Licensing

Electrician Licensing in North Carolina

North Carolina has no statewide journeyman electrician license. The state licenses electrical contractors through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Some local governments issue their own electrician licenses; check the rules where you will work.

Source: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, checked 2026-10-07

Page last reviewed 2026-09-15 against official sources. Confirm with the issuing authority before applying.

Licensed in another state? See reviewed routes into North Carolina.

How electrical licensing works in North Carolina

North Carolina licenses electrical contracting through the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC). Choose a general contractor classification or the special restricted classification that matches the work. A license may be held by an individual who is the listed qualified individual, or by a business that regularly employs one; passing the qualifying examination alone does not authorize contracting.

These are contractor classifications, not a statewide apprentice-to-journeyman-to-master ladder. Employees work within the employing licensee’s authority and supervision conditions. Separate local worker requirements may apply; Asheville is the representative local example reviewed here, not a complete municipal inventory.

Credential-specific requirements

Requirements differ by credential. Expand any credential for the work or business activity you plan to perform. Issued by North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors unless noted.

Limited Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: General electrical contracting up to $60,000 per project under Rule .0303. The statute states 1,000 volts while the Board licensing page says 600 volts; confirm the applicable voltage limit with the Board before accepting work. This page does not resolve that conflict.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 8 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Intermediate Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: General electrical contracting up to $150,000 per project under Rule .0303. The statutory ceiling allows a higher Board-set maximum but does not itself replace the current rule limit.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 5,750 qualifying hours including 5,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. License issuance also requires bonding-ability or bank line-of-credit evidence; the current application specifies at least $60,001.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $150 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $150 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 8 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Unlimited Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: General electrical contracting without a project-value limit under the Unlimited classification.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 9,000 qualifying hours including 8,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. Unlimited also requires two statements attesting to the applicant’s ability to supervise and direct electrical contracting work. License issuance also requires bonding-ability or bank line-of-credit evidence; the current application specifies at least $150,001.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $200 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $200 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 8 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Single-Family Detached Residential Dwelling Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Wiring and devices in or on a single-family detached dwelling or its residential ancillary structures, within Rule .0803. G.S. 87-43.4 ties the project cap to Limited, while Rule .0801 says special restricted licenses have no project-value limit. Confirm the cap with the Board; no unrestricted project value is asserted here.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 8 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only fire alarm/low-voltage wiring and directly related wiring within Rule .0804, not general electrical contracting. Covered systems include the rule’s 50-volt, power-limited and specified alarm categories; directly related line wiring must originate at a marked disconnect or junction box installed by others and must not be in a hazardous location. Separate alarm-business requirements may apply.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. Creditable low-voltage-field experience may qualify under Rule .0201.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Elevator Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only wiring incidental to the elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving-walk or personnel-hoist business. Wiring must be integral to that equipment and start on the load side of protective isolation installed by others, as Rule .0806 specifies.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. The applicant must be primarily engaged in, or regularly employed as the listed qualified individual for, a lawful business in this specialty; field-specific experience credits may apply.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only wiring incidental and directly related to plumbing, heating or air-conditioning equipment under Rule .0807: maximum 600 volts phase-to-phase, load-side isolation installed by others, and no hazardous locations. Equipment-adjacent wiring and the rule’s limited control-wiring exception apply; this is not authority to install general building circuits.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. The applicant must be primarily engaged in, or regularly employed as the listed qualified individual for, a lawful business in this specialty; field-specific experience credits may apply.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Groundwater Pump Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only wiring incidental and directly related to groundwater pumps under Rule .0808: maximum 600 volts phase-to-phase, starting at the load side of a marked protective isolating device installed by others adjacent to the controller, with no hazardous locations.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. The applicant must be primarily engaged in, or regularly employed as the listed qualified individual for, a lawful business in this specialty; field-specific experience credits may apply.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Electric Sign Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only wiring or devices incidental and directly related to electric signs under Rule .0809. The permitted connection point depends on the sign installation; supply-side disconnects, junction boxes and building raceways are excluded as the rule specifies. Except transformer secondary wiring, related circuits are limited to 600 volts phase-to-phase; hazardous locations are excluded.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. The applicant must be primarily engaged in, or regularly employed as the listed qualified individual for, a lawful business in this specialty; field-specific experience credits may apply.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Special Restricted Swimming Pool Electrical Contractor Mixed-holder contractor license

