NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam — Advanced Level
200 MCQs (Complex, Advanced Questions)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains for the North Carolina Residential Single-Family
Dwelling Electrical Contractor License at the advanced level:
North Carolina Electrical Contractor Licensing Law: G.S. Chapter 87, Article 4;
NCBEEC regulations
NEC Article 100 – Definitions: Critical definitions affecting residential wiring
interpretation
NEC Chapter 1 – General: Articles 90, 100, 110 — general requirements, wiring design
NEC Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection: Articles 200–285 — grounding, conductors,
overcurrent protection
NEC Chapter 3 – Wiring Methods: Articles 300–399 — cable assemblies, conduit,
wiring methods
NEC Chapter 4 – Equipment: Articles 400–490 — flexible cords, luminaires,
appliances, motors
NEC Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies: Article 547 (agricultural), 550 (mobile homes)
NEC Chapter 6 – Special Equipment: Articles 600–695
NEC Chapter 7 – Special Conditions: Articles 700–760
NEC Chapter 8 – Communications Systems: Articles 800–840
NEC Article 230 – Services: Service entrance, service equipment, grounding
NEC Article 250 – Grounding and Bonding: Critical grounding calculations
NEC Article 310 – Conductors: Ampacity, temperature correction, adjustment factors
NEC Article 314 – Outlet Boxes: Box fill calculations
NEC Article 210 – Branch Circuits: AFCI, GFCI, circuits for specific loads
NEC Article 220 – Load Calculations: Residential load calculation methods
NEC Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection: Fuses, circuit breakers, protection sizing
Load Calculations: Standard and optional methods for residential service sizing
SECTION 1: NC ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING LAW
,1. Under North Carolina General Statute §87-43, a person applying for a Limited License
(Single-Family Dwelling) must demonstrate which of the following minimum experience
requirements?
A. 2 years as a journeyman electrician under a licensed contractor B. 3 years of experience in
electrical work, with at least 1 year in residential wiring ✅ (correct answer) C. 5 years of
experience in the electrical trade with no specialty requirement D. Graduation from an accredited
electrical engineering program only E. Completion of an apprenticeship program approved by
the US Department of Labor only
Rationale: The North Carolina Board of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) under G.S. §87-43
requires applicants for the Limited (Single-Family Dwelling) license to demonstrate at least 3
years of experience in electrical work, with at least 1 year in residential work. The Board
evaluates the applicant's breadth and depth of experience through the application process.
Experience may be documented through employer verification, tax records, or other means
acceptable to the Board. Simply completing an apprenticeship program or having an engineering
degree does not automatically satisfy the experience requirement without the practical field
experience component.
2. Under North Carolina law, the Limited License for Single-Family Dwelling electrical
contractors authorizes the holder to perform which of the following scope of work?
A. All electrical work including commercial, industrial, and residential without restriction B.
Electrical work on single-family dwellings, including new construction, additions, alterations,
and repairs to individual residential units ✅ (correct answer) C. Only service changes and
panel upgrades on single-family homes D. Electrical work on residential buildings of any
occupancy type E. Work limited to 120-volt circuits in single-family homes only
Rationale: The North Carolina Limited License — Single-Family Dwelling authorizes the
contractor to perform all electrical work on single-family dwellings: new construction, additions,
remodels, repairs, and service work on individually owned/occupied single-family residential
buildings. The license is restricted to single-family dwellings — it does NOT authorize work on
multi-family buildings (duplexes, apartments, condos), commercial, or industrial facilities. The
voltage or circuit type is not a restriction within the scope of single-family work. Understanding
scope limitations is critical — performing work outside the license scope constitutes unlicensed
practice.
3. North Carolina requires electrical contractors to carry which types of insurance as a condition
of licensure?
,A. Only workers' compensation insurance for employees B. Public liability and property damage
insurance in amounts set by the NCBEEC ✅ (correct answer) C. Professional liability (errors
and omissions) and umbrella insurance only D. No insurance is required — financial
responsibility is demonstrated by bond only E. Only surety bond in the amount of $10,000
Rationale: The NCBEEC requires licensed electrical contractors to maintain public liability and
property damage (PL&PD) insurance in minimum amounts established by the Board. These
amounts are periodically updated and verified at license renewal. The insurance requirement
protects: (1) Clients and third parties from damage caused by electrical work; (2) Demonstrates
financial responsibility; (3) Provides consumer protection. Workers' compensation is also
required separately under NC Workers' Compensation Act for contractors with employees. The
specific insurance amounts should be verified with the current NCBEEC requirements at time of
application/renewal, as they are subject to Board revision.
