The Tar Heel State has a growing population and booming economy, both of which translate to a highly active construction industry. Those who have a passion for building beautiful, functional spaces can find amazing success by becoming a general contractor in North Carolina, helping businesses and homeowners make the most out of their properties.
However, the road to becoming a general contractor is difficult and requires intensive study, as you want to ensure that your customers aren’t saddled with serious new construction mistakes that cost thousands of dollars in repair. Today, we’ll explore the career outlook and licensing requirements for North Carolina contractors.
North Carolina General Contractor Career Outlook
According to O*NET OnLine, the North Carolina construction industry has a very bright outlook. From 2021 to 2030, it’s expected that this sector will add over 21,000 jobs, all of which will require careful management and organization. As such, general contractors will be in high demand, especially if they have any additional training and specialization.
Requirements to Get a License
Most of the requirements to get a general contractor license in North Carolina revolve around your financial solvency. There are three levels of licensing that you can choose from: limited, intermediate, and unlimited.
With a limited license, you can bid on projects for up to $750,000 and must have at least $17,000 in working capital. You can substitute this for $80,000 in net worth or a $350,000 surety bond.
An intermediate license lets you work on projects that cost up to $1,500,000, and you need to have at least $75,000 in working capital. If you don’t have this, you can instead have a $1,000,000 surety bond.
Unlimited licensing means that you can bid on projects of any size. For this, you must have at least $150,000 in working capital or a $2,000,000 surety bond.
Additionally, you need to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and pass the necessary exams. In NC, you don’t need to have completed coursework at an accredited university or training program, though this will certainly help.
NC General Contractor Test
You have two options for the test in North Carolina. You may either take the North Carolina General Contractor Exam, or you can choose the NASCLA Commercial General Contractor Exam. Many prefer the NASCLA exam because it is accepted by multiple states, meaning that you will have an easier time getting licensed elsewhere. If you choose the NASCLA exam, you must also take the NC Business and Law Exam, which covers North Carolina-specific codes and regulations.
The topics covered by the North Carolina-specific exam and the NASCLA exam are quite similar. You must demonstrate expertise in site work, concrete, masonry, mechanical and plumbing systems, electrical systems, thermal and moisture protection, windows and doors, and procurements. The North Carolina exam will also cover the same topics as the NC Business and Law Exam, such as erosion and sedimentation control, subcontracting, and liens.
While both tests are partially or totally open book, you must have excellent mastery of the material and know what to look for. This is why many contractors choose to take a general contractor license in North Carolina exam prep before acquiring their license. These classes will include flashcards, additional reading material, and practice exams so that you’re confident in your skills before scheduling your test.
Reciprocal Agreements With NC Contracting License
North Carolina has reciprocal agreements with multiple states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. If you’ve already been licensed in one of these states, then you can skip the exam using a waiver.
As mentioned before, many contractors choose to take the NASCLA exam instead of the NC-specific exam because several other states also use this exam. If you choose the NASCLA exam and want to get licensed in another state, you may have all requirements waived, or you may only have to take a business and law exam about regulations in that specific state.
Continuing Education for North Carolina Contractors
As construction technology changes regularly, North Carolina requires that general contractors take 8 hours of continuing education (CE) classes per year. There will be two mandatory hours that discuss changes in building codes, which are only available through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
However, you also must complete six hours of electives, which are available through a variety of approved vendors. Elective topics you can select from include things like the OSHA Focus Four, blueprint reading, marketing for construction professionals, mold remediation, and radon detection.
Conclusion
Construction is a very fulfilling and lucrative career that provides long-term job security, as businesses and homeowners will always need help constructing and maintaining their properties. The North Carolina general contractor licensing process is straightforward, and much of it can be completed through self-study with approved vendors. Once you have completed your licensing requirements, you will need to keep your skills sharp through continuing education. Through hard work and study, you can develop a long-lasting and rewarding career.