Issuing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors →
Scope of work: Only the swimming-pool bonding work and associated forming shells, lighting/audio equipment and conduits expressly listed in Rule .0810, incidental to the swimming-pool business. Circuit conductors and connections left for others are not general pool-circuit wiring authority.
Experience or qualification: The qualified individual applying for examination must be at least 18, provide two character statements, and document 3,000 qualifying hours including 2,000 primary hours under Rule .0202. Remaining credit may be primary or secondary; the Board applies its category-specific credit rules. The applicant must be primarily engaged in, or regularly employed as the listed qualified individual for, a lawful business in this specialty; field-specific experience credits may apply.
Examination: Board approval and a score of at least 70% on the examination for the selected classification are required on the ordinary route. Submit the examination application and $125 fee before scheduling with PSI. Passing the examination qualifies the individual; a separate license application, listed qualified individual and annual license fee are required before contracting. Confirm current permitted exam references with the Board; reciprocal and military routes have separate conditions.
Fees: $125 examination/application fee on the ordinary examination route, plus a separate $100 annual license issuance fee under Rule .0404. A standalone Board fee page still displays older amounts; the current OAH rule and application support this amount.
Renewal: Annual license renewal; $100 fee. Rule .0405 requires the renewal application and fee 30 days before expiration and imposes a $25 fee after expiration. The listed qualified individual normally needs 4 approved CE hours per annual license period, with at least half by in-person classroom or seminar attendance. The current four-hour Laws and Rules course and first-renewal source conflict are explained below; confirm any exemption with the Board. Use the license’s actual expiration date.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Licensed in another state?

North Carolina has a reviewed application route for some licenses from 6 states. A route can waive an exam or some experience; you still need the North Carolina credential before you work. Expand a state for the routes and their requirements.

Alabama Reciprocity · 4 routes

If you hold: Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB)
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Only the Alabama Electrical Contractor (EC) license qualifies; an Alabama journeyman electrician credential is not covered by the agreement (AECB reciprocal list: 'North Carolina Electrical Board (EC Only)').

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
No signed AL-NC agreement instrument is published by either board; the agreement's existence and terms rest on both boards' official pages (live 2026-09-15).
Directed Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB) to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB)
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Only the Alabama Electrical Contractor (EC) license qualifies; an Alabama journeyman electrician credential is not covered by the agreement (AECB reciprocal list: 'North Carolina Electrical Board (EC Only)').

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
No signed AL-NC agreement instrument is published by either board; the agreement's existence and terms rest on both boards' official pages (live 2026-09-15).
Directed Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB) to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Only the Alabama Electrical Contractor (EC) license qualifies; an Alabama journeyman electrician credential is not covered by the agreement (AECB reciprocal list: 'North Carolina Electrical Board (EC Only)').

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
No signed AL-NC agreement instrument is published by either board; the agreement's existence and terms rest on both boards' official pages (live 2026-09-15).
Directed Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB) to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB)
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Only the Alabama Electrical Contractor (EC) license qualifies; an Alabama journeyman electrician credential is not covered by the agreement (AECB reciprocal list: 'North Carolina Electrical Board (EC Only)').

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
No signed AL-NC agreement instrument is published by either board; the agreement's existence and terms rest on both boards' official pages (live 2026-09-15).
Directed Alabama Unlimited Electrical Contractor license (AECB) to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

