North Carolina Building Contractor Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Building Contractor examination with a professionally highlighted and tabbed reference package that combines the books allowed into the exam room with additional technical study materials. This comprehensive package supports preparation across building codes, structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, construction safety, contractor business law, project management, sports-field construction, carpentry, roofing, excavation, steel systems, erosion control, and other major building topics.

The North Carolina Building Contractor classification covers a broad construction scope. Candidates may need to understand commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential building work, along with demolition, parking structures, sitework, grading, paving, sidewalks, storm drainage, retaining walls, accessory structures, athletic fields, running tracks, bleachers, and seating.

The eight references identified for use in the examination room are professionally highlighted and permanently tabbed. Selected definitions, code provisions, tables, formulas, diagrams, administrative procedures, and business concepts are highlighted to support focused review. Tabs provide visible navigation points for major chapters, code sections, standards, and commonly tested subjects.

The twelve additional study references are also highlighted and tabbed. These books are included to strengthen field-oriented preparation involving carpentry, roofing, excavation, concrete mixtures, post-tensioning, masonry methods, steel joists, steel deck, sedimentation control, utility safety, and North Carolina contractor regulations. They are intended for study and are not identified as books allowed into the examination room.

Highlighted and tabbed references can make a large construction library easier to organize, but they do not replace technical study. Candidates should review the material surrounding each highlighted passage, understand the purpose of every tab, complete calculations, and practice navigating the approved exam-room books under timed conditions.

This product includes the professionally highlighted and tabbed books listed below. It does not include an online course, live classes, application service, business formation, licensing fees, examination registration, engineering services, or project-specific consulting unless those features are expressly included in another package.

Exam Details

The North Carolina Building Contractor examination evaluates knowledge across a wide range of construction, code, structural, safety, administrative, and business subjects. Candidates should be prepared to interpret written requirements, read tables and diagrams, apply construction calculations, and select the correct response to field-oriented project scenarios.

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

Structural concrete preparation may involve reinforcement, cover, development length, splices, beams, columns, slabs, walls, footings, foundations, durability, strength, inspection, and construction requirements. Candidates should become familiar with the layout of ACI 318 and understand the distinction between mandatory code provisions and explanatory commentary.

Masonry preparation may include masonry materials, mortar, grout, reinforcement, anchors, ties, bearing, walls, columns, construction tolerances, quality assurance, inspections, and structural design requirements. The ACI masonry reference combines code provisions, specifications, and companion commentary.

Accessibility preparation may involve accessible routes, entrances, doors, maneuvering clearances, ramps, stairs, elevators, platform lifts, toilet rooms, bathing facilities, parking, seating, signage, reach ranges, operable parts, and communication features. These questions often depend on exact measurements and diagrams.

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

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

Code-administration preparation may include permits, inspections, plan review, certificates of occupancy, violations, stop-work orders, alternate materials, code enforcement, and the responsibilities of contractors, design professionals, and building officials.

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

The additional study books support practical preparation involving framing, roofing, excavation, reinforcing systems, post-tensioning, concrete mixtures, masonry installation, erosion control, underground utilities, steel joist erection, and steel-deck construction.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Building Contractor examination is open book. Candidates may use authorized references that comply with the current testing-center requirements.

The eight approved exam-room references in this package are professionally highlighted and tabbed to support navigation. Candidates should learn which book applies to each subject and practice locating information without relying solely on the tabs.

Use the North Carolina Building Code for general building requirements, occupancy classifications, construction types, means of egress, fire protection, structural provisions, exterior walls, roofing, and safeguards during construction.

Use ACI 318 for structural concrete questions and ACI 530/530.1 for masonry questions. Use ICC A117.1 for accessibility requirements and the North Carolina Administration Code and Policies for permits, inspections, enforcement, and code-administration procedures.

The North Carolina construction-safety standards should be used for workplace-safety questions. The contractor guide supports business, law, accounting, estimating, contracts, insurance, and project-management preparation. The sports-field reference covers athletic-facility construction and maintenance.

