Introduction
In the world of construction, obtaining a license is critical for professionals seeking to establish themselves in the industry and growing their business. One of the widely recognized exams in the United States is the NASCLA exam. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) exam serves as a gateway for contractors to acquire licenses. This exam allows them to operate in multiple states. In this article, we will explore what the NASCLA exam is, its purpose, and its significance for becoming a general contractor.
Overview of the NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA exam is a standardized test designed to assess the competency of construction contractors across various disciplines and trades. It was created by the NASCLA, an association composed of state contractor licensing agencies from different states in the U.S. The primary objective of the NASCLA exam is to streamline the licensing process for contractors who wish to work in multiple states. This is done by having a centralized exam that multiple states accept. This allows you to take one exam rather than taking a different exam in each state you wish to be licensed in.
Purpose of the NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA exam aims to establish a uniform standard for contractor licensing that participating states recognize. By passing the NASCLA exam, general contractors can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential construction practices. They also demonstrate knowledge in safety regulations, and business management principles. This unified examination process eliminates the need for contractors to undergo separate exams in each state. This will save time, effort, and resources.
The states that currently accept or administer the exam are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico (newly accepted starting 2023), North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. With this wide variety of state acceptance, it is a good idea to take the NASCLA if the state you wish to get your license in is on this list. If you ever do decide to grow your business to other states, you are more likely to not have to pass a contractor’s exam again.
Exam Content and Structure
The NASCLA exam covers a wide range of topics relevant to the construction industry. It is open book and currently consists of 23 books and documents. These periodically have updates, so it is important to review the candidate information bulletin before purchasing books.
It is a 115-question exam, and you must get 81 of the 115 questions correct to pass (70%). It is important to note that there are an additional 10 questions on the exam that do not count, and are only potential future exam questions, so you will actually see 125 questions on the exam. You are able to skip from question to question and do not have to complete the exam in order. It is 330-minutes long and you are testing on a wide variety of books.
The Business and Law Exam
Most states require you to complete a business and law exam after passing the NASCLA exam. This is to test your knowledge on the state’s specific construction laws and about the contracting business as a whole. The NASCLA exam is used to qualify as the trades portion, so you do not have to keep retaking a full state licensing exam for each state that you want to be licensed in. However, you will need to take a state specific business and law (or similar) exam for each state you want to expand your license to.
You may be thinking “what is the benefit of the NASCLA if you are still required to take a state’s business, law, and management exam?”. The NASCLA prevents you from having to take a full general contractor’s exam for each state. The state specific business, law, and management exam is typically a much shorter and more manageable exam than a state general contractor exam. Also, it is a good exam to take. You want to know any rule or regulation for a state that you are thinking about becoming licensed in.
Passing the Exam and Obtaining Licensure
The NASCLA is not an easy exam by any means. It will take a lot of preparation in order to be successful. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly prepare for the exam by studying relevant reference materials, practice exams, and attending preparation courses if available. Once the exam is successfully completed, the contractor can submit the exam results along with the necessary application forms and fees. These are to be sent to the licensing agency of the respective state.
Exam Tips
We provide helpful tips throughout our course to help you improve your score. We encourage you to write down the title of each book on a separate sheet of paper once the exam starts. Then go through the exam questions and write them down next to the book that you believe the answer is in. Then come back and complete the exam one book at a time, rather than flipping through all 23 books and documents.
Another important tip is to review the candidate information bulletin thoroughly before starting your studying for the exam. It has tremendously helpful information about the exam and signing up for the exam. It even has a section that lists out the number of each question type on the exam!
- General Requirements – 25
- Site Construction – 15
- Concrete – 6
- Masonry – 4
- Metals – 6
- Wood – 5
- Thermal and Moisture Protection – 5
- Doors, Windows, and Glazing – 4
- Finishes – 5
- Mechanical and Plumbing Systems – 6
- Electrical Systems – 3
- Procurement and Contracting Requirements – 31
Advantages of NASCLA Exam Licensure
Obtaining a license through the NASCLA exam offers several advantages to contractors. First and foremost, it enables them to operate in multiple states without the need to undergo additional exams or fulfill separate licensing requirements. This mobility is particularly beneficial for contractors who engage in projects across state lines or wish to expand their business to new regions. Additionally, the NASCLA exam licensure signifies a contractor’s commitment to professionalism, expertise, and compliance with industry standards, which can enhance their reputation and credibility within the construction community. Having your contractor license is not only a requirement in most states to perform certain work, it gives your clients confidence in you.
Conclusion
The NASCLA exam plays a vital role in simplifying the contractor licensing process. It promotes uniform standards across multiple states in the U.S. By successfully completing the exam, contractors gain the flexibility to operate in various jurisdictions. You also demonstrate proficiency in essential construction practices and business management. If your state accepts the NASCLA exam for the license you desire, we encourage taking this exam. It will not only teach you great fundamentals of a contractor, but will also give you flexibility if opportunity arises in a different state. If you aspire to work as a licensed contractor across state lines, the NASCLA exam is undoubtedly worth considering as a significant step in your professional journey.