NASCLA Contractor Exam: Which States Accept It and How to Pass
If you are a general building contractor looking to work across multiple states without sitting for a different exam in each one, the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is the credential that makes that possible. This article covers which states accept the NASCLA exam, what the exam looks like, and how to study for it.
Which States Accept the NASCLA Exam?
As of 2026, the NASCLA Accredited Examination is accepted in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Additional states are periodically added. Check nascla.org for the most current list.
Each state still has its own supplementary requirements beyond the NASCLA exam — such as state-specific business and law exams, financial documentation, proof of insurance, and experience verification. The NASCLA exam replaces only the trade knowledge portion. Several of these states also require a separate NEC-based electrical knowledge component for electrical contractor licensing — see our guide to the NEC Journeyman Electrician exam for details on the electrical portion.
The Exam Format
The NASCLA exam has 115 multiple-choice questions. You have 330 minutes (5 hours and 30 minutes). The pass mark is 70% (81 correct). The exam is open-book — you are allowed to bring reference materials including the IRC, IBC, OSHA standards, and other approved references. The exam is administered by PSI at testing centres.
The open-book format is not as easy as it sounds. With 115 questions in 330 minutes, you have about 2 minutes and 52 seconds per question. If you are flipping through code books to find every answer, you will run out of time. The open-book format rewards candidates who know the material well enough to find answers quickly.
What the Exam Covers
The two heaviest sections are Procurement and Contracting Requirements (31 questions, 27%) and General Requirements (25 questions, 22%). Together these account for nearly half the exam. They cover contract types, AIA documents, change order procedures, payment applications, lien laws, bonding, insurance, safety management, and project scheduling.
The remaining domains cover Site Construction (15), Concrete (6), Masonry (4), Metals (6), Wood (5), Thermal and Moisture Protection (5), Doors/Windows/Glazing (4), Finishes (5), Mechanical and Plumbing Systems (6), and Electrical Systems (3).
If you are also pursuing plumber licensing in a NASCLA state, see our guide to the US Plumber Journeyman licensing exam for details on the IPC and UPC code frameworks.
How to Pass
Focus on the two heaviest domains first. Tab your reference books before exam day. Know where to find key tables, formulas, and code sections so you can look them up in under 30 seconds.
The NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam Prep book from Red Seal Training Academy gives you 920 practice questions across 8 full-length tests. Tests 1 through 7 are the Learning Pack with full explanations including code section references. Test 8 is a full exam simulation with answer keys only.
[Get the NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam Prep book on Amazon →]
[See the full NASCLA trade page → /nascla-contractor/]
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states accept the NASCLA exam?
As of 2026, 16 or more states accept the NASCLA exam. Check nascla.org for the current list, as states are added periodically.
Is the NASCLA exam open book?
Yes. You may bring bound reference materials. Tab your code books before exam day — the 330-minute time limit does not allow for leisurely browsing.
How long is the NASCLA exam?
115 multiple-choice questions, 330 minutes (5.5 hours). Pass mark is 70% (81 correct).
Do I still need a state business licence after passing the NASCLA exam?
Yes. The NASCLA exam replaces only the trade knowledge portion. Each state still requires its own business and law requirements.
