General Contractor License Requirements in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) |
| License Type | General Contractor (Building/Residential) — Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited |
| Experience Required | No specific years-of-experience requirement — competence is demonstrated through the exam and financial standing. Must be at least 18 years old. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Trade Exam (Building or Residential) + Business & Law Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every year |
| Processing Time | 1-2 months (2-3 week review + 30-day hold) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $79 |
| Intermediate application | $100 |
| Unlimited application | $125 |
| Est. Initial Total | $379 |
Renewal: $75 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Trade Exam (Building or Residential)
Business & Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Limited
Projects up to $500,000. Requires $17,000 working capital or $175,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Intermediate
Projects up to $1,000,000. Requires $75,000 working capital or $500,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Unlimited
No project cap. Requires $150,000 working capital or $1,000,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- License required for projects $30,000+ (residential) or $40,000+ (commercial)
- NASCLA Accredited Exam accepted
- Fees shown are for Limited tier — Intermediate and Unlimited tiers cost more
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina requires a statewide general contractor license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in North Carolina?
The estimated initial cost is $154, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in North Carolina?
No specific years-of-experience requirement — competence is demonstrated through the exam and financial standing. Must be at least 18 years old.
What exams are required for a general contractor license in North Carolina?
You must pass the Trade Exam (Building or Residential) and Business & Law Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does North Carolina have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 7 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in North Carolina?
Processing time is typically 1-2 months (2-3 week review + 30-day hold) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in North Carolina?
Yes, 8 hours per every year is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NCLBGC