North Carolina Building Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Building Contractor examination with a comprehensive reference package that combines the books allowed into the exam room with additional study materials covering construction methods, structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, safety, estimating, excavation, roofing, steel deck, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, sedimentation control, business law, and contractor responsibilities.

The North Carolina Building Contractor classification covers a broad range of commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential building construction and demolition activities. Its scope also includes parking decks, site work, grading, paving associated with building projects, sidewalks, gutters, storm drainage, retaining walls, accessory structures, athletic fields, running tracks, bleachers, and seating.

Preparing for this examination requires familiarity with building codes, accessibility standards, concrete and masonry requirements, construction safety, project management, business law, athletic-field construction, and administrative code provisions. Candidates must also understand how technical systems work together throughout planning, estimating, construction, inspection, and project closeout.

This package includes eight references identified for use in the examination room. These books support open-book preparation involving the North Carolina Building Code, concrete, masonry, accessibility, construction safety, business operations, code administration, and sports-field construction.

The package also includes twelve additional study references. These books are not identified as exam-room-approved materials, but they provide valuable preparation involving carpentry, excavation, roofing, steel joists, steel deck, concrete mixtures, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, erosion control, pipe installation, and North Carolina contractor laws.

Candidates should study with the full package to build technical understanding, then complete final timed lookup exercises using only the references allowed into the examination room. This approach helps separate broad construction study from realistic open-book navigation practice.

This product includes the listed books only. It does not include an online course, highlighted or tabbed books, application service, exam registration, licensing fees, engineering services, business formation, or live classes unless those features are specifically included in another product package.

What You Get

• Eight Exam-Room Approved References: The building code, administrative code, accessibility standard, concrete, masonry, safety, business, and sports-field books listed below.
• Twelve Additional Study References: Books covering carpentry, concrete mixtures, excavation, roofing, masonry, reinforcing steel, post-tensioning, erosion control, contractor law, steel joists, and steel deck.
• Building Code Preparation: References addressing structural systems, occupancy classifications, construction types, means of egress, fire protection, accessibility, and general building requirements.
• Concrete and Masonry Preparation: Technical books covering structural concrete, masonry construction, concrete mixtures, reinforcing steel, and post-tensioning.
• Business and Law Preparation: North Carolina contractor references covering licensing, contracts, financial management, project administration, and legal responsibilities.
• Safety and Sitework Preparation: Materials addressing OSHA requirements, excavation, utilities, sedimentation control, and construction-site safety.
• Open-Book Reference Practice: The approved materials needed to develop realistic examination-navigation skills.

Exam Details

The North Carolina Building Contractor examination evaluates knowledge across a wide construction scope. Candidates should be prepared to work with codes, standards, construction documents, calculations, field procedures, business concepts, and project-management scenarios.

Building-code preparation may include occupancy classifications, construction types, allowable building height and area, fire-resistance ratings, fire protection, interior finishes, means of egress, accessibility, structural design, special inspections, exterior walls, roofing, and safeguards during construction.

Concrete preparation may involve formwork, reinforcement, placement, curing, strength, durability, inspection, development length, splices, structural members, slabs, beams, columns, walls, foundations, and applicable ACI requirements.

Masonry preparation may include masonry materials, mortar, grout, reinforcement, structural walls, anchors, ties, bearing, allowable stresses, quality assurance, construction tolerances, and inspection requirements.

Accessibility preparation may address accessible routes, entrances, doors, ramps, stairs, elevators, platform lifts, toilet rooms, parking spaces, reach ranges, clear floor space, maneuvering clearances, signage, seating, and communication features.

Construction-safety preparation may include personal protective equipment, fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, excavation, electrical hazards, cranes, material handling, tools, fire prevention, housekeeping, and employer responsibilities.

Sports-field preparation may involve site selection, grading, drainage, irrigation, soil preparation, natural turf, synthetic surfaces, field layout, maintenance, renovation, equipment, and athletic-facility construction.

Business and project-management preparation may include licensing, contracts, accounting, financial statements, estimating, bidding, scheduling, insurance, employment practices, safety programs, liens, project documentation, and risk management.

Administrative-code preparation may include permits, inspections, plan review, certificates of occupancy, code enforcement, existing structures, alternate materials, responsibilities of design professionals, and duties of building officials.

The additional study references expand preparation into field-oriented subjects that may help candidates interpret examination scenarios. These materials support practical understanding of framing, roofing, excavation, reinforcing steel, steel joists, steel deck, concrete quality, erosion control, and state contractor law.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Building Contractor examination is open book. Candidates may use the references authorized for the examination when those materials comply with the current testing rules.

The approved exam-room books in this package include the North Carolina Building Code, North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, ICC A117.1, ACI 318, ACI 530/530.1, the North Carolina construction safety standards, the North Carolina contractor business guide, and the sports-field construction reference.

The additional study books included in this package are not identified as exam-room-approved references. Candidates should use them during preparation but leave them outside the testing room unless current official instructions specifically authorize them.

