Taking the NASCLA Exam Can Help You Expand Your Business Faster!
The NASCLA Accredited Examination Program, a single Trade Exam which is recognized in a variety of states, was designed to reduce redundant licensing requirements and assist construction and electrical contractors who need to be licensed in multiple jurisdictions. NASCLA, the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies, is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote best practices and license uniformity for agencies. The main benefit of passing a NASCLA Exam is the time saved in the application process. Essentially, passing a single exam for the NASCLA commercial building or electrical exam ensures that the applicant will not have to take each the specific trade exam for each individual state, offering the potential for much greater mobility.
How Does the NASCLA Exam Work?
There are two main NASCLA Exams at this time:
- General Contractor
- Electrical Contractor—Master/Unlimited Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, or Residential Electrical Contractors
NASCLA saves time, money and the need to travel to different states to take multiple exams. This is especially beneficial for companies forced to obtain their licenses quickly in new territories in order to bid on current, time-based opportunities. Construction and electrical contractors also can move swiftly between participating states to help meet demand in states with a high need but a limited supply of qualified contractors or to quickly provide extra assistance during natural disasters.
NASCLA Accredited Examination Program Is Not Considered “National License”
It’s important to know that the NASCLA Accredited Examination eliminates the trade examination ONLY for participating state agencies. Once you have passed an examination within the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program, contractors will still have to meet additional state licensure requirements within each participating state to obtain their license.
NASCLA for Construction
Once someone passes the NASCLA General Contractor Accredited Examination, they can submit an endorsement application, and the trade exam for Commercial General Building Contractor will not be required in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Virgin Islands
- West Virginia
NASCLA for Electrical
Once someone passes the NASCLA Electrical Contractor Accredited Examination, they can submit an endorsement application, and the trade exam for Master Electrician will not be required in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Washington, D.C.
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
NASCLA Requirements Vary by State
It’s important to note that each state’s NASCLA application process is different. This includes state-specific experience requirements, limitations to licensing, financial requirements, and the scope of work allowed within the classification granted.
For instance, if you pass the NASCLA General Contractor Exam and are interested in obtaining a contractor license in Arizona, you will have satisfied the state’s Trade Exam requirement for the classification of B-1 General Commercial Contractor. But, if you also want to perform residential work in Arizona, you will need to obtain the state’s B General Residential Contractor classification, which will require an additional and separate Trade Exam.
Yet in the state of Louisiana, if you have passed the NASCLA General Contractor Accredited Examination, you can endorse into both the Building Construction and Residential Building Contractor classifications, and perform commercial and residential contracting work without an additional trade exam.
Let’s look at Alabama. In this state, you must first obtain your Electrical Contractor license by NASCLA Endorsement. This only allows a total single-job amount of up to $50K (labor plus materials). For contracts above $50K, the license holder needs to apply to the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors as a Prime Contractor.
Another example of this two-step licensing process is endorsement into Utah. The license holder would first endorse into Utah as a Master Electrician. From there, if he/she intends to contract with the public, he/she would have to apply for an Electrical Contractor license.
It’s important to note that with both NASCLA General Contractor and NASCLA Electrical Contractor Endorsements, you will also need to satisfy the state’s experience requirements, which varies per state.
There have been cases where both construction and electrical contractors pass the appropriate state NASCLA exam, but they are unable to verify recent experience in order to qualify for the state’s license.
Preparing for the NASCLA Exam
Since NASCLA Exams are known to be very demanding and difficult to pass, it makes most sense to rely on a resource that can support you through the entire process. API Processing, with over 30 years in all categories in the construction and electrical licensing industries, manages every aspect of the NASCLA licensing process for you from start to finish. A full-service firm, API Processing assists our clients as they apply for and gain approval to sit for the NASCLA Exams.
API Processing will recommend the most recent and successful book packages and educational courses to prepare for the exam. We specifically walk you through each topic that is covered on the exam and how to find relevant information within the reference books. Our support effectively prepares you to pass the exam on your first attempt.
Once the exam is passed, we present a tailored and streamlined path for endorsement through states, based upon your needs, forecasts and potential timeline.
API Processing coordinates the most efficient path forward and works supportively, step-by-step, to expedite licensing in each state through NASCLA endorsement. Because each state’s application process is unique, we are able to leverage our industry knowledge and experience to direct the entire process while achieving the most efficient results for you.
As your partner, API Processing will assist you in every way possible throughout the entire NASCLA process.
For Candidate Information on NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, click here
For Candidate Information on NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination program, click here.