North Carolina General Contractor Licensing
North Carolina General Contractor Exam Resource Center
Everything you need to understand, schedule, prepare for and take a North Carolina general contractor exam is collected here. Use this page as a reference. You do not need to read it from top to bottom. Jump to the section that answers your question.
This resource covers Board approval, exam choices, costs, deadlines, approved books, test-day rules, scoring, retakes, testing locations and the official links you may need.
North Carolina Exam Quick Facts
- Exam company: PSI
- Exam fee: $79 for each attempt
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam type: Computer-based and open book
- Board approval: Required before scheduling
- Eligibility period: 120 days for one attempt
- Test-day arrival: At least 30 minutes early
- Results: Shown immediately after the exam
Who Runs the Licensing Process and the Exam?
Two organizations are involved. They do different jobs.
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
The NC Licensing Board reviews the license application, decides whether the applicant is eligible to test and issues the license after every requirement is complete. The Board sends the Eligibility Letter that tells the test taker which exam is approved.
PSI
PSI schedules and gives the exam. PSI also collects the $79 exam fee, runs the testing centers, checks identification and books, and provides the immediate score report.
No Eligibility Letter from the Board means PSI cannot schedule the exam.
Do You Need a North Carolina General Contractor License?
North Carolina generally requires a general contractor license when a person or business bids on, contracts for or manages a construction project valued at $40,000 or more. The license must be issued in the legal name that will bid, sign contracts and perform the work.
Some exceptions exist. Contact the Board before relying on an exception or beginning work without a license.
Plain-English License Terms
Classification
Classification means the type of work the license allows, such as Building, Residential, Highway, Public Utilities or a specialty trade.
Limitation
Limitation means the largest dollar value allowed for one project. It does not describe the type of work.
Qualifier
The qualifier is the person who passes the required exam for the license. The qualifier may be an owner, officer, member or responsible managing employee. Passing an exam makes that person a qualifier. It does not automatically issue a contractor license.
Licensee
The licensee is the person or legal business named on the contractor license. A qualifier and a licensee are not always the same person or entity.
License Project-Size Limits
Limited License
Allows work on one project valued up to $750,000. The application fee is $75. Financial proof generally requires at least $17,000 in working capital or $80,000 in net worth. A $175,000 surety bond may be used instead of the normal financial requirement.
Intermediate License
Allows work on one project valued up to $1.5 million. The application fee is $100. Financial proof generally requires at least $75,000 in working capital. A $500,000 surety bond may be used instead.
Unlimited License
Has no dollar limit on the value of one project. The application fee is $125. Financial proof generally requires at least $150,000 in working capital. A $1 million surety bond may be used instead.
Working capital means current assets minus current debts due soon.
Find the Correct Exam
Start with the work the license needs to cover. The final exam name will appear in the Eligibility Letter from the Board. Use that exact name when choosing books, exam preparation and the PSI appointment.
Main Contractor Classifications
- Building: Commercial, industrial, institutional and residential building construction, plus many related specialty areas.
- Residential: Homes and residential structures governed by the residential building code, plus related site and specialty work.
- Highway: Roads, paving, bridges, airport paving and related highway work.
- Public Utilities: Water, sewer, power distribution, communications, fuel distribution and related systems.
- Specialty: A specific construction trade or type of work, such as roofing, concrete, masonry, pools or grading.
Complete North Carolina Exam Directory
Every exam below requires a score of 70% to pass and costs $79 for each attempt. The number of questions and time limit depend on the exam.
