North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor Exam Ultimate Package

Prepare for the North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination and licensing process with a complete Ultimate package that combines eight professionally highlighted and tabbed rental books, live trade instruction, a structured self-study course, and Application Service. This package is designed for candidates who want an organized preparation system for excavation, grading, earthwork, workplace safety, erosion and sedimentation control, utility-location requirements, contractor regulations, and open-book reference navigation.

The North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination requires candidates to understand practical earthmoving operations while also knowing how to locate exact safety standards, roadway specifications, definitions, construction procedures, and regulatory provisions. Preparation may include clearing, grubbing, cuts, fills, trenching, backfilling, compaction, embankments, grade control, drainage, equipment use, soil handling, erosion control, and construction-site safety.

The package includes two rental books identified for use inside the examination room: North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with the latest available amendments, and North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018. These two references support open-book questions involving excavation safety, trenches, equipment, grading, earthwork, compaction, drainage, roadway construction, materials, and related specifications.

Six additional rental books are included for study purposes but are not allowed inside the examination room. These study-only references provide broader preparation in erosion and sedimentation control, excavation safety, utility-location responsibilities, contractor business law, project management, pipe and excavation methods, and North Carolina licensing regulations.

All eight rental books are professionally highlighted and tabbed. Highlighting draws attention to important safety provisions, grading specifications, construction procedures, definitions, tables, business topics, utility-location guidance, environmental requirements, and contractor regulations. Permanent tabs divide each book into practical subject areas to support efficient review and repeated reference-navigation practice.

The Ultimate package includes live trade classes and 1 year of course access. Live instruction provides guided review of major examination subjects, approved-reference use, and practical test-preparation strategies. The self-study course allows candidates to revisit lessons, strengthen difficult subjects, and continue working through the material throughout the one-year access period.

Application Service is included with this package. The service supports the organization and completion of the North Carolina general contractor application process. Application acceptance, examination eligibility, and license issuance remain subject to the qualifications, requirements, and decisions of the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Please allow 15 business days for professional highlighting and tabbing before shipment. The package price is $1,315, plus a refundable $400 rental-book deposit, for a total initial payment of $1,715. The $400 deposit is refundable when the complete eight-book rental set is returned in similar condition within one year from the date the books are received.

Exam Details

The North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination is part of the qualification process for contractors seeking the Grading and Excavating classification. Candidates should prepare for technical, regulatory, safety, and business topics connected with earthmoving and site-development work.

• Classification: Highway — Grading and Excavating
• Number of questions: 45
• Time allowed: 120 minutes
• Passing score: 70%
• Testing format: Computer-based examination
• Testing provider: PSI Services LLC

The examination content outline includes the following subject areas:

• General Knowledge and Regulations: 9 questions
• Excavating and Grading: 18 questions
• Safety — Code of Federal Regulations: 6 questions
• Lien Law: 1 question
• Licensing and Regulations: 2 questions
• One Call: 3 questions
• Erosion and Sedimentation Control: 6 questions

Excavating and grading form the largest examination category. Candidates should review clearing, grubbing, stripping, cut-and-fill operations, excavation, embankments, trenching, backfilling, soil handling, moisture conditioning, lift placement, compaction, equipment selection, grade control, drainage, slopes, and surface preparation.

General knowledge and regulations account for nine questions. Preparation should include construction terminology, project planning, equipment use, material placement, contractor responsibilities, specifications, earthwork methods, jobsite coordination, and common grading and excavation practices.

Safety and erosion and sedimentation control account for twelve questions combined. Candidates should review excavation protective systems, soil classification, safe access, spoil placement, heavy-equipment hazards, personal protective equipment, stabilization, sediment barriers, construction entrances, runoff management, slope protection, and maintenance of erosion-control measures.

One-call requirements, licensing, regulations, and lien law complete the examination outline. Although these categories contain fewer questions, they remain part of the final score and should be included in a balanced preparation plan.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination is an open-book test. Only the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry and North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018 are identified for use inside the examination room. The six additional rental books are study-only references and should not be taken into the testing center.

The North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry supports questions involving excavations, trenches, soil classifications, sloping, benching, shoring, shielding, safe access, spoil placement, heavy equipment, personal protective equipment, ladders, traffic exposure, material handling, and other construction-site safety requirements.

North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018 supports preparation involving clearing, excavation, earthwork, grading, embankments, drainage, materials, compaction, roadway construction, erosion-control measures, construction procedures, measurement, acceptance, and quality requirements.

Both exam-room-approved rental references are professionally highlighted and tabbed. Permanent tabs provide organized access points for major topics, while highlighting draws attention to important standards, definitions, tables, specifications, and construction procedures.

