North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam: 200 Questions with Answers & Italic Rationales 2026 Update.

North Carolina Landscape Contractor Practice Exam:
200 Questions with Answers & Italic Rationales 2026
Update.

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to the most comprehensive North Carolina Landscape Contractor practice
exam available online. This 200-question practice test mirrors the official North
Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board examination, covering essential
domains including plant identification, erosion control, irrigation systems,
hardscape installation, safety protocols, business management, and NC-specific
environmental regulations. Each question includes a bolded correct answer and
an italicized rationale explaining the "why" behind every response—critical for
deep learning and exam success.

Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking licensure or an apprentice taking
your first step, this SEO-optimized guide targets high-yield topics from the NC
Landscape Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin. Let's sharpen your skills.




Section 1: North Carolina Rules, Regulations, and
Environmental Compliance
1. Under the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act, what is the
maximum allowable turbidity increase above natural levels for waters classified as
"Trout Waters"?

 A) 10 NTU
 B) 25 NTU
 C) 5 NTU
 D) 50 NTU
Rationale: NC regulations are stricter for Trout Waters (Class C Trout) allowing
only a 5 NTU increase above natural turbidity, compared to 25 NTU for other
surface waters. This protects sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

, 2. What is the minimum required vertical distance between a landscape irrigation
system's anti-siphon valve and the highest sprinkler head?

 A) 4 inches
 B) 6 inches
 C) 12 inches
 D) 18 inches
*Rationale: NC plumbing code requires anti-siphon valves to be installed at least 6
inches above the highest sprinkler head or emission point to prevent backflow
contamination of potable water supplies.*

3. Which North Carolina agency has primary jurisdiction over the licensing of
landscape contractors?

 A) NC Department of Agriculture
 B) NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board
 C) NC Department of Environmental Quality
 D) NC Board of General Contractors
Rationale: The NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board, established under NC
General Statute 89D, regulates licensing, investigates complaints, and enforces
standards for landscape contractors.

4. A landscape contractor in North Carolina must obtain a permit from the NC
Division of Water Resources when installing an irrigation system that withdraws
water from a surface water source exceeding what capacity?

 A) 5,000 gallons per day
 B) 10,000 gallons per day
 C) 50,000 gallons per day
 D) 100,000 gallons per day
Rationale: The NC Water Withdrawal and Transfer Act requires registration for
withdrawals of 10,000 gallons per day or more from surface waters, with higher
thresholds requiring full permitting.

5. What is the required buffer width for "Resource Conservation Zones" adjacent
to surface waters in North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)
region?

 A) 15 feet
 B) 30 feet
 C) 50 feet

, D) 100 feet
*Rationale: CAMA regulations mandate a 30-foot vegetated buffer for Resource
Conservation Zones, which expands to 50 feet for "High Quality" or "Outstanding
Resource" waters to filter runoff and protect estuarine systems.*

6. According to NC general statute, what is the maximum slope percentage
allowed for a land-disturbing activity without requiring a specialized erosion
control plan?

 A) 15%
 B) 25%
 C) 30%
 D) 45%
*Rationale: Land-disturbing activities on slopes exceeding 30% require additional
erosion control measures and certified plans under NC Sedimentation Pollution Control
Act rules.*

7. How often must a licensed landscape contractor complete continuing education
to maintain an active license in North Carolina?

 A) Annually
 B) Biennially (every 2 years)
 C) Every 3 years
 D) Every 5 years
Rationale: The NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board requires 8 hours of
approved continuing education every two years, including specific hours on
business law and environmental regulations.

8. Which of the following pesticides is classified as a "Restricted Use" pesticide in
North Carolina, requiring applicator certification?

 A) Glyphosate (Roundup)
 B) Bifenthrin (Talstar)
 C) Carbaryl (Sevin)
 D) 2,4-D (Weed-B-Gon)
Rationale: Bifenthrin is a Restricted Use Pesticide in NC due to its high toxicity to
aquatic organisms. The NC Pesticide Board requires certification for purchase and
application.

9. What is the minimum fine for performing landscape contracting work without a
license in North Carolina, per NCGS 89D?

,  A) $250
 B) $500
 C) $1,000
 D) $5,000
*Rationale: NCGS 89D-14 imposes a minimum $500 civil penalty per violation for
unlicensed practice, with each day of violation considered a separate offense.*

10. A landscape contractor in the Mountain region of NC (Zone 7a) is planning a
rain garden. What minimum soil infiltration rate is required by NC DEQ
stormwater guidelines?

 A) 0.5 inches per hour
 B) 1 inch per hour
 C) 2 inches per hour
 D) 3 inches per hour
Rationale: NC DEQ's Stormwater Design Manual requires a minimum 1 inch per
hour infiltration rate for rain gardens. Soils with slower rates require underdrains
or amendments.

11. Under the NC Native Plant Law (Executive Order No. 74), what percentage of
plant species used in state-funded landscaping projects must be native to the
Atlantic Southeast region?

 A) 25%
 B) 50%
 C) 75%
 D) 100%
*Rationale: Executive Order No. 74 requires 75% native species for state-funded
landscaping to preserve genetic diversity and support native wildlife habitats.*

12. What is the maximum penalty for a first-time violation of the NC
Sedimentation Pollution Control Act by a landscape contractor?

 A) $2,500
 B) $5,000
 C) $10,000
 D) $25,000
*Rationale: First-time violations carry up to a $5,000 fine per day. Willful or repeat
violations can reach $25,000 per day and potential criminal charges.*