100+ Free NC Landscape Practice Questions
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Key Facts: NC Landscape Exam
3
Exam Sections
NCLCLB
$10,000
Surety Bond
NC GS 89D
3 yrs
Experience Required
NCLCLB
$150
Exam Fee
NCLCLB
120 days
Lien Filing Deadline
NC GS 44A
About the NC Landscape Exam
The North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB) exam consists of three sections that must all be passed: General Knowledge (horticulture, construction, NC law), Plant Identification (from photographs), and Landscape Design/Site Plan Reading (35-40 questions). NC spans Zones 5b-8b with diverse growing conditions from mountains to coast.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
3-4 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
$150 (NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB))
NC Landscape Exam Content Outline
State Laws & NCLCLB Regulations
NC GS Chapter 89D, licensing requirements, $10,000 surety bond, workers' comp (3+ employees), Sedimentation Act
Plant Identification & Materials
NC plant species identification from photos, hardiness zones 5b-8b, native plants, soil amendments for Piedmont clay
Landscape Design & Site Plan Reading
Interpreting landscape plans, reading scales, calculating quantities, plant schedules, grading plans, irrigation layouts
Trade Knowledge - Hardscape & Irrigation
Paver installation, retaining walls, concrete work, grading, drainage, irrigation system design, backflow prevention
Safety, Environmental & Business
OSHA safety, Sedimentation Pollution Control Act, riparian buffers, contract law, lien law (120-day filing), estimating
How to Pass the NC Landscape Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 3-4 hours
- Exam fee: $150
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 Landscape Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three exam sections?
General Knowledge (horticulture, construction, NC law), Plant Identification (from photographs), and Landscape Design/Site Plan Reading (35-40 questions). All three must be passed.
How much experience is required?
3 years of documented experience, with educational credits available: 1 year credit for a 2-year degree, 2 years credit for a 4-year degree in related fields.
What is the surety bond amount?
$10,000 surety bond or certified letter of credit is required for all NC landscape contractor licensees.
What is the revenue threshold for licensing?
A license is required when landscape contracting revenue exceeds $30,000 in a 12-month period.
What is the application timeline?
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam date. The exam must be completed within 1 year of application approval. Application fee is $75; exam fee is $150.