United States
Hong KongThe trade exam and the business and law exam
The NASCLA exam is a trade examination on construction practice, safety and contracting. A state business and law exam covers that state's licensing law, business practice and regulations. Most participating states require both.
The single most common surprise for candidates who thought they had finished.
What each covers
| NASCLA trade exam | State business and law exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Construction practice, safety, contracting | That state's licensing law and business rules |
| Applies in | 17 states plus the USVI | One state |
| Format | Open book, 125 questions, 330 minutes | Varies by state |
| Overlap | Some general business content | State-specific, largely not covered by NASCLA |
Why there is overlap but not enough
The NASCLA exam does contain business material - contracts, bonds, liens, estimating, employment law. That is 31 questions of it.
But it is general. A state business and law exam asks about that state's licensing statute, its lien deadlines, its regulations and its board procedures, none of which the NASCLA exam covers. Two exams, not one.
They are separate requirements. Candidates finish the NASCLA exam, request their transcript, and discover a second examination standing between them and the license.
Which to sit first
Usually the NASCLA exam, because the general contracting material makes the state-specific version easier to absorb afterwards.
Check whether your state imposes an order or a time limit between them.
Preparing for the state exam
From the state's own published materials. Its statute, its board rules and whatever candidate handbook it issues.
National prep material is not much use for a state-specific paper, which is the whole point of it being state-specific.
Common questions
What is the difference between the NASCLA exam and a business and law exam?
The NASCLA exam is a trade examination accepted in seventeen states. A business and law exam covers one state's licensing law and business rules.
Does passing NASCLA cover business and law?
No. They are separate requirements and most participating states require both.
Is there overlap?
Some general contracting material, but the state exam covers that state's statute and board rules, which NASCLA does not.
Which should I sit first?
Usually the NASCLA exam, since the general material makes the state-specific version easier afterwards.
How do I prepare for the state exam?
From the state's own published statute, board rules and candidate handbook. National material is not much use.