# NASCLA vs. Individual State Exam\n\n**Take NASCLA** if you plan to be licensed in multiple participating states — pass once, reuse the technical-exam credit.\n\n**Take the individual state exam** if you only need one state, that state doesn't accept NASCLA, or you need a scope (residential-only or a specialty trade) the NASCLA commercial-GB exam doesn't cover.\n\n**NASCLA does NOT replace** each state's application, its business & law exam, financials/bonding, or fees.
**Takeaway:** Take NASCLA for multiple states; take the state exam if you only need one or it isn't accepted.
