United States
Hong KongHarder than a state exam?
The accredited exam is broader than a typical state trade examination, covering twelve categories across 125 questions. It is not necessarily deeper, and it is accepted by multiple participating states instead of one.
Different rather than harder, and the difference is breadth.
What makes it broad
Twelve content categories across 125 questions, spanning site work, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, envelope, finishes, mechanical, electrical, safety and contract administration. More margin than people assume.
A state trade examination is often narrower and deeper in its trade.
Where it is genuinely demanding
- Length, at 330 minutes in one sitting
- Volume of references, at around two dozen approved titles
- Navigation, since the answers are in books you have to find them in
- The contract and business material, which is the largest category and the one experience covers least
Many states accept the accredited examination for the trade knowledge and still require their own business and law paper covering state statute. Check your board, because it changes the total workload considerably.
Where it is easier
It is open book, and the published blueprint tells you exactly how many questions fall in each category. Not every state exam gives you either. Check your board.
With the cut at 81 of the 115 scored questions, 34 wrong answers are available, which is more margin than candidates assume.
The real comparison
One accredited exam against several state exams if you intend to work in several states. That is the argument for sitting it, and it is an argument about breadth of use rather than difficulty. Breadth, not depth.
Common questions
Is the NASCLA exam harder than a state exam?
Broader rather than harder. Twelve categories across 125 questions, against a narrower and deeper state trade exam.
What makes it demanding?
Length at 330 minutes, around two dozen references, navigation, and the contract material.
Does it replace the state law exam?
Usually not. Many states still require their own business and law paper on state statute.
Where is it easier?
It is open book with a published blueprint, and the cut of 81 of 115 leaves 34 wrong answers available.
Why sit it?
One exam accepted across participating states instead of one exam per state.