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National Examination Program Update

After many years of planning and development, the National Examination Program is gearing up for its final stages of implementation.  Spurred by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors' announcement that it is waiting for a testing provider to deliver a NASCLA - accredited examination, two testing providers have responded to the challenge.  Psychological Services Inc. (PSI) has passed the initial business, financial and examination security audits, as of March 12, 2008 the NASCLA Board of Directors granted them NASCLA-approved provider status.  Another testing provider, Professional Examination Services (PES), has been developing an examination for commercial general contractors and will be submitting an application for both "approved" and "accredited" status in April 2008.  The NASCLA Examination Program database (NED) is now up and running at NASCLA headquarters.

What is the difference between approved vs. accredited?

In order to become NASCLA-approved, testing providers must submit an application to NASCLA, pay a fee, and pass a business, financial, and examination security audit.  NASCLA has hired a psychometric consultant to perform the business and examination security audit, and an accounting firm to perform the financial audit.

In order to provide a NASCLA-accredited examination, testing providers must pass the audits described above, and they must also develop an examination for commercial general contractors.  Upon approval of the testing provider's examination development procedures, the examination will be designated as NASCLA-accredited.

How can member states use the National Examination Program?

Member states can increase the confidence in their examination programs by ensuring that their testing providers are NASCLA-approved.  NASCLA approval means that the testing provider employs qualified and experienced personnel, is free from conflicts of interst, is financially stable, and maintains examination security practices that are consistent with the highest psychometric standards.

In addition to the benefits of NASCLA-approval, member states that test for commercial general contractors will receive additional benefits by requesting that their testing provider develop a NASCLA-accredited examination.  The examination development process will be audited to ensure that the examination is valid, reliable, and legally defensible.

What is the difference between a national examination and an examination based on one state?

The national examination must be developed using contractors across many states.  This examination is designed for contractors who travel from state to state performing commercial work.  The examination covers estimating, bidding, preconstruction, project management, project construction, organizational and financial management.  State-specific information can still be included as part of the licensure process.  States can have a state-specific examination in addition to the information covered on the national examination.  States wanting to use the national examination should discuss options with their testing provider.

How will the national examination improve the licensure process?

Contractors who take the national examination in one state can access the National Examination Database (NED) to request that their results be sent to other states.  Contractors will still have to meet other state licensure requirements.  Member states can access NED to verify that applicants have passed the national examination.  Member states can determine how many times applicants have taken the national examination, if that factor is important to their licensure decisions.

How can I find out more information about the National Examination Program?

NASCLA's Submarketing Committee of the National Examination Committee will be available to answer questions and make presentations to board members.  Contact NASCLA staff for assistance.

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