Open-book testing requires efficient navigation. Candidates should learn the table of contents, chapter structure, index, definitions, tables, diagrams, commentary, and appendices in each approved reference.

Practice identifying which book applies before beginning a search. A structural concrete question may belong in ACI 318, while a masonry question may require ACI 530/530.1. Accessibility questions should be directed to ICC A117.1, and administrative questions may require the North Carolina Administration Code and Policies.

Timed drills should include code questions, calculation problems, safety lookups, contract scenarios, and accessibility requirements. Candidates should practice moving between books without spending excessive time in unrelated sections.

The current testing rules should be reviewed before preparing the references. Requirements may address highlighting, underlining, permanent tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, and binding. Only materials that comply with the current exam-room rules should be taken to the testing center.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Building Contractor classification. Confirm that the classification matches the commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, demolition, sitework, and related construction activities the business intends to perform.
2. Select the appropriate license limitation. Determine which North Carolina monetary limitation matches the value of projects the company plans to undertake.
3. Identify the qualifier. Select the individual who will satisfy the examination requirement for the applicant business.
4. Submit the contractor application. Provide the requested ownership, financial, organizational, business, and qualifier information.
5. Receive examination eligibility. Complete the Board’s application review before scheduling the Building Contractor examination.
6. Prepare with the full package. Use the approved and study-only books to review building codes, structural systems, safety, business, accessibility, sitework, and construction methods.
7. Practice with approved references. Complete timed open-book drills using only the books allowed into the examination room.
8. Schedule and take the examination. Follow the current candidate instructions and testing-center procedures.
9. Complete the licensing process. Satisfy the financial, organizational, qualifier, classification, and limitation requirements.
10. Maintain compliance. Follow applicable codes, safety rules, permitting requirements, environmental regulations, and contractor laws on every project.

State Requirements

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates the Building Contractor classification. The classification covers commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential building construction and demolition.

The scope also includes parking decks, building-related sitework, grading, paving of parking lots and driveways, sidewalks, gutters, storm drainage, retaining walls, accessory structures, athletic fields, running tracks, bleachers, and seating.

North Carolina requires a general contractor license when a covered construction project is valued at $40,000 or more. The contractor must hold an appropriate classification and monetary limitation for the work being performed.

The business applying for licensure must identify a qualifier who satisfies the examination requirement. The business must also meet the financial and organizational standards associated with the requested license limitation.

License limitations control the maximum value of projects the contractor may undertake. Applicants should select the limitation that fits their business plans and be prepared to provide the required financial documentation.

Passing the Building Contractor examination does not automatically issue a license. The applicant must complete the full licensing process and satisfy all financial, ownership, business-entity, qualifier, and documentation requirements.

A contractor license does not replace building permits, inspections, engineering, architectural services, erosion-control approvals, utility coordination, or other project-specific requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Sports Fields: Design, Construction and Maintenance, 2nd Edition, 2010
  A technical reference covering athletic-field planning, site evaluation, grading, drainage, soil preparation, irrigation, natural turf, synthetic surfaces, construction, renovation, maintenance, and facility management.
• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  A construction-safety reference covering personal protective equipment, fall protection, excavation, scaffolds, ladders, electrical safety, cranes, tools, material handling, fire prevention, and employer responsibilities.
• Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  A contractor business reference covering licensing, business organization, accounting, financial management, contracts, estimating, bidding, project management, insurance, employment, safety, and North Carolina contractor responsibilities.
• North Carolina Building Code: Building Code, 2018
  The primary building-code reference covering occupancy, construction types, building height and area, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, structural design, exterior walls, roofing, interior finishes, and safeguards during construction.
• ACI 530/530.1-13, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  A structural masonry reference covering design requirements, materials, construction, reinforcement, quality assurance, inspections, specifications, and commentary for masonry structures.
• ACI 318-14, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  A structural concrete reference covering design, reinforcement, foundations, slabs, beams, columns, walls, durability, development, splices, strength, inspection, and construction requirements.
• North Carolina Administration Code and Policies, 2018 Edition
  An administrative reference covering permits, inspections, plan review, certificates of occupancy, code enforcement, alternate materials, responsibilities, and procedures supporting application of the North Carolina State Building Code.
• ICC A117.1-2017, Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  An accessibility standard covering accessible routes, entrances, doors, ramps, stairs, elevators, toilet rooms, parking, reach ranges, clearances, seating, signage, and features used by people with disabilities.

