If you`re interested in becoming a general contractor in North Carolina, you`ll need to obtain a contractor`s license. This process involves several steps, including completing education and experience requirements, passing a test, and submitting an application. In this article, we`ll provide a step-by-step guide to getting a general contractor`s license in NC.
Step 1: Meet the Education and Experience Requirements
To become a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, you must have a combination of education and experience. The requirements vary depending on the type of license you`re seeking.
For a limited license, which allows you to work on projects up to $500,000 in value, you must have one of the following:
– An associate`s degree in construction management or a related field and one year of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– A bachelor`s degree in construction management or a related field
– Two years of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– Four years of experience in the construction industry
For an intermediate license, which allows you to work on projects up to $1,000,000 in value, you must have one of the following:
– A bachelor`s degree in construction management or a related field and one year of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– Two years of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– Four years of experience in the construction industry
For an unlimited license, which allows you to work on projects of any value, you must have one of the following:
– A bachelor`s degree in construction management or a related field and two years of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– Four years of experience as a building contractor or project manager
– Eight years of experience in the construction industry
Step 2: Pass the Contractor`s Exam
Once you`ve met the education and experience requirements, you`ll need to pass the North Carolina Contractor`s Exam. This exam covers topics such as building codes, construction practices, and business management. You can register for the exam through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC).
The exam is divided into two parts: the business and law section and the trade-specific section. You must pass both sections to obtain a license. The passing score for each section is 70%.
Step 3: Submit an Application
After passing the exam, you`ll need to submit an application for your general contractor`s license. You can find the application on the NCLBGC website. The application requires information such as your education and work experience, your exam scores, and references.
You`ll also need to submit a $100 application fee and a $25 recovery fund fee. The recovery fund fee is a one-time fee that goes into a fund to reimburse homeowners who suffer financial loss due to the actions of a licensed contractor.
Step 4: Obtain Insurance and Bonding
Before your license can be issued, you`ll need to obtain insurance and bonding. General contractors in North Carolina are required to have general liability insurance and workers` compensation insurance. Bonding is also required for unlimited license holders.
General liability insurance protects you in case of property damage or personal injury caused by your work. Workers` compensation insurance provides medical and wage benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Bonding provides financial protection to customers in case you fail to complete a project or fail to comply with local regulations.
Step 5: Renew Your License
Your general contractor`s license in North Carolina is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. To renew your license, you must complete continuing education requirements and pay a renewal fee. The continuing education requirement is eight hours per year for limited and intermediate license holders and 12 hours per year for unlimited license holders.
In conclusion, becoming a licensed general contractor in North Carolina requires a combination of education, experience, passing a test, and submitting an application. While it may seem like a lot of work, obtaining a license will open up many opportunities for you in the construction industry. Remember that as a licensed contractor, you will be held to a higher standard of professionalism and ethics, so it`s important to take your responsibilities seriously. Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed general contractor in North Carolina!