
How to Get a North Carolina General Contractor License
- Register Your Business. Before you can get a general contractor business, you must register your business. You can do...
- Submit an Application for a License. Once you have registered your business in North Carolina, you can then submit an...
- Pass the Qualifying License Exam. If the Board determines that your...
How to find a general contractor license in North Carolina?
NC Contractor License Lookup To conduct an NC general contractor search, and to verify a contractor by license number or name, visit the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors license search database. See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States South Carolina contractors license
How do I take the nascla exam in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors accepts the NASCLA exam for the Building classification. However, the NASCLA exam is administered by the NASCLA organization. If you wish to take the NASCLA exam, you would do so prior to applying for the NC General Contractors License by contacting NASCLA at (866)948-3363 or through ...
How do I get a business license in North Carolina?
All regulations and requirements to become licensed will be handled by the board, including having financial statements audited, examinations, and paying all the associated fees. Additionally, the NC Secretary of State requires that all business must register and obtain a business license to operate in North Carolina.
How to get a real estate license in North Carolina?
In order to apply for the license, you will have to visit the official website of North Carolina Licensing Board and download the application form. You can also request one by mailing an application fee at least two weeks before your deadline to become eligible in time.

How long does it take to get a general contractor's license in North Carolina?
between 2-3 weeksYour NC general license application will take between 2-3 weeks to be reviewed and approved, provided you meet all requirements and include all necessary documents with your submission.
How much does it cost to become a general contractor in North Carolina?
To become licensed in North Carolina, a general contractor must pass a qualifying exam and submit an application and the required fee to the Board. Currently, the fees are $75 for a limited license, $100 for an intermediate license, and $125 for an unlimited license.
Is the NC general contractor test hard?
It is a common misconception that since the builder exam is open book, it is not difficult to pass. In actuality the North Carolina construction license exam is more difficult to pass than similar closed book exams due to the fact that you have books available as a resource during the contractor exam.
Do general contractors need a license in NC?
If you want to be a General Contractor in North Carolina, it is important to get a General Contractor's License. According to NC § 87-1(a), you must be a licensed General Contractor to undertake construction on any project that has a total value of $30,000 or more.
Can you be your own general contractor in North Carolina?
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.
How many questions are on the NC General Contractors exam?
Test InformationExam InformationExam Fee$130Number of Questions115Passing Score70% or 81 QuestionsTime Limit330 Minutes
Is the NC general contractor test open book?
This examination is OPEN BOOK.
How much work can you do without a contractor license in NC?
It's fast, easy, affordable, and done right. North Carolina requires that any general contractors working on contracts in excess of $30,000 obtain a license.
How do I pass the North Carolina residential contractors exam?
To pass the exam, you must get a score of 70% or higher. This exam is open book, so you may bring approved reference books with you in case you need them. Check out our list of approved reference books.
How do I become a general contractor?
General Contractors Eligibility CriteriaHigh school diploma or GED.Ability to work legally in the United States.Clean work record.4 years of experience at the journeyman level or above in the past 10 years.Pass the contractors license exam.
Do I need a contractors license to flip houses in NC?
No, you do not legally need a contractor's license to flip houses.
How do I get a general contractor's license in South Carolina?
To be eligible for licensure, applicants must pass a technical exam (when required), a business management/law exam and be able to document two (2) years of experience within the last 5 years for the classification(s) of work in which you are applying.
How difficult is the Nascla exam?
The NASCLA exam is a challenging test. You will need to spend a reasonable amount of time studying and becoming familiar with the material to pass the exam. This license will allow you to work in various accepting jurisdictions, opening up your potential to earn business and make money.
How much is the minimum working capital required to take the NC contractors license exam?
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT LIMITS: Required minimum working capital amounts are $17,000. for Limited, $75,000. for Intermediate, $150,000. for Unlimited licenses.
How do I become a home builder in NC?
How do I get a license? To obtain a license you must complete the Application for License to Practice General Contracting in the State of North Carolina which is available on the Boards website at www.nclbgc.org. The application must fully comply with all requirements established by the Board's statutes and rules.
Does a handyman need a license in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not issue handyman licenses. Handyman professionals are required to apply for a general contractor license in order to work on projects that exceed $30,000. The North Carolina licensing board restricts the types of services that handyman professionals are authorized to provide.
North Carolina Contractors License: Your Options
All applications that are submitted will be looked over by the North Carolina Board For General Contractors. The board has been put together by the...
Contractors License NC: Step-By-Step
North Carolina actually works a little different with the things that they require in order to receive your North Carolina contractors license.The...
