North Carolina electrician exam
North Carolina electrical contractor exams are written by the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and administered by PSI. Board approval comes first; you then get a 90-day window and a single exam attempt per approval. Bring the 2020 NEC (and NFPA 72 2013 where your class requires it).
Verified on: 2026-09-14 · Board source
From the board
- Examinations - NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors # Examinations View Available Test Dates s All applicants should download and read the Examination Information Handbook (above).
- The Handbook contains valuable information to help you prepare for your exam.
- All exam related questions are answered in the Exam Information Handbook (link above).
- #### Exam Study Materials 1 – NC Electrical Contractors Licensing Law: G.S.
- 87-4 and Title 21-18b (Exam Information Handbook) 2 –
- Board page: Examinations - NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
Who can schedule
- Apply to the Board with the Examination Application, fee, and required documents
- Use the Examination Information Handbook for the document list
- If approved, you get a Notice of Approval with your authorization period
- PSI emails eligibility (with a Test Taker ID) within about 48–72 hours after that period starts
- You must have the PSI email before you can register
Vendor, window, and retakes
- Schedule at test-takers.psiexams.com/ncbeec or call PSI at (855) 746-8173
- 90 days from Board approval to take the exam
- One attempt per approval
- Fail or miss the window → re-apply to the Board with a new fee
- After a failure: generally cannot retest the same classification for three months
- Cancel or reschedule at least two days before the appointment to protect your fee
What the exam covers
- Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited, and special restricted classes
- NEC look-up and application questions
- North Carolina Electrical Contractors Licensing Law (G.S. Chapter 87, Article 4)
- Board rules (21 NCAC 18B)
- Closed-book business / law items from the NASCLA NC electrical contractors guide (13th or 14th edition per current handbook)
- Lighting and power plans in the handbook are referenced in the exam
References and ID
- Bring your own 2020 National Electrical Code
- For classes that require it: 2013 National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72)
- References are not supplied at the site
- Permanent tabs only — no Post-its, no writing in books during the session
- Two valid signature IDs; one must be photo ID
- Name on the photo ID must match the Board roster exactly
- Arrive 30 minutes early — calculators and scratch paper are provided
After you pass
- Results at the PSI center; scores go electronically to the Board
- Passing the exam is not a license — file the Board's license application to activate
- If you fail: you may request one review per attempt (form at the center or from ncbeec.org)
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