Nulca, formerly known as the National Utility Locating Contractors Association, was formed in 1994 by several contract locating companies to advance locating throughout North America. Representing all utility locating professionals, Nulca published its first Competency Standard for training utility locators in 1996. This guideline has since become the industry standard, serving as a basis for the Nulca Accreditation/Certification program, rolled out in March 2016 through a partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the industry leader in safety-based risk management solutions and verification.

Essentially, Nulca serves as an umbrella for utility locators and subsurface contractors, in their mission to guide the industry towards safe and well-protected construction practices. In addition, Nulca works closely with numerous industry associations and organizations to prevent utility damages as well as to promote safety and enhanced communication. Furthering this mission, Nulca will continue to work to promote professional locating from the individual technician to the largest company. Nulca members include: contract locators, in-house locators, pipeline companies, private locators, SUE contractors, vacuum excavators, regulators, one-call systems, manufacturers and suppliers, and many others.

Nulca members have free access to all Nulca documents including the latest Nulca Competency Standard. Additionally, only members are eligible to participate in their accreditation and certification program. Furthermore, Nulca’s continued partnerships and relationships with the CGA, NUCA, APWA, PHMSA, and many other organizations give members unprecedented access to professionals throughout the country.

Additional membership benefits contain perks and discounts at various companies and businesses including LA Fitness, Grainger Industrial Supply, Dell Computers, Carhartt, Choice Hotels, and many more! Within these benefits, a legislative monitoring program is encompassed to provide Nulca members with unprecedented access to their national database, where you can follow bills on the local, state, and federal levels as well as become advocates using Nulca’s interactive program.