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With an uncertain economy and costs for college tuition rising ever higher, skilled trades, like electrical, plumbing, and contracting work, have seen a surge in interest over the past several years. Indeed, there’s a lot to be gained by entering any one of these fields. 

As an electrician, in particular, you may be tasked with installing, maintaining, repairing, and altering systems and equipment for both residential and commercial clients. In the process, you’ll enjoy a stable career and earnings, alongside opportunities to advance even further. First, however, you’ll need a license to legally operate in your state. 

Attaining that license generally involves taking and passing a state trade exam, among other requirements. However, if your work takes you to different states, you may wonder whether you have to test for each state license.  

The answer could be yes, unless you pass an electrical exam administered by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) instead. Since 1962, the nonprofit organization has served to promote best practices in the construction industry, including offering accredited exams for electricians and contractors alike.  

In addition to these exams currently being accepted by several state agencies, there are several other reasons you might want to take a NASCLA exam instead of your state trade exam. 

What Is a NASCLA Electrical License? 

NASCLA is renowned for upholding the highest standards when it comes to testing electrical trade knowledge, with exams that exceed most state-specific assessments. If you want to prove your proficiency, a NASCLA electrical exam will certainly do the trick. 

Participating state agencies acknowledge the value of NASCLA testing and accept passing scores as a substitute for their own trade exam for licensing. In particular, NASCLA-accredited electrical exams are currently accepted by agencies in these 16 states (as well as the District of Columbia): 

• Alabama 
• Arizona 
• Florida 
• Idaho 
• Kentucky 
• Louisiana 
• Mississippi 
• Missouri 
• Nebraska 
• New Mexico 
• North Carolina 
• South Carolina 
• Tennessee 
• Utah 
• Virginia 
• West Virginia 

You’ll still have to meet other state requirements for experience, education, finances, and insurance, as well as pass additional exams, like a Business & Law Exam, for example, but having an NASCLA license fast-tracks the time it would otherwise take for you to begin work. 

Save Time and Money 

Arguably, the greatest benefit of taking a NASCLA exam for both electrical workers and business owners alike is that it could save you significant time and money, especially if you plan to work in multiple states.  

Whether you intend to expand to new regions, are thinking about moving to another state, or have a business that borders several adjacent states where you travel for work, there’s no question that studying for and passing one trade exam instead of several represents a more practical approach. 

Available Tests 

NASCLA offers three different exams for electricians at different professional levels: 

• NASCLA Accredited Examination for Journeyman Electricians 
• NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Residential Electrical Contractors 
• NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors (Master Electricians/Unlimited Electricians) 

You’ll start with a journeyman or residential electrician exam and work your way up to the master/unlimited exam as your career progresses. 

Study Once, Benefit Endlessly 

With the right NASCLA exam prep program, you can study for one test that paves the way to licenses in multiple states. Courses designed for working professionals with 24/7 online access for self-paced learning are ideal. 

If you’re ready to apply for an electrician license in one or more states with a passing grade on a NASCLA trade exam, contact RocketCert now to get started.