North Carolina Landscape Contractor Examination 200 Practice
Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales – 2026 Q&A
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EXAM OVERVIEW
The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Exam is administered by the North Carolina
Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB). It consists of three mandatory sections:
1. Landscape Design Section – Multiple-choice questions on interpreting a landscape plan .
2. General Knowledge Section – Multiple-choice questions on horticulture practice, landscape
construction, NC business practices, and licensing law .
3. Plant Identification Section – Identification of plants and pests from photographs .
This practice exam is designed to mirror the content and difficulty of the official exam.
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SECTION 1: LICENSING LAWS AND REGULATIONS (Questions 1-30)
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing
Board (NCLCLB)?
A) Promote the sale of native North Carolina plants.
B) Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public.
C) Issue building permits for residential landscaping projects.
,D) Provide continuing education courses to landscape professionals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape contracting,
protecting public welfare and maintaining industry standards.
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Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a landscape contractor license
in North Carolina?
A) 16 years
B) 18 years
C) 21 years
D) 25 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants for licensure must be at least 18 years of age according to N.C. Gen. Stat. §
89D-16(a)(1).
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Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a component of a landscape contractor's scope of
work under North Carolina law?
,A) Installing, planting, repairing, and managing gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, and trees
B) Connecting irrigation systems to public water mains
C) Constructing garden pools, retaining walls, walks, and patios
D) Finish grading and preparation of plots for decorative treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Landscape contractors may install irrigation systems but are prohibited from making
connections to pipes, fixtures, or appurtenances installed upon premises or in a building that
supply water.
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Question 4: A landscape contractor may design, install, or maintain low-voltage landscape
lighting systems if:
A) The work is performed by a licensed electrician only
B) The system exceeds 50 volts
C) The work does not exceed the scope of the exception in G.S. 87-43.1(7) and the system does
not exceed 50 volts
D) The contractor holds a separate electrical license
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-voltage landscape lighting is permitted as long as the work does not exceed the
scope of the exception set forth in G.S. 87-43.1(7) and the system does not exceed 50 volts.
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Question 5: How much is the required surety bond for a North Carolina landscape contractor
license?
A) $5,000
B) $10,000
C) $15,000
D) $25,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants must file a corporate surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in the
amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
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Question 6: How many reference letters are required for a landscape contractor license
application?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Five (3 personal and 2 professional)
D) Seven
Correct Answer: C
Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales – 2026 Q&A
---
EXAM OVERVIEW
The North Carolina Landscape Contractor Licensing Exam is administered by the North Carolina
Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board (NCLCLB). It consists of three mandatory sections:
1. Landscape Design Section – Multiple-choice questions on interpreting a landscape plan .
2. General Knowledge Section – Multiple-choice questions on horticulture practice, landscape
construction, NC business practices, and licensing law .
3. Plant Identification Section – Identification of plants and pests from photographs .
This practice exam is designed to mirror the content and difficulty of the official exam.
---
SECTION 1: LICENSING LAWS AND REGULATIONS (Questions 1-30)
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Landscape Contractors' Licensing
Board (NCLCLB)?
A) Promote the sale of native North Carolina plants.
B) Regulate the practice of landscape contracting and protect the public.
C) Issue building permits for residential landscaping projects.
,D) Provide continuing education courses to landscape professionals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLCLB ensures only qualified individuals practice landscape contracting,
protecting public welfare and maintaining industry standards.
---
Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a landscape contractor license
in North Carolina?
A) 16 years
B) 18 years
C) 21 years
D) 25 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants for licensure must be at least 18 years of age according to N.C. Gen. Stat. §
89D-16(a)(1).
---
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a component of a landscape contractor's scope of
work under North Carolina law?
,A) Installing, planting, repairing, and managing gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, and trees
B) Connecting irrigation systems to public water mains
C) Constructing garden pools, retaining walls, walks, and patios
D) Finish grading and preparation of plots for decorative treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Landscape contractors may install irrigation systems but are prohibited from making
connections to pipes, fixtures, or appurtenances installed upon premises or in a building that
supply water.
---
Question 4: A landscape contractor may design, install, or maintain low-voltage landscape
lighting systems if:
A) The work is performed by a licensed electrician only
B) The system exceeds 50 volts
C) The work does not exceed the scope of the exception in G.S. 87-43.1(7) and the system does
not exceed 50 volts
D) The contractor holds a separate electrical license
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-voltage landscape lighting is permitted as long as the work does not exceed the
scope of the exception set forth in G.S. 87-43.1(7) and the system does not exceed 50 volts.
, ---
Question 5: How much is the required surety bond for a North Carolina landscape contractor
license?
A) $5,000
B) $10,000
C) $15,000
D) $25,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants must file a corporate surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in the
amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
---
Question 6: How many reference letters are required for a landscape contractor license
application?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Five (3 personal and 2 professional)
D) Seven
Correct Answer: C
