How to Get a Plumbing License in North Carolina

To become a licensed plumbing contractor in North Carolina, you generally need 4,000 hours of qualifying plumbing experience, approval from the state licensing Board, and a passing score on the required licensing examinations. After passing, you must activate your license before offering plumbing contracting services.

North Carolina offers Plumbing Class I (P-I) and Plumbing Class II (P-II) contractor licenses, along with restricted and technician classifications. Your license determines which types of plumbing projects you can legally perform.

This guide explains the licensing process, experience requirements, examinations, costs, and career opportunities for North Carolina plumbing contractors.

For a broader overview of contractor licensing, read our guide to How to Earn a Contractor's License in North Carolina.

How to Get a Plumbing License in North Carolina

Follow these seven steps to work toward your North Carolina plumbing contractor license.

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Plumbing License

Start by determining which license classification matches the work you intend to perform. Plumbing Class I covers qualifying plumbing work in all building types, while Plumbing Class II is limited to single-family detached dwellings.

Restricted and plumbing technician classifications are also available for applicants pursuing a more limited scope of work.

Step 2: Meet the Experience Requirements

Applicants for P-I and P-II contractor licenses generally need at least 4,000 hours of qualifying plumbing experience, equivalent to approximately two years of full-time work.

Qualifying experience may include the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor.

Up to 2,000 hours of the experience requirement may be satisfied through qualifying academic or technical education directly related to plumbing.

Step 3: Gather Your Application Documentation

Before applying, organize the documentation needed to support your qualifications.

• Employment history and qualifying experience records
• Descriptions of plumbing work performed
• Academic or technical training records, if claiming education credit
• Required criminal background information
• Identification and application forms
• Applicable examination application fees

The Board may request additional documentation, including employment or tax records, to verify your experience and eligibility.

Step 4: Apply Through the North Carolina State Board

Submit the appropriate examination application to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

As of June 1, 2026, the examination application fee is $150 per examination.

Review the Board's official application forms for current instructions and required documentation.

Once approved, you will receive authorization to schedule your examination.

Step 5: Prepare for and Pass the Plumbing License Exam

The North Carolina plumbing contractor examination is computer-based and includes technical and business/law components.

The examinations are open book, using approved reference materials. Candidates generally must schedule and complete their examinations within 90 days of receiving Board approval.

For question counts, time limits, exam topics, and preparation strategies, see the North Carolina Plumbing License Exam Requirements section below.

Step 6: Activate Your Plumbing License

After passing the required examinations, submit the License Activation Form and applicable fee within 45 days.

Your license must be properly activated before you begin offering plumbing contracting services.

Step 7: Establish Your Plumbing Contracting Business

Once licensed, make sure your business is properly organized before offering plumbing contracting services.

If you operate through an LLC, corporation, or other business entity, review the Board's requirements for business registration and qualifying individuals.

North Carolina requires the appropriate contractor license before engaging in or offering to engage in regulated plumbing contracting work.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several plumbing license classifications. Choosing the correct one depends on the buildings and systems you plan to work on and your professional qualifications.

Plumbing Class I (P-I)

A Plumbing Class I license authorizes qualifying plumbing work in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

This classification is generally appropriate for contractors who want to work across multiple building types.

Plumbing Class II (P-II)

A Plumbing Class II license is limited to plumbing work in single-family detached residential dwellings.

It may be appropriate for contractors focused on residential plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair.

Restricted Limited Plumbing (RLP)

The Restricted Limited Plumbing classification permits certain limited plumbing work, including qualifying exterior building sewer piping and exterior water service piping.

This classification does not cover backflow preventers or authorize the full scope of P-I or P-II plumbing work.

Plumbing Technician Licenses

North Carolina also offers plumbing technician classifications for individuals performing qualifying plumbing work under the supervision of a plumbing contractor.

• Plumbing Technician Class I (PT-I): Requires 3,000 hours of qualifying experience and covers technician work within the Class I scope.
• Plumbing Technician Class II (PT-II): Requires 2,500 hours of qualifying experience and covers technician work within the Class II scope.

Both technician classifications require meeting the applicable background check and examination requirements.

North Carolina Plumbing License Exam Requirements and Preparation

The licensing examination evaluates technical plumbing knowledge, code requirements, safety practices, and business operations.

North Carolina Plumbing Exam Format

The examination includes technical and business/law components.

Both examinations are open book, and applicants must earn a passing score of at least 70%.

Approved reference materials may be tabbed and highlighted in accordance with the Board's examination rules.

