North Carolina General Contractor License
A contractor’s license is required in North Carolina if you are performing work greater than $40,000.
Benefits Of Having A Contractor's License In North Carolina
Contractors in North Carolina are a step ahead. Discover the benefits of obtaining your contractor’s license in NC.
Client Relationship
Build confidence with your clients by showing them that you’re qualified and have the required license for the work you are performing.
Rules And Regulations
Stay in compliance with the North Carolina Licensing Board of General Contractors.
Higher Value Projects
Perform higher value projects with a contractors license and make more money.
How To Get Your Contractor's License
NASCLA Exam
At passthenasclaexam.com, we offer comprehensive training to help you successfully pass the NASCLA exam. This contractor licensing exam is recognized in 17 states as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Due to its broad acceptance, transferring your license becomes much easier if your business expands or you relocate. Explore the advantages of obtaining your contractor’s license in North Carolina—and how the NASCLA exam can help you achieve that goal.
The Process
NC General Contractor Application Requirements
Before you begin the process of obtaining your general contractor’s license in North Carolina, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with both the application steps and exam requirements. Visit the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors to review the official guidelines. Here are a few important details to keep in mind as you get started.
1. NC Contractors License Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Be legally allowed to work in the United States
- Meet the financial requirements
2. Financial Requirements
Limited License
- Allows for a project limit up to $750,000 per project
- Minimum working capital of $17,000
- Net worth of at least $18,000, or
- A $175,000 surety bond
Intermediate License
- Allows for a project limit up to $1,500,000 per project
- Minimum working capital of $75,000, or
- A $500,000 surety bond
Unlimited License
- No project limit size
- Minimum working capital of $150,000, or
- A $1,000,000 surety bond
3. Provide Reference Letters
- In North Carolina it is required to submit three (3) reference letters as part of the contractors license application
- Each reference letter should include:
- The name of the person providing the letter
- Their mailing address, email, and phone number
- Details in regarding the applicants knowledge in the field and their experience
- The date the reference was written
- (NOTE: The reference letter must be written 12 within 12 months prior to the application submission)
- These reference letters are a critical component of the licensing process, as they help the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors assess the applicant's character and suitability for licensure.
4. Pass The Required Exams
1. Trade Exam (Classification-Specific)
Applicants must pass a trade exam corresponding to their desired license classification, such as Building, Residential, or Highway. Each classification has its own examination tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required.
2. Business and Law Exam
In addition to the trade exam, applicants are required to pass the North Carolina Business and Law exam. This exam assesses knowledge of business practices, construction law, and project management relevant to contracting in North Carolina.
3. NASCLA Accredited Exam
Alternatively, applicants may choose to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. This exam is accepted by multiple states and can serve as a substitute for the North Carolina trade exam. However, even if you opt for the NASCLA exam, you must still pass the North Carolina Business and Law exam.
At PassTheNASCLAExam.com, we specialize in preparing future contractors for the NASCLA exam. Why do we recommend the NASCLA exam? Because it is widely accepted—currently recognized by 17 states. With such broad reciprocity, the NASCLA exam makes it easier to expand your license if you relocate or grow your business. Not having to retake technical exams is a huge benefit. That’s why we strongly recommend the NASCLA exam as your technical licensing path.
5. Submit Your NC Contractor's Application
After passing the required exams submit your application with all of the required documents. The North Carolina contractors license application fees are as follows:
- Limited License: $75
- Intermediate License: $100
- Unlimited License: $125
1
Study For Your Exams
Study for the NASCLA exam and the Business, Law and Project Management exam. At passthenasclaexam.com we offer NASCLA exam prep to get you prepared to pass on the first try.
2
Pass Your Exams
Pass the NASCLA exam and submit your transcript to the Board. Pass the Business, Law, and Project Management exam.
3
Submit Your Application
Submit your general contractor’s license exam to the NCLBGC, get approved and receive your license.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
Learn More
About PassTheNASCLAExam.com
At passthenasclaexam.com we are dedicated to providing the tools you need to pass the NASCLA exam and obtain your contractor’s license.
NC Contractor License FAQ
Do you have questions about getting your contractor’s license in North Carolina? Check if we have your questions answered here. If not, reach out to our team! We are excited to help.
You must be at least 18 years old to get a NC contractors license.
Yes, with the NASCLA exam you will be pursuing the Building Contractor license. This allows you to perform commercial and residential work.
A limited contractor license can perform up to $750,000 per individual project.
An intermediate contractor License can perform individual projects up to $1,500,000 in NC.
There is no individual project dollar limit on unlimited contractor license in NC.
You must have current assets that exceed current liabilities by at least $17,000 for a Limited contractors license in NC. You may also have a minimum net worth of $80,000 or provide a $175,000 surety bond in lieu of the working capital.
You must have current assets that exceed current liabilities by at least $75,000 for an intermediate contractors license in NC. You may also provide a $500,000 surety bond in lieu of demonstrating the working capital.
You must have current assets that exceed current liabilities by $150,000 for an Unlimited Contractor’s License in NC.
The NASCLA exam has a $35 application fee. Then, to sit for the exam there is an additional $130 fee.
The NC Business and Law Exam is an exam taken to understand some of the contractor rules and regulations in North Carolina. This exam will be taken after passing the NASCLA exam to get your NC general contractor license. This exam is open book and requires the NC Business and Law book, the 811 Guide, and the Erosion and Sedimentation Guide. This exam is less difficult than the NASCLA exam.
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