The examination, start to finish

What the NASCLA exam is, what it costs, how you apply and what open book really means.

The NASCLA exam explainedThe NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors is an open-book exam of 125 questions, 115 of them scored, over 330 minu…
What open book actually meansOpen book means you bring the approved references and look answers up. It is a test of navigation under time pressure rather than recall, and candidat…
What the NASCLA exam costsThe PSI examination fee is USD 130 and the NASCLA application fee is USD 65. The approved reference books usually cost considerably more than both tog…
The approved reference listThe PSI bulletin names around 24 approved references by specific edition. They are bought from their publishers, and an edition mismatch makes a book …
How to applyApply to NASCLA with the USD 65 application fee. Once approved you have 12 months and up to three attempts, and you book each sitting separately with …
The one-year approval windowAn approved NASCLA application lasts 12 months and allows up to three attempts. Booking late in the window means a failed attempt may leave no time fo…
The format of the examOne computer-based session of 125 multiple-choice questions over 330 minutes, with the approved reference books permitted. The appointment runs 360 mi…
Exam dayArrive early with photo identification and your books. They are checked against the approved list at check-in. The session runs 330 minutes with a res…
What you can and cannot bringYou may bring the approved references with permanent index tabs and highlighting. Loose notes, written annotation beyond what the bulletin permits, an…
Retake rulesYou may sit up to three times inside a 12-month approval window, each at USD 130. After three attempts or after the window closes you apply again and …
Transcripts and state agenciesYour result sits in the NASCLA National Examination Database. Each state board receives it only when you request a transcript, which costs USD 45 per …
How the exam is scoredYour correct answers on the 115 scored questions are counted against a published cut of 81. There is no scaling and no curve, and the ten experimental…
What happens after you passThe result goes into the NASCLA National Examination Database. Nobody is notified. You request a transcript for each state at USD 45, then complete th…
Exam accommodationsAccommodations are requested with supporting documentation before scheduling. Additional time, a separate room and assistive arrangements are among th…