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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $154 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Intermediate application | $100 |
| Unlimited application | $125 |
Renewal: $75 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Trade Exam (Building or Residential)
Business & Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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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
Local requirements on top of your North Carolina license
The NCLBGC general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in North Carolina. On top of it, most North Carolina cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
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.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in North Carolina— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NCLBGC