Thinking about becoming a licensed plumber in North Carolina? You’re not alone. With steady demand for skilled tradespeople and strong job growth projected through 2030, plumbing offers both stability and opportunity. But before you can legally work on residential or commercial systems in the Tar Heel State, you must obtain a plumbing license issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (NCSBEPHFSC). This guide walks you through how to get your plumbing license in North Carolina, clearly and confidently—even if you’re just starting out.
What Types of Plumbing Licenses Are Available in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers three main plumbing license classifications, each with distinct scopes of work:
License Type
Scope of Work
Supervision Required?
Apprentice
Learns under a licensed plumber; performs basic tasks
Yes – must be directly supervised
Journeyman Plumber
Installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems independently
No – can work unsupervised but cannot pull permits or own a business
Full authority: designs systems, pulls permits, supervises others, owns a contracting business
No
💡 Key Insight: You cannot skip from Apprentice to Master. North Carolina law requires you to hold a Journeyman license for at least one year before applying for Master status.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Plumbing License in North Carolina
Step 1: Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship (or Equivalent Experience)
To qualify for the Journeyman exam, you need 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented plumbing experience under a licensed Master Plumber. This typically comes through:
A formal registered apprenticeship program (e.g., through UA Local 597 or community colleges like Wake Tech)
On-the-job training with proper supervision and record-keeping
📌 Pro Tip: Keep detailed logs of your hours, signed by your supervising plumber. The Board may audit your experience.
Step 2: Submit Your Application to the NC Licensing Board
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility notice to schedule your exam.
Step 3: Pass the North Carolina Journeyman Plumbing Exam
The exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering:
Plumbing codes (based on the 2021 NC Plumbing Code, which adopts the IPC with state amendments)
System design & installation
Venting, drainage, and water supply
Safety and regulations
You have 4 hours to complete it. A passing score is 70%.
📘 Study Resources:
NC Plumbing Study Guide (available from the Board)
International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2021
Practice exams from reputable providers like Contractor Training Center
According to the Board’s 2025 data, the first-time pass rate is ~62%—so thorough prep is essential.
Step 4: Receive Your License and Maintain It
Once you pass, your Journeyman Plumber license is issued within 10 business days. It’s valid for one year and must be renewed annually by December 31. Renewal requires:
$75 fee
Proof of 8 hours of continuing education (including 2 hours on NC laws/rules)
⚠️ Note: Working without a valid license can result in fines up to $1,000 per violation and legal action.
How to Upgrade to a Master Plumber License
After holding your Journeyman license for at least 12 months, you can apply for Master status. Requirements:
Additional 1 year (2,000 hours) of plumbing experience (total of 5 years)
Pass the Master Plumber exam (120 questions, 5-hour time limit, 70% to pass)
$100 application fee
Master plumbers can pull permits, own a plumbing business, and supervise apprentices and journeymen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their licensing due to preventable errors:
❌ Incomplete experience documentation – Use the Board’s official log sheet.
❌ Studying outdated code books – Always use the 2021 NC Plumbing Code.
❌ Missing deadlines – Applications expire after 6 months if you don’t sit for the exam.
❌ Ignoring continuing education – Letting your license lapse means restarting the process.
For more on plumbing regulation history and standards, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing codes, which provides global context for U.S. practices.
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost?
Item
Cost
Application Fee (Journeyman)
$75
Exam Fee (PSI)
$95
License Issuance
Included
Annual Renewal
$75
Continuing Education Courses
$100–$200 (varies)
Total First-Year Cost
~$270–$370
Compared to other states, North Carolina’s licensing fees are moderate and transparent.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I get a plumbing license in NC with out-of-state experience?
Yes, but your experience must be verified and equivalent to NC standards. Submit detailed work history, employer contacts, and license numbers (if applicable). The Board reviews these case by case.
Q2: How long does the entire process take?
Most candidates complete it in 4–6 months—assuming they already have the required experience. If starting from zero, add 4+ years for apprenticeship.
Q3: Is there a reciprocity agreement with other states?
North Carolina does not have automatic reciprocity. However, licensed plumbers from states with comparable exams (e.g., South Carolina, Virginia) may qualify for a waiver of the experience requirement—but still must pass the NC-specific portion of the exam.
Q4: Do I need a contractor’s license too?
Only if you plan to own a plumbing business. A Master Plumber license allows you to operate as a sole proprietor. For LLCs or corporations, you’ll also need a Plumbing Contractor license from the same Board.
Q5: Can felons get a plumbing license in NC?
The Board evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Minor offenses may not disqualify you, but crimes involving fraud, violence, or moral turpitude could. Full disclosure is required.
Q6: Where can I find approved continuing education courses?
The Board maintains a list of approved CE providers on its website. Courses must be pre-approved—don’t assume online classes count unless listed.
Conclusion
Getting your plumbing license in North Carolina is a clear, structured path that rewards dedication with career freedom and earning potential. Licensed plumbers in NC earn a median salary of $58,000, with Master Plumbers often exceeding $80,000—especially in growing areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville.
Now that you know how to get your plumbing license in North Carolina, take the next step: gather your experience logs, enroll in a prep course, and submit your application. Your future in a recession-proof trade starts today.
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