Electrician License Requirements in North Carolina
Last reviewed July 2026
To work as a licensed electrician in North Carolina, you'll apply through the licensing authority, meet an experience requirement, and pass a licensing exam based on the National Electrical Code. Here's how it breaks down.
North Carolina licenses electrical CONTRACTORS in three financial tiers — Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited — based on the dollar value of the jobs you can take.
Licensing authority
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
Phone: (919) 733-9042
Website: https://www.ncbeec.org/
License types & experience
| License | Experience required | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Jobs valued up to $50,000 |
At least 3,000 hours of experience (≥2,000 primary) | 100 questions, 75% to pass, open book |
| Intermediate Jobs valued up to $130,000 |
At least 5,750 hours (≥5,000 primary) | 100 questions, 75% to pass, open book |
| Unlimited No project value cap |
At least 9,000 hours (≥8,000 primary) | 100 questions, 75% to pass, open book |
The exam & fees
Testing vendor
NCBEEC (state-administered)
Code edition
current NEC + NC rules, open book, 75% to pass
Fees
$125 examination fee
Renewal & continuing education
Annual renewal; 4 hours of continuing education (at least 1 hour on NEC changes).
Studying for the North Carolina electrician exam?
The exam is NEC-based — practice with 1,394 questions and worked solutions in the Electrical Exam Prep app.
⚠ Licensing requirements and fees change. This page is a summary, not legal advice — always confirm current requirements directly with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) before applying.
Sources: NCBEEC (official)