Building Contractor Exam
90 questions | 200 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: site work, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, associated trades, business and law, safety, estimating, plan reading and building-code requirements, NC 811, erosion control, licensing, liens, sports fields.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Residential Contractor Exam
90 questions | 210 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: site work and foundations, concrete, masonry, carpentry, associated trades, roofing, plans, estimating and residential code, safety, licensing and business law, wind, coastal and erosion rules.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Highway Contractor Exam
90 questions | 265 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: asphalt paving, piles, grading, concrete paving, safety, NC 811, traffic control, concrete, metals, erosion control, tunneling, railroad work, marine work, licensing, liens, business law, sports fields.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Public Utilities Contractor Exam
100 questions | 240 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: grading, power distribution, fuel distribution, pools, concrete, shotcrete, water and sewer piping, communications, boring, erosion control, safety, liens, licensing, business law, NC 811, welding.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Business and Law Exam
40 questions | 90 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: erosion control, licensing, subcontractor payment rules, liens and bonds, NC 811.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Asbestos Exam
60 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: general asbestos knowledge, respirators, mini-enclosures and glove bags, work methods, laws, liens.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Boring and Tunneling Exam
60 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: boring and tunneling, site work, concrete, reinforcing, rigging, safety, NC 811, erosion control, liens, laws.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Communications Exam
45 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: MATV and cable TV, antennas, foundations and site work, steel erection, safety, erosion control, NC 811, underground cabling, liens, licensing.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Concrete Construction Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: safety, earthwork, concrete, reinforcing, formwork, cutting, precast and prestressed concrete, laws, liens, building code.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Electrical - Ahead of Point of Delivery Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: transformers, electrical knowledge, conductors, overhead lines, underground lines, equipment and safety, grounding, service drops, poles and structures, supply stations, laws, liens.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Fuel Distribution Exam
60 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: excavation, tanks and vaults, piping, pumps and controls, troubleshooting, fire safety, leak detection, erosion control, NC 811, laws, liens, gas.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Grading and Excavating Exam
45 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: general knowledge, excavating and grading, safety, liens, licensing, NC 811, erosion control.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Insulation Exam
40 questions | 90 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: general principles, liens, insulation types, radiant barriers and vapor retarders, safety, laws.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Interior Construction Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: asbestos removal, windows and doors, wood and metal framing, finish carpentry, drywall and plaster, flooring and finishes, ceilings, laws, liens, permits.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Marine Construction Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: CAMA areas, small docks, pile driving, concrete, reinforcing, safety, laws, liens, erosion control.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Masonry Construction Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: safety, concrete block, brick, specialty masonry, mortar and grout, laws, liens, building code.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Metal Erection Exam
65 questions | 150 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: metal roofing and siding, reinforcing steel, steel safety, general safety, steel decks, joists and girders, welding, bolting, laws, liens, metal fencing.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Railroad Construction Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: erosion control, track construction, concrete structures, safety, site work, NC 811, laws, liens.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Roofing Exam
60 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: safety, roof substrate, steep roofing, repairs, elastomeric roofing, built-up roofing, business law, sheet metal, licensing, liens, building code.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Swimming Pools Exam
60 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: filtration, maintenance, accessories and trades, concrete and shotcrete, design, laws, liens, NC 811, erosion control.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Sign/Billboard Exam
40 questions | 90 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: code requirements, laws, liens, NC 811, concrete, reinforcing, formwork, steel erection, welding, rigging, safety.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Water Lines and Sewer Lines Exam
45 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: safety, general knowledge, concrete pipe, ductile pipe, grading, liens, erosion control, NC 811, laws.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Water Purification and Sewage Disposal Exam
50 questions | 120 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: safety, shotcrete, concrete, reinforcing, grading, water rules, laws, liens, NC 811, erosion control, formwork.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Wind Turbine Exam
40 questions | 90 minutes | 70% required to pass | $79 per attempt
Subjects covered: installation, maintenance, generators, gearboxes, structures and towers, foundations, hoisting, electrical, safety.
Books and exam preparation: View the matching MCL exam resources
Board Application and Exam Eligibility
The Board must approve the license application or examination request before PSI can schedule the exam. New license applications are completed online.
Information the Application Requires
- The exact legal name that will hold the license
- The requested work classification and project-size limitation
- The name and information of the qualifier
- Required financial documents or an approved surety bond
- Three character references dated within the previous 12 months
- Background information and any required background check
- The nonrefundable Board application fee
Eligibility Letter
After the Board approves the exam request, it emails an Eligibility Letter. The letter names the approved exam and includes the state identification number PSI needs.
- The letter is valid for 120 days.
- The letter allows one exam attempt.
- A missed appointment counts as the attempt.
- The legal name in the PSI account must match the photo ID used on test day.
