North Carolina Residential Contractor License

A Residential Contractor's License in North Carolina covers all construction activity pertaining to the construction of residential units which are required to conform to the residential building code adopted by the Building Code Council pursuant to G.S. 143-138; all site work, driveways, sidewalks, and water and wastewater systems ancillary to the aforementioned structures and improvements; and the work done as part of such residential units under the specialty classifications of Insulation, Interior Construction, Masonry Construction, Roofing, Swimming Pools, and Asbestos.

Residential Contractor Course

How to Get the NC Residential Contractor’s License?

  1. Complete the Application for License to Practice General Contracting (Residential) in the State of North Carolina and submit it to the board.
  2. The Board’s staff will review applications for completeness and compliance with licensing requirements. This process can typically take up to 2 or 3 weeks.
  3. If corrections or more information is required, the Board’s staff will email you.
  4. When you meet all requirements you will be mailed an exam eligibility letter (this letter would state that you can take the exam).
  5. You must schedule and take the exam (required books and related classes are listed below).
  6. After passing the exam(s), the testing company will notify the board.
  7. Once the Board gives final approval, the license is granted and assigned a license number.

Residential Contractor Exam

Residential Contractor Trade Exam

  • Testing Method: Computer-based; Semi-Open Book
  • Testing Company: PSI©
  • Hours Allotted: 3.5h
  • Types of Questions: Multiple Choice
  • Number of questions: 90
  • Subjects Involved:
    • Site work, Footings and Foundations
    • Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement
    • Masonry
    • Carpentry
    • Associated Construction trades, including Energy Conservation and Drywall
    • Roofing
    • Estimating, Plan Reading and General Residential Code Requirements
    • OSHA Safety
    • Licensing and Business and Law
    • Special Construction Zones (wind and coastal) and Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Residential Contractor Book Set

The book set includes all required references for the Residential Contractor exam. Please keep in mind that although not all the books are allowed in the exam you will be tested on all the references. Orders placed before 2 PM are shipped the same day via UPS and a tracking number is emailed before 3 PM.

  • NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL - SET DE LIBROS SIN TABS INCLUYE TODOS LOS LIBROS PARA EXAMEN TECNICO Y ADMINISTRATIVO

    Sales price: $986.84
  • NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL - SET DE LIBROS CON TABS INCLUYE TODOS LOS LIBROS PARA EXAMEN TECNICO Y ADMINISTRATIVO

    Sales price: $1,086.84

Residential Contractor Trade Books

Books Allowed in Testing

Residential Contractor Trade Books

Books Not Allowed in Testing