Applying for the NASCLA exam and NED transcripts

Before you apply: check your state

The exam stands in for a state's trade exam only where that state agency accepts it, and only for the license class it accepts it for. The bulletin says to contact the state agency directly if you are unsure whether the exam meets your license requirements. NASCLA's list on 5 Nov 2026 had 20 agencies in 18 states and territories. See which states accept the NASCLA exam, and read NASCLA exam vs a state trade exam if your state offers a choice.

Step 1: apply to NASCLA

• Since 1 November 2016, NASCLA must accept your application before you can sit the exam.
• Apply online at ned.nascla.org.
• Once NASCLA accepts it, NASCLA sends your name to PSI, and PSI emails you how to register.
• The bulletin does not list an application fee or the information the application asks for. Read the application itself for both.
• Questions about the exam go to NASCLA at info@nascla.org or (623) 587-9354, the contacts the bulletin gives.

Step 2: pay PSI and book

• Pay and schedule with PSI online at test-takers.psiexams.com/nascla, open 24 hours a day, or by phone at (855) 746-8177.
• The fee is $130, valid for one year from the date you pay.
• Cancel at least 2 days before your date to keep the fee, on the PSI website or by speaking to PSI. A voicemail or email does not count.

The full scheduling, ID and test-day rules are in NASCLA exam cost, scheduling and retakes.

Your one-year window

• You have one year from the date NASCLA accepts your application to take the exam.
• You may sit it at most three times in that year.
• If you have not passed after three attempts, you may reapply once that year has run out.

Plan your first date early enough that a retake, if you need one, still fits inside the year.

Step 3: after you pass, use NED

The bulletin describes three steps on ned.nascla.org:

1. Create an account. You need an account in NED to reach your result.
2. Account linked. NASCLA links your test result to your account. The bulletin says to allow 48 hours for results to be entered.
3. Buy transcripts. Log in, buy a transcript and send it electronically to each accepting state agency as you apply for a license.

NASCLA's page adds that the state agency pairs the transcript with your license application. The bulletin does not list a transcript price, so check NED when you order. If you applied through NED in step 1, you may already have an account there; the bulletin does not say whether it is the same account, so use the one NASCLA tells you to.

What the transcript does not do

A transcript shows a state that you passed the trade exam. It is not a license. The bulletin says you still follow each state agency's application, in addition to taking a business and law exam and other requirements. NASCLA's page says the same: you must follow all state agency application policies and procedures to become licensed.

A short checklist

1. Confirm with each state agency that it accepts the exam for your license class.
2. Apply at ned.nascla.org and wait for PSI's email.
3. Pay $130 and book with PSI, leaving room in your year for a retake.
4. After a pass, allow 48 hours, then buy and send a transcript from NED for each state.
5. Finish each state's own application and any business and law exam.

Take the free 10-question check while you wait for your application, and see your score by subject area in minutes. It needs no signup and explains every answer.

The NASCLA Commercial course has a lesson for each of the 12 subject areas that shows which listed reference to open and how to apply it, original practice questions with every answer worked, and four timed practice exams of 115 questions on a 330-minute clock. Your scores come back by subject area, so you know where the next study hour goes. See the course.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by NASCLA or PSI. NASCLA and PSI are named only to identify the exam and its test vendor.

FAQ

How do I apply for the NASCLA exam?

Apply to NASCLA online at ned.nascla.org. NASCLA reviews your application, then PSI emails you how to register and book.

How long do NASCLA exam results take?

Allow 48 hours for your result to be entered in NASCLA's National Examination Database (NED).

How do I send my NASCLA score to a state?

Buy a transcript from NED and send it to each state agency you are applying to.

Sources

Show the list

• PSI Candidate Information Bulletin 1458, examination application, scheduling and after-passing sections, updated 7 Jul 2026. Retrieved 5 Nov 2026.
• NASCLA Commercial Exam, NASCLA. Retrieved 5 Nov 2026.
• Commercial Exam Participating State Agencies, NASCLA. Read 5 Nov 2026.