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How to get an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license in North Carolina

North Carolina licenses electricians statewide through the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC).1 For the Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license you need a passing score on the NCBEEC Intermediate qualifying examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, open book)2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $125 for the exam4 and $150 for the initial license5, each a separate charge. You renew every year6 and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education7.

Last checked · 18 official sources

Who issues it

NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)

Exam

NCBEEC Intermediate qualifying examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, open book)2

Fees the board lists

Exam fee: $1254
Initial license fee: $1505

Renewal

Every year6, at least 8 hours of continuing education7

From another state

Exam score transfer8 Details

On this page
  1. North Carolina electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license
  4. Requirements for an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license
  5. How much an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license costs
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Limited (L) electrical contracting license
  8. Special Restricted Electric Sign (SP-ES) license
  9. Special Restricted Elevator (SP-EL) license
  10. Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage (SP-FA/LV) license
  11. Special Restricted Groundwater Pump (SP-WP) license
  12. Special Restricted Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (SP-PH) license
  13. Special Restricted Single Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD) license
  14. Special Restricted Swimming Pool (SP-SP) license
  15. Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license
  16. Laws and rules
  17. Common questions
  18. Electrician licenses in other states

North Carolina electrician licenses

North Carolina issues 10 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversExamApplication or license fee
Intermediate (I) electrical contracting licenseA single electrical contracting project worth up to $150,000.6Yes3$1505
Limited (L) electrical contracting license–Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Electric Sign (SP-ES) licenseElectrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's electric sign business, directly related to electric signs and isolated from building wiring.9Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Elevator (SP-EL) licenseElectrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk or personnel hoist business.10Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage (SP-FA/LV) licenseOnly fire alarm, burglar alarm and low-voltage wiring and directly related wiring.11Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Groundwater Pump (SP-WP) licenseElectrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's groundwater pump business, directly related to a groundwater pump.12Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (SP-PH) licenseElectrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's plumbing, heating or air-conditioning business, directly related to that equipment.13Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Single Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD) licenseElectrical wiring and devices in or on a single-family residential dwelling, or ancillary to one; project value capped at the limited-license maximum.14Yes3$1005
Special Restricted Swimming Pool (SP-SP) licenseSwimming-pool bonding work only, as an incident to the licensee's swimming pool business.15Yes3$1005
Unlimited (U) electrical contracting licenseAny electrical contracting project regardless of value.6Yes3$2005

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the North Carolina electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 10)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old3
Background check
Background check required3
The Board may discipline applicants or licensees convicted of a crime involving fraud or moral turpitude.1
Also required
Each license must list at least one qualified individual (who passed the exam) regularly on active duty at each place of business.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$1254NCBEECNot refundable. Effective July 1, 2023
Examination Review$254NCBEECOptional supervised review of a failed exam (one time). Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$156NCBEEC–
License verification to another state$255NCBEEC–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Read the Exam Information Handbook and choose the classification.2 Form (PDF, ncbeec.org)2
  2. Send the Application for Examination (with experience documentation and two character statements) and the $125 fee to the Board.2
  3. After the approval letter, wait for the PSI eligibility email and book the exam within the 90-day authorization window.2
  4. Pass the exam (70 or higher; score given the same day).2
  5. Take the free 4-hour Laws and Rules Course within 12 months of qualifying (counts toward first-renewal CE).7

Renewal

How often
Every year6
When it expires
Annual; renewal application and fee due 30 days before expiry; notice sent about 60 days before. Online renewal prints its own certificate.16
Required topics
Board-approved courses in subjects related to electrical contracting; at least half in person; extra hours may carry forward up to two more years.7
If it expires
Expired license (failure to renew) can be renewed without exam within 12 months; after 12 months the qualified individual needs 500 hours of primary experience in the last 12 months, current fees, the late fee and CE; otherwise apply anew with exam.1

From another state

Route
Exam score transfer
What the board says
Since February 2023 the Board accepts NASCLA Accredited Electrical Examination results: the Electrical Contractor/Master Electrician exam qualifies for SP, Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited; the Residential Electrical Contractor exam for SP-SFD. Transcripts must be sent to NCBEEC.8

2. Every license level except Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license and Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$1005NCBEECAnnual; one license and fee per place of business (21 NCAC 18B.0403). Effective July 1, 2023

How to apply

  1. File the New License Application for the classification with the annual license fee, listing yourself as the qualified individual.6 ncbeec.org6

Renewal

Renewal fee
$1005 (Annual renewal)

3. Every license level except Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license, Limited (L) electrical contracting license, Special Restricted Single Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD) license and Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 4 hours each renewal period7

4. Special Restricted Electric Sign (SP-ES) license, Special Restricted Elevator (SP-EL) license, Special Restricted Groundwater Pump (SP-WP) license, Special Restricted Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (SP-PH) license and Special Restricted Swimming Pool (SP-SP) license

