NASCLA is short for National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. This is the leading association for contractors and is comprised of state agencies that have come together and enacted laws to regulate contractors and the business they conduct.

LET US HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR NASCLA EXAMINATION WITH OUR NASCLA EXAM PREP: Contractor Training Center has live weekly classes and online practice tests or prerecorded online courses.

Each state mandates that prospective contractors must take its Business and Law Exam, but passing the NASCLA exam means you don't have to take a trade exam in any state that accepts NASCLA.

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) accredited examination program was developed to help streamline the process of becoming a licensed contractor in one or more states. The NASCLA Exam is offered for commercial general building and electrical contractors and is valid in 17 states and the US Virgin Islands.

What is the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies?

NASCLA is a nonprofit organization comprised of state agencies working together to promote best practices and uniformity in the construction industry. The association developed the accreditation examination, NASCLA Exam, to simplify the process of becoming licensed in multiple states.

Who Needs to Take the NASCLA Exam?

You should take the NASCLA Exam if you work or intend to work in any of the 20 municipalities that accept the test and if you believe your contractor business may cross over into any of the other states listed above. While you still may be required to take a Business and Law Exam in some of those states, ultimately, having passed the NASCLA Exam will save considerable time and money during the licensing process.

How Difficult is the NASCLA Exam?

The NASCLA exam is a challenging test. You will need to spend a reasonable amount of time studying and becoming familiar with the material to pass the exam. This license will allow you to work in various accepting jurisdictions, opening up your potential to earn business and make money.

The NASCLA Exam Details: The exam is open-book with 115 scored questions (plus 10 unscored pilot questions), completed within 5.5 hours. You must score at least 70% (81 correct responses) to pass.

Reference Books for the NASCLA Exam

The NASCLA exam is open-book. The most important reference books include: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry.

Study Tips to Pass the NASCLA Exam

Create a realistic study plan. Dedicate 1-2 hours daily and study consistently for 4-6 weeks. Prioritize key topics by exam weight. Take practice tests frequently to identify weaknesses. Manage test anxiety and improve time management with simulated exam conditions.

Recommended 6-Week NASCLA Study Schedule

Candidates who follow a structured study schedule pass the NASCLA exam at a significantly higher rate than those who study without a plan. The following 6-week schedule is designed for candidates who have 1-2 hours available each weekday:

Weeks 1-2: Master the IBC and General Requirements (25 exam items). Focus on Chapter 1 scope and Chapter 3 occupancy classifications.

Weeks 2-3: Study Procurement and Contracting Requirements (31 exam items) — the single largest content area. Focus on contract types, change orders, and dispute resolution.

Weeks 3-4: Review Site Construction, Concrete, Masonry, and Metals (37 combined items).

Week 5: Complete a full timed practice exam under simulated conditions. Review all incorrect answers. Identify weak topic areas.

Week 6: Focus exclusively on your weakest topic areas. Take a second full practice exam two days before your scheduled test date.

States That Accept the NASCLA Exam in 2026

The following states both administer and accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• US Virgin Islands

The following states accept the NASCLA exam result but do not administer the exam themselves:

• California
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Why Choose Contractor Training Center?

The NASCLA Exam is tough. It's also the easiest way to get licensed in multiple states in commercial general building or electrical contracting. Contractor Training Center has a proven track record of helping candidates pass the exam on the first try.

Our exam prep packages include a full set of reference materials, simulated exams, and real-world practice problems. With virtual instructor office hours, our instructors are here to help you pass, so you'll always get the personal treatment you need to succeed.

We've helped more than 35,000 contractors expand their construction businesses and get licensed.

CTC is the best choice for NASCLA exam prep because the program is built by contractors, for contractors—and it’s designed around realistic, exam-style practice that trains you to find answers fast in your references under timed conditions. With self-paced online and virtual live options plus pre-tabbed/highlighted books that can save ~40 hours of prep time, you can prepare efficiently and confidently.

If you're ready to get your NASCLA Commercial Building License or National NASCLA Electrical Contractor license exam prep, reach out to Contractor Training Center. Contact us today to find how we can help!

Call us at 888-585-7350 or email us at support@contractortrainingcenter.com.