Alabama licensing →

Georgia Reciprocity · 4 routes

If you hold: Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The Georgia Restricted (Class I) contractor license does not qualify; Georgia licenses contractors, not electricians, and no journeyman route exists (GA SOS FAQ).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Georgia-side conflict: the Georgia SOS Board of Electrical Contractors FAQ states 'No, Georgia does not currently offer licensure by Reciprocity at this time (effective May 2026)' while the NCBEEC Georgia page, reciprocity list and GA application remained live 2026-09-15, and the GA How-To Guide still publishes a Non-Restricted Reciprocity application type naming North Carolina. Confirm current status with NCBEEC Licensing & Reciprocity before applying; this listing records the conflict rather than resolving it.
Directed Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Official source 8 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The Georgia Restricted (Class I) contractor license does not qualify; Georgia licenses contractors, not electricians, and no journeyman route exists (GA SOS FAQ).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Georgia-side conflict: the Georgia SOS Board of Electrical Contractors FAQ states 'No, Georgia does not currently offer licensure by Reciprocity at this time (effective May 2026)' while the NCBEEC Georgia page, reciprocity list and GA application remained live 2026-09-15, and the GA How-To Guide still publishes a Non-Restricted Reciprocity application type naming North Carolina. Confirm current status with NCBEEC Licensing & Reciprocity before applying; this listing records the conflict rather than resolving it.
Directed Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The Georgia Restricted (Class I) contractor license does not qualify; Georgia licenses contractors, not electricians, and no journeyman route exists (GA SOS FAQ).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Georgia-side conflict: the Georgia SOS Board of Electrical Contractors FAQ states 'No, Georgia does not currently offer licensure by Reciprocity at this time (effective May 2026)' while the NCBEEC Georgia page, reciprocity list and GA application remained live 2026-09-15, and the GA How-To Guide still publishes a Non-Restricted Reciprocity application type naming North Carolina. Confirm current status with NCBEEC Licensing & Reciprocity before applying; this listing records the conflict rather than resolving it.
Directed Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The Georgia Restricted (Class I) contractor license does not qualify; Georgia licenses contractors, not electricians, and no journeyman route exists (GA SOS FAQ).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Georgia-side conflict: the Georgia SOS Board of Electrical Contractors FAQ states 'No, Georgia does not currently offer licensure by Reciprocity at this time (effective May 2026)' while the NCBEEC Georgia page, reciprocity list and GA application remained live 2026-09-15, and the GA How-To Guide still publishes a Non-Restricted Reciprocity application type naming North Carolina. Confirm current status with NCBEEC Licensing & Reciprocity before applying; this listing records the conflict rather than resolving it.
Directed Georgia Class II Non-Restricted (Unlimited) Electrical Contractor license to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Georgia licensing →

Ohio Reciprocity · 4 routes

If you hold: Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Ohio's own reciprocity application (OCILB form DIC 3536, North Carolina - EL) corroborates the mutual agreement from the Ohio side.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Ohio's own reciprocity application (OCILB form DIC 3536, North Carolina - EL) corroborates the mutual agreement from the Ohio side.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Ohio's own reciprocity application (OCILB form DIC 3536, North Carolina - EL) corroborates the mutual agreement from the Ohio side.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Ohio's own reciprocity application (OCILB form DIC 3536, North Carolina - EL) corroborates the mutual agreement from the Ohio side.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Ohio OCILB Unlimited Electrical Commercial Contractor license to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Ohio licensing →

South Carolina Reciprocity · 10 routes

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 2 or Group 3 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Group 1 (EL1) does not appear on the NCBEEC South Carolina eligibility table; no eligibility for Group 1 is claimed or denied here (null).
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 2 or Group 3 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Official source 8 · Official source 9 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 2 or Group 3 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Group 1 (EL1) does not appear on the NCBEEC South Carolina eligibility table; no eligibility for Group 1 is claimed or denied here (null).
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 2 or Group 3 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 4 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board)
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed South Carolina Electrical Contractor license Group 5 (SC Contractor's Licensing Board) to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

If you hold: South Carolina Residential Specialty Electrical Contractor license (SC Residential Builders Commission)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP-SFD electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The qualifying agent must have individually taken and passed the SC qualifying examination; grandfathered or jointly-qualified licenses do not qualify (signed agreement effective June 17, 2021).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
This residential agreement reaches only the NC SP-SFD (Special Restricted: Single Family Dwelling) classification; commercial SC classifications are covered by the separate Contractor's Licensing Board agreement.
Directed South Carolina Residential Specialty Electrical Contractor license (SC Residential Builders Commission) to North Carolina SP-SFD electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

