NC General Contractor study plan
NC General Contractor · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
General contracting licensing law and regulations
Outline the structure of the North Carolina general contracting licensing statutes and rules, identifying the board, license tiers, and key definitions.
List the requirements for obtaining a general contractor license, including experience, exams, and financial statements.
Explain the consequences of unlicensed contracting and the exemptions to licensing.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page summary sheet of licensing requirements, penalties, and exemptions.
General contracting licensing law and regulations
Describe the continuing education and license renewal process for NC general contractors.
Identify the disciplinary actions the board can take and the grounds for revocation or suspension.
Summarize the rules for advertising, bidding, and contracting without a license.
Your checkpoint
Write a 10-question self-quiz on licensing law and answer it without notes, scoring at least 80%.
General contracting licensing law and regulations & Business and project management
Explain the lien laws and trust fund statutes relevant to general contractors in NC.
Describe the basic principles of construction contracts, including types of agreements and key clauses.
Identify the essential elements of project scheduling and cost estimating.
List the steps in project closeout and final payment.
Your checkpoint
Draft a sample contract checklist covering lien waivers, payment terms, and dispute resolution.
Business and project management
Outline the components of a project management plan, including scope, schedule, and budget.
Explain the methods for tracking project costs and controlling changes.
Describe the basics of construction safety regulations and OSHA requirements.
Summarize the principles of quality control and quality assurance in construction.
Your checkpoint
Create a project management plan template for a small commercial project.
Building construction and technical standards
Identify the model building codes adopted in North Carolina and their application.
Explain the structural loads and design requirements for wood, steel, and concrete construction.
Describe the key requirements for fire-resistant construction and egress.
Outline the building envelope and energy code requirements.
Your checkpoint
Build a flashcard set of 50 key technical terms and code sections, and review them.
Building construction and technical standards
Explain the requirements for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings.
Describe the accessibility standards and their application to commercial projects.
Outline the inspection process and common code violations.
Summarize the requirements for special inspections and structural testing.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 20-question practice test on technical standards and review incorrect answers.
Contract administration and consumer protection
Explain the consumer protection laws affecting contractors, including the Homeowners Recovery Fund.
Describe the requirements for written contracts, change orders, and disclosures.
Outline the dispute resolution processes, including mediation and arbitration.
Summarize the rules for handling complaints and claims.
Your checkpoint
Write a client communication plan that includes contract disclosures and complaint handling.
General contracting licensing law and regulations & Business and project management & Building construction and technical standards & Contract administration and consumer protection
Review all domain summaries and key flashcards.
Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions.
Analyze practice exam results to identify weak areas and review those topics.
Finalize a test-day strategy and logistics plan.
Your checkpoint
Achieve a score of at least 75% on a full-length practice exam and create a personalized review sheet.
Milestones
Week 4: Complete a practice test on Domains 1 and 2 with a score of at least 70%.
Week 6: Complete a practice test on Domain 3 with a score of at least 70%.
Week 8: Complete a full-length practice exam with a score of at least 75%.