United States
Hong KongIs the NASCLA exam worth it?
It is clearly worth it for a contractor licensing in more than one participating state, since one exam replaces several. For somebody who will only ever work in one state, the calculation is closer.
A fair question, and the honest answer depends entirely on how many states you will license in.
The case for
One examination accepted by seventeen states plus the US Virgin Islands. A contractor working across three states sits one trade exam rather than three.
The result never expires from the database, so a state you add in five years costs a USD 45 transcript rather than another examination.
The case against
If you will only ever work in one state and that state offers its own trade exam, the NASCLA exam may be broader than you need. Check your state.
It is also comprehensive: 125 questions, 330 minutes, twelve categories and around 24 reference books. A state exam may be narrower and cheaper to prepare for.
Some participating states accept the NASCLA exam as an alternative and some have moved to it as the standard route. Establish which applies to you before deciding, because in the second case the question does not arise.
The cost comparison
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| PSI examination fee | USD 130 per attempt |
| NASCLA application fee | USD 65 per window |
| Transcript per state | USD 45 |
| Reference books | Usually the largest item |
| Total | Commonly USD 900 to 2,500 including preparation |
That total range is ours. Against three separate state trade exams with their own preparation, one exam is usually cheaper as well as faster.
The books are reusable
The references you buy are the ones you will use running projects. That is not true of every exam and it changes the calculation.
Common questions
Is the NASCLA exam worth taking?
Clearly for anyone licensing in more than one participating state. Closer if you will only ever work in one.
How many states accept it?
Seventeen plus the US Virgin Islands.
Does the result expire?
No. A state added years later costs a USD 45 transcript rather than another exam.
What does it cost in total?
Commonly USD 900 to 2,500 including books and preparation. That range is ours; the fees are published.
Are the books wasted afterwards?
No. They are the references you use running projects, which is not true of every exam.