Thinking about launching a plumbing career in North Carolina? You’re not alone—thousands of skilled tradespeople choose plumbing each year for its stability, earning potential, and hands-on work. But before you can legally install pipes or fix leaks for pay, you must know how to get a plumbing license in NC. This guide walks you through every requirement, step, and insider tip—so you can get licensed faster and avoid costly mistakes.
What Types of Plumbing Licenses Exist in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers three main plumbing license classifications, each with distinct scopes of work and experience requirements:
- Limited Plumbing Contractor License
- Allows work on residential properties with 1–2 units.
- Cannot exceed $30,000 per contract.
- Ideal for beginners or small-scale contractors.
- Unlimited Plumbing Contractor License
- Permits plumbing work on any project, including commercial and industrial.
- No monetary cap on contracts.
- Requires more experience and a rigorous exam.
- Plumbing Specialty Contractor License
- For niche areas like medical gas, irrigation, or fire suppression systems.
- Often requires additional certifications beyond standard plumbing.
💡 Pro Tip: Most new plumbers start with the Limited license to gain experience before upgrading to Unlimited.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Plumbing License in NC
Follow these 5 concrete steps to become a licensed plumber in North Carolina:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal background check (felonies may disqualify you)
Step 2: Gain Required Work Experience
Experience must be verified by a licensed plumber or contractor and documented on the official affidavit form:
| Limited Plumbing | 2 years(4,000 hours) under a licensed plumber |
| Unlimited Plumbing | 4 years(8,000 hours), including2 years in commercial work |
⚠️ Note: Apprenticeships through trade schools or unions (like UA Local 599) count toward this requirement.
Step 3: Complete Pre-License Education (If Required)
While North Carolina doesn’t mandate formal classroom hours, most candidates take a prep course to pass the exam. Recommended topics include:
- NC Plumbing Code (based on IPC with state amendments)
- Business & project management
- Plan reading and isometric drawings
Top-rated providers include Plumbing Academy of NC and NC Contractor Training Center.
Step 4: Pass the North Carolina Plumbing Exam
Administered by PSI Services, the exam has two parts:
- Trade Knowledge (75 questions)
- Covers drainage, venting, water supply, fixtures, and code compliance
- Minimum passing score: 70%
- Business & Law (40 questions)
- Focuses on contracts, liens, insurance, and NC statutes
- Minimum passing score: 70%
📊 Pass Rate Insight: Only 58% of first-time test-takers pass the trade section (NC Board of Examiners data, 2023). Preparation is key!
Exam Details:
- Cost: $90 (as of 2024)
- Duration: 4 hours total
- Locations: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and Wilmington
Schedule your exam at PSI’s NC Contractor Portal .
Step 5: Submit Your Application & Pay Fees
After passing the exam, submit your:
- Completed application form
- Affidavit of experience (signed by supervisor)
- Exam score report
- $75 licensing fee
Mail everything to:
North Carolina Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
200A Brooks Avenue, Suite 102
Cary, NC 27511
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your license number and wall certificate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their licensing due to preventable errors:
- ❌ Incomplete experience documentation – Supervisors must verify exact dates and hours.
- ❌ Studying outdated codes – NC adopts the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with amendments.
- ❌ Ignoring business law prep – Over 30% fail this section despite strong trade knowledge.
🔍 Expert Insight: “I’ve seen great plumbers fail because they skipped the business portion. Treat both sections equally,” says Marcus Lee, Master Plumber and NC licensing coach.
For authoritative code references, see the International Plumbing Code overview on Wikipedia .
How Much Does It Cost to Get Licensed in NC?
| Exam Fee | $90 |
| License Application | $75 |
| Prep Course (optional) | $200–$500 |
| Background Check | $25 |
| Total (without course) | $190 |
Compared to states like California ($500+) or New York ($400+), NC offers one of the most affordable licensing paths in the U.S.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Your NC plumbing license expires every year on June 30. To renew:
- Pay $75 renewal fee
- Complete 6 hours of continuing education (CE) annually
- Topics: Code updates, safety, ethics
No CE? Your license goes inactive—and you can’t legally work until reinstated.
FAQ: How to Get a Plumbing License in NC
Q1: Can I get a plumbing license in NC with an out-of-state license?
A: North Carolina does not have reciprocity with other states. You must meet NC’s experience requirements and pass the state exam—even if licensed elsewhere.
Q2: How long does it take to get a plumbing license in NC?
A: From start to finish, most people take 6–18 months, depending on how quickly they accumulate experience and prepare for the exam.
Q3: Do I need a license to do plumbing work as an employee?
A: No—if you work under a licensed contractor, you don’t need your own license. But you cannot pull permits, bid jobs, or run your own business without one.
Q4: What’s the average salary for a licensed plumber in NC?
A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), NC plumbers earn $52,000–$78,000/year, with master plumbers exceeding $90,000 in metro areas like Charlotte and Raleigh.
Q5: Can felons get a plumbing license in NC?
A: It depends. The Board reviews applications case-by-case. Minor offenses may be approved; violent or fraud-related felonies often lead to denial. Disclose everything upfront.
Q6: Is there a separate exam for medical gas or fire sprinklers?
A: Yes. These require additional specialty exams and certifications through the NC Board. Standard plumbing licenses don’t cover them.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to get a plumbing license in NC—from verifying your experience to acing the exam and avoiding common pitfalls. With strong demand (NC projects a 12% growth in plumbing jobs by 2030) and solid earning potential, there’s never been a better time to enter the trade.
✅ Ready to start? Bookmark this guide, gather your documents, and schedule your exam today!
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