Obtaining a North Carolina Specialty Contractor License – Requirements & Benefits

  • Posted by Melanie Klag
    Obtaining a North Carolina Specialty Contractor License – Requirements & Benefits

    When you specialize in trade—HVAC, plumbing, roofing, masonry, electrical—you’re more than a general builder. You bring deep expertise. In North Carolina, trades like these often require a specialty contractor license before you can legally take on certain projects. 

    Having that license means compliance with state law, the ability to bid on larger jobs, and credibility in your trade. In this article, you’ll find out exactly what specialty contractors do, what requirements NC sets, the steps to obtain the license, how to stay in good standing, and why holding the license matters for your professional growth. 

    What Is a Specialty Contractor in NC? 

    A specialty contractor is licensed to perform specific trade work—for example: roofing, plumbing, masonry, excavation, insulation, fire protection, public utilities, concrete, interior construction, etc. 

    Unlike a building contractor who may do full construction or structural work, or a residential license covering houses, a specialty contractor focuses on a narrower scope. Specialty work often supports larger projects (e.g. a general contractor hires you for the trade you’re licensed in). 

    For contractors in North Carolina, if your work in a trade exceeds certain dollar thresholds (e.g. $40,000) then the NC Licensing Board expects you to be licensed in that specialty. 

    Step 1: Understand North Carolina’s Specialty License Requirements 

    Before applying, make sure you meet the baseline criteria: 

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Possess good moral character (as the Board will review any criminal background) 
    • Show financial responsibility: depending on your limitation, that may require meeting a working capital/net worth threshold or posting a surety bond in lieu of it 
    • Provide documented trade experience, you’ll need to show you’ve been active in your trade, with references or project history 

    Also know that in NC, contractor licenses are divided into classifications (which trades or work types you can perform) and limitations (how large the projects you’re allowed to bid on can be). 

    For example, a “Limited” license lets you work on projects up to $750,000; “Intermediate” up to $1,500,000; “Unlimited” has no cap.  

    Step 2: Apply to the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors 

    After verifying your eligibility, you should move on to submit your formal application. 

    • Choose the “Specialty Contractor” category from the list of available trades on your application form.
    • Complete the application form by providing all necessary documentation, including:
      • Financial statements (or proof of surety bond)
      • Three character references
      • Background disclosures
    • Pay application and licensing fees. The application fee for licensing and exam payment will depend on your chosen limitation level.
    • Submit for review. The Board will verify your application meets their requirements before issuing eligibility to take your exam. 

    The NC Licensing Board generally takes up to two weeks to process initial applications. 

    Step 3: Pass the Specialty Contractor Exam 

    Passing the exam is a central part of becoming licensed as a specialty contractor. Applicants must score 70% or higher to pass. Each specialty has its own trade-specific exam. Be sure to choose the classification (or multiple options) for the work you want to do.   

    Additionally, there is a Business and Law section that applies to applicants across all specialty and general classifications. This same section is also required if an applicant is taking the NASCLA exam or applying with reciprocity.  

    The specialty contractor exams are typically open book, at least for certain reference materials. Be sure to check with the Board and testing provider to ensure you know exactly what reference books can be used during the exam. 

    To ensure you pass your specialty trade exam. Follow the below strategies: 

    • Study trade codes and standards 
    • Review the NC State Building Code where applicable
    • Use practice exams and test prep materials
    • Understand contract law, lien law, bidding practices, business ethics 

    Step 4: Maintain Your Specialty Contractor License 

    The process of obtaining a license marks the beginning of your responsibility to maintain ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations.  

    To maintain your license, you must complete the annual renewal process before your license's expiration date, which typically occurs at the end of each year. To renew, you will need to provide updated financial reports and keep your bond active. Your business operations must follow proper documentation standards, and you need to maintain excellent business practices throughout all your projects.  

    Additionally, you must stay informed about new building codes and safety regulations and trade standards which affect your specific area of expertise. 

    Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Specialty Contractor in NC 

    Holding a specialty contractor license in North Carolina opens doors. You will: 

    • Be legally allowed to bid on and perform specialty work in projects above the state threshold (e.g. $40,000 in many jurisdictions)
    • Have greater credibility with clients, general contractors, and local permitting authorities
    • Have the ability to grow your trade business, take on more jobs, and expand into higher-value contracts
    • Have more protection and enforceability in contracts (unlicensed work may be unenforceable)
    • Be in a more competitive position in your specialty market 

    Common Pitfalls and Tips to Avoid Them 

    The NC Board sees a number of errors every year when it comes to license applications. Be aware of the following so you can evade them. 

    • Applying under the wrong specialty classification—double-check with the NC Board to ensure you are getting the right classification for the work you want to do
    • Failing to meet the financial responsibility threshold and not realizing you need a surety bond
    • Under-documented or vague trade experience in your application
    • Assuming all specialty exams are uniform—each trade has unique content
    • Missing changes in codes or regulations in your trade
    • Lapses in renewal or qualifier association that could suspend your license 

    Next Steps and How CTC Can Help You 

    You don’t have to go it alone. Here’s how to move forward: 

    • Begin gathering your character references and financial statements.
    • Decide which specialty classification you want to pursue (e.g. roofing, electrical) under NC rules.
    • Submit your application to the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, and once accepted, schedule your exam.
    • Stay on top of renewals and evolving trade codes to protect your license long term. 

    If you’re ready to earn your specialty license and take your trade business to the next level, explore CTC’s NC Contractor Exam Prep programs and get the tools you need to pass and succeed. 

    Interested in hearing how we've helped other NC students? Check out this success story.

    Back to blog

    Leave a comment

    Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.