See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States
1. South Carolina contractors license 2. General contractor license GA 3. Tennessee contractors license 4. Virginia contractors license 5. General...
The Documents You Need to Send
After printing out this application/instruction booklet PDF, you can have a look at the list below to see what documents you will need to send in w...
NC Contractor License: Submitting Your Application
Now after you have all of those documents ready, your application filled out, and your application fee ready, you are ready to submit your applicat...
North Carolina Contractors License: The Exam
After receiving your letter of eligibility from the board, you will need to register to take the exam that is given by PSI.This exam will cover eve...
How to get a contractor license in NC?
Contractors in North Carolina (NC) will need to get their general contractors license through the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. All regulations and requirements to become licensed will be handled by the board, including having financial statements audited, examinations, and paying all the associated fees. North Carolina contractors may also want to become bonded and insured at the time of licensing, so they can work across all municipalities.
How long does it take to get a NC business license?
Pay all associated application and licensing fees. Your NC general license application will take between 2-3 weeks to be reviewed and approved, provided you meet all requirements and include all necessary documents with your submission.
How to verify a contractor in NC?
To conduct an NC general contractor search, and to verify a contractor by license number or name, visit the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors license search database .
What is the minimum working capital required for a general contractor in NC?
Must have a minimum working capital of $17,000, $80,000 net worth, or $350,000 surety bond.
How to register a business in NC?
Business registration will be done through the NC Secretary of State. Here you can find more details on registering your business, maintaining registration, choosing a business structure, and more. Certain cities or counties may also require a certificate of insurance before starting work — you can find out if this applies to you from your local city planning department.
Do you have to pay unemployment in NC?
Workers Compensation NC. Businesses with employees are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes under certain conditions . If your business is required to pay these taxes, you must register your business with the NC Industrial Commission.
ATTENTION: License applications are now being handled online at NCCLiC.org
Anyone seeking to be licensed as a general contractor in North Carolina shall submit an application and meet the following requirements.
Examinations
Computerized-based examinations for the Licensing Board for General Contractors are administered by PSI Examination Services. PSI publishes a Candidate Information Bulletin.
Homeowners Recovery Fund
The Homeowners Recovery Fund provides assistance to homeowners who have suffered a financial loss caused by the dishonest or incompetent conduct of a licensed general contractor. Find out if you are eligible to file a complaint and get details on the process.
News
The 2021 Continuing Education (CE) year will end on November 30, 2021 for all Qualifiers required to complete 8 hours of CE.
Meetings & Hearings
All meetings and hearings are held at the NCLBGC offices unless otherwise noted.
How long does a contractor license last in North Carolina?
In case you fail the renewal process, then most likely you will have to retake the exam and get recertified again before your 2-year license expires in order to continue practicing as a contractor in North Carolina.
What is a general contractor license?
A general contractor’s license is basically a permit that authorizes you to carry out construction works such as foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and many more for a client. This article will assist you in understanding how to get a general contractor’s license in North Carolina. Contents: [ show]
What happens after you pass your licensing test?
After Passing your Tests. Once you have passed your test, the licensing board will inform you of the next step. They may ask you to wait for a while before giving you your results or they might notify you immediately after taking the tests. It is then up to you whether to accept the offer or not.
How old do you have to be to get a construction license?
Before you proceed with the application process, it is important that you know whether you are qualified to get a license. So, first, you must be 18 years of age or older. Second, you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance for your vehicle (if driving to different construction sites).
Do you need a driver's license to drive to construction sites?
A valid driver’s license and insurance on your vehicle if driving to different construction sites. If not , then be sure to provide the names of three people who drive to the construction sites on your behalf.
How to get a general contractor license in NC?
To be able to apply at the NCLBGC for a license, you will need to be allowed to conduct business in North Carolina. Registrations are issued by the NC Secretary of State. 2. Complete your license application . You can then proceed with completing the North Carolina general contractor license application.
How to complete a license application?
To successfully complete the application you will need to: Specify the license classification (s) and limitation you are applying for. Complete the balance sheet included in the application. Provide a financial statement – requirements for the statement are described in detail in the application.
How Much Does a North Carolina License Bond Cost?
You will have to pay a premium for a surety bond to secure it. The premium you will pay will be a percentage of your total bond amount.
What is a qualifier in a license?
When an exam is passed by someone on behalf of a license, that person is considered a qualifier. Qualifiers are managing employees, officers, or other personnel in your company who have passed exams. The licensee is the entity (company) that applies for the license, whereas the qualifier is the person that passes the exam.
How long does it take to get your license after passing the exam?
