home Inspector

General Contractor

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Course Contact Information

Alex Barnhill
919-866-5113
[email protected]