Thinking about getting your North Carolina general contractor’s license? Whether you’re launching your own business, or expanding your skillset, becoming a licensed contractor is a powerful move. It will boost your credibility in the marketplace and open doors to higher-paying projects.
In this article, we will break down the available North Carolina general contractor’s licenses and their scopes of work, why you need a license, and how National Contractors Seminars, Inc. supports your path to obtain yours.
Why Should I Have a North Carolina General Contractor’s License?
North Carolina general contractor’s licenses legally allow you to perform construction, renovation, repair or demolition services on residential or commercial properties in North Carolina. In North Carolina, you must have the appropriate general contractor’s license to work on any project where the cost of the undertaking exceeds $40,000.
North Carolina offers a choice of (3) general contractor’s licenses:
- The North Carolina Residential License – this license allows holders to construct, repair, remodel or demolish any single-family residence, duplex, tri-plex or quad-plex in North Carolina.
- The North Carolina Building License – this license allows holders all rights and privileges of a North Carolina Residential license, plus, they may construct any other type of commercial or industrial structure in North Carolina.
- NASCLA Commercial License – This is the National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies commercial contractor’s exam. This is a two-part examination that is accepted by North Carolina and is transportable to sixteen (16) other NASCLA accepting states. Part 1 is the national Trade Exam. Part 2 is the North Carolina Business & Law Exam. Once both parts are passed, the holder will receive a North Carolina Building License.
North Carolina License Summary:
How Many Attempts Do I Have to Pass The North Carolina General Contractor’s Exams Annually?
- NC-Residential: Unlimited attempts within the eligibility period.
- NC-Building: Unlimited attempts within the eligibility period.
- NASCLA: You may take the exam no more than three (3) times within one calendar year from the date of your initial examination. Failure to pass within three (3) attempts will cause a one (1) year waiting period from your initial test date for re-examination.
DID YOU KNOW? You must pay the full examination fee each time you retake any North Carolina general contractor’s exam. The NC Residential and NC-Building fees are $79.00 and the NASCLA exam costs $130.00.
Here’s why obtaining your license isn’t just a formality, it’s a major career milestone:
✅ Legally required in most states for large-scale or specialized work
✅ Builds trust with clients and investors
✅ Opens bidding opportunities on government and commercial projects
✅ Protects you from fines or legal trouble
✅ Sets you apart from unlicensed competitors
Whether you’re researching “how to get a contractor license” or wondering “what does it take to get a contractor’s license,” the process doesn’t have to be complicated and should not be done without proper guidance.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most pre-license information about North Carolina general contractor’s licenses comes from sources not in the contractor licensing industry – such as family, friends, co-workers and licensed general contractors people know. Well-intended advice often is the quickest way to confusion, delays and added expenses.
What Are the Basic Requirements to Get Licensed in North Carolina?
Before you begin the journey down the road to licensure, it is very important to make sure you meet the four (4) requirements below.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants must be of good moral character.
- Applicants must be able to provide evidence of financial responsibility.
IMPORTANT TIPS: Step 3 is where the most common – and the most easily avoidable mistakes are made. You should not make any purchases or major decisions about your North Carolina general contractor’s license until you fully understand the information about that exam!
- Applicants must complete the application and pay a non-refundable fee and must subsequently pass their examination with a score of 70% correct or better.
Choose the correct license type that suits your goals and needs.
Are you aiming for a North Carolina Residential, a North Carolina Building or a NASCLA license? Or are you sure which exam type is right for you?
DID YOU KNOW?
Most individuals apply for their North Carolina general contractor’s license based on information obtained from a source familiar to them – who likely are not qualified to give such information. It often leads to confusion, extra costs, and unnecessary delays.
Choose a seasoned company to guide you.
This is a journey that should not be ventured alone. Do not assume that you don’t need exam preparation help – because you do. construction experience, education level or degree, or because they think they are good test-takers.
IMPORTANT TIP: All North Carolina general contracting exams are difficult. No one exam is easier than the other. It’s all about how well prepared you are. The exams are not about what you know and do in the field and are more about what the examiner wants you to know. They are two very different things.
MOVING FORWARD TOWARD YOUR NORTH CAROLINA LICENSE:
- Submit your North Carolina Application to:
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
5400 Creedmoor Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
(919) 571 – 4183
- Receive Your Eligibility Letter from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors:
Upon approval by the Board, you will be notified by mail with an Examination Eligibility Letter. This letter contains instructions for you to register for, and take, your contractors’ exam.
- Pass Your North Carolina General Contractor’s Exam.
You’ll need to show knowledge of building codes, project management, safety regulations and most importantly how to take this exam. It is designed to get the best of you, especially if you take it like you’ve taken other tests.
DID YOU KNOW? Running out of time is the leading cause of failure.
DID YOU KNOW? Running out of time is due to lack of preparedness.
DID YOU KNOW? Once you realize this on exam day, it’s too late.
DID YOU KNOW? You have 120 days from the date of your eligibility letter to take your first North Carolina general contractor’s exam.
DID YOU KNOW? You must achieve a score of 70% or greater to pass.
Submit your North Carolina Application
Include background checks, financial statements, insurance, and other paperwork and don’t forget to pay the non-refundable license fee! The Board meets twice monthly to approve new licenses. If, at the time they meet, your file is complete with an approved application and an exam transcript with a passing grade, your license will be issued soon.
REMEMBER: Even after you pass your exam or exams, you are not a licensed contractor in North Carolina until the Board informs you that you are and provides you with a LICENSE and QUALIFIER number.
This Is How National Contractors Seminars, Inc., Helps You Get Licensed
We simplify the licensing process so you can focus on your craft— and not the red tape. Here’s what we offer:
🔹COMPREHENSIVE CONTRACTOR EXAM PREPARATION:
We have been in business for over four decades.
We’ve helped over 41,000 students (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) pass their exams.
Our licensing instruction is always live, and in person (via site seminars or webinars).
We specialize in helping students with no, some or tons of work experience.
We teach you how to navigate your books, how to know what book to go to, how to quickly find correct answers, and how to stay on track so you can pass!
Our student support is legendary.
🔹PRIVATE TUTORING – for students who need learning support, or have failed their exam previously, or are about to lose a major contract, or if you prefer to learn one-on-one. Tutoring at your place of business, ours, or via webinar. No one is out of reach.
🔹COMPLETE BOOK AND TAB STORE– get everything you need to pass that’s 100% compliant all from one convenient source!
🔹DIGTAL PRACTICE TESTS – Access the practice tests everyone else wishes they had. 24/7/365. We can even build customized practice tests based on what you need!
🔹CONTINUING EDUCATION — Services currently offered for Georgia and North Carolina.
🔹SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS – Speaking engagements for universities, colleges, community colleges, trade schools, trade associations, realty/realtor groups, and Home Builder’s Associations nationwide.
Start Building Your Future—Legally and Professionally
If you’re serious about becoming a licensed contractor, we’re eager to help you make the right decision for you. We’re more eager to support you every step of the way. But we’re most eager to be a part of our future success as a licensed general contractor.
Contact us today: 1 (828) 277–3999 or via email: info@nationalcontractorsseminars.com
Let’s start building your career.