South Carolina licensing →

Virginia Reciprocity · 7 routes

If you hold: Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Virginia's own published agreement list (DPOR) names the North Carolina Unlimited and Intermediate Electrical Contractor equivalences and the Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman examination reciprocity.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Virginia's own published agreement list (DPOR) names the North Carolina Unlimited and Intermediate Electrical Contractor equivalences and the Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman examination reciprocity.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Virginia's own published agreement list (DPOR) names the North Carolina Unlimited and Intermediate Electrical Contractor equivalences and the Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman examination reciprocity.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
Virginia's own published agreement list (DPOR) names the North Carolina Unlimited and Intermediate Electrical Contractor equivalences and the Virginia Master Electrical Tradesman examination reciprocity.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
Directed Virginia Class A Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
A Virginia Class B contractor credential reaches only the NC SP, Limited and Intermediate classifications; the NC Unlimited classification requires the Class A credential (NCBEEC Virginia table and 2025 application).
Directed Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
A Virginia Class B contractor credential reaches only the NC SP, Limited and Intermediate classifications; the NC Unlimited classification requires the Class A credential (NCBEEC Virginia table and 2025 application).
Directed Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
A Virginia Class B contractor credential reaches only the NC SP, Limited and Intermediate classifications; the NC Unlimited classification requires the Class A credential (NCBEEC Virginia table and 2025 application).
Directed Virginia Class B Contractors license with Master Tradesman Electrical endorsement to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

Virginia licensing →

West Virginia Reciprocity · 4 routes

If you hold: West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission)
You can apply for: North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The WV Master/Unlimited license must have been held active for at least 3 consecutive years to qualify for NC reciprocity (NCBEEC West Virginia page and application).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
WV journeyman, temporary and specialty electrician credentials have no listed NC reciprocity route; only the master/Unlimited contractor credential feeds this agreement (WV Code 29-3B-4(a) classes; NCBEEC page).
Directed West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission) to North Carolina INTERMEDIATE electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission)
You can apply for: North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The WV Master/Unlimited license must have been held active for at least 3 consecutive years to qualify for NC reciprocity (NCBEEC West Virginia page and application).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
WV journeyman, temporary and specialty electrician credentials have no listed NC reciprocity route; only the master/Unlimited contractor credential feeds this agreement (WV Code 29-3B-4(a) classes; NCBEEC page).
Directed West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission) to North Carolina LIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission)
You can apply for: North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The WV Master/Unlimited license must have been held active for at least 3 consecutive years to qualify for NC reciprocity (NCBEEC West Virginia page and application).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
WV journeyman, temporary and specialty electrician credentials have no listed NC reciprocity route; only the master/Unlimited contractor credential feeds this agreement (WV Code 29-3B-4(a) classes; NCBEEC page).
Directed West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission) to North Carolina SP electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

If you hold: West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission)
You can apply for: North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC)

To apply:

File the NCBEEC Application for License by Reciprocity for the chosen classification with the annual license fee for that classification (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(3) and (a)(5)).
Obtain an official sealed Verification of Electrical Licensure / Examination Waiver from the issuing state board; copies of licenses or examination scores are not accepted, and the issuing state may charge a verification fee (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(1)).
The proposed qualified individual must be the same individual duly qualified for the license currently issued by the issuing state (21 NCAC 18B .0701(a)(2)). File the Qualified Individual Affidavit and two Character Statement Forms.
Pass the 25-question NC Laws, Rules and Business Practices examination; the reciprocity agreement waives the technical trade examination only, not this business/law examination.
Meet bonding ability per G.S. 87-43.2(a)(4): $150,001 for the Unlimited classification or a bank line-of-credit letter, $60,001 for the Intermediate classification; Unlimited applicants also submit two Supervise & Direct statements.
Corporations and LLCs must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Newly listed qualified individuals (first listed after 01/01/2025) must complete the Board's free 4-hour Laws & Rules class within 12 months, and qualifiers complete 8 hours of approved continuing education per license period (21 NCAC 18B .1101).
Wait for NCBEEC approval and issuance of the North Carolina license; the agreement waives an examination, it does not authorize work before licensure.
The WV Master/Unlimited license must have been held active for at least 3 consecutive years to qualify for NC reciprocity (NCBEEC West Virginia page and application).

