How to Become a General Contractor in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a General Contractor license typically requires a 90-question national plus state exam, a 70% passing score.
Bids and manages construction projects. Most states license contractors through a state board; requirements range from registration to a written exam (e.g. California CSLB). Requirements change — always confirm with North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) before paying.
Licensing steps in North Carolina
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by PSI with a 180-minute time limit; you need 70% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
application $75
- 5Stay current
License renews every 1 years with 8 hours of continuing education.
General Contractor requirements — North Carolina at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | PSI |
| Questions (national/state) | 90 / — |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | $75 |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 1 years · 8 CE |
| Reciprocity | Trade-exam waiver with 7 southeastern states (SC, TN, LA, GA, MS, AL, FL); NC Business & Law exam always required |
Official source: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) ↗
Transferring a General Contractor license between states
NASCLA accredited examination. General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state.
Confirm your destination is still on NASCLA's participating agency list and check what else its board requires. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a General Contractor license in North Carolina?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the General Contractor exam in North Carolina?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by North Carolina; check the state board.
What does the General Contractor license cost in North Carolina?
the application fee is $75
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to North Carolina?
NASCLA accredited examination: General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state. For North Carolina specifically, our dataset notes: Trade-exam waiver with 7 southeastern states (SC, TN, LA, GA, MS, AL, FL); NC Business & Law exam always required.
Plan your General Contractor licensing in North Carolina
Work the road in order — check what North Carolina requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the General Contractor exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and North Carolina reciprocity.
General Contractor tools for North Carolina
Every step of the North Carolina General Contractor road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) (retrieved 2026-08-20).