United States
Hong KongWhich states accept the NASCLA exam?
Seventeen states plus the US Virgin Islands accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination in place of their own commercial general building trade exam. NASCLA maintains the current list.
Seventeen, plus the US Virgin Islands.
NASCLA maintains the list of participating agencies and it is the authority. Check it before planning around any particular state.
The participating states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, along with the US Virgin Islands.
Participation can change, which is why the NASCLA list rather than any third-party page is what to work from.
What acceptance means
That the state will take the NASCLA exam in place of its own commercial general building trade examination.
It does not mean the state licenses you on the strength of it. Experience, financial statements, bonding, insurance and usually a business and law examination all remain.
States are not recognizing each other's licenses. They are accepting a common examination. Each license is still issued separately with that state's own remaining requirements.
Adding a state later
Request another transcript at USD 45. The result never expires from the NASCLA National Examination Database, so a state you decide on in five years costs a transcript rather than another exam.
If your state is not on the list
You sit its own trade examination. The NASCLA exam has no standing there, whatever your reason for taking it.
Common questions
Which states accept the NASCLA exam?
Seventeen states plus the US Virgin Islands. NASCLA maintains the current list.
Does acceptance mean I am licensed?
No. It satisfies the trade examination requirement. Experience, financials, bonding and usually a business and law exam remain.
Is this reciprocity?
No. States accept a common examination rather than recognizing each other's licenses.
Can I add a state later?
Yes, with another USD 45 transcript. The result does not expire.
What if my state is not participating?
You sit that state's own trade examination. The NASCLA exam has no standing there.