If you are a North Carolina resident and want to start a contracting business, you must take continuing education to get your business license. The North Carolina License Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) offers a variety of continuing education that can help you get started. Each course is designed to help you learn the specific skills and knowledge you need to start your business. You can register for courses online or by mail.
Building and Residential Contractor Continuing Education
Once you get your business license, the NCLBGC requires everyone to take and complete 8 hours of continuing education every year. The hours are divided into where a state-specified course must take 2 hours, and the other 6 hours can be from an elective course.
The state-specified courses cover general business law, safety, workers’ compensation, and other business topics. The elective courses can be chosen from online or classroom courses that cover various topics, including construction, business management, and marketing.
The CE begins on January 1 of every even-numbered year. You will have until November 30 of the following year to complete 2 hours of mandatory state-specified courses which are offered by the board. This will be followed by 6 hours of electives courses you can take at your own pace.
You must keep records of your continuing education courses for four years. The NCLBGC may require you to submit your records at any time.
Continuing Education Providers
Rocketcert is the main provider of NCLBGC continuing education. They offer both mandatory and elective courses that are approved by the board. You can register for courses online and take them at your own pace. Upon completion of the course, you can download and print a certificate of completion.
Classroom continuing education is offered by various schools and organizations across the state. You can find a list of approved providers on the NCLBGC website.
How to Get Your License
You must pass the North Carolina Business and Law Exam to get your license. PSI Services LLC offers the exam, and you can register for the exam online or by phone. The exam covers general business law and project management. You must take the exam within one year of starting your business.
You will need to submit an application to the NCLBGC, the application fee and a certificate of completion for the Business and Law Exam. You can submit your application online or by mail. After your application is approved, you will be issued a business license.
How to Renew Your License
Your license is always valid as long as you meet your continuing education requirements. You will need to renew your license every two years, and you will need to submit a renewal application and fee to the NCLBGC. The board requires 8 hours of continuing education for each renewal period. The process for renewing your license includes;
Purchasing Continuing Education
Rockercert offers a variety of online courses that can help you meet your continuing education requirements. As per the state, the course should not take more than 30 days to complete.
Completing the Training
6 hours of the courses must be completed before you submit your renewal application. The state-specified course should be completed first; the other 6 hours can be from elective courses.
Submit Renewal Application
You will need to submit a renewal application, the application fee and a certificate of completion for the continuing education courses. The renewal application can be submitted online or by mail.
License Renewed
After your renewal application is approved, you will be issued a new business license. You should receive your license within 4-6 weeks from the date the NCLBGC receives your renewal application.
Get Started
If you are ready to start your contracting business, sign up for a course today and get started on your way to success. If you have any questions about renewing your license, you can contact Rocketcert through (800) 495-6612 or the official website.
Benefits of Continuing Education for Contractors
Continuing education courses provide contractors with numerous benefits, including staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations, improving skills and knowledge, and enhancing credibility.
Contractors who take continuing education courses are better equipped to handle challenges that arise in the field and can offer better services to their clients. Staying informed about new building materials, technologies, and design trends can give contractors a competitive edge in the market.
Additionally, learning about regulations and laws related to building codes and safety measures can help contractors avoid legal troubles and liability issues.
Tips for Choosing Elective Courses
Choosing the right elective courses is crucial for contractors to get the most out of their continuing education experience. One of the first steps in selecting an elective course is reading the course description carefully to ensure that it aligns with your interests, goals, and business needs.
Contractors should also check reviews and ratings of the course to ensure that the course is reputable and valuable. Considerations of budget and schedule should also be taken into account. Online courses offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and affordability.
NCLBGC Continuing Education Requirements for Different Types of Contractors
The NCLBGC continuing education requirements vary depending on the type of contracting license. Building contractors, residential contractors, and highway contractors are required to take different state-specified courses, and the elective courses can differ depending on the license.
For example, highway contractors may need to take courses related to transportation regulations and safety, while building contractors may focus on building codes and regulations. It is important to understand the specific requirements for each license to ensure compliance and to improve one’s business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your License
When renewing a license, contractors often make mistakes that can cause delays or even lead to license revocation. One of the most common errors is missing deadlines. Contractors should be aware of the renewal deadlines and plan ahead to ensure that they have enough time to complete the necessary courses and submit the application.
Another mistake is submitting incomplete applications. It is important to carefully review the application and ensure that all required documents are included before submitting. Contractors should also ensure that they take approved courses and keep accurate records to avoid issues with renewal.
NCLBGC Continuing Education for Non-Resident Contractors
Non-resident contractors who want to work in North Carolina must meet the NCLBGC continuing education requirements. Options for meeting these requirements include taking equivalent courses in their home state, applying for reciprocity agreements, or taking NCLBGC courses online.
Non-residents should be aware that failure to comply with these requirements can result in legal penalties and can affect their ability to work in North Carolina in the future. It is important to research the specific requirements and options available to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a contracting business license in North Carolina requires taking continuing education courses, which are available from a variety of providers. The courses cover a range of topics, including general business law, safety, workers’ compensation, and construction.
Contractors must complete eight hours of continuing education each year, including two hours of state-specified courses and six hours of elective courses. Contractors must also pass a Business and Law Exam and submit an application to the NCLBGC to get their license.
