What You Need To Know About NASCLA Exam States
- Matthew Cannon
- Mar 24
- 6 min read
When I first started my contracting business, I spent countless hours navigating the licensing maze. Each state had different requirements, applications, and exams. It was exhausting, expensive, and frankly, a huge barrier to expanding my business across state lines.
That's until I discovered what many successful contractors call their "golden ticket" – the NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam. This single exam has completely transformed how I approach licensing and has saved me thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in the process.
Key Takeaways
NASCLA certification enables licensing across 15+ states with just one exam.
Save thousands in direct costs and capture more business opportunities faster.
Prepare strategically with focused study materials for first-attempt success.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is the NASCLA Exam?
The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Commercial Contractor Exam is a standardized test that's recognized in multiple states. Instead of taking separate trade exams for each state, this single examination can qualify you for contractor licenses across state borders.
Think of it as the contractor's equivalent of a driver's license that works in multiple states – one test, multiple opportunities.
The States That Accept NASCLA Certification
As of 2025, the following states recognize the NASCLA exam for contractor licensing:
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nevada
North Carolina
Oregon
South Carolina
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
U.S. Virgin Islands
Each of these states still has their own additional requirements (like business filings, insurance, or state-specific business exams), but the trade knowledge portion – often the most challenging part – is satisfied by your NASCLA certification.
What's Covered on the NASCLA Contractor Examination?
The exam tests your knowledge of general contracting principles including:
Project management
Building systems and sciences
Planning and estimating
Financial and risk management
Safety protocols and OSHA requirements
Contract law and business organization
Construction mathematics
The test consists of 115 questions that must be completed in 330 minutes (5.5 hours). You need a score of 81 (70%) to pass. It's comprehensive but entirely focused on practical knowledge you'll use as a commercial contractor.
Study Tips That Helped Me Pass
Invest in proper study materials: I used the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management and supplemented it with practice exams from reputable test prep companies.
Create a consistent study schedule: I dedicated 2 hours each evening after work and longer sessions on weekends, totaling about 20 hours per week.
Focus on practice problems: Understanding how questions are phrased is half the battle with contractor exams.
Join study groups: I found an online forum of contractors preparing for the same exam, which was invaluable for clarifying difficult concepts.
Simulate test conditions: A week before the exam, I took three full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build endurance.
The Financial Benefits of NASCLA Certification
Let's talk dollars and cents. Here's how the NASCLA route saved me money:
Exam fees: Instead of paying $200-300 per state exam, I paid one $140 exam fee (though prices vary slightly by testing center)
Study materials: One set of materials instead of state-specific books for each license
Travel costs: One testing appointment versus multiple trips
Application processing: While I still paid state licensing fees, the application process was faster and required less documentation
Business opportunities: The faster licensing timeline meant I could bid on projects months earlier than the traditional route
The total savings? Approximately $1,500 in direct costs and thousands more in captured business opportunities.
Common Questions About NASCLA Licensing
Reciprocity
Throughout my contracting network, I hear the same questions about NASCLA certification, so let me address the most common ones:
Does NASCLA replace all state requirements? No, you'll still need to satisfy state-specific requirements like business entity registration, financial statements, and background checks. Some states also have separate business management exams.
How long is the NASCLA certification valid? Your exam results don't expire, but you need to maintain an active license in at least one NASCLA-accepting state to keep your certification valid for reciprocity.
Can specialty contractors use NASCLA? The standard NASCLA exam is for general commercial contractors. Specialty trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC typically have their own licensing requirements, though some states are developing NASCLA-style reciprocity for these trades too.
Is the test really that difficult? It's comprehensive but fair. The pass rate is approximately 60%, which is actually higher than many individual state exams.
Why Choose Us?
At National Construction Academy, we're dedicated to helping contractors like you achieve multi-state licensing success through the NASCLA exam. Founded by licensed contractors who experienced the licensing maze firsthand, our team understands the challenges you face when expanding your business across state lines.
We've helped thousands of contractors pass the NASCLA exam on their first attempt with our comprehensive preparation programs. Our expert instructors have decades of combined experience in commercial construction and contractor education.
What makes us different is our laser focus on the NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam. While other prep companies spread themselves thin across multiple licensing exams, we've perfected the NASCLA preparation process with our proven study system.
Our Cram Course includes unlimited practice exams, targeted quizzes for every book reference, construction math lessons, and 24/7 access to study materials. Plus, we stand behind our program with our No Pass, No Pay Guarantee.
Join the thousands of successful national contractors who trusted NASCLA Prep to help them unlock new business opportunities across multiple states. Your construction career expansion starts here!
FAQs
What is the NASCLA accredited examination?
The NASCLA accredited examination is designed to streamline the contractor licensing process across multiple states by providing a single exam that is accepted by participating state contractor licensing agencies. This examination covers various aspects of business and law relevant to the general contractor and building contractor professions.
Which states accept the NASCLA accredited examination?
How can I find a list of states that accept the NASCLA exam?
What does the NASCLA exam cover?
Do I need to take a state-specific exam if I pass the NASCLA accredited examination?
Conclusion
If you're a contractor with ambitions beyond your current state, the NASCLA exam is likely your most efficient path forward. The interstate contractor licensing process becomes significantly streamlined, and the commercial contractor opportunities that open up can transform your business.
My advice? Don't wait until you have a specific multi-state project on the horizon. Get your NASCLA certification now so you're ready when those opportunities arise. Construction bidding timelines are often tight, and having your licensing ducks in a row gives you a competitive advantage over contractors still navigating the traditional licensing maze.
The construction industry is increasingly regional rather than local. With the NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam in your toolkit, you're positioned to grow alongside this trend, expanding your business territory without the traditional regulatory headaches.
Have you taken the NASCLA exam or are you considering it? Enroll with us!
Ready to pass your NASCLA exam on the first try? Contact National Construction Academy at (407) 456-8444, email Support@NasclaPrep.com, or visit our website to access our free practice exam, enroll in our comprehensive Cram Course, or order your complete set of reference books. Our team of licensed contractors is standing by to answer your questions and help you achieve multi-state licensing success.
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