NASCLA Accredited General Contractor Residential Exam (NASCLA-RGC) Exam Blueprint

NASCLA-RGC

100Questions
180 minDuration
70%Passing Score
$90Price
2 yearsValid For
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What This Exam Validates

The NASCLA Accredited General Contractor Residential Exam is certified by NASCLA and evaluates professional competence across eight detailed domains. Candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge in business law, estimating techniques, residential construction methods, building codes, financial management, contract law, project management procedures, and safety standards for residential construction projects during the evaluation.

Who Should Take This Exam

This exam targets residential building contractors and construction professionals seeking professional licensing. Candidates need practical experience managing residential building projects, reading architectural codes, and administering safety and financial controls.

Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate

How to Prepare

Thoroughly review all the referenced residential building codes, OSHA standards, and business management guidelines in meticulous detail. Study each of the eight distinct content domains systematically, focusing intently on business law, safety regulations, accurate estimating techniques, comprehensive project management principles, and financial administration to successfully prepare for the exactly 100 questions included in the test.

Domain Study Guidance

Business and Law: Study Guidance

This domain covers legal requirements, licensing rules, and regulatory frameworks governing residential contracting businesses, ensuring candidates understand compliance mandates for operating within the industry and meeting all state administrative guidelines.

Project Management: Study Guidance

This domain focuses on administrative oversight, scheduling, and operational control for residential construction sites, preparing professionals to handle complex workflows and coordinate on-site activities efficiently throughout the duration of the project.

Estimating and Bidding: Study Guidance

This domain involves accurately calculating project costs, preparing detailed material takeoffs, and developing competitive construction bids based on current market pricing and project specifications to ensure accurate project estimates.

Building Codes and Regulations: Study Guidance

This domain addresses building codes, structural planning requirements, and regulatory standards for one- and two-family dwellings, ensuring structural safety and compliance with governing municipal authorities and national construction codes.

Residential Construction Materials and Methods: Study Guidance

This domain pertains to residential construction materials, foundation building, framing methods, and structural assemblies, providing the necessary knowledge for executing quality physical construction work safely on residential building sites.

Safety (OSHA): Study Guidance

This domain focuses on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, hazard communication, and jobsite safety controls designed to protect workers and maintain safe working environments across all residential building phases.

Contract Law: Study Guidance

This domain examines legal agreements, liability clauses, dispute resolution procedures, and contract law principles needed for managing professional relationships and mitigating risk in construction projects under various state jurisdictions.

Financial Management: Study Guidance

This domain involves accounting principles, financial recordkeeping, budgeting, and financial management strategies designed to ensure the fiscal health and long-term economic stability of residential construction firms operating in the market.

Exam-Day Guidance

Arrive at the computer-based testing center early to complete check-in procedures. Manage your time carefully across the multiple-choice items during the full 180-minute test duration successfully.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam consists of a total of 100 multiple-choice questions administered at PSI testing centers under secure testing conditions for all registered contractor candidates seeking proper licensure.

What is the passing score?

The passing score is a 70 percentage score for most contractor exams, though this requirement may vary depending on specific state licensing regulations and board policies.

How long is the exam?

Candidates are given an allocated duration of 180 minutes to complete the computer-based test and answer all multiple-choice questions within the scheduled time frame designated by the organization.

What is the exam price?

The exam costs 90.0 USD to take at designated PSI testing centers, and candidates should verify registration details and payment requirements before scheduling their test date.

Sources and Verification

Verified 2026-08-30

How this page was made

This page was built using official documentation and verified facts regarding the NASCLA Accredited General Contractor Residential Exam to ensure complete accuracy for all applicants.

Exam Domains

1 Business and Law Weight not published
2 Project Management Weight not published
3 Estimating and Bidding Weight not published
4 Building Codes and Regulations Weight not published
5 Residential Construction Materials and Methods Weight not published
6 Safety (OSHA) Weight not published
7 Contract Law Weight not published
8 Financial Management Weight not published

Exam Details

Question TypesMultiple Choice
FormatComputer-based at PSI testing centers
Online ProctoringNot available
ID RequirementsGovernment-issued photo ID required at PSI testing center. Name on ID must match registration exactly.
RenewalRequired -- Most state contractor licenses expire every 2 years. Renewal typically requires continuing education (number of hours varies by state) and payment of renewal fees to the state licensing board. NASCLA accreditation does not expire, but state licenses must be maintained separately.
Retake PolicyRetake policies vary by state licensing board and PSI exam rules. Check your state contractor licensing board and PSI candidate handbook for applicable waiting periods, attempt limits, and retake fees.

Official Study Resources