Is a NASCLA License Right for You? What It Is and How to Get It

If you’re a commercial general building contractor looking to expand your business across multiple states, you’ve probably encountered a frustrating truth: licensing requirements vary by state. Every state seems to have its own set of trade exams, paperwork, and regulations. But there’s good news: the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program was designed specifically to streamline this process. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what a NASCLA license is, who it’s for, and how @HomePrep can help you get it, with industry-leading resources and exam prep tools.

What Is the NASCLA License?

Contrary to what some believe, a NASCLA license is not a single national contractor license. Instead, it refers to an accredited trade exam created by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). This standardized exam is accepted by 17 states (and counting) as a replacement for their own general commercial contractor trade exams. That means you can take one exam, and once passed, use it to fulfill part of the licensing requirements in all participating states, making it a game changer for contractors operating regionally or nationally. Participating states include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of these states, like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina, even recognize the NASCLA exam for residential construction licensing.

Who Should Consider Taking the NASCLA Exam?

If you’re a general contractor who:

Works in or plans to work in multiple states
Wants to reduce the hassle and cost of taking multiple trade exams
Specializes in commercial construction
Is looking to enhance your credibility and marketability

…then the NASCLA Accredited Examination is likely the best next step for your business. Keep in mind: Even after passing the NASCLA exam, you still must meet each state’s specific licensing requirements. That usually includes passing a Business and Law Exam and submitting a full State Board License Application.

How Do You Get a NASCLA License?

The process is simple, but specific:

1. Apply for Pre-Approval

You must first be approved by NASCLA before scheduling your exam. Visit the NASCLA National Examination Database and complete your application. The cost is $106 plus a $25 application fee.

2. Wait for Approval and Schedule with PSI

NASCLA will process your application within 7 business days. Once approved, PSI (the testing agency) will email you a link to schedule your exam at a PSI testing center. ✅ You have 1 year to take the exam and 3 total attempts. If you don’t pass within a year, you must reapply.

3. Pass the NASCLA Exam

Open Book
115 Questions
330 Minutes (5.5 hours)
Passing Score: 81 correct answers (70%)

Topics range from General Requirements and Site Construction to Masonry, Mechanical, Electrical, and Contracting Requirements.

4. Submit Scores to State Licensing Boards

Once you pass, you must still apply to each individual state for licensing and pass the respective Business and Law Exam.

What’s Included in the NASCLA Exam?

The NASCLA exam is open book, and the following references are allowed (and necessary) to bring into the testing center. These are included in @HomePrep’s exam prep packages:

Roofing Construction Estimating
2021 International Building Code
Construction Project Management (5th Ed)
Modern Masonry
Green Building Fundamentals
NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th Ed)
…and many more technical reference guides.

How @HomePrep Helps You Pass the NASCLA Exam

At @HomePrep, we specialize in helping contractors pass licensing exams the first time. With over 350,000 students served and a 99% pass rate, our proven exam prep system is second to none. We offer multiple NASCLA packages to suit your learning style:

🔹 NASCLA General Building – Complete Live Seminar and Book Package

Taught by Andrew Hager of National Contractors Seminars—an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience—this package includes:

All PSI-approved reference books
Study guides and proprietary practice exams with personalized grading
Professional book tabs and highlighting guides
Up to three additional seminar or webinar retakes at no extra cost
A review of past exam results with expert feedback

This is the ultimate package if you value in-person guidance and structure.

🔹 NASCLA General Commercial Building Contractor Online Exam Prep

Prefer to study at your own pace? Our fully online NASCLA course includes:

Interactive video modules
Practice quizzes and math calculations
Instructor support
Digital highlighting guides
Our “No Pass, No Pay” Guarantee

You can also purchase the Complete Online Package that includes all your books, tabs, and the online course bundled together—making it easy and affordable.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re serious about expanding your contracting business into more than one state, the NASCLA license provides unmatched convenience, credibility, and cost-efficiency. You’ll save time and money by avoiding redundant exams, and you’ll be better positioned for larger, more lucrative contracts that demand multi-state compliance.

Let’s Get Started

Whether you’re ready to sit for the NASCLA exam or just beginning to explore your options, @HomePrep is here to help. 📞 Call us at 1-800-952-0910 🌐 Visit us online at www.athomeprep.com Our team is happy to answer your questions, walk you through course options, or assist with application processing. Let’s take the next step in your contractor career—together. @HomePrep — Your Pathway to Professional Success Starts Here.