General Contractor Electrical Plumbing HVAC

State-by-state contractor exam book charts.

Find open-book rules, allowed references, study topics, and the official board link for every U.S. state across four trades. Verify with your current candidate bulletin before buying books or sitting the exam.

200
state & trade entries
50
states
4
trades
Verify
with bulletin
200 entries shown

Always verify with the official board. Reference lists, allowed editions, and open-book rules change when bulletins or codes are updated. Use the “Official source” link on each card before buying books or scheduling your exam.

50-State Chart — Unrestricted General Contractor License Books. General Contractor rows summarize the closest unrestricted or unlimited license path and commonly cited study references for each state. Filter by General Contractor to view that chart.

Book lists and code editions change often. Some states use the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam, some publish their own reference lists, and some do not issue a statewide unrestricted general contractor license at all. Always verify the exact allowed books, code editions, tabs, highlighting rules, and open-book rules with the state licensing board or exam provider before buying books or scheduling the exam.

From “what books?” to a plan, in three steps.

1. Find your row

Filter by state and trade, or search for a book or exam provider (NASCLA, PSI, ICC, etc.). Each card shows open-book status and references.

2. Verify with the board

Click the official source link on the card to confirm the current edition list, exam class, and any reference-list changes before buying.

3. Practice and plan

Once your books are confirmed, build a study plan or run state-matched practice exams to sharpen lookup speed and weak topics.

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