General Contractor License in North Carolina
Quick Answer
To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, you need a license from the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. This is required for all construction projects costing $40,000 or more. Contact the board at nclbgc.org for current exam, fee, and experience requirements.
- Exam
- State Licensing Exam
- Timeline
- 2-4 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
General Contractor license in North Carolina
General Contractor Salary in North Carolina
Entry Level
$65,330
Median
$104,750
Experienced
$172,150
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed General Contractor in North Carolina.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — State Licensing Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 months.
General Contractor Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know
North Carolina requires a general contractor license for persons, firms, or corporations constructing projects costing $40,000 or more. The NC Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees licensing. General contractors may offer or bid for a fixed fee to undertake construction or supervise/manage building, highway, public utility, grading, or structural improvement projects. The COS data truncates the description but indicates both a stand-alone license and a registration pathway exist. Pre-fabricated door installation may also fall under general contractor requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a General Contractor license in North Carolina?
- The process typically takes 2-4 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a General Contractor license in North Carolina?
- You need to pass the State Licensing Exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare General Contractor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.