NC Contractor License Pass the Exam

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.

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