United States
Hong KongNASCLA or a state trade exam
The NASCLA exam is accepted in seventeen states and is broader. A state trade exam covers one state and may be narrower and cheaper to prepare for. Some states now use the NASCLA exam as their standard route.
A genuine choice in some states and no choice at all in others, so establish which situation you are in first.
The comparison
| NASCLA exam | A state trade exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted in | 17 states plus the USVI | One state |
| Scope | 12 categories, 125 questions | Varies, often narrower |
| Duration | 330 minutes | Usually shorter |
| References | Around 24 approved books | Usually fewer |
| Portability | High | None |
When the NASCLA exam is clearly better
When you will license in more than one participating state, now or later. One exam against several is not close.
Also when your state has adopted it as the standard route, in which case there is no alternative to weigh.
When a state exam may suit
When you will work in one state only. That state offers its own exam, and it is narrower.
A shorter exam needs fewer references. Less preparation, less cost.
Most participating states require a separate business and law examination on their own rules. That is true whichever trade exam you sit, and it is the requirement candidates most often miss.
The reusability argument
The NASCLA reference set is broad and it is the same material you use running commercial projects. A narrower state exam may need fewer books and leave you with a thinner library. Ask the board.
Check first
Your state board publishes which routes it accepts. That answer decides the question in most cases without any weighing required.
Common questions
Should I take the NASCLA exam or a state exam?
The NASCLA exam if you will license in more than one participating state. A state exam may suit if you will only work in one and it is narrower.
Is the NASCLA exam harder?
Broader rather than harder. Twelve categories, 125 questions and around 24 references.
Do some states require the NASCLA exam?
Some have adopted it as the standard route, in which case there is no choice to make.
Does either cover business and law?
No. Most participating states require a separate business and law exam whichever trade exam you sit.
How do I find out what applies?
Your state board publishes which routes it accepts, and that usually settles it.