Requirements

Also required
Applicant must show the firm lawfully conducts the related business (plumbing/HVAC, pump, sign, elevator or pool) in North Carolina.17

5. Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license, Limited (L) electrical contracting license, Special Restricted Single Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD) license and Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 8 hours each renewal period7

6. Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license and Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license

Requirements

Also required
A bonding ability statement (or bank line-of-credit letter) is required to activate the license.6

How to apply

  1. File the New License Application for the classification with the annual license fee, listing yourself as the qualified individual and a bonding ability statement.6 ncbeec.org6

Who needs an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license

A single electrical contracting project worth up to $150,000.6

Requirements for an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Exam
NCBEEC Intermediate qualifying examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

How much an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$1505NCBEECAnnual; one license and fee per place of business (21 NCAC 18B.0403). Effective July 1, 2023

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$1505 (Annual renewal)

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your North Carolina Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Limited (L) electrical contracting license

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC Limited qualifying examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Electric Sign (SP-ES) license

Electrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's electric sign business, directly related to electric signs and isolated from building wiring.9

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-ES qualifying examination (40 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Elevator (SP-EL) license

Electrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk or personnel hoist business.10

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-EL qualifying examination (40 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage (SP-FA/LV) license

Only fire alarm, burglar alarm and low-voltage wiring and directly related wiring.11

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-FA/LV qualifying examination (50 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Groundwater Pump (SP-WP) license

Electrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's groundwater pump business, directly related to a groundwater pump.12

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-WP qualifying examination (40 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (SP-PH) license

Electrical wiring only as an incident to the licensee's plumbing, heating or air-conditioning business, directly related to that equipment.13

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-PH qualifying examination (40 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Single Family Detached Residential Dwelling (SP-SFD) license

Electrical wiring and devices in or on a single-family residential dwelling, or ancillary to one; project value capped at the limited-license maximum.14

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-SFD qualifying examination (40 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Special Restricted Swimming Pool (SP-SP) license

Swimming-pool bonding work only, as an incident to the licensee's swimming pool business.15

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC SP-SP qualifying examination (25 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Unlimited (U) electrical contracting license

Any electrical contracting project regardless of value.6

Requirements

Exam
NCBEEC Unlimited qualifying examination (100 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, open book)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: 70 out of 10018
When you can take it: Board approval first (experience and character statements); the approval sets a 90-day authorization period to schedule and sit the exam with PSI.2
Study references: NC licensing law (G.S. 87 Art. 4, 21 NCAC 18B), NEC 2020, NFPA 72 (2013), NASCLA Contractors Guide (NC Electrical Edition).2
Retakes: Wait 90 days (3 months) before retaking the same classification; reapply with a new exam fee. A different classification may be tried immediately if eligible.2
Also required
Two written statements from people who know the applicant's electrical experience, attesting to ability to supervise unlimited-class work.3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2005NCBEECAnnual; one license and fee per place of business (21 NCAC 18B.0403). Effective July 1, 2023

Renewal

Renewal fee
$2005 (Annual renewal)

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

Can I transfer my electrician license to North Carolina?

NCBEEC publishes this route for the Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license: exam score transfer8. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew an Intermediate (I) electrical contracting license in North Carolina?

Every year6. Continuing education: at least 8 hours7. The renewal fee is $1505.

Electrician licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. NCBEEC Exam Handbook (PSI), incl. G.S. Chapter 87 Article 4 and G.S. 93B-15.1NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. ExaminationsNC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  3. 21 NCAC 18B.0201 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXAMINATION APPLICANTSNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Dated March 1, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 21 NCAC 18B.0209 FEESNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Dated July 1, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Fees & ServicesNC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  6. LicensingNC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  7. 21 NCAC 18B.1101 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: LISTED QUALIFIEDNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Dated January 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. NASCLANC State Board of Examiners of Electrical ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  9. 21 NCAC 18B.0809 SCOPE OF SP-ES LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  10. 21 NCAC 18B.0806 SCOPE OF SP-EL LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  11. 21 NCAC 18B.0804 SCOPE OF SP-FA/LV LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  12. 21 NCAC 18B.0808 SCOPE OF SP-WP LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  13. 21 NCAC 18B.0807 SCOPE OF SP-PH LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  14. 21 NCAC 18B.0803 SCOPE OF SP-SFD LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 21 NCAC 18B.0810 SCOPE OF SP-SP LICENSENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  16. 21 NCAC 18B.0405 LICENSE RENEWAL DUE DATENorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  17. 21 NCAC 18B.0401 LICENSE APPLICANTS: REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CLASSIFICATIONNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  18. 21 NCAC 18B.0204 EXAMINATIONSNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NC Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026