Additional Study Books Not Allowed into the Exam

• Technical Digest No. 9 – Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  A technical guide covering delivery, handling, bridging, erection, stability, sequencing, connections, and safety considerations for steel joists and joist girders.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  A construction reference covering framing, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, stairs, doors, windows, finishes, plans, tools, materials, and general building methods.
• Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition
  A concrete reference covering materials, proportioning, strength, durability, placement, consolidation, curing, testing, quality control, and concrete performance.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  A field-oriented reference covering excavation, trenching, pipe installation, dewatering, bedding, backfill, compaction, equipment, estimating, safety, and project execution.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  A roofing reference covering materials, installation methods, roof systems, flashing, ventilation, repairs, estimating, measurements, labor, and project planning.
• Training and Certification of Field Personnel for Unbonded Post-Tensioning - Level 1 Field Fundamentals
  A field reference covering post-tensioning components, tendon installation, stressing, safety, inspection, handling, repairs, and quality-control practices.
• Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  A masonry construction reference covering tools, materials, mortar, brick, concrete block, stone, layout, bonding, reinforcement, fireplaces, walls, and field techniques.
• North Carolina Excavation Safety Guidelines, 2022 or Later
  A practical guide covering utility-location procedures, safe digging, markings, tolerance zones, damage prevention, emergency response, and excavator responsibilities.
• North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Chapter 4, Sedimentation Control, Including Latest Amendments
  Administrative rules covering land-disturbing activities, erosion-control plans, stabilization, inspections, enforcement, and sedimentation-control responsibilities.
• North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A, Article 4, Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
  The state law establishing erosion and sedimentation-control responsibilities, planning requirements, enforcement authority, and pollution-prevention obligations.
• Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina
  A regulatory reference covering contractor licensing statutes, Board rules, classifications, limitations, qualifier responsibilities, applications, renewals, discipline, and compliance.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  A Steel Deck Institute reference covering steel-deck products, handling, storage, erection, attachment, openings, accessories, safety, tolerances, and construction practices.

The additional study books broaden preparation but are not identified as approved Building Contractor exam-room references. Candidates should use them during study and leave them outside the testing center unless current official instructions state otherwise.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin preparation by dividing the approved references into building code, structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, safety, administration, business, and sports-field construction.

Use the North Carolina Building Code for questions involving occupancy, building size, fire-resistance ratings, means of egress, structural requirements, exterior walls, roofing, and construction safeguards.

Use ACI 318 for structural concrete and ACI 530/530.1 for masonry. Practice identifying which standard controls before beginning a search.

Use ICC A117.1 for accessibility questions involving routes, doors, ramps, toilet rooms, parking, reach ranges, seating, and clearances. Accessibility questions often depend on precise measurements, so practice reading diagrams and tables carefully.

Use the construction safety standards for OSHA-related questions. Review fall protection, excavation, scaffolds, ladders, cranes, electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, tools, and material handling.

Use the business guide for licensing, accounting, contracts, estimating, scheduling, insurance, project management, liens, employment, and contractor responsibilities.

The study-only books should be used to strengthen field knowledge. Review carpentry, roofing, steel construction, excavation, concrete, masonry, post-tensioning, reinforcing steel, and erosion control before completing final exam simulations.

Create timed mixed-reference drills. Move from a building-code question to an accessibility lookup, then complete a concrete or masonry problem, followed by a safety or business question.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps North Carolina Building Contractor candidates organize a large technical and business reference library into a practical study plan.

Trade-focused review connects building codes with concrete, masonry, accessibility, safety, roofing, carpentry, excavation, steel construction, sports fields, and sitework.

Business-focused preparation supports review of licensing, accounting, contracts, estimating, project management, insurance, employment, scheduling, liens, and regulatory responsibilities.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to answer questions, locate supporting provisions, review missed concepts, and repeat difficult lookups using the approved exam-room books.

Reference-navigation practice helps candidates learn which book applies to each subject and where important definitions, tables, diagrams, code sections, and administrative requirements are located.

No book package can guarantee a passing score, contractor license, permit, project approval, or business outcome. Results depend on the candidate’s preparation, construction experience, financial qualifications, reference familiarity, application completion, and examination performance.

FAQ Section

What books are included in this package?

The package includes eight references identified for use in the North Carolina Building Contractor examination and twelve additional technical and business study books.

Is the North Carolina Building Contractor examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may use approved references that comply with the current testing-center requirements.

Are the additional study references allowed into the exam?

No. The additional books are included for preparation but are not identified as approved exam-room references.

Does the package include the North Carolina Building Code?

Yes. The package includes the 2018 North Carolina Building Code identified for the examination.

Are structural concrete and masonry references included?

Yes. The package includes ACI 318-14 for structural concrete and ACI 530/530.1-13 for masonry structures.

Does the package include an accessibility standard?

Yes. ICC A117.1-2017 is included as an approved exam-room reference.

Does the package cover business and project management?

Yes. The North Carolina contractor business guide is included for licensing, accounting, contracts, estimating, project management, insurance, and business-law preparation.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

No. Highlighting and tabbing are not included unless those services are specifically stated in the product title or package description.

Does this product include an online course?

No. This product includes the listed books only. Courses and additional services are included only when specifically stated in another package.

When is a North Carolina general contractor license required?

A general contractor license is required for covered construction projects valued at $40,000 or more.

Does passing the examination automatically issue the license?

No. Applicants must also satisfy the Board’s financial, organizational, qualifier, classification, limitation, and application requirements.

Does purchasing this package guarantee a passing score?

No. Examination results depend on the candidate’s preparation, construction knowledge, calculation ability, code-navigation skills, business understanding, and test-day performance.