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How to get a plumber license in North Carolina

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for North Carolina plumbing licenses, pulled from official NC sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
  • State journeyman license: No (No statewide journeyman plumber license. The Board issues Plumbing Contractor licenses and related technician classifications under G.S. Chapter 87, Article 2.)
  • Plumbing Contractor: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing systems related to the license sought. Up to one-half (2,000 hours / 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours) may be academic or technical training directly related to the field. There are no license reciprocity agreements; NC has a Technical Examination Waiver Agreement with South Carolina (you still take the NC business-law exam) and Neighbor State License Recognition for permanent NC residents licensed in GA, SC, TN, VA, or WV.
  • Exam: see below, via Board-approved exam provider (after Board application approval)
  • Code edition: Exams use the Board's published book reference list (North Carolina State Building Code plumbing provisions and Board laws/rules). Confirm the current Book Reference List before you test.

Requirements by license

Plumbing Contractor

Experience2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing systems related to the license sought. Up to one-half (2,000 hours / 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours) may be academic or technical training directly related to the field. There are no license reciprocity agreements; NC has a Technical Examination Waiver Agreement with South Carolina (you still take the NC business-law exam) and Neighbor State License Recognition for permanent NC residents licensed in GA, SC, TN, VA, or WV.Source: nclicensing.org · as of
ExamBoard-approved exam provider (after Board application approval). After the Board approves your application, you schedule with the exam provider and must test within 90 days. Bring only the reference materials allowed on the Board's Book Reference List. Pass/fail is reported at the center; failing applicants wait 90 days to retest. Passing applicants must submit the License Activation Form and fee within 45 days.Source: nclicensing.org · as of
Fees
  • Annual plumbing/heating/fuel piping contractor license fee: $150
  • Annual technician license listed under a contractor: $75
  • Late renewal processing (G.S. 87-22 / Board practice): $25 (Added when renewing after December expiration during the January late window described in the statute)
Source: reports.oah.state.nc.us · as of · 21 NCAC 50 .1102 · Annual expiration/renewal: ncleg.gov · Renewal process: nclicensing.org
RenewalEvery year. Licenses expire on the last day of December each year (G.S. 87-22). There is no grace period for doing licensed work after expiration. Late renewal in January adds $25. Licenses not renewed within three years generally require reexamination.Source: ncleg.gov · as of · Board renewal page: nclicensing.org · Fee rule: reports.oah.state.nc.us
CE to renewNone required for annual renewal. Mandatory CE was eliminated by the Board in 2012. The Board may still order disciplinary education after a violation.Source: nclicensing.org · as of

License types in North Carolina

  • Plumbing Contractor
  • Plumbing Technician (Class I / Class II)
  • Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor
  • State & Local Government / Private Educational Institution technician paths
  • Heating and fire sprinkler classifications on the same Board
Source: nclicensing.org · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

The Board states there are no license reciprocity agreements with any other state. All applicants must meet NC eligibility and complete the applicable exam(s), with limited exceptions: a Technical Examination Waiver Agreement with South Carolina (NC business-law exam still required), and Neighbor State License Recognition for permanent North Carolina residents who also hold licensure in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.Source: nclicensing.org · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does North Carolina have a state journeyman plumber license?

No. The State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses Plumbing Contractors (and technicians), not statewide journeymen.

How much experience does a NC plumbing contractor need?

Generally 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site plumbing experience, with up to half allowed as related academic/technical training.

Already licensed? See North Carolina plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.