What is NASCLA?

NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) administers nationally accredited trade examinations accepted by many state licensing boards in place of each state’s own trade test. Passing the NASCLA Accredited Exam does not grant a license by itself—you must still meet each state’s business/law exam, experience, financial, and application requirements.

Learn more at NASCLA: nascla.org • Accredited Exams overview: Accredited Examinations • Licensing info hub: Licensing Information

States/Jurisdictions Accepting the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam

The NASCLA Commercial General Building exam is currently accepted by the following boards in lieu of their trade exam (business/law and other requirements still apply). Always confirm latest acceptance on NASCLA or with the state board.

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Source example (state board confirmation): Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination Program

NASCLA also offers accredited electrical trade exams that some jurisdictions accept in place of their trade test. Participation varies by state and license class (e.g., Master, Contractor). Always verify acceptance with the board before scheduling.

Details & updates: NASCLA Electrical Exams. Example state confirmation: Mississippi notes current accepting jurisdictions and program overview.

“Reciprocity” vs. NASCLA Exam Acceptance

Many boards use the term reciprocity for agreements that waive trade exams if you hold a comparable license elsewhere and meet tenure/discipline requirements. Separately, a board may accept the NASCLA Accredited Exam in place of its own trade exam. In both cases, you still must apply and meet each state’s business/law, experience, financial, and fee requirements.

See a detailed example of state reciprocity language and NASCLA acceptance on the Mississippi Board site. For state-specific reciprocity criteria (e.g., years licensed), consult the target board (e.g., California CSLB Reciprocity Requirements).

Typical State Regulations & Requirements (What You’ll Still Need)

• Business & Law Exam: Most states require a separate business/law test even if NASCLA waives the trade exam.
• Experience/Qualifier: Documented experience at the requested classification; a qualifying individual may be required.
• Financial Responsibility: Financial statements, minimum net worth or working capital, and sometimes surety bonds.
• Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation (as applicable).
• Background & Compliance: Good standing, disclosures, and no recent discipline (varies by state/reciprocity rule).
• Local/Municipal Rules: Some cities/counties have additional registration or permitting requirements.

Check NASCLA’s state licensing info hub for board links: NASCLA Licensing Information.

How to Use the NASCLA Exam for Multi-State Licensing

1. Confirm your target state(s) accept the NASCLA exam at your classification.
2. Register and pass the NASCLA Accredited Exam (Commercial General Building or Electrical, as applicable).
3. Apply with each target state board, submitting your NASCLA exam transcript in place of their trade exam.
4. Complete each state’s business/law exam and all remaining requirements.

Start here: NASCLA Accredited Examinations.