The 1 Package: All-Inclusive North Carolina Building Contractor Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution

Prepare for the North Carolina Building Contractor examination, licensing process, and business launch with an all-inclusive package built around the major steps required to move from exam preparation toward operating a professionally structured contracting business.

The 1 Package combines professionally highlighted and tabbed rental books, exam-room-approved references, supplemental study books, live instruction, a self-study trade course, Application Service, business-formation support, EIN filing, and contractor compliance guidance.

This package is designed for candidates who want more than a collection of books or a stand-alone online course. It brings examination preparation, reference navigation, licensing assistance, and foundational business setup services together in one coordinated solution.

The North Carolina Building Contractor classification covers a broad range of commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential construction and demolition work. Candidates may need to understand building-code requirements, structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, construction safety, contractor business law, project management, code administration, sports-field construction, carpentry, roofing, excavation, erosion control, steel systems, and related construction methods.

The package includes eight references identified for use in the examination room and twelve supplemental books intended for study outside the exam. Every included rental book is professionally highlighted and tabbed.

Selected definitions, code requirements, tables, formulas, diagrams, administrative procedures, safety standards, and business concepts are highlighted to support focused review. Permanently attached tabs identify major chapters, standards, sections, and frequently reviewed subjects.

The live and self-study trade course helps candidates organize the extensive reference library into manageable study areas. Candidates can combine instructor-led sessions with independent lessons, technical reading, code-navigation exercises, calculation practice, and timed open-book drills.

Application Service is included to support organization of the North Carolina contractor licensing application process. Business Formation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance are also included to help customers establish a formal business structure and prepare for professional contracting operations.

The package includes 1 year of course access and a one-year rental period for the complete physical book set. The package price is $3,205, plus a $1,250 refundable rental-book deposit, for a total of $4,455 due at purchase.

The $1,250 deposit is refundable when the complete rental-book set is returned in similar condition within one year of the rental period. Books should be protected from additional writing, torn pages, moisture, missing materials, loose inserts, or unauthorized alterations.

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders. Candidates should consider this preparation time when selecting an examination date and organizing their study schedule.

Exam Details

The North Carolina Building Contractor examination evaluates knowledge across building construction, building-code compliance, structural systems, accessibility, workplace safety, contractor business practices, code administration, and project management.

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

Many code questions require candidates to use several related provisions. A question involving allowable building size may require review of occupancy, construction type, sprinkler conditions, frontage provisions, mixed-use requirements, and table notes.

Structural concrete preparation may include materials, reinforcement, concrete cover, development length, splices, slabs, beams, columns, walls, foundations, durability, strength, inspections, and construction requirements.

Masonry preparation may include masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, anchors, ties, walls, columns, bearing, quality assurance, construction tolerances, inspections, and structural requirements.

Accessibility preparation may involve accessible routes, entrances, doors, maneuvering clearances, ramps, stairs, elevators, toilet rooms, bathing facilities, parking, seating, reach ranges, operable parts, signage, and communication features.

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

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

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

The supplemental study books expand preparation into carpentry, roofing, excavation, concrete mixtures, post-tensioning, modern masonry methods, utility safety, sedimentation control, contractor regulations, 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 current testing-center requirements.

The eight exam-room references included in this package are professionally highlighted and tabbed. Candidates should learn which book applies to each subject and practice navigating every reference before the examination.

Use the North Carolina Building Code for occupancy classifications, construction types, allowable height and area, fire protection, means of egress, exterior walls, roof assemblies, structural provisions, 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 administrative procedures.

Use the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for workplace-safety questions. Use the contractor business guide for licensing, accounting, contracts, estimating, project management, insurance, liens, and contractor responsibilities.

Use the sports-fields reference for athletic-facility planning, site preparation, grading, drainage, irrigation, turf systems, construction, renovation, and maintenance.

Highlighted passages should always be read in context. A correct answer may depend on a definition, exception, table note, diagram, commentary provision, or cross-reference located near the highlighted material.

The twelve supplemental books are included for study but are not identified as references allowed into the examination room. Final exam simulations should be completed using only the eight exam-room-approved books.

Candidates should review current examination rules concerning tabs, highlighting, underlining, handwritten notes, loose papers, inserted materials, and binding before taking references to the testing center.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Building Contractor classification. Confirm that the classification matches the construction and demolition work the business plans to perform.
2. Select the appropriate license limitation. Choose the North Carolina monetary limitation that fits the value of projects the business intends to undertake.
3. Identify the qualifier. Select the individual who will satisfy the examination requirement for the applicant business.
4. Prepare the application. Use the included Application Service to organize applicant, ownership, business, financial, and qualifier information.
5. Submit the required licensing materials. Complete the applicable process for the selected classification and limitation.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Follow the authorization and registration instructions provided after application review.
7. Begin the self-study course. Organize preparation around building code, structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, safety, administration, business, and sports-field subjects.
8. Attend live classes. Use instructor-led sessions to reinforce examination topics and reference-navigation skills.
9. Study the supplemental references. Build broader understanding of carpentry, roofing, excavation, concrete, masonry, steel construction, and erosion control.
10. Complete timed open-book drills. Practice with only the approved exam-room references during final simulations.
11. Schedule and take the examination. Follow current candidate and testing-center requirements.
12. Complete business formation and EIN filing. Establish the selected business entity and obtain the federal Employer Identification Number.
13. Complete the licensing process. Satisfy the applicable financial, qualifier, organizational, classification, and limitation requirements.
14. Return the rental books. Return the complete set in similar condition within one year to qualify for the refundable deposit.

