United States
Hong KongWhat the NASCLA exam costs
The PSI examination fee is USD 130 and the NASCLA application fee is USD 65. The approved reference books usually cost considerably more than both together, and state transcripts are USD 45 each.
The examination fees are modest. The books are not, and they are the part people underestimate.
The fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| PSI examination fee | USD 130 per attempt |
| NASCLA application fee | USD 65 per approval window |
| Transcript to a state agency | USD 45 each |
The application fee covers a window of 12 months in which you may sit up to three times. The examination fee is per attempt.
The books
Around 24 references are on the approved list, and they are bought from their publishers rather than from NASCLA or from a prep provider.
A full set commonly runs into four figures. That is our observation of the market rather than a published figure, and it varies with which editions are current and whether you buy new.
The bulletin names specific editions. A cheaper older edition of a code book is not a saving if the examination is written to a newer one, and page references in a tabbing guide will not match either.
Preparation
Optional and widely bought. Seminars, self-study courses and pre-tabbed book packages all exist at a range of prices.
None of them is required, and none substitutes for having the books.
The total
Realistically somewhere between USD 900 and USD 2,500 to get from nothing to a pass, depending mostly on what you spend on books and preparation.
That range is ours. The two fee figures are published.
Common questions
How much does the NASCLA exam cost?
USD 130 to PSI per attempt, plus a USD 65 NASCLA application fee per approval window.
Do I have to buy the reference books?
The exam is open book and you need the approved references. They are bought from their publishers and usually cost more than the fees.
What does a retake cost?
Another USD 130 to PSI. The application fee covers up to three attempts in a 12-month window.
How much are state transcripts?
USD 45 for each state transcript sent.
What is the total cost?
Usually USD 900 to USD 2,500 depending on books and preparation. That range is ours; the fees are published.