How to get an electrical license in North Carolina: the official requirements

In North Carolina, the statewide electrical license is a contractor license, issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. North Carolina licenses electrical contracting, in 10 classifications. The Limited license covers a single project worth up to sixty thousand dollars at no more than 600 volts, the Intermediate license a single project up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars, and the Unlimited license any project regardless of value. The person who passes the exam becomes the license's qualified individual. Experience and training: Hours of electrical experience to sit for the exam: Limited, at least 3,000 hours with at least 2,000 primary; Intermediate, at least 5,750 hours with at least 5,000 primary; Unlimited, at least 9,000 hours with at least 8,000 primary. Primary experience is hands-on installation of electrical wiring and equipment governed by the National Electrical Code, and 2,000 hours count as one creditable year. You verify experience on the Board's Employer Statement Forms. Licensing exam: Pass the Board's computer-based, open-book exam for your classification, given by PSI, with a minimum grade of 70. You must apply and get Board approval first, then schedule and take the exam within the 90-day authorization period. Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited exams have 100 multiple-choice questions and 6 hours. How to apply: Send the Board the Application for Examination packet with the exam fee; you must be at least 18 and include written statements from at least two people attesting to your good character. After you pass, complete a New License Application for your classification and submit it with the license fee.