United States
Hong KongDoes the exam expire?
A pass is recorded permanently on the national transcript. The twelve-month approval window expires, but that governs testing rather than the result, and individual states may set their own recency rules.
Three different things get called expiry and only one of them actually is.
The approval window
Twelve months from approval, within which you may test up to three times. This expires, and when it does you reapply at USD 65.
It governs your right to sit, not a result you already hold.
The pass
Recorded on the national transcript as a permanent record. It does not lapse.
A licensing board may decline to accept an examination result older than a period it sets. That is a state rule about its own licensing, not an expiry of the result, and it is why a pass is worth converting into a license rather than banking indefinitely.
The license
Whatever license you obtain has its own renewal cycle, continuing education and fees. That is the thing that genuinely expires on a schedule.
The references
The approved list changes as codes are revised. Your books can become unusable for a future sitting even though your knowledge has not changed, which is the practical argument against a long gap between passing and using the result.
What to do
Pass, then move on the state application while everything is current. The transcript will wait; the state's appetite for old results and your book editions will not.
Common questions
Does the NASCLA exam expire?
The pass is a permanent record. The twelve-month approval to test is what expires.
What is the approval window?
Twelve months from approval, allowing up to three attempts. Reapplication costs USD 65.
Can a state refuse an old result?
Yes. Boards may set their own recency rules on how old a result they accept.
Does the license expire?
Yes. Licenses have renewal cycles, continuing education and fees set by each state.
Should I use a pass quickly?
Yes. State recency rules and changing reference editions both favor moving promptly.