What Topics Are on the NC Plumbing Exam?

Applicants should prepare for subjects including:

• North Carolina Plumbing Code
• Water supply systems and pipe sizing
• Drainage, waste, and vent systems
• Plumbing fixture installation
• Water heaters and temperature/pressure relief protection
• Backflow prevention and cross-connection control
• Materials and installation methods
• Testing and inspection procedures
• Workplace safety and OSHA requirements
• Business, law, and project management

How to Study for the North Carolina Plumbing Exam

A structured study schedule can help you become familiar with the material and practice locating information in your approved reference books.

• Weeks 1 and 2: Review water supply systems, drainage, waste, venting, and basic plumbing principles.
• Weeks 3 and 4: Study the North Carolina Plumbing Code, Board rules, and approved reference materials. Begin taking practice examinations.
• Weeks 5 and 6: Review missed questions, strengthen weaker subjects, and practice under timed, open-book conditions.

Learn how your reference books are organized and practice finding answers efficiently. Even with an open-book format, time management is essential.

Review the Board's reference book requirements and examination forms for the latest permitted materials.

How Much Does a Plumbing License Cost in North Carolina?

The examination application fee is $150 per examination, effective June 1, 2026.

Applicants should also budget for the required license activation fee, reference books, and any optional exam preparation courses.

The total cost depends on the license classification, required materials, and preparation resources selected.

Check the North Carolina licensing Board for current fees and payment instructions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Plumber in North Carolina?

For P-I and P-II contractor licenses, applicants generally need approximately two years of full-time qualifying plumbing experience, or 4,000 hours.

Qualifying academic or technical education may satisfy up to half of that requirement.

After meeting the experience requirement, the remaining timeline depends on application approval, examination scheduling, and license activation.

Applicants should plan for the 90-day examination authorization period and the 45-day license activation deadline after passing.

Benefits and Earning Potential of a North Carolina Plumbing License

Earning a plumbing contractor license allows qualified professionals to pursue regulated plumbing contracting work and establish or expand a plumbing business.

Licensed contractors may be able to:

• Offer qualifying plumbing services to customers
• Bid on projects within their license classification
• Manage plumbing projects and crews
• Build relationships with homeowners, builders, and general contractors
• Develop a plumbing contracting business

How Much Does a Plumbing Contractor Make in North Carolina?

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a plumbing contractor in North Carolina in 2026 is $54,551, with reported salaries ranging from approximately $46,296 to $64,278 annually.

Earnings vary depending on experience, location, license classification, employer, and whether the individual works as an employee or operates a contracting business.

Business owners' earnings may also depend on project volume, operating expenses, labor costs, and profitability.

North Carolina Plumbing License Reciprocity and Renewal

Does North Carolina Offer Plumbing License Reciprocity?

North Carolina does not automatically recognize every plumbing contractor license issued by another state.

However, certain applicants may qualify for examination waivers or licensing recognition pathways.

Eligible South Carolina residential plumbing contractors may qualify for a technical examination waiver when applying for the North Carolina P-II classification under the applicable agreement.

Current North Carolina residents with qualifying licensing or work experience in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia may also qualify for consideration under the Neighbor State Licensing Recognition Act.

Applicants must still meet the applicable eligibility and examination requirements.

Contact the North Carolina licensing Board for current waiver and recognition requirements.

What Are the North Carolina Plumbing Continuing Education Requirements?

The North Carolina plumbing licensing Board does not generally impose a continuing education requirement for standard plumbing contractor license renewal.

However, contractors should stay informed about plumbing code changes, safety standards, and updates to state licensing rules.

How Often Must a North Carolina Plumbing License Be Renewed?

North Carolina plumbing contractor licenses must be renewed annually.

Licensees should follow the Board's renewal instructions and deadlines to maintain an active license.

Does a General Contractor License Cover Plumbing in North Carolina?

No. A North Carolina general contractor license does not automatically authorize regulated plumbing contracting work.

Plumbing contractors are licensed through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, while general contractors are regulated by a separate licensing Board.

General contractors typically need to work with properly licensed plumbing subcontractors when a project includes regulated plumbing installation, alteration, or repair.

Start Preparing for Your North Carolina Plumbing License Exam

Preparing for the North Carolina plumbing contractor examination requires knowledge of plumbing codes, business requirements, and approved reference materials.

Contractor Training Center offers exam preparation resources to help contractors build their knowledge, practice examination questions, and prepare for the open-book testing format.