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100+ Free NC General Contractor Practice Questions

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What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) required under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard?

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Key Facts: NC General Contractor Exam

70%

Passing Score

State Board

100 Q

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

3.5 hrs

Exam Time

State Board

Not Accepted

NASCLA

State Board

4 years

Experience Required

State Board

North Carolina requires general contractors to pass a state Business & Law exam. The exam covers NC licensing law, contract law, lien law, bonds, insurance, safety codes, and business management.

Sample NC General Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NC General Contractor exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which state agency is responsible for licensing general contractors in North Carolina?
A.North Carolina Department of Commerce
B.North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
C.North Carolina Secretary of State
D.North Carolina Department of Labor
Explanation: The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) is responsible for licensing general contractors in the state. The Board administers examinations, sets financial requirements, and issues licenses under GS Chapter 87.
2At what project value threshold is a general contractor license required in North Carolina?
A.$25,000 or more
B.$30,000 or more
C.$40,000 or more
D.$50,000 or more
Explanation: Under GS 87-1, a general contractor license is required in North Carolina for any construction project valued at $40,000 or more. This includes bidding on, constructing, or superintending construction work.
3What are the main license classifications for general contractors in North Carolina?
A.Class A, B, C, and D
B.Building, Residential, Highway, Public Utilities, and Specialty
C.Commercial and Residential only
D.Limited, Standard, and Unlimited
Explanation: North Carolina offers five main license classifications: Building Contractor, Residential Contractor, Highway Contractor, Public Utilities Contractor, and Specialty Contractor. Each covers specific types of construction work.
4What are the three license limitation tiers in North Carolina for general contractors?
A.Small, Medium, and Large
B.Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited
C.Basic, Standard, and Premium
D.Class I, II, and III
Explanation: North Carolina license limitations are Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited. These tiers determine the maximum dollar value of projects a contractor can undertake, based on proof of financial responsibility or surety bond.
5Does North Carolina accept the NASCLA exam for general contractor licensing?
A.No, North Carolina has its own exam only
B.Yes, for the Building classification only
C.Yes, for all classifications
D.Only for out-of-state applicants
Explanation: North Carolina accepts the NASCLA Accredited Building Exam for the Building classification only. Applicants taking the NASCLA exam must also pass a separate North Carolina Business and Law exam. Other classifications require state-specific exams.
6What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a North Carolina general contractor license?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.21 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: Under GS 87-10(a), applicants for a North Carolina general contractor license must be at least 18 years of age. This is one of the basic eligibility requirements set by the NCLBGC.
7What continuing education requirement must North Carolina general contractors meet annually?
A.4 hours per year
B.8 hours per year, including a 2-hour mandatory course
C.16 hours per year
D.No continuing education is required
Explanation: North Carolina requires most licensed general contractors to complete 8 hours of continuing education per year, including a 2-hour mandatory course specified by the NCLBGC. This is required for license renewal.
8Under North Carolina GS Chapter 87, what is a 'qualifier' or 'qualifying party'?
A.Any employee of the construction company
B.The individual who passes the examination on behalf of the license applicant
C.The project architect
D.The building inspector assigned to the project
Explanation: Under GS 87-10(b), the qualifier or qualifying party is the individual who successfully passes an examination approved by the NCLBGC on behalf of the license applicant. They must be a responsible managing employee, owner, or officer of the licensed entity.
9What does the North Carolina contractor exam test regarding the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act?
A.Nothing related to environmental law
B.The applicant's knowledge of requirements under Article 4 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes
C.Only how to dispose of sediment
D.Federal EPA compliance only
Explanation: Under GS 87-10(b)(iv), the North Carolina contractor exam tests the applicant's knowledge of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973, Article 4 of Chapter 113A, and the rules adopted pursuant to that Article.
10What areas does the North Carolina general contractor exam cover?
A.Only building codes
B.Plan reading, NC State Building Code, cost estimating, construction ethics, lien law, and contractor responsibilities
C.Only financial management
D.Only safety regulations
Explanation: The NC contractor exam tests practical application of contracting knowledge, plan and specification reading, NC State Building Code, cost estimating, construction ethics, contractor responsibilities to the public, and NC laws relating to contractors, construction, and liens.

About the NC General Contractor Exam

The North Carolina general contractor exam covers state licensing law, construction contract law, mechanics lien law, bonding and insurance requirements, OSHA safety, building codes, project management, and business practices.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$100 (North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors)

NC General Contractor Exam Content Outline

30%

Business & Law

North Carolina licensing statutes, contractor law, lien law, bonds, insurance, penalties

25%

Contract Law

Construction contracts, change orders, disputes, subcontractor agreements

20%

Safety & Codes

OSHA requirements, building codes, permits, inspections

15%

Project Management

Scheduling, estimating, supervision, quality control

10%

Financial

Accounting, taxes, payroll, financial statements, insurance

How to Pass the NC General Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3.5 hours
  • Exam fee: $100

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NC General Contractor Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master North Carolina's contractor licensing laws and regulations
2Study mechanics lien law — filing deadlines and requirements are heavily tested
3Know bond types: bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds
4Review OSHA safety requirements and penalties
5Understand construction contract terms and change order procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the North Carolina general contractor exam cover?

The NC GC exam covers state contractor licensing law, construction contracts, mechanics lien law, bonding, insurance, OSHA safety, building codes, and business management.

What is the passing score for the NC GC exam?

A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the North Carolina general contractor licensing exam.

Does North Carolina accept the NASCLA exam?

North Carolina does not currently accept the NASCLA accredited exam. You must take the North Carolina-specific contractor licensing exam.

What experience is needed for a North Carolina contractor license?

North Carolina typically requires 4 years of verifiable construction experience before applying for a general contractor license.