Choosing between the NC Building Exam and the NASCLA Exam is the first major hurdle for aspiring contractors. While both lead to a North Carolina General Contractor license, they differ significantly in cost, difficulty, and multi-state flexibility.
| Feature | NC Building Exam | NASCLA Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Contractors working only in NC or 8 reciprocating SouthEastern states. | Contractors planning to work in 16+ states (Western US included). |
| Total Book Cost | $735 | $2,190 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Business Law Exam | Not Required | Required |
| Reciprocity | 8 States | 16+ States & US Virgin Islands |
Why Choose the NC Building Exam?
If your primary goal is to operate within North Carolina and surrounding Southern states, the NC Building Exam is the most streamlined and cost-effective route.
- Lower Initial Cost: You only need 10 recommended books (approx. $735) compared to 24 for NASCLA.
- Less Testing Time: The trade exam is 2 hours shorter.
- No Business Law Exam: North Carolina does not require a separate Business Law exam if you take the NC trade exam.
Reciprocating States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Why Choose the NASCLA Exam?
The NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) exam is designed for contractors who want to limit trade exams for NASCLA Accepting States.
- Wider Reach: Passing the NASCLA trade exam allows you to waive trade exams in 16+ jurisdictions, including Western states like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: It requires a deeper dive into 24 reference books.
- Additional Steps: You must still take a Business Law Exam for North Carolina (and any other state you apply to) to finalize your licensure.
NASCLA Member States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and US Virgin Islands.
Detailed Exam Breakdown
Exam Logistics & Requirements
- Trade Exam Passing Score: 70% for both exams.
- Questions: NC Building (90 questions) vs. NASCLA (115 questions).
- Attempts: NASCLA limits you to 3 attempts in 12 months; NC Building has no limit within the same period.
- Application Fees: Both require NC state fees ($75–$125), but NASCLA adds a $35 portal fee and a $130 exam fee.
| NC Building Exam | NASCLA Exam | |
| Where to Apply | NC General Contractor Licensing Boardwww.nclbgc.org | National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (1st)www.nascla.orgNC General Contractor Licensing Board (2nd)www.nclbgc.org |
| Application Fees | $75, $100 or $125 depending on license level | $35 with NASCLA.org, then $75, $100 or $125 to North Carolina depending on license level |
| Trade Exam Fees | $79 | $130 for the NASCLA Exam |
| Business Law Exam Required | No | Yes, for each state you want to use your NASCLA Exam to be licensed |
| Business Law Exam Fees | Not Applicable | $79 for the North Carolina Business Law Exam |
| States with Trade Exam Waiver Agreements | Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia | Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and US Virgin Islands |
| Attempts Permitted | No limit within 12 months | 3 times in 12 months |
| Number of Questions on the Trade Exam | 90 | 115 |
| Percent Required to Pass | 70% | 70% |
| Time Allowed | 3 hours and 20 minutes | 5 hours and 30 minutes |
| Number of Questions on the Business Law Exam | Not Applicable | 40 |
| Percent Required to Pass | Not Applicable | 70% |
| Time Allowed | Not Applicable | 90 minutes |
| Books | 17 | 24 plus |
| Book Allowed Into Exam | 8 | 24 |
| # of Books Recommended with Seminar | 10 | 24 |
| Recommended Book Cost | $735 | $2190 |
The Business Law Requirement
One of the biggest differences is the NC Business Law Exam.
- NC Building Exam candidates: Not applicable.
- NASCLA candidates: Must pass a 40-question Business Law exam (70% passing score) with a 90-minute time limit. The fee for this extra exam is $79.
Final Summary
If you want a North Carolina General Contractor license with the least amount of “red tape” and expense, the NC Building Exam is the better choice. Including any of the reciprocating states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia. However, if you see your business expanding into states like Nevada or West Virginia, including on-reciprocating states, such as Arizona, Arkansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia or the US Virgin Islands. In the future, the NASCLA Exam is a powerful long-term investment.
Have Questions?
We are here to help you navigate the licensing process.
- Call us: 704-663-5880
- Email: Info@CarolinaSeminars.com
- Official Boards: NCLBGC.org | NASCLA.org