Page 1 of 93
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE 200 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Exam
Exam Coverage Areas
The exam covers the following key topics across all batches:
• North Carolina landscape contracting laws and licensing requirements
• Contracting, bidding, and business practices
• Site analysis, grading, drainage, and soil science
• Plant selection, installation, and maintenance
• Irrigation systems and water management
• Hardscape installation (patios, walls, walkways)
• Landscape safety, environmental regulations, and sustainability
• Equipment use, maintenance, and operational safety
• Pest, disease, and weed management
• Estimating costs, project management, and quality control
Batch 1 – Questions 1–50
1. The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Board was established to:
A. Promote agricultural education
B. Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public ✔
,Page 2 of 93
C. Issue building permits for contractors
D. Manage environmental assessments
Rationale: The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape contracting,
protecting public welfare and maintaining standards.
2. Which of the following must be included in a landscape contract under NC law?
A. Only the total price
B. A list of plants only
C. The scope of work, total price, and payment terms ✔
D. A verbal agreement
Rationale: Contracts must clearly outline the scope, total price, and terms to prevent
disputes and comply with NC regulations.
3. What is the most accurate method for determining the grade on a site?
A. Tape measure
B. Carpenter's level
C. Transit level or laser level ✔
D. Visual inspection
Rationale: A transit or laser level provides precise elevation readings necessary for
grading and drainage accuracy.
4. Which soil texture has the best balance of drainage and nutrient retention?
A. Sand
B. Clay
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C. Loam ✔
D. Silt
Rationale: Loam is ideal for landscaping because it retains nutrients while allowing
adequate drainage.
5. Which of the following is required for a landscape contractor license in North
Carolina?
A. Proof of education only
B. Passing the NCLCLB exam and insurance requirements ✔
C. Membership in a landscaping association
D. A signed affidavit
Rationale: Licensing requires passing the exam, proof of insurance, and compliance with
board regulations.
6. What is the primary purpose of grading in landscape construction?
A. To improve aesthetics
B. To ensure proper drainage and prevent erosion ✔
C. To reduce labor costs
D. To increase soil volume
Rationale: Proper grading directs water away from structures and prevents soil erosion.
7. Which type of irrigation system is most water-efficient for trees and shrubs?
A. Sprinkler system
B. Drip irrigation ✔
, Page 4 of 93
C. Flood irrigation
D. Soaker hose only
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste and
evaporation.
8. When selecting plants for a site, which factor is most critical?
A. Color preferences only
B. Soil type, sunlight, and climate ✔
C. Cost only
D. Popularity of species
Rationale: Plant survival depends on matching species to environmental conditions.
9. Which of the following materials is commonly used for retaining walls?
A. Asphalt
B. Concrete block ✔
C. Clay
D. Wood mulch
Rationale: Concrete blocks are durable, strong, and suitable for retaining walls.
10. Which is the best practice for preventing soil compaction in landscape construction?
A. Water the soil heavily
B. Limit heavy equipment traffic and use protective mats ✔
C. Apply fertilizer frequently
D. Mulch the area only
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE 200 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
North Carolina Landscape Contractor Exam
Exam Coverage Areas
The exam covers the following key topics across all batches:
• North Carolina landscape contracting laws and licensing requirements
• Contracting, bidding, and business practices
• Site analysis, grading, drainage, and soil science
• Plant selection, installation, and maintenance
• Irrigation systems and water management
• Hardscape installation (patios, walls, walkways)
• Landscape safety, environmental regulations, and sustainability
• Equipment use, maintenance, and operational safety
• Pest, disease, and weed management
• Estimating costs, project management, and quality control
Batch 1 – Questions 1–50
1. The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Board was established to:
A. Promote agricultural education
B. Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public ✔
,Page 2 of 93
C. Issue building permits for contractors
D. Manage environmental assessments
Rationale: The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape contracting,
protecting public welfare and maintaining standards.
2. Which of the following must be included in a landscape contract under NC law?
A. Only the total price
B. A list of plants only
C. The scope of work, total price, and payment terms ✔
D. A verbal agreement
Rationale: Contracts must clearly outline the scope, total price, and terms to prevent
disputes and comply with NC regulations.
3. What is the most accurate method for determining the grade on a site?
A. Tape measure
B. Carpenter's level
C. Transit level or laser level ✔
D. Visual inspection
Rationale: A transit or laser level provides precise elevation readings necessary for
grading and drainage accuracy.
4. Which soil texture has the best balance of drainage and nutrient retention?
A. Sand
B. Clay
,Page 3 of 93
C. Loam ✔
D. Silt
Rationale: Loam is ideal for landscaping because it retains nutrients while allowing
adequate drainage.
5. Which of the following is required for a landscape contractor license in North
Carolina?
A. Proof of education only
B. Passing the NCLCLB exam and insurance requirements ✔
C. Membership in a landscaping association
D. A signed affidavit
Rationale: Licensing requires passing the exam, proof of insurance, and compliance with
board regulations.
6. What is the primary purpose of grading in landscape construction?
A. To improve aesthetics
B. To ensure proper drainage and prevent erosion ✔
C. To reduce labor costs
D. To increase soil volume
Rationale: Proper grading directs water away from structures and prevents soil erosion.
7. Which type of irrigation system is most water-efficient for trees and shrubs?
A. Sprinkler system
B. Drip irrigation ✔
, Page 4 of 93
C. Flood irrigation
D. Soaker hose only
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste and
evaporation.
8. When selecting plants for a site, which factor is most critical?
A. Color preferences only
B. Soil type, sunlight, and climate ✔
C. Cost only
D. Popularity of species
Rationale: Plant survival depends on matching species to environmental conditions.
9. Which of the following materials is commonly used for retaining walls?
A. Asphalt
B. Concrete block ✔
C. Clay
D. Wood mulch
Rationale: Concrete blocks are durable, strong, and suitable for retaining walls.
10. Which is the best practice for preventing soil compaction in landscape construction?
A. Water the soil heavily
B. Limit heavy equipment traffic and use protective mats ✔
C. Apply fertilizer frequently
D. Mulch the area only
