A career as a contractor comes with numerous perks and amazing opportunities, and you don’t even have to look too hard. The best part is you don’t have to limit yourself to one state. But what should you do if you are interested in expanding your business across state lines?

The answer is simple: pass your NASCLA exam. Here’s what you want to know about this.

First Things First, What’s NASCLA?

You already know that you must take the Business and Law Exam as part of the requirements for becoming a contractor. This exam is different from the trade exam, which gauges your technical skills in a speciality. But that’s not the point. Having to take a trade examination in every state where you want to become a licensed contractor can be too much to deal with, and that’s where NASCLA comes in.

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) may sound like just another cool acronym in the contractors’ world, but it’s not. It’s your ticket to streamlining the process of becoming a contractor across multiple states. You can think of it as a master key to multi-jurisdiction licensing.

After studying and passing your exam, you will not have to take the trade exam in any state that recognises the NASCLA accreditation. Given the importance of this exam, you are probably already thinking that it’s quite difficult to pass. Well, the good news is that it’s not if you’re using the right resources to study. That’s why you should go for expertly prepared NASCLA exam prep materials from a top professional course provider like RocketCert.

NASCLA Exam Structure: What Should You Expect?

Before you even start thinking about how you will study for your exam, it’s important to have an idea of what you are facing. So, here’s what to expect.

●     Testing Format and Fees

First things first, the NASCLA exam is an open-book, multiple-choice examination. This means you are allowed to carry approved reference materials with you into the examination room, which is incredibly favourable when tackling the more complex technical questions.

The PSI exam fee is $130, and there is a separate application fee of $35. The application fee is sent to NASCLA since you must be pre-approved to take your exam. You won’t pay the PSI exam fee until after your application is approved.

●     Core Exam Components

The NASCLA exam will have a total of 125 questions. Out of these, 115 are scored, and 10 aren’t. The 10 extra questions are only used to evaluate the suitability and relevance of new questions for future exams.

You will need to complete the 115 questions within 5.5 hours for the general building contractor classification. Electrical contractor exams, on the other hand, will have a total of 100 questions that you should complete within a 4.5-hour time limit.

To pass your NASCLA exam, you will need a passing score of at least 70%, which means you have to get 81 out of 115 questions correct.

●     Exam Topics

The NASCLA general contractor exam will test your knowledge in the following areas.

  • General Requirements
  • Procurement and Contracting Requirements
  • Site Construction
  • Thermal and Moisture Protection
  • Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
  • Doors, Windows, and Glazing
  • Electrical Systems
  • Masonry
  • Concrete
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Finishes

It’s highly recommended to use exam prep materials to gauge your understanding of the above subjects so you can polish up on the problematic ones. NASCLA exam practice tests also help you master your time management skills, so you won’t struggle during the actual exam.

Prepare for Your NASCA Exam With RocketCert

It’s no secret that taking the NASCLA exam will enhance your prospects by a huge margin if you are interested in working in multiple states. But you have to prepare adequately to avoid the frustration and inconvenience that would come with failing.

RocketCert offers expertly written and fully narrated online courses and exam prep materials that make it possible to pass on your first attempt. Ready? Visit rocketcert.com today to get started.