Obtain Your License

Pursuing a career in the Construction field? Study at home for your North Carolina Construction license exam with our fully online, user-friendly, and self-paced course.

  • North Carolina Residential Builder License Complete Package

    $604.94

    The North Carolina Residential Builder License Exam Review complete package includes all the resources allowed to be taken into the exam, along with corresponding tabs and 365 days access to our online exam review course. The highlighting guides and quizzes are designed to familiarize students with testing materials. We do not provide students with exact test questions, as the state does not release this information.

    View Product
  • North Carolina Residential Builder License Exam Prep

    $219.99

    The North Carolina Residential Builder License Exam Review includes narrated highlighting guides, practice tests, theory, calculations, instructor support and test-taking tips and strategies. Topics include Construction Classification, Steel Decks, Wood Trusses, Carpentry, Steel Joists, Masonry, Pipe and Excavation, Safety, Protective Equipment and more. The highlighting guides and quizzes are designed to familiarize students with testing materials. We do not provide students with exact test questions, as the state does not release this information.

    View Product

Requirements To Complete

About This License

Residential Builder (General Contractor) classification covers all building construction activity pertaining to the construction of residential units which are required to conform to the residential building code. This also includes all site work, driveways and sidewalks.

This license is divided into three types: LimitedIntermediate, and Unlimited.

  • The Limited License has a financial limit per project of up to $500,000. In order to qualify, the applicant must be financially stable and show that they exceed their total liabilities by $17,000.
  • The Intermediate License has a financial limit of up to $1,000,000 per project. In order to qualify, the applicant must be financially stable and show that they exceed their total liabilities by $75,000.
  • The Unlimited License is not restricted to the value of the project. In order to qualify the applicant must be financially stable and show that they exceed their total liabilities by $150,000.

Requirements to Obtaining Your License

  • A “General Contractor” license is required in North Carolina when the project exceeds $30,000.
  • Anyone seeking to be licensed as a general contractor in North Carolina shall file an application for an examination on a form provided by the Board, at least 30 days before any regular or special meeting of the Board.
  • Applicants must submit a completed application to get pre-approval from the State Licensing Board to take the exam.
  • A surety bond is required.
  •  

Applying For Your License

You may contact North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors at (919) 571-4183.

Anyone seeking to be licensed as a general contractor in North Carolina shall submit an application and meet the following requirements.

  1. be at least 18 years old,
  2. possess good moral character, as determined by the Board
  3. provide evidence of financial responsibility, as determined by the Board
  4. submit the appropriate application fee.

Exam Details

  • Exam fee of $79.
  • The exam has 90 questions and a time limit of 210 minutes.
  • 70% is required to pass.
  • Pre-approval from the Board is required before taking the exam.
  • To schedule your exam, contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267.

Books and References for the Exam

These references are available to be purchased from our online bookstore. However, you can take 4 into the examination. They are:

  • 2018 North Carolina Residential Code
  • North Carolina OSHA
  • North Carolina Business and Project Management for General Contractors
  • 2018 North Carolina State Administration and Enforcements Code

The examination also pulls questions from the following references. However, these references are NOT permitted to be taken into the exam. Please note that these references are also available from our online bookstore or by contacting our office toll free at 1-800-952-0910.

Exam Review Education

We offer review for the North Carolina Residential Builder Contractor exam in a home study/online course format. The program takes you through each one of the reference books that the exam is based on showing you exactly what to highlight. After your highlighting is completed with each book, you have the option take an online practice test to reinforce concepts presented. Also, there is an extensive math and plans analysis portion. For more information, or to order, contact our office at 1-800-952-0910.

Continuing Education

Not required at this time.

Reciprocity Agreement

To ensure eligibility, please check with your particular jurisdiction before submitting an application.

How It Works

1

Obtain pre-approval from the state (if applicable).

2

Purchase Exam Prep materials.

3

Schedule and pass your state exams.

4

Submit to the state your application, licensing fee, and proof of insurance.