North Carolina General Contractor’s License Classifications

In North Carolina, two primary license classifications are available: the Residential Contractor’s license and the Commercial or Builder’s license. Additionally, candidates can opt to take the NASCLA exam for either of these licenses.

Residential Contractors License: This license authorizes construction related to single-unit residential structures. It encompasses various activities, including site work, demolition, driveways, sidewalks, water and wastewater systems, and more. The scope extends to specialty classifications such as insulation, masonry, swimming pools, and even the installation of solar panels.

Commercial or Builder’s License: This classification covers all building construction and demolition activity including; commercial, industrial, institutional, and all residential building construction. It includes installation of solar panels; parking decks; all site work, grading and paving of parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and gutters; storm drainage, and swimming pools.

Steps to get your North Carolina General Contractor’s License

• 1. Determine which license you want a Residential or a Commercial license.
• 2. If you are getting a commercial license, we recommend utilizing the NASCALA exam over the North Carolina Builders exam. Here is why FAQ NASCLA VS Builder

Residential License Steps

• 1. Submit your application. (Super Easy Takes 4 weeks for approval) 
• 2. Get your training material for Residential Contractor.
• 3. 1 Hour a day for 4 weeks and you should be ready for the exam.
• 4. Pass the exam and you will be Issue a license within three to five business days after you passed the exam.

NASCLA Steps (Test First then apply)

• 1. Purchase your NASCLA training material this is a completely open book exam
• 2. Studying with our course one hour a day for 6 weeks is typically what most of our students do you should be ready.
• 3. Register with NASCLA.org and Pass the NASLCA exam.
• 4. Go to NASCLA.org and electronically send the transcript to North Carolina.
• 5. Submit your application to the North Carolina licensing board this again typically takes 30 days to get your approval. Reference the transcript number you were given.
• 6. Once approved you will take the North Carolina Business and Law exam which is an open book exam of 40 questions, 90 minutes long our training includes this as well.
• 7. Your license will be issued to you within 3-5 business days

North Carolina Builder Steps (Apply First, then test)

• 1. If you choose to do the North Carolina Builders exam You must submit your application. first and receive the approval from the board before you can sit for the exam.
• 2. Purchase your training material and if you can invest one hour a day you should be ready for this exam in 5 weeks.
• 3. Past Your exam and your license will be issued to you within 3-5 business days.