To obtain a license you must complete the Application for License to Practice General Contracting in the State of North Carolina which is available on the Boards website at www.nclbgc.org. The application must fully comply with all requirements established by the Board’s statutes and rules. See requirements for becoming licensed.
You should apply for the license in the name you are planning to bid, contract, and operate. Licenses can be granted to individuals or to companies, however, licenses are granted to specific legal entities and are only valid for work done by that entity.
The primary requirements for licensing include, completing the application, be at least 18 years of age, possess good moral character, meet the minimum financial requirement based on the limitation of license you are applying for, and successfully completing an examination based on the desired classification of license.
Licenses are broken down into limitation and classification. Limitation determines the dollar size of the projects that can be undertaken with the license (see description of limitations). Classification determines the type of work that can be performed using the license (see list of classifications and their definitions).
In order to get prequalified to take the North Carolina examinations, you must first complete the new license application. Once everything is in order on the application, an eligibility letter will be emailed to you with the necessary information to schedule the examination with PSI.
NASCLA is the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. NASCLA offers a National Accredited Building Examination. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors accepts the NASCLA exam for the Building classification. However, the NASCLA exam is administered by the NASCLA organization. If you wish to take the NASCLA exam, you would do so prior to applying for the NC General Contractors License by contacting NASCLA at (866)948-3363 or through the NASCLA website www.nascla.org.
New license applications are submitted via the website at www.nclbgc.org. Once there, click on For Contractors and from the drop-down menu, select License Applicants. Once that page comes up, click the link that says, “Click to Apply for a New License”. License renewal applications are also submitted via the website at www.nclbgc.org. Once there, click License Renewal and proceed to log in and complete the renewal application.
Working capital is determined by the entity’s total current assets minus the entity’s total current liabilities. (Working Capital = Total Current Assets – Total Current Liabilities)
The limitation determines the total dollar size of the projects that the licensee can undertake. A limited license allows contractors to undertake individual projects up to $750,000 each. The intermediate license allows contractors to undertake individual projects up to $1,500,000 each. The unlimited license has no dollar limit on the size of the projects that can be undertaken.
There is not an insurance requirement for licensing. However, there may be insurance requirements for individual projects or for pulling building permits.
There is not an insurance or bonding requirement for a general contractor’s license. Bonds are only required if a surety bond is being used in lieu of meeting the minimum financial requirements for licensure. See rule .0204 (e) for surety bond requirements.
Worker’s compensation is not a requirement for the general contractor’s license. However, worker’s compensation insurance is required by NC state laws. Please see the NC Industrial Commission’s website at www.ic.nc.gov/wcinsrqmt.html for more details. Worker’s compensation insurance may also be a requirement for obtaining building permits for projects that require a general contractor’s license.
A qualifier is a responsible managing employee, owner, officer, or member of an LLC or partnership who successfully completes the examination required for licensing. Exams completed by qualifiers determine the classification(s) on the license. Qualifiers may qualify up to two licenses provided the qualifier is a managing employee, owner, officer or member of an LLC or partnership. Qualifiers are not licensees but are the holders of a qualifying credential that is required for licensure. Qualifying exams can be added to or removed from licenses however licenses themselves cannot be transferred. See NCAC Title 21 Chapter 12A .0205(a).
Your CPA or independent accountant must provide an Agreed-Upon Procedures Report that conforms with AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) standards, an Audited Financial Statement, or surety bonds. Examples of each of these documents is in the new license application and application for increase on our website.
No. In lieu of an audit, your CPA or independent accountant must provide an Agreed-Upon Procedures Report (in lieu of an audited statement) that conforms with AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) standards.
Yes, your CPA or independent accountant must provide an Agreed-Upon Procedures Report (in lieu of an audited statement) that conforms with AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) standards. A surety bond can be used in lieu of either an audited financial statement or an agreed upon procedures report.
New applications take about 2 weeks for initial processing. If corrections are required, you will be contacted by email or phone to provide updated information. After initial processing, if an exam is required, you will be sent an eligibility letter that will allow you to schedule the exam. If an exam was already completed or when the required exam is completed, the application will go on the next list for Board Approval. Lists for Board approval are scheduled for twice a month. Once the Board gives their approval a license will be granted.