It will then review your application once more, typically within about two weeks, and issue your license.
When do you have to renew your license?
Licenses are renewed yearly on January 1. The renewal period begins in October. Any licenses not renewed within 60 days of expiring go invalid. There is a $10 monthly penalty fee for any license renewal that has been filed on or after January 1.
What is a contractor license bond?
The contractor license bond is a central requirement for contractors in North Carolina. The bond guarantees contractors’ compliance with the North Carolina Administrative Code. In particular, according to the Code, the bond is for the benefit of anyone who is damaged by a contractor due to a breach of a construction contract or a contract for ...
What is a residential contractor license in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Residential Contractor license classification covers all types of construction activity pertaining to the construction of (single - not multi unit) residential units that are required to conform to the residential code adopted by the Building Code Council. It covers all site-work, driveways and sidewalks ancillary to the residential structure and the work done as part of such residential units under the specialty classifications of Insulation, Masonry, and Swimming Pools.
How many companies can you qualify for in NC?
A person may serve as a qualifier for up to 2 companies in NC.
How to get a license in another state?
To apply for a license in another state you will need to contact the licensing board in that state for the process and requirements. The other boards typically require a license verification from the North Carolina Licensing Board. To receive a verification, you will need to fax, mail, or email ( [email protected]) a request that includes the name on the license, the license number, the state you are needing a verification for, and attach any forms required by that state. Once received it can take about 2 weeks to process before the verification is sent out.
How long does it take to get a new application?
New applications take about 2 weeks for initial processing. If corrections are required, you will be contacted by email or phone to provide updated information. After initial processing, if an exam is required, you will be sent an eligibility letter that will allow you to schedule the exam.
What is a qualifier in a business license?
A qualifier is a responsible managing employee, owner, officer, or member of an LLC or partnership who successfully completes the examination required for licensing. Exams completed by qualifiers determine the classification (s) on the license. Qualifiers may qualify up to two licenses provided the qualifier is a managing employee, owner, officer or member of an LLC or partnership. Qualifiers are not licensees but are the holders of a qualifying credential that is required for licensure. Qualifying exams can be transferred between licenses however licenses themselves cannot be transferred. See NCAC Title 21 Chapter 12A .0205 (a).
How many licenses can a qualifier have?
Qualifiers may qualify up to two licenses provided the qualifier is a managing employee, owner, officer or member of an LLC or partnership. Qualifiers are not licensees but are the holders of a qualifying credential that is required for licensure.
What is the difference between a license and a classification?
Limitation determines the dollar size of the projects that can be undertaken with the license (see description of limitations). Classification determine s the type of work that can be performed using the license (see list of classifications and their definitions).
What is the limit of a contractor's license?
The intermediate license allows contractors to undertake individual projects up to $1,000,000 each. The unlimited license has no dollar limit on the size of the projects that can be undertaken.
What is a NASCLA waiver?
NASCLA Waiver Form: This form is used to add someone who has completed a NASCLA exam and is not currently on a North Carolina License. Examination Waiver Form: This form is used to add an individual who completed an accepted examination from another state.
What licenses are needed for contractors in North Carolina?
These include general and specialty licenses, electrical, landscape, and plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler licenses. The licensing process and requirements for any of these licenses vary because they are issued by different licensing bodies.
How to get a contractor license?
To get any of the above licenses, applicants will need to apply at the respective State Board by submitting the application forms, passing a qualifying examination and, in some cases, submitting financial guarantees such as a surety bond. An exam is held by all types of contractor license applicants!
How much surety bond is required for a plumber in Greensboro?
A $2,000 surety bond is required of all applicants in the city of Greensboro for an electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical, refrigeration, HVAC and concrete contractor license. Contractors who perform demolition, grading and house moving in the city, on the other hand, must post a $5,000 bond.
How much does a general contractor license cost?
General contractors license – $75 for a limited, $100 for an intermediate, and $125 for an unlimited license classification. Electrical contractor license – $85 for a limited, $130 for an intermediate, and $180 for an unlimited license classification.
What are the different types of contractors licenses?
Additionally, all of these licenses are issued for three different classifications – limited, intermediate, and unlimited – depending on the working capital of the contractor. These classifications allow contractors to work on projects that have a particular cost but not above that cost.
What is a Class I license?
There is a variety of licenses in each of these categories with the main distinctions between being that Class I licenses that cover systems for all types of buildings and Class II licenses which are limited to single-family detached dwellings only.
Does North Carolina have a contractor license?
The state of North Carolina issues various licenses for contractors, depending on the type of work they perform.
