North Carolina Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Plumbing Contractor, Class I / Class II (and Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor) · Issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
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In North Carolina, plumbers must hold the Plumbing Contractor, Class I / Class II (and Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor), issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in North Carolina
Follow these steps to earn your Plumbing Contractor, Class I / Class II (and Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor). Every figure is verified against the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Contractor: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in installation, maintenance, service or repair of plumbing systems. Restricted Limited Plumbing: 9 months (1,500 hours).
- Pass the Plumbing contractor examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not mandated by the Board (general liability is commonly carried and recommended, but is not a license condition).), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. Criminal background report required; must be current (within 6 months) for application/reexamination.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors — $150 (exam application) application fee, plus a Included with exam application license fee. Processing time: Applications reviewed in order received; exam authorization is valid for a 90-day window.
- Keep the license active. Renew annual (expires Dec 31; no grace period).
North Carolina plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in North Carolina — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- Plumbing Class I Contractor (P-I) — Plumbing systems of any type and size in any building
- Plumbing Class II Contractor (P-II) — Plumbing systems in single-family detached residential dwellings
- Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor — Narrow scope of limited plumbing work
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Contractor: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in installation, maintenance, service or repair of plumbing systems. Restricted Limited Plumbing: 9 months (1,500 hours). |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $150 (exam application) |
| License fee | Included with exam application |
| Renewal fee | $150 (contractor); $25 late fee if not paid in January |
| Renewal period | Annual (expires Dec 31; no grace period) |
| Continuing education | None required (CE as a renewal condition was eliminated Dec 31, 2012); voluntary CE encouraged. |
| Bond required | No surety bond mandated by the Board. |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by the Board (general liability is commonly carried and recommended, but is not a license condition). |
| Property damage | Not mandated by the Board |
| Workers' comp | Not enforced by the Board; required under NC labor law if you have 3+ employees |
| Background check | Criminal background report required; must be current (within 6 months) for application/reexamination. |
| Credit requirement | None published |
| Reciprocity | None |
| Processing time | Applications reviewed in order received; exam authorization is valid for a 90-day window. |
Exams
| Plumbing contractor examination | Provider: PSI · Passing: Not publicly disclosed · Fee: $150 examination application fee (non-refundable) |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does a North Carolina plumber license cost?
Application: $150 (exam application). License: Included with exam application. Renewal: $150 (contractor); $25 late fee if not paid in January.
How do I look up a plumber license in North Carolina?
Search the official license database at public.nclicensing.org. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in North Carolina need a surety bond?
No surety bond mandated by the Board.
What experience is required for a North Carolina plumber license?
Contractor: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in installation, maintenance, service or repair of plumbing systems. Restricted Limited Plumbing: 9 months (1,500 hours).
Is insurance required for plumbers in North Carolina?
Liability: Not mandated by the Board (general liability is commonly carried and recommended, but is not a license condition). Workers' compensation: Not enforced by the Board; required under NC labor law if you have 3+ employees
How often must a North Carolina plumber license be renewed?
Annual (expires Dec 31; no grace period).
Official sources
nclicensing.org/faq
nclicensing.org/license-renewal
nclicensing.org/applicant-information