4. Under North Carolina G.S. §87-43.1, which of the following is a ground for suspension or
revocation of an electrical contractor license?
A. Bidding on projects in jurisdictions where the contractor is not familiar B. Gross negligence
or willful misconduct in the practice of electrical contracting ✅ (correct answer) C. Charging
fees higher than competitors for comparable work D. Hiring unlicensed subcontractors for non-
electrical work on a project E. Failure to respond to a customer's phone call within 24 hours
Rationale: G.S. §87-43.1 provides grounds for disciplinary action against licensed electrical
contractors including: (1) Gross negligence or willful misconduct in the practice of electrical
contracting; (2) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license; (3) Misrepresentation to
clients; (4) Violation of applicable electrical codes; (5) Engaging in the practice of electrical
contracting while license is suspended; (6) Aiding unlicensed persons in circumventing licensing
requirements. The NCBEEC has authority to reprimand, probate, suspend, or revoke licenses.
Understanding grounds for discipline helps contractors maintain ethical and compliant practices.
5. Under North Carolina law, electrical work on a single-family dwelling requires which of the
following in addition to a licensed contractor performing the work?
A. Supervision by a Professional Engineer for all new service installations B. An electrical
permit from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and inspections ✅ (correct answer)
C. A separate structural permit for any work involving the electrical system D. Approval from
the NCBEEC before commencing work E. A master electrician's sign-off on all residential work
regardless of license type
Rationale: In addition to contractor licensing, electrical work in North Carolina requires: (1)
Electrical permit from the local AHJ (building inspection department) before work commences;
(2) Inspections at required stages (rough-in, service entrance, final); (3) Certificate of
, Compliance from the inspector upon satisfactory completion. The AHJ enforces the North
Carolina State Building Code (which adopts the NEC with amendments). The NCBEEC licenses
contractors; the AHJ enforces code compliance. The permit-and-inspection system provides
independent verification that electrical work meets code requirements, protecting building
occupants from unsafe installations.
6. The North Carolina State Electrical Code is based on which edition of the National Electrical
Code (NEC), and who adopts it?
A. The 2017 NEC, adopted by the NCBEEC B. The NEC edition adopted by the North Carolina
Building Code Council, currently the 2023 NEC with North Carolina amendments ✅ (correct
answer) C. The 2014 NEC with all NEC amendments adopted automatically D. Each county
adopts its own edition of the NEC independently E. North Carolina uses the NFPA 70E standard,
not the NEC
Rationale: North Carolina adopts the NEC (NFPA 70) through the North Carolina Building
Code Council. The Building Code Council periodically reviews and adopts updated editions of
the NEC with North Carolina-specific amendments. Contractors and inspectors must be familiar
with: (1) The currently adopted NEC edition; (2) North Carolina-specific amendments that
modify, restrict, or expand NEC requirements; (3) Local AHJ amendments (some jurisdictions
may have additional local requirements within the authority granted by state law). Candidates
should verify the current edition adopted at the time of their examination, as North Carolina
periodically updates its code adoption. The NCBEEC administers contractor licensing; the
Building Code Council adopts the code.
7. Under North Carolina law, which of the following persons is EXEMPT from the electrical
contractor licensing requirement?