The timeframe for the licensing process can vary. When an application is received it typically can take about 2 weeks for initial processing. Once the application and exams are completed, the application is required to receive Board approval before a license can be granted. Lists for Board approval are scheduled for twice a month. If an application is submitted with a completed exam, the licensing process takes about 30 days. If an exam is required, it will depend on when exams are successfully completed. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks after exams are completed before a license to be granted.
Lists of applicants for Board approval are typically sent out twice per month (0nce near the beginning of a month and once near the middle of the month). The lists for Board approval do not go out on set dates or specific days each month. When sent, Board members must first give their approval of new applicants before a license can be granted. The staff at the Board cannot say specifically when a license will be granted because timing can vary depending on when lists are sent, and Board approval is received.
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To add a qualifier, the individual must take and pass an accepted examination. The necessary forms to add a qualifier based on which exams are completed or need to be completed must be submitted. Below is a list of the possible forms:
To remove a qualifier from a license you must submit a Qualifier Drop Form signed by the president/owner or the qualifier stating the name on the license, the license number, the name of the qualifier, and the date of disassociation.
Licenses cannot be transferred. Licenses are granted to specific legal entities and cannot be transferred to other entities. However, qualifying exams can be transferred between licenses. To get a license under a new entity you will need to apply for a new license in the name of the new entity and transfer your examinations.
To transfer your exams to an existing license, the contractor should submit the Qualifier Add form. Once a completed form is received and processed the exams/qualifier will be transferred. If you want to add your exams to an entity that is not currently licensed, the entity will need to complete a new license application and the Qualifier Add Form included in the new application.
No. Licenses are only valid for the entity named on the license. If you want to operate under a different name, you will need to apply for a new license in that name.
Licensees have met all the requirements for licensure including completing the application, meeting a financial requirement by submitting financial information, submitting character reference letters and having someone complete the exam on behalf of the license. Licenses are issued to a specific legal entity whose name is listed on the license. Licenses can be granted to corporations, LLCs, partnerships, or individuals.
Qualifiers are the people who pass the exams on behalf of a license. Qualifiers are defined as responsible managing employees, owners, or officers of the licensed entity. Qualifiers are not licensees unless they applied for and received a license as the individual.
To apply for a license in another state you will need to contact the licensing board in that state for the process and requirements. The other boards typically require a license verification from the North Carolina Licensing Board. To receive a verification, you will need to email (licensing@nclbgc.org) a request that includes the name on the license, the license number, the state you need a verification for. If a verification form is required by another state, the licensee section must be completed before this office can complete the verification form required by that state. Normally, it can take about 2 weeks to process before the verification is completed.
The North Carolina Licensing Board does not have full reciprocity with any other state. We currently have examination waiver agreements with South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. (See details regarding exam waivers). You will need to complete the new application in its entirety and the board you are licensed with in the other state must complete the Examination Waiver form included in the application. The application and waiver must be submitted together. When using the examination waiver from another state, the qualifier will have to pass the NC Business and Law exam.
To renew your license, you will need to go to www.ncclic.org and log into or create your license account. Once logged into your account, you will need to go to the “Renewal” section where you can complete the renewal application. All continuing education requirements must be met, and all fees must be paid.
Please follow the instructions on the application. For the financial statement information, you may either upload a balance sheet from a financial software reflecting the licensed entity’s required working capital or net worth depending on the limitation of the license OR check the statement of attestation, provide the as of date of the financial attestation and provide the name of the person acting on behalf of the licensee. If choosing the statement of attestation option, there is no requirement to submit anything additional.
The date field functions differently depending on which web browser you are using. If you are using Microsoft Edge, after selecting the date you must press the check button in the bottom left of the dropdown before it locks the information into place. With Chrome and Firefox, you can just type the date into the field, and it will format itself.
Before a license can be renewed, all qualifiers must verify their continued association with the license. On the bottom of the “Renewal at a Glance” page there is a section for license qualifier verifications. The “Renewal at a Glance” page is the first page you see anytime you start or continue a renewal application. There are three ways to verify employment.