PSI Scheduling and Appointment Information
The exam may be scheduled online or by phone after the Eligibility Letter arrives.
What to Have Ready
- The state identification number from the Eligibility Letter
- The legal first and last name exactly as shown on the test-day ID
- A preferred test center and several possible dates
- A valid credit card for the $79 fee
Online Scheduling
PSI online scheduling is available at any time. Enter a ZIP code to view nearby test centers and available appointments.
Phone Scheduling
Call PSI at 855-746-8173. Have the Eligibility Letter and a payment card ready.
Canceling or Changing an Appointment
PSI must receive the cancellation or change at least two days before the appointment. Use the PSI website or speak directly with a PSI representative. Voicemail and email do not count as cancellation.
The $79 fee is lost after a late cancellation, missed appointment, late arrival or failure to present acceptable identification.
Testing Outside North Carolina
PSI operates testing centers in other states. Call 855-746-8173 and ask for an available out-of-state location.
Open-Book Exam and Approved Reference Rules
North Carolina contractor exams are open book, but open book does not mean any book is allowed. Bring only the references approved for the exact exam named in the Eligibility Letter.
Allowed Before Test Day
- Highlighting
- Underlining
- Permanent tabs that tear the page if removed
- Complete printed building-code references when the bulletin allows them and they are properly bound
Not Allowed
- Handwritten notes in a book
- Writing on tabs
- Post-It flags or other removable tabs
- Loose paper or added pages
- Only part of a downloaded reference
- A book that is not approved for the exact exam
PSI inspects references. A rejected reference may not enter the testing room.
Printed Building-Code References
Only references related to building codes may be copied or printed when the official exam list allows it. The complete reference must be spiral bound or placed in a three-ring binder. Partial printouts are not accepted.
Calculator
An allowed calculator must be silent, battery-operated, nonprinting and nonprogrammable. It may not have a keyboard containing the alphabet.
PSI can provide a magnifying glass if requested before the exam begins.
What the Computer Exam Is Like
Tutorial
A computer tutorial of up to 15 minutes is available before the exam. Tutorial time does not reduce the exam time.
Questions and Timer
One question appears at a time. The remaining time stays on screen. Answers may be changed and earlier questions may be reviewed while time remains.
Experimental Questions
The exam may include five to ten experimental questions. These questions do not count toward the score, and the time used for them does not reduce the scored exam time.
Comments and Review
Test takers may submit comments about individual questions through the computer. A person who does not pass is given 30 minutes to review missed items after the exam.
Test-Day Identification and Check-In
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. A late arrival may be refused and the exam fee may be lost.
Required Identification
Bring one current, unexpired, government-issued identification document that includes a photograph and signature. The first and last name must match the PSI registration.
- State driver's license
- State identification card
- United States passport
- United States military identification card
- United States alien registration card
- Canadian government-issued identification
Bring These Items
- The accepted government photo ID
- Only the approved reference books for the exam
- An approved calculator, if desired
Keep These Items Out of the Testing Room
- Phone, smart watch, camera or other electronics
- Wallet, purse, bag, notebook or personal papers
- Personal pens, pencils or writing tools
- Food and drinks
- Bulky outerwear, hats or head coverings not worn for a religious reason
Personal items must be placed in PSI storage or returned to the vehicle. PSI is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged belongings.
Guests
Guests may not wait inside the testing center, inside the building or on the testing-center property. This includes drivers, children, relatives, friends and coworkers.
North Carolina PSI Testing Locations
Available dates and locations appear during scheduling. The current candidate bulletin lists the following North Carolina centers.
Asheville
1306 C Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
Charlotte
5701 Westpark Drive, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28217
Greenville
2404 South Charles Boulevard, Suite B, Greenville, NC 27858
Raleigh
5711 Six Forks Road, Suite 208, Raleigh, NC 27609
Fayetteville
3724 Sycamore Dairy Road, Suite 128, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Wilmington
311 Judge's Road, Suite 8D, Wilmington, NC 28405
Winston-Salem
1540 Westbrook Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Testing-center addresses can change. Confirm the exact address shown in the PSI appointment confirmation before traveling.
