Which of the following is required for a contractor to hold in order to work on public projects?

To work on public projects in North Carolina, a contractor is required to hold a general contractor license. This type of license ensures that the contractor meets specific statewide standards for education, experience, and ethical practices, which are critical when working on public projects that are funded by taxpayer money. The general contractor license is regulated by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and is mandatory for anyone who is offering contracting services where the total cost exceeds a certain threshold.

Having this license demonstrates that the contractor is qualified to handle the responsibilities of public works projects, which may involve adherence to stricter regulations and codes, oversight from public entities, and often higher levels of scrutiny regarding compliance and safety standards. This requirement helps ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that the quality of construction meets the necessary guidelines and expectations established for public infrastructure.

The other options pertain to different licensing categories, which may not fulfill the specific requirements needed for public projects, hence distinguishing the general contractor license as the necessary credential for this type of work.