What is NASCLA?

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies is a non-profit organization whose purpose to establish license uniformity for state agencies that regulate the construction industry.

Founded in 1962, NASCLA is dedicated to assisting contractor licensing, trade associations and enforcement agencies promote quality standards and safety across the United States. 

Is there a NASCLA license?

No.

Is not a license, it is an examination.

NASCLA is composed of several state licensing agencies that all share the same standards for construction standards.

Passing the NASCLA exam allows you to get licensed in multiple states without taking a trade examination, however depending on the state you are applying to, you may still be required to pass a Law & Business exam.

NASCLA member states

Which license exams are offered by NASCLA?

NASCLA currently offers only two examinations:

• Commercial General Building 
• Electrical

Once you pass your NASCLA exam you will be entered into a national database allowing you to request that your exam scores be sent to other jurisdictions bypassing redundant trade examinations.

NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam

Accepting States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia

• 115 Questions
• 81 Minimum Passing Score
• 330 Minutes
• Open Book

Contents of Exam:

• Planning and Estimating
• Financial and Project Management
• Safety 19 Site Construction
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Wood Foundations and Framing
• Thermal Moisture Protection
• Doors, Windows, and Glazing
• Finishes
• Specialty Equipment and Conveyance Systems

NASCLA Electrical Exam

Accepting States: Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia

• 100 Questions
• 75 Minimum Passing Score
• 270 Minutes Allowed
• Open Book

Contents of Exam

• Project Design & Management
• Safety
• Electrical Theory & Principles
• General Code Requirements
• Wiring & Protection
• Wiring Methods & Materials
• Equipment for General Use
• Special Occupancies, Special Equipment & Special Conditions
• Communication Systems

NASCLA Electrical Examination Classifications

For states that choose to become apart of the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination Program, there are (3) distinct examinations. 

One for each job type:

Electrical Contractors -  Installation, maintenance and repair of electrical work conforming to applicable standards and codes

Journeyman Electricians - Capacity in the knowledge and skills needed to properly perform the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical work conforming to applicable standards and codes

Residential Electrical Contractors - Competency in performing electrical installations, service, repair and maintenance typically encountered in a permanent dwelling unit

Available to candidates through administering state agencies only

How are NASCLA's standards created?

NASCLA facilitates meetings of experts within various construction fields to analyze trade examinations at the state level.

National surveys are conducted on a regular basis among general contractors and electricians to create a consistent examination that accurately represents regional standards.

Questions are continuously vetted, updated and re-assessed to ensure the highest national psychometric standards.

Scheduling a NASCLA Examination date

Contractor License Reciprocity

Contractor License Laws by State

Contractor License Courses

There are several online resources which can help you prepare for your contractor license examination.

It is important to remember that some states will not require you to prove your experience, however when it comes time to take the examination...

You may  be tested on building codes and trade specific concepts that only a journeyman level tradesman would know about. 

Online Blueprint Reading Course

For general building licenses, knowledge of blueprint reading is very important.

If you plan on getting licensed as a general contractor you will want to find a blueprint reading course which covers the fundamentals of:

• Carpentry 
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems, and sprinkler fitting systems 
• Light commercial and residential construction

For a complete online course, click below:

Online Skills Classes

Sharpening your trade knowledge before an exam can be the difference maker on test day.

There are several online courses and continuing education classes designed to teach the fundamentals as well as review key construction trade concepts.