Testing Accommodations
A person with a disability or another documented need may request a testing accommodation from PSI. Submit the request and required supporting documentation before scheduling the exam.
After PSI approves an accommodation, the exam must be scheduled by phone with a PSI representative.
Scores, Failed Exams and Retakes
Passing Score
A score of 70% is required to pass every exam listed in the current North Carolina candidate bulletin.
Score Report
The score appears on screen immediately after the exam. PSI also prints an unofficial score report. A duplicate report may be printed from the PSI online account.
If the Exam Is Not Passed
Use the diagnostic report to identify weaker subject areas before scheduling another attempt. Each new attempt costs $79.
Retake Authorization
The Board sends a revised exam authorization and score by email within three working days after it receives the PSI score. Exams may be retaken during a 12-month period while the information in the license application remains valid.
If the revised authorization does not arrive, contact the Board before trying to schedule again.
What Happens After Passing?
Passing the exam does not by itself create a contractor license. The Board must finish reviewing the application and issue the license to the person or business named in the application.
The Board says a new application commonly takes about two weeks for initial processing. After the exam and application requirements are complete, Board approval and license issuance may take another two to three weeks. These are estimates, not guaranteed deadlines.
Use the Board's public license search to confirm that the license has been issued before bidding or contracting under it.
North Carolina General Contractor Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule before the Board approves me?
No. PSI needs the state identification number in the Board's Eligibility Letter.
Do I need a separate Business and Law exam?
Usually not for a standard North Carolina classification exam because business-and-law subjects are built into the exam. Take the separate Business and Law exam only when the Board's letter specifically requires it, such as certain waiver or military pathways.
Are the exams open book?
Yes, but only the references approved for the exact exam may be brought into the testing room.
Can I write notes in my books?
No. Highlighting, underlining and permanent tabs are allowed before the exam. Handwritten notes, writing on tabs and loose paper are not allowed.
What if my ID name does not match my PSI account?
Correct the registration before test day. The first and last name must match the government photo ID.
What happens if bad weather closes the center?
PSI will reschedule the appointment without an added fee and will attempt to contact the test taker.
Can I test outside North Carolina?
Yes. Call PSI and ask about an available out-of-state center.
Does passing mean I can begin contracting?
No. Wait until the Board issues the license to the person or business named in the application.
Important External Resources
These links go directly to the official page needed for each task. Students should not have to search through the Board or PSI websites to find them.
Start a New NC License Application
Use this to begin the online license application. Board approval is required before scheduling with PSI.
Direct link: Open the official page
Continue or Check an Existing Application
Return to a saved application using the email and password created when the application was started.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC License Classifications and Project-Size Limits
Compare the work allowed under each classification and the Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited project-size rules.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC License and Qualifier Search
Confirm whether a license has been issued or look up a qualifier or licensed business.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC Board Information for License Applicants
Read the Board's official applicant requirements and examination overview.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC Board Contractor FAQ
Find official answers about qualifiers, financial documents, applications, renewals and licenses.
Direct link: Open the official page
PSI North Carolina Scheduling
Schedule, cancel or change a North Carolina contractor examination after Board approval.
Direct link: Open the official page
Current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
Use the official bulletin to verify exam details, approved references, testing rules and policy changes.
Direct link: Open the official page
PSI Testing-Accommodation Request
Submit a testing-accommodation request and supporting documents before scheduling.
Direct link: Open the official page
Current NC General Contractor Laws and Regulations
Open the newest laws-and-regulations publication provided by the Board.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC Secretary of State Business Services
Register, manage or search for an LLC, corporation or other business entity.
Direct link: Open the official page
NC 811 Literature and Safe-Digging Resources
Find the excavation-safety material referenced in many North Carolina contractor exams.
Direct link: Open the official page
Official Contact Information
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
5400 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919-571-4183
Email: licensing@nclbgc.org
PSI
Phone: 855-746-8173
Email: examschedule@psionline.com
Accuracy and Update Notice
Requirements, fees, addresses, exam outlines and approved references can change. This page should be reviewed against the current NC Board and PSI materials on a regular schedule. The NC Licensing Board and PSI control the final requirements. Last verified: August 26, 2026.