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How to get a plumbing license in North Carolina

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses plumbing contractors in North Carolina.

Who licenses plumbing work in North Carolina

CredentialState license
BoardNorth Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors official statement
Official lookupSearch plumbing licenses
License typesPlumbing Class I Contractor, Plumbing Class II Contractor, Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor, Fuel Piping Contractor

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing for a credential such as Plumbing Class I Contractor, Plumbing Class II Contractor or Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor.
    Board page
  2. Exam required for the plumbing contractor license. source
  3. Experience: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education. source
  4. Pay the examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable: $150. source
  5. License expires December 31 and is renewed every year. source

Plumbing requirements in North Carolina

Plumbing: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamExam required for the plumbing contractor license. source
Experience2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education. source
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceNot found on an official source.
RenewalLicense expires December 31 and is renewed every year. source
ReciprocityNo reciprocity agreements; a South Carolina technical exam waiver exists but the North Carolina business law exam is still required. source
Fees
  • Examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable. source
  • Annual plumbing contractor license fee of $150, paid after passing the exam and at each renewal. source
  • Late renewal fee of $25 if not renewed in January. source

Hiring a plumbing contractor?

See every official lookup in North Carolina, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in North Carolina

Questions

Do you need a plumbing license in North Carolina?
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses plumbing contractors in North Carolina.
How do I check a plumbing license in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors keeps the record for plumbing contractors in North Carolina. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a plumbing license cost in North Carolina?
Examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable. Annual plumbing contractor license fee of $150, paid after passing the exam and at each renewal. Late renewal fee of $25 if not renewed in January.
How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in North Carolina?
2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education.
How often does a plumbing license renew in North Carolina?
License expires December 31 and is renewed every year.

Other trades in North Carolina

Plumbing license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.