To remove a qualifier from a license you will need to submit the Qualifier Drop Form. The form can be found on the licensee and qualifier portal at www.ncclic.org. This form can be emailed to licensing@nclbgc.org. It can take 24 to 48 hours to process before it reflects on the online account for license renewal.
No. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
To set up a qualifier account the qualifier must be invited to create their account by the license account. The manager of the online license account will need to log in and go to the qualifier section. From there they can send invite emails to the qualifiers. In the email there will be a link that will allow the qualifier to create their online account.
Limitation changes cannot be processed with a renewal application. To increase your license limitation, visit our website at www.nclbgc.org. Click the tab For Contractors and from the drop-down menu select Classifications and Limitations. You will need to download and print the Application for Increase in Limitation from the link (Get Application). In addition to the application for increase, submit with it a copy of an audited financial statement, agreed upon procedures report, or the surety bond.
Requests for decrease in limitation must be processed in writing prior to completing the online renewal application. The written request must be signed by the president/owner of the license and include the name on the license, license number, and request a decrease in limitation specifying which limit is desired. The request should be emailed prior to the renewal of the license.
An annual report must be filed every year with the North Carolina Secretary of State (NCSOS) to maintain your company’s status to lawfully operate in the State of North Carolina. If the proper paperwork is not filed with the NCSOS, the company’s Certificate of Authority status is changed by the NCSOS to reflect that the Certificate of Authority is Administratively Dissolved (for NC corporations) or Certificate of Authority Revoked (for foreign corporations). To restore the status to reflect it is in good standing with the NCSOS you will need to contact the NC Secretary of State at 919-814-5400 or www.sosnc.gov. The company’s status will be updated when all requirements set forth by the NCSOS are satisfied.
A revenue suspension is issued by the North Carolina Department of Revenue indicating tax filings are missing from their records. To determine what corrections or filings are required, you will need to contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue at 1-877-252-3052. The company’s status will be updated when all requirements set forth by the NC Department of Revenue are satisfied.
To reset/change your online account password you will need to click the “Forgot Password?” button below the license number and password boxes on the login pages. Follow the prompts asking for license number and verifying that you are not a robot. An email will then be sent to the primary email address of the license account with a link that will allow you to perform a password reset.
To change the primary email on your account you can log onto the online account. On the top bar click on “My Account” and then “Edit Profile.” On that page you can put the new email information in and press the “Update” button. This will send a verification email with a link that will finalize the email change. If you do not have access to your online account, you will need to call the Board at 919-571-4183 to receive assistance from a staff member.
When doing a license search, the 1 at the bottom of the page indicates page 1 of search results. On a successful search, the page will list license number, license name, status, and have a button for further license details. If no license entries are listed, that means there were no matches for that license name/number.
The website allows for searches of specific contractors by License Name, License Number or License County. The NCLBGC Search is available on our website at www.nclbgc.org under Licensee and Qualifier Search and allows for searches by License Name, License Number, and Address. To obtain a full list of active licensees or qualifiers, or more specific lists, you can submit a request for a mailing list via email. Mailing lists cost start at $25.
You can request a complaint form by visiting www.nclbgc.org/complaints. You can also request a complaint form by calling the Licensing Board at 919-571-4813. If the complaint request demonstrates it falls within the jurisdictional authority of the Board, a formal complaint form will be sent. Once a completed complaint form is submitted, the Board will begin the process of investigating the complaint.
The N.C.G.S. 87-1 defines a general contractor as a person, firm or corporation who manages or oversees construction projects where the cost of the project is $40,000 or greater. The State General Contractors License is not required if a project is under $40,000. Subcontractors typically operate under the license of the prime general contractor unless they are managing or overseeing a project.
You will be notified and advised of the allegations filed with the Board against you. When notified you will also be provided with contact information for the investigator who has been assigned to investigate the case. You will also be asked to respond to the allegations made against you in writing and submit your response to the Board as soon as possible. The investigator may wait to contact you until after he has received your response. To expedite the investigation your cooperation is needed. (NCAC Title 21 Chapter 12A .0701 and NCAC Title 21 Chapter 12A .0702)
A complaint is a public record. The information that remains on the license record is the resulting Board decision. A disciplinary action will be disclosed upon request.
