Where do I get an application to obtain general contractor’s license?

You may download an application from the Licensing Board website www.nclbgc.net under forms or by sending a personal check, money order or cashier's check for $15.00 made payable to the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, to P. O. Box 17187, Raleigh, NC 27619. Please note that cash and credit cards are not accepted here. Applications may also be purchased at the Board office for $13.00. The office is located at 3739 National Drive, Suite 225, Raleigh, NC 27612; office hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note that cash and credit cards are not accepted.

Is my North Carolina General Contractor’s License Reciprocal?

The North Carolina Licensing Board has an examination waiver agreement with South Carolina and Tennessee.

What is the exam format?

Exams are administered by PSI Testing Centers and are taken on the computer. You will not need any computer experience or typing skills. The colored response keys and prominent characters are simple to use.

Before your timed exam begins you will have an introductory tutorial to the computer and keyboard.

What score is needed to pass the exam?

A score of 70% or better is needed to pass. The test is 90 questions. You must answer 63 questions or more correctly in order to pass the exam.

How long is the exam?

You are allowed 180 minutes or 3 hours to complete the exam.

Can I still pass the test without construction/blueprint experience?

Yes. Our seminar will teach you how to break down the test questions and successfully answer them.

When will I know the results of my exam?

Right away! About a minute after you end the exam the computer will show a pass or fail. Your actual score will be mailed to you about two weeks later.

What if I fail my NC Contractors exam?

Don’t be discouraged!! Failing candidates have the option of reviewing their examination. This review is one hour in length, the fee is $60. The examination review must be scheduled within 30 days from the date you originally took the exam. You will find more information on this at PSI’s website or in the downloadable Candidate Information Bulletin.

A new eligibility letter will be mailed to you in 30 days so you may re-take the exam.

What is allowed in the Testing Center?

• A silent calculator
  
• A magnifying glass (for blueprints)
• The following five reference books: NC OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry, Business & Project Management for Contractors, NC State Building Code 2006, NC State Administration Code 2002, NC State Accessibility Code 2002. The books may be tabbed and highlighted.
• Scrap paper and 2 pencils will be provided at the testing center.
  

Effective 1/1/09 , you can use either the 2006 or 2009 edition Building Code book through 3/31/09. Effective 4/1/09, only the 2009 edition will apply. Also Effective 4/1/09, the following 2 reference books will also be allowed in ACI 530-05 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, 2005 AND ACI 318-05 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, 2005.

Do I need all the exam books?

Yes – You need the 12 reference books I recommend. 76 of the 90 exam questions are based on these 12 reference books. To try and pass the exam without at least access to the recommended books would be very difficult.

When should I take the exam?

It is recommended that you schedule your NC General Contractor Exam 7-14 days after attending our seminar.