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Exam Review

Key Facts: NC General Contractor Exam

70%

Passing Score

State Board

100 Q

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

90 min

Business & Law Exam Time

PSI

Accepted

NASCLA (Building)

State Board

$40,000

License Required Above

GS 87-1

North Carolina requires a general contractor's qualifier to pass the state Business and Law exam plus a classification exam. The Business and Law exam is open book, with 40 questions, 90 minutes and a 70% passing score, and covers licensing, liens and bonds, One Call, subcontractor payment, and erosion and sedimentation control.

Sample NC General Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NC General Contractor exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 102+ 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

North Carolina's 40-question Business and Law exam for general contractor qualifiers covers licensing law, liens and bonds, One Call excavation rules, subcontractor payment, and erosion and sedimentation control. Qualifiers also pass a separate classification exam.

Exam sponsor: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

40 questions

Time Limit

90 minutes (Business & Law)

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$79 per exam (PSI)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

7.5%

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (G.S. 113A, Article 4) and 15A NCAC 4: buffer zones, graded slopes, ground cover and erosion-control plans

52.5%

Licensing

G.S. Chapter 87 and Board rules: when a license is required, limited, intermediate and unlimited limitations, qualifiers, fees, renewal, continuing education, discipline, building permits and the Homeowners Recovery Fund

7.5%

Subcontractor's Pay Requirements

G.S. Chapter 22C: seven-day payment after periodic or final payment, grounds for withholding, retainage and interest on late payments

20%

Liens and Bonds

G.S. Chapter 44A: claims of lien on real property and funds, lien agents and notices, and performance and payment bonds

12.5%

One Call

Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act (G.S. 87, Article 8): notice to the Notification Center, locating and marking, and excavator duties

Preparing for the NC General Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (Business & Law)
  • Exam / certification fees: $79 per exam (PSI) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 102 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NC General Contractor: Suggested Study Strategy

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 40-question Business and Law exam covers North Carolina licensing law (21 questions), liens and bonds (8), One Call excavation rules (5), subcontractor payment requirements (3), and erosion and sedimentation control (3). Building codes and safety are tested on the separate classification exams.

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?

Yes. The NC Licensing Board for General Contractors accepts the NASCLA Accredited Building examination in lieu of the Building classification trade exam. You must still pass the separate NC Business & Law exam through PSI.

What experience is needed for a North Carolina contractor license?

North Carolina does not set a fixed years-of-experience minimum for a general contractor license. Applicants must be 18, show good moral character, prove financial responsibility for their license limitation, and have a qualifier pass the required exam(s).