Preparing for a general building or general contractor license exam? Contractor Pathway builds an original, exam-focused study guide plus four full-length practice exams for general building classifications across the country — from state-issued General Contractor and General Building Contractor licenses to NASCLA’s multi-state Commercial General Building reciprocity exam and California’s B classification. Every course is matched to the license you’re actually sitting for, with 30-, 60-, and 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169.
General building licensing varies a lot by state
“General contractor” means different things in different states. Some states license one broad general/building tier; others split commercial and residential general contracting into separate licenses (for example, Florida’s Certified General Contractor and Certified Building Contractor); several southeastern and other states instead route commercial general building applicants through the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, a single exam honored for reciprocity across a growing list of participating states. Always confirm which exact license and exam your state requires — and whether the NASCLA exam is accepted or required — with your state board before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any state board, NASCLA, or any testing vendor.
What every general building course includes
Each course below includes a comprehensive study guide (code-section breakdowns, worked calculations, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan) plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weighting of that state’s (or NASCLA’s) actual test, with a detailed answer explanation for every question.
Choose your state, tier, or the NASCLA exam
Courses are grouped below by state, with the multi-state NASCLA reciprocity exam listed separately. If your state offers more than one general-contractor tier (for example, general vs. residential building), choose the exam you’re actually sitting for.
Alabama
Arkansas
California
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
NASCLA Reciprocity (Multi-State)
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Utah
West Virginia
General building licensing — frequently asked questions
What is the NASCLA exam, and do I need it?
The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a single, standardized exam that a number of states accept in place of (or as a path toward) their own commercial general building license, often supporting reciprocity across participating states. Whether it’s required, optional, or accepted for your state depends entirely on that state’s board — confirm directly before you rely on it.
What’s the difference between “general contractor” and “general building contractor”?
States use these terms inconsistently. In some states they’re the same license; in others, “general building” is a specific residential or commercial tier while “general contractor” is a broader umbrella, or the reverse. Read your state’s specific license description (or the course description below) rather than assuming the title matches another state’s usage.
Are general building exams open book?
This varies more than trade exams — some states’ general/business exams are closed-book, while code-specific portions may allow a tabbed reference. Confirm the exact format with your state board or the NASCLA candidate handbook.
How long should I study?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on their experience — which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan for whichever term you choose.
I don’t see my state listed — what should I do?
We’re continuing to build out general building coverage nationwide. If your state isn’t listed above, check our full state directory or Business & Law exam prep, which is half off with any trade-classification purchase.