If you’ve been researching how to get your contractor’s licence across different states, chances are you’ve come across the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program. It’s often described as the shortcut to multistate licensing for commercial general contractors, but there’s more to it than that.
While the NASCLA exam opens doors to opportunities across the United States, what most guides won’t tell you is how demanding it really is, and how much strategy goes into passing it. This isn’t just another open-book test; it’s a comprehensive measure of your ability to manage projects and do everything else a seasoned contractor should.
Let’s review what’s rarely discussed and what you should know before you walk into the exam room.
1. It’s Accepted in More States Than You Might Think
The NASCLA exam’s main aim is to streamline licensing across multiple U.S. jurisdictions, and it’s now accepted by more than 20 states, including the larger construction markets like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. So, if you use NASCLA exam prep materials and other resources from a top provider like RocketCert to pass your exam on your first attempt, you won’t have to retake a separate trade exam.
Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still need to meet local business or law requirements, but NASCLA eliminates the most time-consuming step: proving your trade competency over and over. Any contractor planning to expand operations or bid on interstate projects knows that’s a serious competitive advantage.
2. Open Book Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy
One of the most common misconceptions about NASCLA is that being open-book makes it easy. Well, not quite. Yes, you’re allowed to bring in authorised reference materials, but the real challenge lies in how well you can use them under pressure. The exam consists of 115 questions, and you must answer at least 81 correctly to achieve the minimum score of 70%.
The one thing that matters a lot here is time management. With 5½ hours to complete your exams, you don’t want to spend most of this time flipping through your books. That’s why the most successful candidates spend weeks or even months learning where specific information is located in each manual so they can find the answers fast. Think of it less as memorisation and more as mastering navigation.
3. Preparation Is All About Strategy
You can’t “cram” for NASCLA and expect to pass, so if that’s been your plan all along, you might want to change your approach. The exam draws from 14 reference books, and while it’s impossible to read each of these cover to cover before test day, you can come up with a smart study plan.
Here’s what many contractors who aced this exam on their first attempt did.
- Start with the exam outline: Understand the exam outline provided by NASCLA. This one breaks down topics and the percentage each topic carries in the test.
- Flag the key sections in your books: You’re allowed to use permanently tabbed reference materials, but that isn’t the only option to simplify navigation. You can also highlight portions of the books, even though most contractors say that the tabs are always enough.
- Practise under timed conditions: Take practice exams or online prep courses that mimic the real test format so you’ll have an easy time on the actual exam day.
4. The Cost Can Add Up, But It’s an Investment
Between the application fee (approximately $35), exam fee (roughly $125), the authorised books ($1,000-$1,900), and prep courses, taking the NASCLA exam isn’t cheap. But when you think about the time and expense saved by not having to sit separate exams in every state, it’s a worthwhile investment for any contractor.
What’s more, many states accept your NASCLA results for life, so once you pass, you can use the record to apply for future licences and not require retesting. So, if you’re serious about building a long-term contracting business, the return on investment will always outweigh the initial cost.
Get Started Today. It’s Worth the Effort
Despite the challenges, passing the NASCLA exam can transform your contracting career. You’ll gain mobility, credibility, and access to new markets without the bureaucratic headache of multiple exams. It’s a credential that signals professionalism to clients, partners, and licensing boards alike.
Head over to rocketcert.com/construction/national/nascla-gc today to learn more and get started. You won’t regret it!
