EstatePass
14 States Covered — 2026

Free Contractor License Exam Prep

Practice questions, mock exams, and study tools for contractor licensing exams in 14 states. NASCLA + state-specific content. 100% free.

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14 States

Two Exam Paths

Contractor exams fall into two categories: NASCLA-participating states and independent states

NASCLA States

10 states

These states accept the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam. Passing once can qualify you in multiple states.

Standardized exam format
Multi-state reciprocity
Mostly open-book
70-75% passing score

Independent States

4 states

These states have their own unique exam format and content. Each requires state-specific preparation.

State-specific exam content
FL: 240Q, open-book, 3 parts
CA: 230Q, closed-book, 2 parts
MI & HI: unique state exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states require a contractor license?
Most states require some form of contractor licensing. EstatePass covers 14 states with the largest construction markets: Florida, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Nevada, Oregon, Michigan, and Hawaii. Requirements vary by state — some use the NASCLA standardized exam while others have independent state-specific exams.
What is the NASCLA exam?
NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) offers a standardized Commercial General Building Contractor exam accepted by 10+ participating states. Passing the NASCLA exam can satisfy the trade/business portion of licensing requirements in states like Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Nevada, and Oregon. It simplifies multi-state licensing.
How many questions are on the contractor exam?
Question counts vary by state: Florida has 240 questions across 3 parts, California has 230 questions across 2 parts, and most NASCLA-participating states have 150-205 questions across 2-3 parts. The number of exam parts also varies — from 2 parts (CA, MI, HI) to 3 parts (FL, GA, NC, and others).
Is the contractor exam open-book?
Most state contractor exams are open-book, meaning you can bring approved reference materials into the testing center. Notable exceptions: California and Hawaii exams are entirely closed-book. For open-book states, tabbing and highlighting your reference books is strongly recommended — knowing how to quickly find information is a critical exam skill.
How much does the contractor exam cost?
Exam fees range from $200 to $450 depending on the state. Florida is $295 (PSI), California is $450 (PSI), and most other states fall in the $200-$275 range. Additional costs include application fees ($50-$300), background check ($40-$100), surety bond, and insurance. Total licensing costs typically range from $500 to $2,500.

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