The six study-only books expand preparation in erosion control, excavation methods, utility-location responsibilities, contractor business law, licensing, and regulations. These books should be used throughout the one-year course period, but timed exam-navigation drills should be completed using only the two approved references.

Approved books should remain complete and securely bound. Permanent tabs should be firmly attached to the pages. Candidates should follow the current testing-center rules governing highlighting, tabs, notes, loose pages, temporary markers, and supplemental materials.

The 120-minute testing period provides an average of approximately two minutes and forty seconds per question. Candidates should understand the principal grading and excavation concepts before test day and use the approved references when an exact safety standard, specification, definition, table, or procedure must be confirmed.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the Grading and Excavating classification. Confirm that the classification matches the excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, clearing, and earthmoving work the business plans to perform.
2. Choose the applicable license limitation. Select the limitation that corresponds with the applicant’s financial qualifications and anticipated project values.
3. Identify the qualifier. Designate the individual whose accepted examination will support the requested Grading and Excavating classification.
4. Gather the required application information. Organize the business, ownership, qualifier, financial, and background information needed for the filing.
5. Use the included Application Service. Receive structured support with organizing and completing the North Carolina general contractor application process.
6. Submit the applicable licensing materials. Complete the current application or examination-request requirements.
7. Receive examination eligibility. Follow the registration and scheduling instructions issued after approval.
8. Attend the live trade classes. Review excavation, grading, earthwork, equipment, safety, erosion control, utility-location responsibilities, regulations, and examination strategies.
9. Continue with self-study preparation. Use the one-year access period to revisit lessons, strengthen weak subjects, and complete practice activities.
10. Study the complete rental library. Use all eight books to build technical, safety, business, and regulatory knowledge.
11. Practice with the approved references. Complete timed navigation drills using only the two books allowed inside the examination room.
12. Schedule and take the examination. Bring the required identification and the approved exam-room books in acceptable condition.
13. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Passing the examination satisfies the testing component, but the licensing board must approve the complete application before issuing a license.
14. Return the complete rental set. Return all eight books in similar condition within one year from the date received to qualify for the refundable $400 deposit.

Passing the examination does not independently authorize an individual or business to perform licensed contracting work. The applicant or business entity must receive and maintain the appropriate North Carolina general contractor license.

State Requirements

The North Carolina Grading and Excavating classification covers the digging, moving, and placing of materials that form the surface of the earth, excluding air and water. Covered work includes cuts, fills, excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and related operations performed with hand tools, power tools, and earthmoving equipment.

The classification also includes work on earthen dams and the use of explosives when those activities are performed in connection with covered grading and excavation work. Clearing, grubbing, and erosion-control activities are also included within the classification.

Typical projects may involve site clearing, mass excavation, building pads, roadway subgrades, embankments, trenches, drainage preparation, slope construction, backfill, compaction, rough grading, final grading, and stabilization of disturbed areas.

The contractor classification determines the type of construction work the licensed business may perform. The license limitation determines the monetary value of individual projects the contractor may undertake. Applicants should select both according to the company’s intended services, financial qualifications, and anticipated project values.

The applicant must designate a qualifier whose accepted examination supports the Grading and Excavating classification. The qualifier demonstrates examination knowledge, while the contractor license is issued to the approved applicant or business entity.

Grading and excavation contractors must also comply with applicable permits, plans, inspections, workplace-safety standards, utility-location requirements, erosion and sedimentation-control rules, environmental requirements, project specifications, and local obligations.

Reference Books

• Included Book: North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  This exam-room-approved rental reference addresses excavation safety, trench protection, soil classifications, access, spoil placement, heavy equipment, personal protective equipment, ladders, traffic exposure, material handling, and general jobsite safety.
• Included Book: North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018
  This exam-room-approved rental reference covers clearing, grading, excavation, embankments, earthwork, compaction, drainage, materials, erosion control, construction procedures, measurement, acceptance, and quality requirements.
• Included Book: North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Chapter 4 Sedimentation Control, Including the Latest Amendments
  This study-only rental reference supports preparation involving sedimentation-control requirements, plans, stabilization, runoff management, administration, enforcement, and protection of disturbed areas.
• Included Book: North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A, Article 4 Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
  This study-only rental reference supports review of North Carolina statutory requirements governing sedimentation pollution and land-disturbing activity.
• Included Book: North Carolina Excavation Safety Guidelines, 2022 or Later
  This study-only rental reference supports utility-location practices, safe excavation planning, underground-facility protection, marking, communication, tolerance-zone awareness, and damage prevention.
• Included Book: Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  This study-only rental reference covers contractor licensing, business organization, contracts, estimating, project management, financial administration, insurance, liens, and professional responsibilities.
• Included Book: Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  This study-only rental reference covers excavation methods, trenching, pipe-related construction, soil conditions, dewatering, backfill, compaction, equipment selection, productivity, and field practices.
• Included Book: Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina
  This study-only rental reference supports review of North Carolina contractor classifications, license limitations, board regulations, legal responsibilities, and compliance requirements.

