Reviewed for accuracy: Licensing Research Team
If you're planning to become a licensed commercial or general contractor, you've probably heard about the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors.
One of the biggest advantages of NASCLA is that many states accept it in place of their own trade exam — saving contractors time, money, and repeat testing. However, passing NASCLA does not automatically grant a license. Every state still has its own application process and additional requirements.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Which states accept the NASCLA contractor exam
- What NASCLA replaces
- What each state still requires
- How to prepare efficiently
What the NASCLA Exam Covers (and What It Replaces)
The NASCLA exam is a national, open-book trade exam focused on:
- Commercial building construction
- Project management
- Safety and OSHA standards
- Estimating and scheduling
- Structural, masonry, concrete, and carpentry fundamentals
In states that accept it, NASCLA usually replaces only the trade exam portion of licensing.
It does not replace:
- Business & Law exams
- State applications and fees
- Experience requirements
- Financial statements, bonds, or insurance
States That Accept the NASCLA Contractor Exam
NASCLA Accepted States — Comparison Table
| State / Territory | Does NASCLA Replace Trade Exam? | Business & Law Exam Required? | Other Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Yes | State application |
| Arizona | Yes (some classifications) | Often required | Bonding, experience |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | State application |
| Florida | Yes | Yes (Business & Finance) | Financial responsibility |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | Board approval |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | Financial statements |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | Pre-approval required |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Qualifying individual |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Pre-approval, experience |
| North Carolina | Yes (Building) | No | Financial responsibility |
| Oregon | Partial | Yes | Register with CCB |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | Work experience |
| Tennessee | Depends | Yes | Classification rules |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Experience or equivalency |
| Virginia | Yes | Partial | Pre-license education |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | State application |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | No | No | Both NASCLA + VI exam required |
State-by-State Requirements
Alabama
Alabama fully accepts the NASCLA exam in place of its trade exam for commercial general contractors. However, you must still pass Alabama's Business and Law exam and submit a state application with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Arizona
Arizona accepts NASCLA for some contractor classifications. A Business and Law exam is often required depending on your license type. You'll also need to meet bonding and experience requirements through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Arkansas
Arkansas accepts NASCLA to satisfy the trade exam requirement. A separate Business and Law exam is required, along with a state application to the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Florida
Florida accepts NASCLA for the trade portion, but contractors must also pass Florida's Business and Finance exam. Financial responsibility documentation is required through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Georgia
Georgia accepts NASCLA for the trade exam. A Business and Law exam is still required, and all applications must receive board approval from the Georgia Secretary of State.
Louisiana
Louisiana accepts NASCLA in lieu of the state trade exam. A Business and Law exam is required, along with financial statements submitted to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Mississippi
Mississippi fully accepts NASCLA. A Business and Law exam is required, and applicants must obtain pre-approval from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors before scheduling exams.
Nevada
Nevada accepts NASCLA for the trade portion. A Business and Law exam is required, and you must designate a qualifying individual with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
New Mexico
New Mexico accepts NASCLA to satisfy trade exam requirements. A Business and Law exam is required, along with pre-approval and experience verification through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
North Carolina
North Carolina accepts NASCLA for building contractor classifications. Unlike most states, North Carolina does not require a separate Business and Law exam, but financial responsibility documentation is mandatory.
Oregon
Oregon offers partial NASCLA acceptance. A Business and Law exam is required, and contractors must register with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
South Carolina
South Carolina fully accepts NASCLA. A Business and Law exam is required, along with documentation of work experience submitted to the South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board.
Tennessee
Tennessee's NASCLA acceptance depends on your classification. A Business and Law exam is required for most license types through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Utah
Utah accepts NASCLA for the trade exam. A Business and Law exam is required, along with experience or equivalency documentation through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Virginia
Virginia accepts NASCLA for the trade portion. Business and Law requirements are partial (depending on classification), and pre-license education is required through the Virginia Board for Contractors.
West Virginia
West Virginia accepts NASCLA to satisfy the trade exam requirement. A Business and Law exam is required, along with a state application to the West Virginia Division of Labor.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands does not accept NASCLA in place of local exams. Both the NASCLA exam and the U.S. Virgin Islands exam are required for contractor licensing.
How to Prepare for NASCLA (and State Requirements)
The fastest way to prepare is to:
- Master book navigation (NASCLA is open-book)
- Practice realistic, timed questions
- Understand which state exams still apply
- Avoid studying unnecessary materials
Ready to Start Preparing for NASCLA?
Our NASCLA practice exam features 115 questions matching the real exam format with a 5-hour time limit.
Start NASCLA Practice Exam →Final Takeaway
The NASCLA exam is one of the best paths to multi-state contractor licensing, but it is not a shortcut around state rules. Understanding what each state still requires is critical to avoiding delays, retesting, and lost application fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NASCLA Exam
Does passing the NASCLA exam automatically give me a contractor license?
No. Passing the NASCLA exam does not automatically grant a contractor license. It typically replaces only the trade exam portion, and applicants must still meet state-specific licensing requirements.
Which states accept the NASCLA contractor exam?
States including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others accept the NASCLA exam, though each state has additional licensing requirements.
Do I still need a Business and Law exam if I pass NASCLA?
Yes. Most states that accept NASCLA still require a separate Business and Law exam as part of the licensing process.
Is the NASCLA contractor exam open book?
Yes. The NASCLA contractor exam is open book, but effective preparation focuses on learning how to quickly locate information in the reference materials.
Can I use NASCLA for licensing in multiple states?
Yes. NASCLA allows contractors to apply for licenses in multiple accepting states without retaking the trade exam.