North Carolina Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & Fees (2026)
Getting an electrical contractor license in North Carolina is different from most states. The NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) licenses electrical contracting businesses — not individual journeymen — through a three-tier classification system based on project value and voltage scope. The "qualified individual" named on the license is the person who passed the exam and is responsible for supervising all electrical work done under that license. See our North Carolina exam prep page for practice questions aligned to the NCBEEC exam.
This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step for 2026 — verified against the NCBEEC's official publications, statutes, and PSI exam handbook.
Disclaimer: Requirements and fees change. Always verify current details directly with the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors before applying.
How North Carolina Electrical Licensing Works
North Carolina licenses electrical contracting entities (individuals operating as a business, partnerships, firms, or corporations), not individual workers. The key concept is the "qualified individual" — the person who passes the licensing exam and is listed on the license. That person has legal responsibility to supervise and direct all electrical work done by the business.
This is different from states that license individual journeymen. In NC, the license belongs to the business, and the business must have at least one listed qualified individual at each place of business.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/g-s-87-43-electrical-contractors-licensing-law/]
North Carolina Electrical Contractor License Classifications
NC issues electrical contracting licenses in three primary classifications, plus special restricted licenses for limited-scope work.
| Classification | Project Value Limit | Voltage | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | Up to $60,000 per project | Up to 1,000V | 3,000 hours (≥2,000 primary) |
| Intermediate | Up to $150,000 per project | Not specified | 5,750 hours (≥5,000 primary) |
| Unlimited | No limit | No limit | 9,000 hours (≥8,000 primary) |
| Special Restricted | No value limit | Scope-specific | 3,000 hours (≥2,000 primary) |
Note: Project value limits are set by Board rule — the actual amounts are $60,000 (Limited) and $150,000 (Intermediate), lower than the statutory maximum amounts listed in G.S. 87-43.3.
Special Restricted classifications include:
- Single-Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD)
- Fire Alarm/Low Voltage (FA/LV)
- Elevator (SP-EL)
- Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (SP-PH)
- Groundwater Pump (SP-WP)
- Electric Sign (SP-ES)
- Swimming Pool Bonding (SP-SP)
A holder of an Unlimited, Intermediate, or Limited license is authorized to perform any work covered by the special restricted licenses (within their project value limits) without obtaining a separate special restricted license.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/g-s-87-43-electrical-contractors-licensing-law/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/title-21-ncac-18b/]
Experience Requirements
Experience requirements are defined in Board Rule .0201 and mirror the statutory requirements in G.S. 87-43.3. "Primary experience" means hands-on direct installation of electrical wiring and equipment governed by the National Electrical Code.
Limited Classification
- Total: At least 3,000 hours of electrical experience
- Primary: At least 2,000 of those hours must be primary (hands-on installation)
- The remaining hours may be primary, secondary, or both
Intermediate Classification
- Total: At least 5,750 hours of electrical experience
- Primary: At least 5,000 of those hours must be primary
- The remaining hours may be primary, secondary, or both
Unlimited Classification
- Total: At least 9,000 hours of electrical experience
- Primary: At least 8,000 of those hours must be primary
- Additionally: two written statements from persons who can attest to the applicant's ability to supervise and direct all electrical wiring and installation work
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (Rule .0201, page 32)]
Ready to test your NEC knowledge?
1,600+ practice questions with step-by-step explanations.
Try Free Questions →The North Carolina Electrical Contractor Exam
All exams are computer-based and administered by PSI Services LLC. You must receive Board approval before scheduling your exam through PSI.
Exam Format — Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 6 hours maximum |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Testing Vendor | PSI Services LLC |
| NEC Edition | 2020 NEC |
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (pages 3, 6)]
Special Restricted Exam Formats
| Classification | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| SP-SFD, SP-PH, SP-ES, SP-EL, SP-WP | 40 questions | 3 hours |
| Fire Alarm/Low Voltage (FA/LV) | 50 questions | 3 hours |
| Swimming Pool Bonding (SP-SP) | 25 questions | 1 hour |
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (page 3)]
Open Book — But Only Partially
This is where North Carolina trips up a lot of candidates: the exam is partly open book and partly closed book.
Open book (you may use these references):
- 2020 National Electrical Code
- 2013 National Fire Alarm Code (required for Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited, SP-SFD, and FA/LV exams)
Closed book (no reference allowed for these topics):
- NC Electrical Contractors Licensing Law (G.S. Chapter 87, Article 4)
- Board Rules for Implementation (Title 21 NCAC 18B)
- NASCLA Contractors' Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition
You must bring your own physical copies of the NEC and NFPA 72 — they are not provided at the testing center. References must be softbound, spiral, or hardbound (no loose leaf). Tabs must be permanent only — no Post-it notes or removable tabs.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (pages 3–4) | https://www.ncbeec.org/new-examination-guidelines/]
PSI Testing Locations
PSI testing centers are available in: Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem. Some out-of-state locations are also available.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/faq/]
Fees
Exam Fee
$125 — all classifications. This single fee covers both the application and the examination. It is non-refundable.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/faq/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (Rule .0209)]
Annual License Fees
| Classification | Annual License Fee |
|---|---|
| Limited | Up to $100 per principal place of business |
| Intermediate | Up to $150 per principal place of business |
| Unlimited | Up to $200 per principal place of business |
| Special Restricted | Up to $100 per principal place of business |
Fees also apply per branch location. The license fee schedule confirmed on the Board's fees page: Limited $100, Intermediate $150, Unlimited $200, Special Restricted $100.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/fees-services/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/g-s-87-43-electrical-contractors-licensing-law/ (G.S. 87-44)]
Late Renewal Fee
A $25.00 administrative fee applies to any renewal received after the license expiration date.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/fees-services/]
Exam Review Fee
If you fail and want to review your exam, the review fee is $25.00. Reviews are supervised by Board staff.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (Rule .0209)]
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Download the Examination Information Handbook Available at ncbeec.org. The handbook contains the exam application form and all required supporting forms (Employer Statement, Character Statements, Supervise & Direct Statements for Unlimited).