All eight books remain rental property. The complete rental set must be returned in similar condition within one year from the date the books are received for the $400 deposit to be refundable.

Exam Room Approved Books

Only the following two professionally highlighted and tabbed rental references are identified for use inside the North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination room:

• North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with Latest Available Amendments
  Use this reference for excavation safety, trench protection, soil classifications, sloping, benching, shoring, shielding, safe access, spoil placement, heavy equipment, personal protective equipment, ladders, and material handling.
• North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018
  Use this reference for clearing, excavation, grading, embankments, earthwork, compaction, drainage, erosion control, materials, construction procedures, measurement, and acceptance requirements.

The remaining six rental books are study-only references and should not be taken into the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

This Ultimate package includes live trade classes and 1 year of course access. Candidates can combine guided instruction with independent study and repeated practice using the complete highlighted and tabbed rental library.

Begin with excavation and grading because this is the largest examination category. Review clearing, grubbing, stripping, excavation, cut-and-fill balancing, embankments, trenching, backfill, soil handling, moisture conditioning, lift thickness, compaction, equipment selection, grade control, slopes, drainage, and surface preparation.

Safety preparation should include soil classification, trench protective systems, sloping, benching, shoring, shielding, access and egress, spoil placement, equipment clearances, personal protective equipment, traffic exposure, ladders, and safe material handling.

Erosion and sedimentation-control study should cover stabilization, sediment barriers, construction entrances, inlet protection, slope protection, diversion measures, runoff management, maintenance, inspections, and protection of nearby properties and waterways.

Utility-location preparation should include advance notification, utility markings, tolerance zones, careful excavation practices, protection of marked facilities, communication with facility operators, and appropriate action when underground utilities are exposed or damaged.

Timed reference-navigation drills should use only the two exam-room-approved books. Read each practice question, identify the subject, select the correct reference, locate the applicable permanent tab, and confirm the answer from the relevant standard, specification, table, definition, or procedure.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports candidates through organized study guidance, live trade instruction, self-study review, practice-oriented preparation, approved-reference navigation, and a confidence-building study structure. This Ultimate package combines a complete eight-book rental library with one-year course access and Application Service.

The professionally highlighted and tabbed books reduce the work involved in creating an organized study system. Highlighting directs attention to important grading specifications, excavation methods, safety provisions, erosion-control requirements, utility-location guidance, business topics, and contractor regulations.

Live classes provide guided review of important Grading and Excavating Contractor subjects and practical examination strategies. The self-study course allows candidates to revisit lessons, strengthen weak areas, and continue working through the material throughout the one-year access period.

The separation between exam-room-approved and study-only references helps candidates prepare with the correct expectations. Students can use all eight books during the course while reserving timed exam-navigation practice for the two references permitted inside the testing center.

Application Service supports the organization and completion of the North Carolina contractor application process. It does not guarantee application approval, examination eligibility, license issuance, or any particular state decision.

No course, rental-book package, or application service guarantees a passing score or licensing outcome. Results depend on the candidate’s qualifications, knowledge, preparation, practical experience, reference familiarity, and examination performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Ultimate package?

The package includes eight highlighted and tabbed rental books, live Grading and Excavating Contractor classes, 1 year of self-study course access, and Application Service.

How many rental books are included?

The complete rental set includes eight books: two exam-room-approved references and six study-only references.

Can all eight books be taken into the examination room?

No. Only the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry and North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2018 are identified for examination-room use.

What is the total initial payment?

The package price is $1,315, plus a refundable $400 rental-book deposit, for a total initial payment of $1,715.

How is the $400 deposit refunded?

The $400 deposit is refundable when the complete eight-book rental set is returned in similar condition within one year from the date the books are received.

How long is the course available?

The Ultimate package includes 1 year of course access.

Are live classes included?

Yes. The package includes live trade classes and self-study preparation.

Is Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included with this Ultimate package.

Are all eight books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. Every rental book is professionally highlighted and tabbed before shipment.

How long do the books take to prepare?

Please allow 15 business days for professional highlighting and tabbing before shipment.

Is the examination open book?

Yes. The North Carolina Grading and Excavating Contractor examination is open book, but only the two approved references may be used inside the examination room.

Does this package guarantee a passing score or license approval?

No. The package provides organized rental books, live and self-study preparation, and application support, but results depend on the candidate’s qualifications, knowledge, preparation, experience, reference familiarity, and examination performance.