Limits:

Examination waiver is not permission to work: under G.S. 87-50 and 21 NCAC 18B .0701 only the written technical examination is waived, and no person may engage in electrical contracting in North Carolina before NCBEEC issues the license.
Work only within the classification actually issued. Local permits, inspections, and separate business licensing are not satisfied by the personal license route.
WV journeyman, temporary and specialty electrician credentials have no listed NC reciprocity route; only the master/Unlimited contractor credential feeds this agreement (WV Code 29-3B-4(a) classes; NCBEEC page).
Directed West Virginia Master Electrician (Unlimited) license held at least 3 consecutive years (WV State Fire Commission) to North Carolina UNLIMITED electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) only. The review date records the date this content was reviewed against official sources, not a new agreement publication date or a guarantee of approval. No reverse eligibility is inferred.

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Official source 3 · Official source 4 · Official source 5 · Official source 6 · Official source 7 · Checked 2026-09-15.

West Virginia licensing →

Taking your North Carolina license elsewhere

Reviewed routes for North Carolina licensees, with requirements on each receiving state's page:

Alabama: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) obtained by examination → Alabama Unlimited electrical contractor license (AECB) (reciprocity)
Florida: North Carolina Limited electrical contractor license (NCEEB; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 87, Art. 4), exam-based (PSI) → Florida Residential Specialty certification by exam endorsement (Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, DBPR; Fla. Stat. ch. 489 Part II, 489.511(6)(a), F.S.) (endorsement)
Florida: North Carolina Low Voltage (L/V) electrical contractor license (NCEEB; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 87, Art. 4), exam-based (PSI) → Florida Limited Energy Specialty certification by exam endorsement (Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, DBPR; Fla. Stat. ch. 489 Part II, 489.511(6)(a), F.S.) (endorsement)
Florida: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contractor license (NCEEB; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 87, Art. 4), exam-based (PSI) → Florida Certified Electrical Contractor (Unlimited EC) license by exam endorsement (Florida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, DBPR; Fla. Stat. ch. 489 Part II, 489.511(6)(a), F.S.) (endorsement)
Georgia: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) obtained by examination, no violations → Georgia Non-Restricted electrical contractor license (Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors) (reciprocity)
Louisiana: North Carolina Intermediate electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) earned by passing the NCBEEC examination → Louisiana classification determined equivalent by LSLBC (exam waiver)
Louisiana: North Carolina Limited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) earned by passing the NCBEEC examination → Louisiana classification determined equivalent by LSLBC (exam waiver)
Louisiana: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) earned by passing the NCBEEC examination → Louisiana classification determined equivalent by LSLBC (exam waiver)
Mississippi: North Carolina electrical contractor license (NCEEB; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 87, Art. 4), exam-based (PSI) → Mississippi State Board of Contractors electrical contractor license (Certificate of Responsibility) with the Electrical & Alarm Systems trade exams waived (MSBOC; Miss. Code Ann. 73-55-1 et seq.) (exam waiver)
Ohio: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) earned by passing the NCBEEC examination → Ohio Unlimited electrical contractor license (OCILB), commercial scope (reciprocity)
South Carolina: North Carolina Intermediate electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) in good standing, obtained by examination → South Carolina Electrical contractor license (SC Contractor's Licensing Board), group determined by SC (reciprocity)
South Carolina: North Carolina Limited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) in good standing, obtained by examination → South Carolina Electrical contractor license (SC Contractor's Licensing Board), group determined by SC (reciprocity)
South Carolina: North Carolina SP-SFD (Special Restricted: Single Family Dwelling) license (NCBEEC), examination-based → South Carolina Residential Specialty Electrical contractor license (SC Residential Builders Commission) (reciprocity)
South Carolina: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) in good standing, obtained by examination → South Carolina Electrical contractor license (SC Contractor's Licensing Board), group determined by SC (reciprocity)
Tennessee: North Carolina electrical contractor license (NCEEB; N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 87, Art. 4), exam-based (PSI) → Tennessee Contractor license with CE (Electrical Contractor) classification via trade exam waiver (Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors; T.C.A. title 62, chapter 6) (exam waiver)
Texas: North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor license → Texas Master Electrician license (reciprocity)
Virginia: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) → Virginia Class A and Class B contractor license with Master Electrical Tradesman certification (DPOR) (reciprocity)
West Virginia: North Carolina Unlimited electrical contracting license (NCBEEC) → West Virginia Unlimited electrical contractor license (WV State Fire Marshal) (reciprocity)

