North Carolina Contractor License Reciprocity

North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. These agreements may allow you to skip certain trade exams when applying for a license in those states, or when applying for a North Carolina license with credentials from those states.

States That Accept a North Carolina License

Alabama

Trade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.

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Arkansas

HVAC license reciprocity; NC contractors may apply without trade exam

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California

Trade exam waived if CA license active 5+ years

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Florida

Trade exam waived under specific conditions; must pass business/finance and code exams

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South Carolina

Trade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam. Residential: exam waiver for builder, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing if current license obtained by exam with no disciplinary action in last 3 years.

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Tennessee

Trade exam waiver for Residential, Commercial, Electrical. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.

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