North Carolina requires a general contractor license from the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) for larger construction projects, commonly those of $40,000 or more (confirm the current threshold under G.S. 87-1). The license belongs to the business entity, and the exam is taken by a designated qualifier. This guide covers the license tiers, financial requirements, the PSI exam, and renewal.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Trade ExperienceNot Required
- Application Fee$75-$125
- RenewalAnnual
- CE Needed8 Hours/Yr
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
North Carolina's requirements are financial rather than experience-based (G.S. 87-10):
- Limited: Working capital of at least $17,000 or net worth of at least $80,000.
- Intermediate: Working capital of at least $75,000 (audited or agreed-upon-procedures statement).
- Unlimited: Working capital of at least $150,000 (audited or agreed-upon-procedures statement).
- Surety bond alternative: $175,000 (Limited), $500,000 (Intermediate), or $1,000,000 (Unlimited).
- A qualifier who passes the exam; there is no trade experience requirement.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The typical path to a North Carolina general contractor license:
- Choose your limitation (Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited) and classification (Building, Residential, Highway, Public Utilities, or Specialty).
- Prepare the financial documentation for that limitation, or arrange the surety bond alternative.
- Submit the application to NCLBGC with the fee ($75, $100, or $125 by limitation).
- Have your qualifier schedule and pass the PSI exam, or submit a passing NASCLA Accredited Commercial Building transcript for the Building classification.
- Receive the license and set up the annual renewal and continuing education routine.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with NCLBGC.
- 3
Pass the general contractor exam
The exam is a computer-based test administered by PSI and taken by the qualifier, with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. For the Building classification, the Board accepts the NASCLA Accredited Commercial Building exam, taken through NASCLA before applying. Exam content is not tied to a single code edition; the NC State Building Code applies (2018 NC codes based on the 2015 I-Codes; confirm the current edition with the Building Code Council). Always confirm exam requirements with NCLBGC and the PSI candidate bulletin because formats and reference lists can change.
License Types
Unlimited License
No project value cap; requires working capital of at least $150,000 or a $1,000,000 surety bond.
- No project cap
- All classifications available
Limited License
Single projects up to $750,000; requires $17,000 working capital or $80,000 net worth.
- Project cap of $750,000
- Lowest financial bar
Details
Experience
Unlike most states, North Carolina imposes no trade experience requirement for the general contractor license. Eligibility rests on the entity's financial position (working capital, net worth, or a surety bond) and on the qualifier passing the exam for the classification sought. Practical construction knowledge still matters for the exam itself, which tests building codes, estimating, and project management alongside licensing law.
Details
Fees
Application fees are $75 for Limited, $100 for Intermediate, and $125 for Unlimited, with annual renewal at the same amounts. The PSI exam fee is paid separately and varies; see the PSI candidate bulletin. Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current fee amounts with NCLBGC and PSI before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
North Carolina general contractor licenses renew annually. Under G.S. 87-10.2, at least one qualifier of Building, Residential, and Unclassified licenses must complete 8 hours of continuing education per year: a 2-hour mandatory Board course plus 6 elective hours, completed by November 30 with a 90-day grace period. Noncompliance invalidates the license. Requirements can change; confirm current renewal and CE rules with NCLBGC before your deadline.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need a general contractor license in North Carolina?
A license is commonly required for construction projects of $40,000 or more, the threshold widely cited under G.S. 87-1 since 2022 (it was previously $30,000). Thresholds can change, so confirm the current figure with NCLBGC before taking on unlicensed work.
What financial requirements apply to the North Carolina contractor license?
Limited requires working capital of at least $17,000 or net worth of at least $80,000; Intermediate requires working capital of at least $75,000; Unlimited requires $150,000, with audited or agreed-upon-procedures statements for the two upper tiers. Surety bonds of $175,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000 are an alternative.
Who is the qualifier on a North Carolina contractor license?
The qualifier is the individual who passes the exam on behalf of the license, which belongs to the business entity. Qualifiers of Building, Residential, and Unclassified licenses also carry the annual continuing education duty. Confirm current qualifier rules with NCLBGC.
Does North Carolina accept the NASCLA exam or offer reciprocity?
There is no full contractor reciprocity, but NCLBGC accepts the NASCLA Accredited Commercial Building exam transcript for the Building classification, taken through NASCLA before applying. Confirm current details with the Board.
What continuing education does a North Carolina contractor need?
8 hours per year for at least one qualifier of Building, Residential, and Unclassified licenses: a 2-hour mandatory Board course plus 6 elective hours, completed by November 30 with a 90-day grace period. Noncompliance invalidates the license, so track the deadline carefully.