Highlighted passages should be read in context. A correct answer may depend on an exception, table note, definition, diagram, companion section, or commentary located near the highlighted language.

Candidates should complete timed mixed-reference drills. A useful practice session may include a building-code lookup, an accessibility measurement, a concrete provision, a masonry requirement, a safety question, and a contractor-business scenario.

The twelve additional study references are not identified as approved exam-room books. Candidates should use them during preparation and leave them outside the testing room unless current official examination instructions specifically authorize them.

Reference preparation must follow the current testing rules. Candidates should review the applicable requirements concerning highlighting, underlining, permanent tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, binding, and inserted materials before arriving at the examination 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 plans to perform.
2. Select the license limitation. Determine the monetary limitation that matches the value of projects the business intends to undertake.
3. Choose the qualifier. Identify the individual who will satisfy the examination requirement for the applicant business.
4. Submit the contractor application. Provide the required business, ownership, financial, organizational, and qualifier information.
5. Obtain examination eligibility. Complete the application review before scheduling the Building Contractor examination.
6. Study the complete package. Use the exam-room references and additional study books to review codes, structural systems, construction methods, safety, accessibility, and business subjects.
7. Practice using the approved books. Complete final timed drills with only the eight references allowed into the examination room.
8. Schedule and take the examination. Follow the current candidate bulletin and testing-center instructions.
9. Complete the licensing process. Satisfy the applicable financial, qualifier, organizational, classification, and limitation requirements.
10. Maintain project compliance. Follow applicable codes, permits, inspections, environmental requirements, safety standards, and contractor laws.

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, associated sitework, grading, paving, sidewalks, gutters, storm drainage, retaining walls, accessory structures, recreational facilities, athletic fields, running tracks, bleachers, and seating.

The applicant business must hold the appropriate classification and monetary limitation for the projects it plans to undertake. The selected limitation determines the maximum value of projects the contractor may perform.

The business must identify a qualifier who satisfies the examination requirement. The applicant must also provide the ownership, financial, organizational, and other documentation required for the selected license level.

Passing the examination does not automatically issue a contractor license. The applicant must complete the full licensing process and satisfy all applicable business and financial requirements.

A contractor license does not replace project permits, building inspections, professional engineering, architectural services, environmental approvals, utility coordination, or workplace-safety responsibilities.

Projects involving land disturbance may be subject to sedimentation and erosion-control requirements. Excavation work may also require utility-location procedures, safe-digging practices, and protection of existing underground facilities.

Contractors remain responsible for following applicable North Carolina codes, administrative requirements, safety standards, accessibility provisions, and local permitting procedures throughout each project.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Sports Fields: Design, Construction and Maintenance, 2nd Edition, 2010
  A technical reference covering athletic-field planning, site selection, grading, drainage, irrigation, soil preparation, natural turf, synthetic surfaces, construction, renovation, and maintenance.
• 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, ladders, scaffolds, excavation, electrical hazards, 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 reference covering licensing, business organization, accounting, financial management, contracts, estimating, bidding, scheduling, insurance, employment, safety, liens, and project administration.
• North Carolina Building Code: Building Code, 2018
  The principal building-code reference covering occupancy classifications, construction types, height and area, fire protection, means of egress, structural requirements, exterior walls, roofing, 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 materials, reinforcement, design requirements, construction, quality assurance, inspections, specifications, and commentary.
• ACI 318-14, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary
  A structural concrete reference covering reinforcement, slabs, beams, columns, walls, foundations, durability, strength, development, splices, inspection, and construction requirements.
• North Carolina Administration Code and Policies, 2018 Edition
  An administrative reference covering permits, inspections, plan review, certificates of occupancy, enforcement, alternate materials, violations, and application of the 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, seating, reach ranges, clearances, signage, and communication features.