A. A homeowner who hires unlicensed workers to wire their new home B. A homeowner who
personally performs all electrical work on their own single-family dwelling they intend to
occupy ✅ (correct answer) C. Any person with 10 years of electrical experience working for
themselves D. A retired master electrician who performs occasional residential work E. A
maintenance electrician employed by a property management company
Rationale: North Carolina G.S. §87-43 exempts homeowners from the electrical contractor
licensing requirement when they: (1) Personally perform the electrical work themselves (not
hiring others); (2) On their own single-family dwelling; (3) Which they own and intend to
occupy as their primary residence. The homeowner exemption does NOT allow: (1) Hiring
unlicensed workers; (2) Performing work for compensation for others; (3) Work on rental
properties or property the homeowner won't occupy. Even when using the homeowner
exemption, permits and inspections are still required. Maintenance electricians employed by
companies (not homeowners doing their own work) are subject to licensing requirements.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam — Advanced Level
200 MCQs (Complex, Advanced Questions)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains for the North Carolina Residential Single-Family
Dwelling Electrical Contractor License at the advanced level:
North Carolina Electrical Contractor Licensing Law: G.S. Chapter 87, Article 4;
NCBEEC regulations
NEC Article 100 – Definitions: Critical definitions affecting residential wiring
interpretation
NEC Chapter 1 – General: Articles 90, 100, 110 — general requirements, wiring design
NEC Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection: Articles 200–285 — grounding, conductors,
overcurrent protection
NEC Chapter 3 – Wiring Methods: Articles 300–399 — cable assemblies, conduit,
wiring methods
NEC Chapter 4 – Equipment: Articles 400–490 — flexible cords, luminaires,
appliances, motors
NEC Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies: Article 547 (agricultural), 550 (mobile homes)
NEC Chapter 6 – Special Equipment: Articles 600–695
NEC Chapter 7 – Special Conditions: Articles 700–760
NEC Chapter 8 – Communications Systems: Articles 800–840
NEC Article 230 – Services: Service entrance, service equipment, grounding
NEC Article 250 – Grounding and Bonding: Critical grounding calculations
NEC Article 310 – Conductors: Ampacity, temperature correction, adjustment factors
NEC Article 314 – Outlet Boxes: Box fill calculations
NEC Article 210 – Branch Circuits: AFCI, GFCI, circuits for specific loads
NEC Article 220 – Load Calculations: Residential load calculation methods
NEC Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection: Fuses, circuit breakers, protection sizing
Load Calculations: Standard and optional methods for residential service sizing
SECTION 1: NC ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING LAW
,1. Under North Carolina General Statute §87-43, a person applying for a Limited License
(Single-Family Dwelling) must demonstrate which of the following minimum experience
requirements?
A. 2 years as a journeyman electrician under a licensed contractor B. 3 years of experience in
electrical work, with at least 1 year in residential wiring ✅ (correct answer) C. 5 years of
experience in the electrical trade with no specialty requirement D. Graduation from an accredited
electrical engineering program only E. Completion of an apprenticeship program approved by
the US Department of Labor only
Rationale: The North Carolina Board of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) under G.S. §87-43
requires applicants for the Limited (Single-Family Dwelling) license to demonstrate at least 3
years of experience in electrical work, with at least 1 year in residential work. The Board
evaluates the applicant's breadth and depth of experience through the application process.
Experience may be documented through employer verification, tax records, or other means
acceptable to the Board. Simply completing an apprenticeship program or having an engineering
degree does not automatically satisfy the experience requirement without the practical field
experience component.
2. Under North Carolina law, the Limited License for Single-Family Dwelling electrical
contractors authorizes the holder to perform which of the following scope of work?
A. All electrical work including commercial, industrial, and residential without restriction B.
Electrical work on single-family dwellings, including new construction, additions, alterations,
and repairs to individual residential units ✅ (correct answer) C. Only service changes and
panel upgrades on single-family homes D. Electrical work on residential buildings of any
occupancy type E. Work limited to 120-volt circuits in single-family homes only
Rationale: The North Carolina Limited License — Single-Family Dwelling authorizes the
contractor to perform all electrical work on single-family dwellings: new construction, additions,
remodels, repairs, and service work on individually owned/occupied single-family residential
buildings. The license is restricted to single-family dwellings — it does NOT authorize work on
multi-family buildings (duplexes, apartments, condos), commercial, or industrial facilities. The
voltage or circuit type is not a restriction within the scope of single-family work. Understanding
scope limitations is critical — performing work outside the license scope constitutes unlicensed
practice.
3. North Carolina requires electrical contractors to carry which types of insurance as a condition
of licensure?
,A. Only workers' compensation insurance for employees B. Public liability and property damage
insurance in amounts set by the NCBEEC ✅ (correct answer) C. Professional liability (errors
and omissions) and umbrella insurance only D. No insurance is required — financial
responsibility is demonstrated by bond only E. Only surety bond in the amount of $10,000
Rationale: The NCBEEC requires licensed electrical contractors to maintain public liability and
property damage (PL&PD) insurance in minimum amounts established by the Board. These
amounts are periodically updated and verified at license renewal. The insurance requirement
protects: (1) Clients and third parties from damage caused by electrical work; (2) Demonstrates
financial responsibility; (3) Provides consumer protection. Workers' compensation is also
required separately under NC Workers' Compensation Act for contractors with employees. The
specific insurance amounts should be verified with the current NCBEEC requirements at time of
application/renewal, as they are subject to Board revision.
