North Carolina licenses plumbing contractors through the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. The main contractor classes are Plumbing Contractor Class I (any building) and Class II (single-family detached dwellings only), with a Restricted Limited path and technician licenses for employees. This guide covers the license classes, experience rules, and the exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Experience4,000 Hours
- Exam Application$100
- RenewalAnnual (Dec 31)
- CE NeededNone Listed
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the North Carolina plumbing contractor exam typically include:
- 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site, full-time plumbing experience.
- Up to half of the requirement (2,000 hours) may be related academic or technical training.
- Technician applicants need 3,000 hours (Class I) or 2,500 hours (Class II); the Restricted Limited path requires 9 months (1,500 hours).
- A completed application submitted to the Board with the $100 exam fee.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a North Carolina plumbing license generally involves these steps:
- Confirm you meet the experience requirement for your target class (P-I, P-II, or Restricted Limited).
- Submit the exam application to the Board with the $100 fee ($25 application plus $75 exam, nonrefundable). Applications average about 6 weeks to process.
- After approval, schedule the computer-based exam at one of 7 test centers and test within 90 days.
- Pass the exam; pass or fail results are given at the test center.
- Submit the license activation form and fee within 45 days of passing.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the Board.
- 3
Pass the plumber exam
The North Carolina plumbing exam is computer-based, offered at 7 test centers across the state. You must test within 90 days of Board approval, and a failed attempt means a 90-day wait before retesting. The exam references the NC State Plumbing Code (2018 North Carolina edition based on the 2015 IPC; confirm the current cycle) and the Board's published reference book list. Always confirm exam requirements with the Board because formats and reference materials can change.
License Types
Plumbing Contractor Class I (P-I)
Plumbing work in any building type across North Carolina.
- Any building type
- Fuel piping included
Plumbing Contractor Class II (P-II)
Plumbing limited to single-family detached dwellings.
- Single-family homes only
- Common residential path
Details
Experience
The contractor exam requires 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site, full-time plumbing experience, with up to half (2,000 hours) creditable from related academic or technical training. Military experience is creditable with a DD214 and supervisor statements. Note that Code Enforcement Official experience does not count toward the experience requirement. Confirm accepted documentation with the Board before applying.
Details
Fees
The exam application costs $100 ($25 application plus $75 exam, nonrefundable) under 21 NCAC 50 .1101. The annual license fee is about $150 per contractor license per Board renewal materials; confirm the current amount on the Board's license renewal page. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
All licenses expire December 31 and renew annually, with a $25 late increase after January. The Board does not currently list a state continuing education requirement for plumbing licenses. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the Board before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a plumbing license in North Carolina?
Beyond the 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience, applications average about 6 weeks to process. After approval you must test within 90 days, and after passing you have 45 days to activate the license. Timelines can change; confirm with the Board.
What is the difference between P-I and P-II plumbing licenses?
Plumbing Contractor Class I (P-I) covers plumbing in any building, while Class II (P-II) is limited to single-family detached dwellings. There is also a Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor license with a shorter 1,500-hour experience path and a narrower scope.
Does military experience count toward the North Carolina plumbing license?
Yes, military experience is creditable with a DD214 and supervisor statements. However, Code Enforcement Official experience does not count toward the experience requirement. Confirm documentation standards with the Board before applying.
Is there reciprocity for plumbing licenses in North Carolina?
There is no general reciprocity. The Board has a technical exam waiver agreement with South Carolina for plumbing contractors, but the North Carolina business and law exam must still be passed. Confirm current terms with the Board.
