The NASCLA Contractor Exam: What It Is, Which States Accept It, and How to Pass

If you plan to work as a contractor in more than one state, the NASCLA exam could save you significant time and money. Instead of taking a separate trade exam in every state where you want to be licensed, the NASCLA Accredited Examination lets you pass one standardized test that’s recognized across multiple states.

But the NASCLA exam isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t replace all licensing requirements. This guide explains exactly how it works, which states participate, what the exam covers, and how to prepare.

What Is NASCLA?

NASCLA stands for the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. It’s an organization made up of state licensing boards that works to standardize and improve contractor licensing across the United States.

NASCLA’s most significant contribution is the Accredited Examination Program, which creates standardized exams that multiple states agree to accept. The idea is simple: if every participating state trusts the same exam, contractors shouldn’t have to prove their competence over and over as they expand into new markets.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors

The flagship NASCLA exam is the Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. This is the exam most people are referring to when they say “the NASCLA exam.”

Key details

Format: Multiple choice
Number of questions: Approximately 80 scored questions (plus unscored pilot questions)
Time limit: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Passing score: Determined by a modified Angoff method (varies slightly by exam edition, but generally around 70–72%)
Exam fee: Approximately $400–$500 (varies by state and exam provider)
Testing format: Computer-based, administered at PSI or Prometric testing centers depending on the state
Open book: Yes — you may bring approved reference materials into the exam

What it covers

The exam tests your knowledge across several core areas:

Project management — scheduling, estimating, project documentation, submittals, and change order management
Bidding and contracts — bid preparation, contract types, subcontracting, and procurement
Building codes and standards — International Building Code (IBC), accessibility requirements, fire and life safety
Site work and foundations — earthwork, soils, foundations, concrete, and structural elements
Building envelope — framing, roofing, waterproofing, and exterior finishes
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) — basic understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems (you’re not expected to be a specialist, but you need working knowledge)
Safety — OSHA regulations, fall protection, hazard communication, scaffolding, and excavation safety
Business and financial management — accounting principles, insurance, bonding, lien law, and risk management

Required reference books

The NASCLA exam is open-book, but you can only bring approved references listed on the exam content outline. Commonly approved references include:

International Building Code (IBC) — the specific edition varies by exam version
OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926)
NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (the official NASCLA study guide)
Various additional references depending on the exam version

Critical tip: You must bring the exact editions specified. Bringing an older or newer edition of the IBC, for example, will put you at a disadvantage because the question references won’t match your book.

Which States Accept the NASCLA Exam?

As of 2025, the following states accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors as part of their licensing process:

Alabama
Arkansas
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oregon
South Carolina
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia

Additional states have expressed interest or are in the process of adopting the exam. The list of participating states is updated periodically on the NASCLA website.

Important caveats

Accepting the NASCLA exam does not mean a state waives all other requirements. In most participating states, you will still need to:

Pass a state-specific business and law exam — The NASCLA exam covers general business principles, but each state has its own laws regarding liens, contracts, consumer protection, and licensing. Most states require a separate state law exam.
Meet experience requirements — The NASCLA exam doesn’t substitute for experience. You still need to document the required years of experience.
Obtain insurance and bonding — Financial responsibility requirements are separate from the exam.
Submit a full application — Including background checks, fees, and any other state-specific documentation.

Think of the NASCLA exam as replacing the trade/technical exam in each state — not the entire licensing process.

Who Should Take the NASCLA Exam?

The NASCLA exam makes the most sense for:

Contractors who work (or plan to work) in multiple states. If you’re based in Tennessee but take jobs in Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas, passing the NASCLA exam once covers the trade exam requirement in all of those states.
Contractors who are newly entering a NASCLA state. If you’re moving to or expanding into a participating state, passing the NASCLA exam is often the most efficient path to licensure.
General building contractors. The primary NASCLA exam is specifically for commercial general building contractors. If you’re a specialty trade contractor (electrician, plumber, HVAC), the NASCLA exam doesn’t apply to your trade.

The NASCLA exam is not necessary if:

You only plan to work in one state. In that case, just take your state’s exam.
Your state doesn’t participate in the NASCLA program.
You’re a specialty trade contractor rather than a general building contractor.

How to Prepare for the NASCLA Exam

The NASCLA exam is challenging — first-time pass rates vary, but many candidates report it as more difficult than individual state exams because it covers a broader range of topics. Here’s how to prepare effectively.

1. Get the official NASCLA study guide

The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management is the single most important study resource. It’s both a study guide and an approved reference you can bring into the exam. Invest in the current edition and study it thoroughly.

2. Purchase the correct reference books

Review the exam content outline (available from your state licensing board or the exam provider) and obtain every approved reference in the exact edition specified. Tab and index your books before exam day — being able to quickly find information is critical for an open-book exam.

3. Consider a prep course

Several companies offer NASCLA exam prep courses, both in-person and online. A good prep course will:

Walk you through the content areas with practice questions
Teach you how to tab and organize your reference books
Provide timed practice exams that simulate the real testing experience
Highlight the most commonly tested topics

4. Take practice exams

Practice exams are the most effective study tool. They help you identify weak areas, build familiarity with the question format, and develop your time management skills. Aim to score consistently above 80% on practice exams before sitting for the real thing.

5. Master your reference books

Since the exam is open-book, knowing where to find information is just as important as knowing the information itself. Create a tabbing system for your books:

Use color-coded tabs for major topics (safety, codes, contracts, etc.)
Add sticky notes with page references for commonly tested topics
Practice looking up answers quickly — you have about 4 minutes per question, which sounds generous until you factor in reading time and page-flipping

6. Plan your exam day

Arrive early. You’ll need time to check in and get settled.
Bring all approved references. Don’t assume the testing center will have them.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Get a good night’s sleep. A 5+ hour exam requires sustained concentration.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the NASCLA exam, your score is reported to the state(s) where you applied. From there:

Submit your license application to each state where you want to be licensed, along with the NASCLA exam score report.
Take the state business and law exam if required (most states still require this).
Complete all other requirements — experience verification, insurance, bonding, background check, and fees.
Receive your license once the state board approves your application.

Your NASCLA exam score is generally valid for a set period (often 2–5 years, depending on the state), so you have time to complete the remaining requirements. However, don’t wait too long — if your score expires, you’ll need to retake the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the NASCLA exam before I meet my state’s experience requirements? In most states, yes. You can take the exam to get it out of the way while you accumulate the required experience. However, you won’t be issued a license until all requirements are met.

Is the NASCLA exam harder than a state exam? Many contractors report that it’s somewhat more difficult because it covers a broader range of topics drawn from national standards rather than state-specific content. However, being open-book and having a generous time limit helps balance the difficulty.

How many times can I retake the exam? Retake policies vary by state, but most allow unlimited retakes with a waiting period (typically 30–90 days) between attempts. You’ll need to pay the exam fee each time.

Does the NASCLA exam cover residential construction? The primary NASCLA exam focuses on commercial general building contracting. Some states have separate residential license classes that may or may not accept the NASCLA exam. Check your state’s specific requirements.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination is a powerful tool for contractors who work across state lines. By passing one standardized exam, you can streamline the licensing process in a dozen or more states, saving both time and money.

If you’re a general building contractor operating in or planning to expand into NASCLA-participating states, this exam should be a key part of your licensing strategy. Use the state-specific guides on ContractorLicenses.org to see whether your target states accept the NASCLA exam, and start your preparation today.