Step 2: Document your experience hours Use the Board's Employer Statement Form for each employer who can verify your hands-on electrical experience. For Unlimited applicants, you also need two Supervise & Direct Statement Forms from persons who can attest to your supervisory ability.
Step 3: Submit your application to NCBEEC with the $125 exam fee Mail to: NCBEEC, 505 N. Greenfield Pkwy, Suite 100, Garner, NC 27529. You can also submit via email to office@ncbeec.org or fax to (800) 691-8399. Allow 5–10 business days for approval.
Step 4: Receive your Notice of Approval The Board will email and mail you a Notice of Approval listing your authorization period (90-day window to schedule and take your exam).
Step 5: Receive eligibility email from PSI and schedule your exam PSI will email your Test Taker ID within 48–72 hours of the start of your authorization period. Use that ID to register at test-takers.psiexams.com/ncbeec.
Step 6: Take the exam — bring your NEC and NFPA Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring two forms of valid, non-expired ID (one with photo). Bring your tabbed 2020 NEC and (if applicable) 2013 NFPA 72. You receive results immediately at the testing center.
Step 7: Submit your license application to NCBEEC After passing, complete a New License Application and submit it with the annual license fee for your classification. Your license is not active until this step is complete.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/licensing/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/examinations/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf]
Continuing Education Requirements
All listed qualified individuals must complete continuing education each annual license period as a condition of renewal.
| License Type | CE Hours Required Per Year |
|---|---|
| Unlimited, Intermediate, Limited, SP-SFD | 8 hours |
| Special Restricted (EL, ES, FALV, PH, SP, WP) | 4 hours |
Format: At least half of the required CE hours must be in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The remainder may be online.
CE credits may be carried forward for up to two additional annual periods.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/continuing-education/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/g-s-87-43-electrical-contractors-licensing-law/ (G.S. 87-44.1)]
Reciprocity
As of 2023, NC has active reciprocal licensing agreements with 11 states:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
Under reciprocity, licensed contractors from these states may obtain a North Carolina license without sitting for the written exam, provided they hold a current license from the other state, their qualified individual is the same person who qualified the out-of-state license, and they meet all other NCBEEC requirements (experience, character, bonding ability). The annual license fee still applies.
In the absence of a current reciprocity agreement, there is no waiver of the exam requirement.
Additionally, under G.S. 93B-15.3, NC now recognizes out-of-state licenses from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia through a broader automatic licensure recognition law (effective October 1, 2025) for qualifying applicants who establish NC residency.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf (Rule .0701, page 41) | https://www.ncbeec.org/laws-rules/gs-87-4/ (G.S. 93B-15.3)]
NEC Edition
North Carolina testing is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code. The 2020 State Electrical Code (based on the 2020 NEC with NC amendments) became effective November 1, 2021.
One important nuance: the 2017 NEC with 2017 NC Amendments continues to apply to one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures (pools, PV equipment). The 2020 NEC applies to all other occupancy types, including condominiums and apartments.
The PSI exam uses the 2020 NEC.
[Source: https://www.ncbeec.org/2020-nec-status-update/ | https://www.ncbeec.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PSI-EXAM-BOOK-2025.pdf]
Tips for Passing the North Carolina Electrical Contractor Exam
1. Know which portions are open book — and which are closed. The NEC and NFPA 72 sections are open book, but the NC Licensing Law, Board rules, and the NASCLA business guide are closed book. Memorize the key licensing requirements, experience thresholds, and Board rules cold — you won't be able to look them up during the exam.
2. Tab your NEC before exam day — permanent tabs only. Post-it notes and removable tabs are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins. Use only permanent adhesive tabs (Redi-Tag brand is listed as acceptable). Tab the major articles you'll be looking up under time pressure: Articles 210, 230, 240, 250, 300s, 430, and 450 at minimum.
3. One attempt, then a 3-month wait. Each exam approval includes only one attempt. If you fail, you must re-apply (new application, new $125 fee) and wait 3 months before taking the exam again. Prepare thoroughly before sitting.
4. The exam covers lighting and power plans — study them. The handbook includes Lighting and Power Plans that will be referenced in exam questions. These are included in the PSI Exam Handbook — download and study them before your exam.
5. Study the NASCLA guide for the business/law questions. The closed-book business questions draw from the NASCLA Contractors' Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition. You'll need to know this material from memory. It covers contracts, project management, workers' comp, and contractor business requirements.
Key Resources
- NCBEEC Homepage: ncbeec.org
- Examination Information Handbook (2025): ncbeec.org — PSI Exam Book 2025
- PSI Exam Scheduling: test-takers.psiexams.com/ncbeec
- Fees & Services: ncbeec.org/fees-services
- Continuing Education: ncbeec.org/continuing-education
- Reciprocity Info: ncbeec.org — Rule .0701
- NC Electrical Contractors Law (G.S. 87): ncbeec.org/g-s-87-43-electrical-contractors-licensing-law
Information in this guide was verified against the NCBEEC's official PSI Examination Information Handbook (July 2025), the NC General Statutes (G.S. 87), and the NCBEEC Board Rules (Title 21 NCAC 18B) as of April 2026. Fees and requirements are subject to change — always confirm with the Board before applying.
Related guides:
Ready to Pass Your Electrician Exam?
Prepare for your electrician licensing exam with GetLicenseReady. 1,600+ practice questions with detailed NEC references.
Start Practicing Free