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

The applicant business must hold a classification that covers the work it plans to perform and a monetary limitation appropriate for the value of the projects it intends to undertake.

The applicant must identify a qualifier who satisfies the examination requirement. The business must also provide the financial, organizational, ownership, and application information required for the selected licensing pathway.

North Carolina general contractor licenses are issued with limited, intermediate, or unlimited monetary limitations. Each limitation has financial qualification requirements and controls the value of projects the contractor may undertake.

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

Business formation and EIN filing do not replace contractor licensing. The customer must still complete all licensing requirements before performing work that requires a North Carolina general contractor license.

A contractor license does not replace project-specific permits, inspections, engineering services, architectural services, environmental approvals, accessibility obligations, erosion-control requirements, or workplace-safety responsibilities.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Sports Fields: Design, Construction and Maintenance, 2nd Edition, 2010
  A technical reference covering athletic-field planning, grading, drainage, irrigation, soil preparation, turf systems, construction, renovation, and maintenance.
• Included Book: 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, cranes, electrical hazards, material handling, and employer responsibilities.
• Included Book: Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
  A contractor reference covering licensing, accounting, contracts, estimating, bidding, scheduling, insurance, employment, liens, and project administration.
• Included Book: North Carolina Building Code: Building Code, 2018
  The primary building-code reference covering occupancy, construction types, height and area, fire protection, means of egress, structural requirements, exterior walls, roofing, and construction safeguards.
• Included Book: ACI 530/530.1-13, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries
  A masonry reference covering materials, reinforcement, design, construction, inspections, quality assurance, specifications, and commentary.
• Included Book: 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, inspections, and construction.
• Included Book: North Carolina Administration Code and Policies, 2018 Edition
  An administrative reference covering permits, plan review, inspections, certificates of occupancy, enforcement, alternate materials, violations, and code procedures.
• Included Book: ICC A117.1-2017, Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  An accessibility standard covering routes, entrances, doors, ramps, elevators, toilet rooms, parking, seating, reach ranges, clearances, and communication features.

Exam Room Approved Books

The eight references listed above are identified as exam-room-approved books for the North Carolina Building Contractor examination. Each book is professionally highlighted and tabbed for study and open-book navigation.

Additional Study Books Not Allowed into the Exam

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

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin preparation by separating the exam-room references from the supplemental study books. Use the complete library to build technical understanding, then complete final timed drills using only the approved examination books.

Study the North Carolina Building Code by practicing occupancy, construction type, allowable height and area, fire resistance, means of egress, exterior walls, roofing, structural provisions, and safeguards during construction.

Use ACI 318 and ACI 530/530.1 for structural preparation. Practice identifying which standard controls the question before beginning a lookup.

Use ICC A117.1 for accessibility review and work directly with diagrams and dimensions involving routes, doors, ramps, parking, toilet rooms, seating, reach ranges, and maneuvering clearances.

Use the supplemental books for practical review of carpentry, roofing, excavation, concrete mixtures, masonry installation, post-tensioning, steel joists, steel deck, utility safety, and sedimentation control.

Combine live classes with self-study lessons, technical reading, calculations, mixed-reference exercises, and review of missed questions. Repeat difficult searches until book selection and navigation become more efficient.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps North Carolina Building Contractor candidates organize exam preparation, application support, and business setup into one structured package.

The live and self-study trade course connects building-code requirements with structural concrete, masonry, accessibility, safety, sports-field construction, project management, code administration, and contractor business responsibilities.

Professional highlighting helps selected provisions, tables, formulas, diagrams, and business concepts stand out. Permanent tabs provide visible navigation points for major chapters and frequently reviewed subjects.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to study course lessons, answer questions, locate supporting provisions, review missed concepts, and repeat difficult reference searches.

Application Service supports organization of the contractor licensing paperwork. Business Formation and EIN Filing help establish the customer’s business structure, while Contractor Compliance Guidance supports a clearer understanding of ongoing professional responsibilities.

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

FAQ Section

What is included in The 1 Package?

The package includes eight exam-room-approved books, twelve supplemental study books, professional highlighting and tabbing, live classes, a self-study course, 1 year of course access, Application Service, Business Formation, EIN Filing, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

What is the total amount due at purchase?

The package price is $3,205, and the refundable book deposit is $1,250. The total due at purchase is $4,455.

Is the $1,250 deposit refundable?

Yes. The deposit is refundable when the complete rental-book set is returned in similar condition within one year of the rental period.

How long is course access?

The package includes 1 year of course access.

Are live classes included?

Yes. Live trade classes are included with the self-study course.

Is Application Service included?

Yes. Application Service is included to support organization of the North Carolina contractor licensing application process.

Does the package include business formation?

Yes. LLC or corporation formation support is included to help establish the customer’s business entity.

Is EIN filing included?

Yes. Assistance filing for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS is included.

Are all books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. The exam-room references and supplemental study books are professionally highlighted and tabbed.

Are all books allowed into the exam room?

No. Only the eight references listed in the Exam Room Approved Books section are identified for use during the examination. The remaining books are included for study.

How long does book preparation take?

Please allow an additional 15 business days for highlighted and tabbed trade book package orders.

Does this package guarantee a passing score or license?

No. Examination, licensing, and business outcomes depend on the customer’s preparation, qualifications, documentation, reference-navigation ability, compliance, and performance throughout the process.