4. Under North Carolina G.S. §87-43.1, which of the following is a ground for suspension or
revocation of an electrical contractor license?
A. Bidding on projects in jurisdictions where the contractor is not familiar B. Gross negligence
or willful misconduct in the practice of electrical contracting ✅ (correct answer) C. Charging
fees higher than competitors for comparable work D. Hiring unlicensed subcontractors for non-
electrical work on a project E. Failure to respond to a customer's phone call within 24 hours
Rationale: G.S. §87-43.1 provides grounds for disciplinary action against licensed electrical
contractors including: (1) Gross negligence or willful misconduct in the practice of electrical
contracting; (2) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license; (3) Misrepresentation to
clients; (4) Violation of applicable electrical codes; (5) Engaging in the practice of electrical
contracting while license is suspended; (6) Aiding unlicensed persons in circumventing licensing
requirements. The NCBEEC has authority to reprimand, probate, suspend, or revoke licenses.
Understanding grounds for discipline helps contractors maintain ethical and compliant practices.
5. Under North Carolina law, electrical work on a single-family dwelling requires which of the
following in addition to a licensed contractor performing the work?
A. Supervision by a Professional Engineer for all new service installations B. An electrical
permit from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and inspections ✅ (correct answer)
C. A separate structural permit for any work involving the electrical system D. Approval from
the NCBEEC before commencing work E. A master electrician's sign-off on all residential work
regardless of license type
Rationale: In addition to contractor licensing, electrical work in North Carolina requires: (1)
Electrical permit from the local AHJ (building inspection department) before work commences;
(2) Inspections at required stages (rough-in, service entrance, final); (3) Certificate of
, Compliance from the inspector upon satisfactory completion. The AHJ enforces the North
Carolina State Building Code (which adopts the NEC with amendments). The NCBEEC licenses
contractors; the AHJ enforces code compliance. The permit-and-inspection system provides
independent verification that electrical work meets code requirements, protecting building
occupants from unsafe installations.
6. The North Carolina State Electrical Code is based on which edition of the National Electrical
Code (NEC), and who adopts it?
A. The 2017 NEC, adopted by the NCBEEC B. The NEC edition adopted by the North Carolina
Building Code Council, currently the 2023 NEC with North Carolina amendments ✅ (correct
answer) C. The 2014 NEC with all NEC amendments adopted automatically D. Each county
adopts its own edition of the NEC independently E. North Carolina uses the NFPA 70E standard,
not the NEC
Rationale: North Carolina adopts the NEC (NFPA 70) through the North Carolina Building
Code Council. The Building Code Council periodically reviews and adopts updated editions of
the NEC with North Carolina-specific amendments. Contractors and inspectors must be familiar
with: (1) The currently adopted NEC edition; (2) North Carolina-specific amendments that
modify, restrict, or expand NEC requirements; (3) Local AHJ amendments (some jurisdictions
may have additional local requirements within the authority granted by state law). Candidates
should verify the current edition adopted at the time of their examination, as North Carolina
periodically updates its code adoption. The NCBEEC administers contractor licensing; the
Building Code Council adopts the code.
7. Under North Carolina law, which of the following persons is EXEMPT from the electrical
contractor licensing requirement?
A. A homeowner who hires unlicensed workers to wire their new home B. A homeowner who
personally performs all electrical work on their own single-family dwelling they intend to
occupy ✅ (correct answer) C. Any person with 10 years of electrical experience working for
themselves D. A retired master electrician who performs occasional residential work E. A
maintenance electrician employed by a property management company
Rationale: North Carolina G.S. §87-43 exempts homeowners from the electrical contractor
licensing requirement when they: (1) Personally perform the electrical work themselves (not
hiring others); (2) On their own single-family dwelling; (3) Which they own and intend to
occupy as their primary residence. The homeowner exemption does NOT allow: (1) Hiring
unlicensed workers; (2) Performing work for compensation for others; (3) Work on rental
properties or property the homeowner won't occupy. Even when using the homeowner
exemption, permits and inspections are still required. Maintenance electricians employed by
companies (not homeowners doing their own work) are subject to licensing requirements.
