The state of North Carolina requires general contractors to be licensed in order to perform certain types of construction work. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified contractors. To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, an individual must meet certain requirements and follow a specific process.
License Requirements

To be eligible for a general contractor license in North Carolina, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least 4 years of experience in the construction industry. This experience can be gained through a combination of work experience and education. For example, an individual with 2 years of experience and 2 years of education in a construction-related field may be eligible for a license.
License Classifications
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors issues licenses in three different classifications: Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited. The Limited classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of 500,000 or less. The Intermediate classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of 500,000 to 1,000,000. The Unlimited classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of over 1,000,000.
License Classification | Project Value |
---|---|
Limited | $500,000 or less |
Intermediate | $500,000 to $1,000,000 |
Unlimited | Over $1,000,000 |

Licensing Process

To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, an individual must submit an application to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The application must include proof of experience, education, and passing scores on the licensing exam. The licensing exam is administered by the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) and covers topics such as business and finance, contracts, and construction law.
Licensing Exam
The licensing exam is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 90 questions. The exam is divided into two parts: the business and law exam and the construction exam. The business and law exam covers topics such as contracts, liability, and ethics. The construction exam covers topics such as building codes, safety, and construction methods.
Key Points
- The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors issues licenses in three different classifications: Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited.
- To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, an individual must meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having at least 4 years of experience in the construction industry.
- The licensing exam is administered by the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) and covers topics such as business and finance, contracts, and construction law.
- The licensing process includes submitting an application, paying a fee, and passing the licensing exam.
- Licensed general contractors in North Carolina must complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
Maintenance and Renewal
Licensed general contractors in North Carolina must complete continuing education courses to maintain their license. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors requires licensed contractors to complete 8 hours of continuing education courses every 2 years. The courses must cover topics such as construction law, contracts, and safety.
Continuing Education Courses
The continuing education courses must be approved by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The courses can be taken online or in-person, and must be completed within the 2-year renewal period. Licensed contractors who fail to complete the required continuing education courses may have their license revoked or suspended.
What are the requirements for becoming a licensed general contractor in North Carolina?
+To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least 4 years of experience in the construction industry. They must also pass the licensing exam and submit an application to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
What is the difference between the Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited license classifications?
+The Limited classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of $500,000 or less. The Intermediate classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of $500,000 to $1,000,000. The Unlimited classification is for contractors who perform work on projects with a value of over $1,000,000.
How do I maintain my general contractor license in North Carolina?
+To maintain your general contractor license in North Carolina, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education courses every 2 years. The courses must cover topics such as construction law, contracts, and safety, and must be approved by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
In conclusion, becoming a licensed general contractor in North Carolina requires meeting certain requirements, passing the licensing exam, and completing continuing education courses to maintain the license. Licensed general contractors must also adhere to the rules and regulations set by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. By following these guidelines, contractors can ensure that they are providing high-quality services to their clients and maintaining the integrity of the construction industry in North Carolina.