NC STATE LICENSING INFORMATION
Virtually every aspect of commercial, residential and public works construction is regulated at the state level. Projects costing $40,000. or more require an NC General Contractors License.
TYPES OF LICENSES:
Building Contractors– This classifications covers all types of building construction activity including but not limited to: commercial, industrial, institutional, and all types of residential building constructions; covers parking decks; all site work, grading and paving of parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters which are ancillary to the aforementioned types of construction; and covers the work done under the specialty classifications of (S) Concrete Construction, (S) Insulation, (S) Interior Construction, (S) Masonry Construction, (S) Roofing, (S) Metal Erection, and (S) Swimming Pools.
Residential Contractors– This classification covers all types of construction activity pertaining to the construction of residential units that are required to conform to the residential building code adopted by the Building Code Council pursuant to G.S. 143-138. It covers all site work, driveways, and sidewalks ancillary to the aforementioned construction; and covers the work done as part of such residential units under the specialty classifications of (S) Insulation, (S) Masonry Construction, (S) Roofing, and (S) Swimming Pools.
APPLICATION:
General Contractor applicants must submit applications to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors for approval before scheduling an exam. Applications can be obtained online at the Board’s website (info. below), requested by mail, or in person at the Board’s office.
TESTING
Approved applicants must pass a qualifying examination for licensure with a minimum score of 70%. Approved candidates may take computer examinations administered at any PSI Examination Service Center.
Building Contractor Exam
- 90 questions, 3 hours and 20 minutes, partial open book, 63 correct (70%) to pass.
Residential Contractor Exam
- 90 questions, 3-1/2 hours, partial open book, 63 correct (70%) to pass.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT LIMITS:
Financial statements reflecting minimum working capital amounts are required to be submitted with the application. Required minimum working capital amounts are $17,000. for Limited, $75,000. for Intermediate, $150,000. for Unlimited licenses. These working capital amounts determine the individual project amounts a licensee may take. The exam is the same for all license levels. Applicants for Intermediate and Unlimited licensure must submit audited financial statements with classified balance sheets prepared by a certified public accountant or independent accountant engaged in the public practice of accountancy.
Individual project limits are set at $750,000. for Limited licensees, and $1,500,000. for Intermediate licensees.
License Level
Minimum Required Working Capital
Individual Project Limit
Limited
$17,000
$750,000
Intermediate
$75,000
$1,500,000
Unlimited
$150,000
No limit
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS:
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors has reciprocity agreements with South Carolina and Tennessee for the Building Contractor Licenses. North Carolina also accepts the NASCLA Accredited Exam for licensure.
WHO REGULATES CONSTRUCTION:
General contractor licensing applications, instructions and information may be obtained from:
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
PO Box 17187
Raleigh, NC 27619
(919)571-4183
www.nclbgc.org
FAQs
You must answer 63 questions correctly in order to obtain a passing score of 70%. The current pass rate state-wide is less than 40% on the first attempt. The Construction Institute's students' pass rate is in the high 90th percentile on the first attempt.
How hard is it to get a contractors license in North Carolina? ›
The primary requirements for licensing include, completing the application, be at least 18 years of age, possess good moral character, meet the minimum financial requirement based on the limitation of license you are applying for, and successfully completing an examination based on the desired classification of license ...
How many questions are on the NC General Contractors exam? ›
The North Carolina Building Contractor Exam
This exam has 90 questions, and you must get 63 of them correct to pass. You will have 200 minutes to complete the exam, which is a partially open-book test. Topics covered include carpentry, business and law, masonry, metals, erosion control, licensing, and more.
How hard is the nascla exam? ›
How Difficult is the NASCLA Exam? The NASCLA exam is tough, but worth it. It is important that you invest your time in studying and becoming familiar with the material. We know that taking these tests can be intimidating and confusing, so our goal is to help you feel thoroughly prepared!
How much does it cost to get NC contractors license? ›
How much does a general contractor license in North Carolina cost?
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|
| Exam Fee | $79.00 each |
| License fees/Renewal fees | • Limited: $75.00 • Intermediate: $100.00 • Unlimited: $125.00 |
| Late renewal fee | $10 per month past due date |
Aug 10, 2023
Difference between B and B-2 Contractor's License
The main difference between the B and B-2 classifications in California is the scope of work and specialization. The B license is broader and allows contractors to work on a wide range of construction projects, including structural work and HVAC systems.
Which contractor's license is the easiest to get? ›
RMO License
One of the most common, and often easiest ways that people without any prior experience can gain access to a contractor license is by utilizing either an “RMO” or “RME.”
Can a felon get a contractors license in North Carolina? ›
As part of the evaluation process, licensing authorities will look at how old the conviction is and whether there has been any evidence of rehabilitation submitted as part of the application. Evidence of rehabilitation can be as simple as no further criminal behavior or convictions since the original felony took place.
Can you act as your own contractor in NC? ›
North Carolina grants owners an exemption to act as their own general contractor if they meet the following requirements. The property MUST be listed in your name. The property CANNOT be for rent, lease or sale for one year after the project is completed.
Is the NC General Contractor exam open book? ›
90 questions, 3 hours and 20 minutes, partial open book, 63 correct (70%) to pass.
It can take four to six weeks for the NCLBGC to process your application. Once you receive your license, you can begin seeking contracting jobs. You may provide your contractor license number when starting projects so that clients can ensure your license is valid.
What are the financial requirements for a contractor license in NC? ›
In all of North Carolina, general contractors must provide:
- A $175,000 bond when applying for a limited license.
- A $500,000 bond when applying for an intermediate license.
- A $1,000,000 bond when applying for an unlimited license.
The following states accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination: AL, AR, AZ, GA, LA, MS, NV, NC, OR, SC, TN, UT, US Virgin Islands, VA, and WV. Why should I take the NASCLA Exam?
How hard is the NP exam? ›
Becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner isn't easy, and yes, both the AANP and ANCC certification exams are challenging — very challenging. They will take a great deal of analytical thought, clinical judgment, and preparation. In 2022, the AANP exam pass rate for the Family Nurse Practioner (FNP) was 74%.
How hard is the NES exam? ›
The NES exams can be difficult if you have not prepared. Preparation is key! Most of the NES tests are multiple-choice, but several of them also contain constructed-response questions. These can be in the form of case studies or written assignments.
How do you test for contractors license in NC? ›
TESTING. Approved applicants must pass a qualifying examination for licensure with a minimum score of 70%. Approved candidates may take computer examinations administered at any PSI Examination Service Center. 90 questions, 3 hours and 20 minutes, partial open book, 63 correct (70%) to pass.
How much is the minimum working capital required to take the NC contractors license exam? ›
Contractors must verify financial responsibility by meeting the following minimum requirements: Limited license: $17,000 working capital or $80,000 net worth. Intermediate license: $75,000 working capital. Unlimited license: $1,500,000 working capital.
At what price does a construction project in NC require a license contractor to pull a permit? ›
An NC general contractor license is required for any project $30,000 or more. Navigating the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors can be confusing. You must understand the licensing requirements, which type of license to apply for and how the application process works.
