Even though you might have the required skills and experience, succeeding in your career as a contractor in North Carolina still requires that you have a valid license. So then, what do you need to navigate the licensing process and pave the way for your professional growth? That’s what this article will zone in on.
Who’s a Contractor in North Carolina?
A North Carolina contractor is a licensed professional who can legally manage and/or oversee projects. The North Carolina contractor’s license is crucial for all contractors and a general contractor who’s looking to work on projects that exceed $40,000.
Not only does having a valid license increase your compliance with state regulations, but it also promotes high standards in the construction industry and protects consumers. That’s why you should consider getting some assistance from expert NC Contractors License education providers like RocketCert to ensure you don’t miss any step or risk failing your licensing exam and delaying the start of your career.
What Steps Do You Take to Acquire Your License?
Wondering what steps you will be required to follow before you’re licensed as a contractor in North Carolina? Well then, here you go:
1. Understand the Requirements
Knowing whether you meet the set requirements will be the most important step of your journey since this is where you determine if you’re good to proceed or not. The requirements you should meet include:
- Be 18 years or older
- Meet the specific financial responsibility requirements
- Be of good moral character
- Have the required application fee
If you’re wondering what financial responsibility requirements are, it’s all about meeting the minimum financial standing to ensure you can handle the costs that your project may involve. There are three main license tiers with the following limitations:
(i) Limited license: A $17,000 minimum working capital or a $80,000 net worth. Alternatively, make sure you maintain a surety bond of not less than $175,000.
(ii) Intermediate license: A $75,000 minimum working capital or $150,000 net worth. You’d also qualify if you have a surety bond of $500,000.
(iii) Unlimited license: A $150k minimum working capital or a net worth of $250k. You can also maintain a surety bond of $1,000,000 to qualify.
And that leads us to the next point.
2. Determine the License That Suits You Best
Applying for a contractor’s license in North Carolina can be a tad confusing because there are several classifications to choose from. They include:
- Building Contractor
- Highway Contractor
- Residential Contractor
- Public Utilities Contractor
- Specialty Contractor (Includes several subcategories)
For every classification, you can choose the appropriate license limitation, as mentioned earlier, which determines the size or scope of work you can perform. You should be extra careful when choosing the classification and limitation so you never get into trouble for working on a project that exceeds your allowed limits.
3. Submit the Application Form and Pay the Required Fees
Next, you should complete the application form required for licensing on the NCLBGC’s website. Make sure to specify the type and classification of license you are applying for. As you do this, you will also have to submit your application fee, and this varies depending on the license limitations:
- $75 for a limited license
- $100 for an intermediate license
- $125 for an unlimited license
4. Pass Your Examination
After submitting your application, the licensing board will send an eligibility letter once they’ve verified that all your documents are in order. This letter permits you to take a computer-based licensing exam and is valid for 120 days. Should you fail the exam, you will receive information on what you did wrong, so you can prepare for the retake.
You can retake your licensing exam as many times as will be necessary in a 12-month time-frame, but bear in mind that you’ll take it in person. To pass, you should score 70% and above. Your results will be available as soon as you’ve finished your exam, and that’s whether you’ve passed or not.
Get Your License With Ease
Acquiring your North Carolina contractor’s license isn’t a difficult process as long as you meet all the requirements and prepare adequately for the exam. Most contractors feel that the most difficult part is passing the licensing exam, but that’s probably because they try too hard or don’t use smarter methods.
RocketCert makes it easy to prepare for the exam, thanks to expert-created and narrated courses and preparation materials. That way, you will understand the concepts as intended so that passing your exam will feel almost natural!
