What Is the NASCLA Exam? One Test, Many States
If you are a commercial general contractor and you want to work in more than one state, the NASCLA exam may be the smartest test you ever take. Stacey Johnson, the Construction Queen, breaks it down in the video above. Here is the short version.
What NASCLA is
NASCLA is the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. Its Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is a national trade exam. Participating states accept a passing score in place of their own general contractor trade exam, so you test once instead of state by state.
Which states accept it
In the 2025 list Stacey walks through, the participating jurisdictions included Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands. The list grows over time, so always confirm the current list with NASCLA and the state board before you apply.
What it does not replace
Passing NASCLA covers the trade exam portion only. Each state still has its own application, and many require a business and law exam, financial statements, insurance, a qualifier and proof of experience. Business, law and project management knowledge matters anyway if you plan to work in several states.
Who should take it
- Contractors who live in or plan to work in participating states
- Contractors getting their first commercial GC license who want room to grow into other states
- Anyone who already passed NASCLA: you may already be set up to apply elsewhere
Contractors in states like California and New York, where licensing is set up differently, often get less benefit from NASCLA reciprocity. Those markets usually need a state-by-state plan.
Next step
See the full picture on The License Hub and check reciprocity by state.