Qualified individuals and employees

The listed qualified individual has the duty and authority to supervise and direct work done in the licensee’s name. Each separate place of business requires its own license certificate, fee and listed qualified individual under Rule .0403. Contracting and advertising must use the exact licensed name; corporations and LLCs must satisfy the registration requirement stated in the license application.

The employee exemption is conditional. The employing licensee must control and direct the work, which must be supervised by the licensee’s listed qualified individual. Independent contractors, consultants, subcontractors, cash-paid workers without tax withholding and 1099 workers are excluded. Shared labor-supplier workers require a written allocation of payroll/tax obligations and continued control, supervision and installation responsibility by the licensed firm and its bona fide employed qualifier under Rule .0306.

Classification limits and source conflicts

The current project-value rule uses $60,000 for Limited and $150,000 for Intermediate. The statute permits higher maximums subject to Board action; it does not automatically raise the current rule limits. For Limited voltage, the statute states 1,000 volts while the Board licensing page states 600 volts. For SP-SFD, the statute ties the cap to Limited while the special-restricted rule says there is no project-value limit. Ask the Board to resolve these scope questions for the proposed job before bidding.

Special restricted licenses authorize only their defined phase of work. They do not create general electrical-contracting authority. Regular classifications can perform special-restricted work within their own limits. Low-voltage exemptions have multiple conditions; an “under 50 volts” description alone does not establish an exemption. Alarm-business licensing and other trade, permit and inspection requirements remain separate.

Renewal and first-year course requirements

The current rule requires a free four-hour Board Laws and Rules course within 12 months after becoming a qualified individual, or in the preceding 90 days; it counts toward four CE hours for the initial renewal. The application describes this as first listing after January 1, 2025. The consolidated rule omits the old first-year examination exemption still printed in the application and standalone CE rule page. Do not assume a first-renewal exemption; confirm the applicable course and CE obligations with the Board.

License renewal follows the actual expiration date. Rule .0405 provides staggered twelve-month renewals, even though the application’s reproduced CE language refers to July–June. Current Rule .0404 and the application support annual fees of $100, $150 or $200 by classification; the older standalone fee page disagrees. Renewal more than twelve months after expiration requires the additional experience, fee and CE conditions in Rule .0406, or a new-license route.

Local work and alternative pathways

Asheville says its Class I Journeyman Electrician license is required to work independently under a licensed North Carolina electrical contractor. This page does not turn that local worker license into a statewide credential or claim to inventory all local licenses. Check the job-site authority’s worker, permit and inspection requirements.

Reciprocity is a conditional application route to an ordinary classification, not permission to work solely on another state’s license. Military-trained applicants and military spouses have separate statutory application protections and conditions. Inactive status, reactivation, upgrades and reinstatement are not additional contractor classifications. Statutory employee, homeowner, utility and other exclusions are limited to their stated conditions; they do not remove applicable code, permit or inspection duties.

Before you apply

Use the Board’s examination instructions and new-license application for the selected classification. Confirm unresolved scope or first-renewal questions with NCBEEC, check the actual license expiration date and use the official license search and online account for verification and renewal. Check the Board’s current examination handbook before buying code books or scheduling; a generic “current edition” notice differs from the editions named on its examination page.

View Application Information → License Lookup →

Cite this page

Title: Electrician Licensing in North Carolina
URL: https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/north-carolina
Information checked: 2026-09-15

Suggested citation: Electrician Licensing in North Carolina. Trades Directory. https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/north-carolina (information checked 2026-09-15).

← All States

Electrician Licensing in North Carolina

How electrical licensing works in North Carolina

Credential-specific requirements

Licensed in another state?

Taking your North Carolina license elsewhere

Qualified individuals and employees

Classification limits and source conflicts

Renewal and first-year course requirements

Local work and alternative pathways

Before you apply

Related Resources for North Carolina