In Louisiana, contractor license applicants must pass a technical exam covering topics within the scope of work for their license to prove competency across subject areas. While the state Electrical Contractor licensing exam is administered by the LSLBC, license applicants who have taken the Nationally-Accredited NASCLA Examination for (Master/Unlimited) Electrical Contractors can submit their passing exam transcripts with a license application to waive the state trade exam requirement.

While each exam has its own benefits and testing policies, there are a few key differences between the exams:

• Exams administered by the LSLBC are open-book, but books are supplied at the testing center. NASCLA Exams administered by PSI Exams are open-book, and candidates may bring their own books, with permanent tabs and highlighting/underlining within them, into the exam room.
• There are differences in state reciprocity agreements with the LSLBC and NASCLA Exams. To see a list of reciprocity agreements for Louisiana, you can visit the Board website here. Alternatively, a full list of accepting agencies for the NASCLA Electrical Examination program is linked for your review.
• There are also differences in the content of each exam, acceptable study references, and testing policies.

If you aren't sure which testing path is right for you, book a 30-minute Start-Up Consultation with a licensing expert to build a plan for licensing specific to your qualifications and business needs!

In Louisiana, it is mandatory to hold a state-issued license to legally perform electrical work. Only licensed electricians are authorized to operate businesses, advertise services, secure commercial insurance, obtain building permits, pass inspections, and participate in bidding for public and government projects. 

To obtain a contractor’s license in Louisiana you first must be a business registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. All license applicants must complete a state business law course administered by the LSLBC, and may be additionally required to take a trade exam if their license specialty requires one (this is true for major classifications such as Electrical). Once you prove you have a registered business and meet all experience, financial, testing, and documentation requirements, you may submit a license application to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for Board approval.