Additional Highlighted and Tabbed 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, storage, handling, bridging, erection, stability, sequencing, connections, and safety considerations for steel joists and joist girders.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  A construction reference covering foundations, framing, floors, walls, roofs, stairs, doors, windows, finishes, tools, plans, 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 roof systems, materials, installation, flashing, ventilation, repair, measurements, labor, estimating, 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, repairs, handling, and quality-control practices.
• Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  A masonry reference covering tools, materials, mortar, brick, concrete block, stone, layout, bonding, reinforcement, walls, fireplaces, 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 requirements, enforcement authority, planning responsibilities, and pollution-prevention obligations.
• Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina
  A contractor law reference covering licensing statutes, Board rules, classifications, limitations, qualifier responsibilities, applications, renewals, disciplinary provisions, and compliance.
• SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck
  A Steel Deck Institute reference covering steel-deck products, handling, storage, erection, attachment, openings, accessories, tolerances, safety, and construction practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin preparation by separating the eight exam-room books from the twelve study-only references. Use the complete package to develop construction knowledge, but complete final exam simulations using only the approved books.

For building-code study, practice locating occupancy classifications, construction types, height and area limits, fire-resistance requirements, means of egress, structural provisions, exterior walls, roofs, and construction safeguards.

For concrete and masonry, learn which standard controls each question. Review reinforcement, cover, development, splices, inspection, materials, construction tolerances, and quality assurance.

For accessibility, work directly with figures and dimensions involving doors, ramps, routes, parking, toilet rooms, seating, reach ranges, and maneuvering clearances.

For safety, review fall protection, excavation, ladders, scaffolds, cranes, electrical hazards, protective equipment, material handling, tools, and emergency procedures.

Use the study-only books to reinforce field methods. Review framing, roofing, concrete mixtures, masonry installation, steel-deck erection, steel-joist handling, excavation practices, post-tensioning, utility safety, and erosion control.

Create mixed-reference drills that require switching between code, structural, accessibility, safety, administration, and business subjects. Review missed questions in the supporting reference and repeat difficult lookups.

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 manageable study plan.

Professionally highlighted and tabbed books help candidates identify important sections and navigate major subjects more efficiently. Exam-room references support realistic lookup practice, while the additional study books provide broader construction context.

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

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

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates answer questions, locate supporting provisions, review missed concepts, and repeat difficult searches until the reference library becomes more familiar.

No highlighted and tabbed package can guarantee a passing score, contractor license, project permit, or business outcome. Results depend on preparation, construction experience, code knowledge, business understanding, financial qualifications, application completion, and performance on test day.

FAQ Section

Are all books professionally highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The eight exam-room references and twelve additional study books are professionally highlighted and prepared with permanently attached navigation tabs.

Which books are allowed into the examination?

The eight references listed in the Exam Room Approved Books section are identified for use during the North Carolina Building Contractor examination.

Are the additional study books allowed into the exam?

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

Is the examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may use authorized references that comply with the current examination-center rules.

Does the package include the North Carolina Building Code?

Yes. The highlighted and tabbed 2018 North Carolina Building Code is included.

Are concrete and masonry standards included?

Yes. The package includes highlighted and tabbed editions of ACI 318-14 and ACI 530/530.1-13.

Does the package include accessibility preparation?

Yes. ICC A117.1-2017 is included as a highlighted and tabbed exam-room reference.

Does the package cover roofing, carpentry, and excavation?

Yes. Additional highlighted and tabbed study references cover roofing, carpentry, excavation, pipe installation, utility safety, and sedimentation control.

Do highlighting and tabs replace studying?

No. Highlighting and tabs support organization, but candidates must still understand the material, practice calculations, and develop efficient reference-navigation skills.

Does this package include an online course?

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

Does passing the exam automatically issue the license?

No. Applicants must complete the licensing process and satisfy the applicable financial, qualifier, organizational, classification, and limitation requirements.

Does purchasing this package guarantee a passing score?

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