NASCLA Examination

Take The NASCLA Examination

The NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) examination is one of the most recognized and respected contractor licensing tests in the United States. It was developed to simplify the contractor licensing process by allowing professionals to take one exam and qualify for licensing in multiple states. This makes the NASCLA exam especially beneficial for general contractors and those who operate in multiple states, reducing the need to take separate exams for each region.

What is the NASCLA Examination?

The goal of the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is to evaluate the qualifications of contractors who want to work on multi-state commercial projects. The goal is to simplify the licensing process by developing a single test that will replace the requirement to pass separate exams for each state.

A wide range of subjects that are crucial for commercial general contracting are covered in the NASCLA exam, including as project management, financial management, construction laws, and safety procedures.

States That Accept NASCLA Exam

The ability to obtain a license in several states without having to take separate exams for each jurisdiction is one of the main advantages of the NASCLA exam. Currently, the following states accept the NASCLA exam:

  • Alabama

  • Arkansas

  • Arizona

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Louisiana

  • Mississippi

  • Nevada

  • North Carolina

  • Oregon

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • West Virginia

These states recognize the NASCLA exam for commercial general contractors, allowing you to obtain a contractor’s license by passing this single test.

Why Take the NASCLA Exam?

There are numerous reasons why contractors choose to take the NASCLA exam. Some of the most common benefits include. You only need to pass the NASCLA exam once, as opposed to passing several contractor exams tailored to each individual state. As a result, obtaining licenses in several states takes less time and money.


You can grow your company and submit bids for jobs throughout many states if you are a qualified NASCLA contractor. You can expand your contracting firm and take on a greater variety of assignments thanks to this freedom.


Because your exam results are portable, the NASCLA exam offers flexibility. All you have to do to work in a new state that recognizes NASCLA is apply for a license there and turn in your NASCLA findings.


Having NASCLA certification can help you stand out from the competition in the field. It exhibits your experience and reputation and shows that you can fulfill the rigorous requirements required of contractors in several states.

Exam Content Overview

The purpose of the NASCLA exam is to assess several facets of commercial general contracting. There are 115 multiple-choice questions on the test, and you have 330 minutes (5.5 hours) to do it. Key Areas Covered:

  1. Planning and Estimating: This section assesses your capacity to develop precise project estimates and oversee the entire building process. Cost analysis, project scheduling, material estimates, and reading blueprints are some of the topics covered.

  2. Project Management: This section covers the general management of construction projects. There will be assessments given on a variety of subjects, such as contract management, change orders, job site coordination, and personnel management.OSHA safety regulations: A crucial component of construction labor is safety. Personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace safety requirements, accident prevention, and federal OSHA rules are all included in the NASCLA exam.

  3. Construction Regulations and Building Codes: There are building codes and laws specific to each state. Your understanding of numerous ordinances, zoning laws, environmental laws, and other rules that have an impact on building projects is tested on the NASCLA exam.

  4. Construction Materials and Methods: It will be necessary for you to be knowledgeable about various building materials, techniques, and technology. Interior finishes, masonry, concrete, structural steel, and wood construction are among the subjects covered.

  5. Financial and Business Management: Construction-related financial concepts, such as accounting, budgeting, payroll, insurance, and bonding, are covered in this section. Running a successful contracting firm requires a solid understanding of financial management and business operations.

Required Materials for the NASCLA Exam

Since the NASCLA exam is open-book, you are permitted to bring some reference books to the testing location. Nevertheless, NASCLA must accept these items, and you must tab and highlight them in accordance with their requirements.

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