Yes, pursuant to NC General Statutes 87-13 & 87-14 complaints can be filed and investigated by the Board for a project that is $40,000 or more and involves an unlicensed contractor. If evidence to support an allegation of unlicensed general contracting is discovered during an investigation the Board may seek injunctive action in the Superior Court.
No, the Board has no authority to require a contractor to make repairs or make reimbursement of funds.
No, the Board has no specific authority to impose civil fines or penalties.
No, the Board does not have authority to require a contractor to reimburse a consumer. The consumer would need to take legal action through the courts to recover funds or property.
Neither. The Board has specific authority over the license and the examination credential for the qualifier. When a complaint is submitted and subsequently opened by the Board it is an administrative matter between the Board and its licensee and/or qualifier. The complainant or the person who submitted the complaint is not a named party in the complaint but is a key witness for the Board during its investigation and especially in the event probable cause is found by the Board to conduct a hearing against the contractor.
No, only the owner can apply and serve as Owner Builder.
Solely for occupancy is restricted to the family of a person, officers, shareholders of a firm or corporation and guests and social invitees where no consideration is received. For purposes of G.S. 87-1(b)(2) “family is defined as a spouse or other family member who lives in the same household.
The Owner Builder shall actively manage and superintend the project being constructed. Hire, manage, be invoiced and pay all subcontractors and suppliers. The Owner Builder will also be responsible for scheduling and being physically present for all inspections.
Theoretically a person who owns the property can apply for additional building permits as Owner Builder before 12 months has passed since completion of a previous owner builder permit. The person is still bound by the original affidavit requiring the owner to occupy and control the property for 12 months before offering it up for sale or lease.
Provided the person owns the property and executes the Owner/Builder affidavit attesting that they will be actively managing the project including the hiring, managing and paying all subcontractors. In addition, they must attest that they will not put the property up for sale, lease or management agreement for 12 months after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. They must also call for and be present for all inspections during construction.
When the setup costs and other ancillary costs are $40,000 or more.
No, the homeowners recovery fund fee is collected only on single family attached or detached residential permits.
Project cost as defined by G.S. 87-10(a1) is the value of the project minus the cost of the land and ancillary improvements to the land.
Submit a written request to info@nclbgc.org and specify which county you would like a roster for. Or you can access the Board’s mobile app which is available to download at no cost on either the Google Play store for android devices or the Apple store for Apple devices.
8 hours of CE must be completed in order to renew a license by at least one qualifier for licensees in the license classifications of Building, Residential and Unclassified. For the Unclassified license, it shall be a qualifier who has passed the Building examination. In situations where a licensee has more than one qualifier, if any qualifier also qualifies a second license with the Residential or Building classification, the qualifier would need to complete the CE requirement to renew that license.
The 8-hour CE requirement includes a mandatory 2-hour course produced by the Board with information about changes in the laws and rules and other content applicable to general contracting. The remaining 6 hours are elective courses that were produced by approved providers and approved by the Board. The CE year begins January 1 and ends on November 30 annually. Classes will not be available during the month of December.
A list of approved providers may be found at www.nclbgc.org/providers/. Approved classes may either be taken in-person, on the internet with a live instructor teaching in a synchronous distance learning platform like Zoom or WebEx, or, on the internet with no live instructor present, through e-Learning modules that can be completed within 30 days of registration. The Board’s website allows you to search by: preferred course delivery method, class date, course category, by provider, or by instructor. You can also find contact information for approved providers to obtain more information about the class and the registration process.
You may take the Board’s Mandatory 2-hour class from any of the Board-approved providers, in any of the Board approved delivery formats (in-person, Synchronous Distance Learning virtual classrooms, or e-Learning modules). The only place to take the e-Learning version of the Mandatory Class, however, is through the Board’s exclusive online CE provider, Training Folks, at www.NCGCTraining.com.
The Board does not set those fees. Each provider establishes the fees for all courses that they have been approved by the Board to offer.
If you do not know your qualifier number, go to https://www.nclbgc.org/qualifier-search/. Enter your name in the “By Qualifier Name” search area and then press the “submit” button. Your qualifier information will appear. If you search by “name” and more than one option appears, and you cannot determine which one is you, contact Board staff at (919) 571-4183 for assistance.
No, the CE requirement is a total of 8 hours for a qualifier. If the qualifier completes the annual 8-hour CE requirement and qualifies 2 licenses, the hours will be posted to the records of both licenses to allow the license to be renewed.
Yes, the completion of 8 hours of board-approved CE must be earned after the license is granted, and is required each time the license is renewed, the CE requirement applies even if your license was initially granted in the month of December.
Only if the provider offering courses to meet your other occupational licensing requirement also chooses to apply as a provider for the NCLBGC and submits the course content for review to NCLBGC and is approved. Because each licensing board operates under different statutes and rules, the requirements for each licensing board may be different, even if content is relevant for both license types. The only courses a qualifier for a general contractor’s license may receive credit for are those approved by the NCLBGC.
Only if the provider offering credits to meet your CE requirement in that other state also chooses to apply as a provider for NCLBGC and submits the course content for review to NCLBGC and is approved. Individual states operate under their own statutes, rules, and regulations, and requirements for each state may be different. The only courses a qualifier for a North Carolina general contractor’s license may receive credit for the North Carolina license are those approved by the NCLBGC.
A licensee may request that the Board place the license in an annual inactive status at the time of renewal, which exempts the qualifier from having to complete the CE, so long as the license renewal form and fees are submitted. The license, however, will be invalid, and the licensee will not be able to use the license to conduct business as a licensed general contractor for as long as the license remains inactive. The request is required to be made each year the licensee chooses to place the license in an inactive status.
Yes, if the license has been in an inactive status for less than 2 years, the qualifier will need to complete 8 hours of CE, including the current year’s mandatory course. If the license has been on inactive status for more than 2 years, then the qualifier will need to complete 16 hours of CE, including the current year’s mandatory course.
In accordance with the law, a license that has been invalid for a period of four consecutive years cannot be renewed and will be archived by the NCLBGC. Licenses that have been invalid for less than 4 consecutive years may be renewed, provided a renewal application is filed and accompanied by evidence of continued financial responsibility and evidence of satisfactory completion of continuing education. If the invalid license was not renewed for 1 year, then the qualifier will need to take 6 hours of elective credit plus the current year’s 2-hour mandatory course before renewing the license. If the invalid license was not renewed for 2 years, the qualifier is required to take 12 hours of elective credit plus the current year’s 2-hour mandatory course. If the invalid license was not renewed for 3 years, the qualifier is required to take 18 hours of elective credit plus the current year’s 2-hour mandatory course. If the invalid license was not renewed for 4 years, the qualifier is required to take 24 hours of elective credit plus the current year’s 2-hour mandatory course.
If you have previously set up a qualifier account, then all you need to do is go to https://ncclic.org/, click on the “CliC HERE” button underneath “Qualifier”, and then sign in with your Qualifier ID and password. You will see the option to “View Transcript” by clicking on the “View” button. Here, you will find a listing of all classes which have been reported by an approved provider as being successfully completed by you. (Please note the provider has up to 7 days after the course has been completed to report your credit hours to NCLBGC). PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATES TO NCLBGC.
If you have not set up your qualifier account (not a licensee account), you may click on the “CliC HERE” button underneath “Qualifier” at https://ncclic.org/. Follow the steps to set up your account. Once your account is properly set up, and you are signed in, you will see the option to “View Transcript” by clicking on the “View” button. Here, you will find a listing of all classes which have been reported by your provider as being successfully completed by you. (Please note the provider has up to 7 days after the course has been completed to report your hours to NCLBGC). PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATES TO NCLBGC.
You do not need to send them to NCLBGC. Certificates of completion given to you by your course provider are for your records only. Your provider has up to 7 days to report to the Board those who have successfully completed board-approved CE courses. The hours are automatically posted to your qualifier account transcript when the provider uploads the completed hours to the Board. If you have questions about when and how that will occur, first, contact your provider directly and only if there is a discrepancy that you and the provider cannot resolve you may contact Board staff.