How to Earn a North Carolina Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor (RLP) License

The North Carolina Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor (RLP) license authorizes specific exterior plumbing and water filtration work. It is not a general plumbing contractor license.

Most applicants need 1,500 hours of qualifying experience and must complete the North Carolina State Board's examination and licensing process.

What Work Does an RLP License Cover?

The North Carolina RLP license is a restricted classification. It authorizes specific plumbing activities rather than the full range of work permitted under a Plumbing Class I or Class II license.

The authorized categories are established by 21 NCAC 50 .0518.

The RLP classification does not generally authorize complete interior plumbing installations or unrestricted commercial plumbing work.

For a broader overview of North Carolina plumbing contractor licensing, read CTC's North Carolina plumbing licensing guide.

Example: Exterior Water Service vs. Interior Plumbing

Replacing a qualifying exterior water service line of two inches or less may fit the RLP classification. However, repiping bathrooms inside a building is not covered merely because the same contractor also performs exterior plumbing work.

The Board's rule—not a customer's description of a "small plumbing job"—determines whether the work falls within the RLP classification.

Review the official RLP scope rule before bidding work near the limits of your license.

How to Get an NC RLP License

The standard North Carolina RLP licensing pathway involves confirming your eligibility, documenting experience, applying for examination approval, and completing the Board's licensing process.

1. Confirm the RLP scope. Make sure your proposed services fit the activities authorized by Rule 21 NCAC 50 .0518.
2. Verify your qualifying experience. Collect records supporting your plumbing experience and any eligible education credits.
3. Apply through the Board. Submit the current examination application and required documentation following the Board's applicant instructions.
4. Prepare for the RLP examination. Study the applicable plumbing code, business requirements, and references identified for the RLP classification.
5. Schedule and pass the examination. Complete the required examination within the Board's authorization period.
6. Activate your license. Complete license activation and any remaining Board requirements before offering regulated contracting services.

RLP vs. Plumbing Class I and Class II Licenses

North Carolina offers several plumbing contractor classifications. The right license depends on the systems you intend to work on and the buildings in which you plan to perform that work.

RLP is not a substitute for Plumbing Class I or Class II when the work falls outside its restricted scope.

For additional classification details, review the Board's contractor license definitions.

North Carolina RLP License Experience Requirements

The standard RLP experience requirement is nine months, or 1,500 hours, of full-time qualifying experience installing, maintaining, servicing, or repairing plumbing systems.

Up to half of the requirement—750 hours—may be satisfied through directly related qualifying academic or technical training, subject to Board approval.

The Board also describes a separate eligibility route for certain active North Carolina irrigation contractor licensees who hold qualifying backflow inspector certification or have specified plumbing experience.

Applicants seeking to use this alternative pathway should confirm their eligibility directly with the Board before applying.

For current documentation and eligibility requirements, consult the North Carolina Board's applicant information.

Is an RLP License Right for Your Plumbing Business?

The RLP classification may be appropriate for businesses specializing in covered service-line, exterior backflow, or water filtration work.

If your business plans to install complete interior plumbing systems, compare the Plumbing Class I and Class II classifications instead.

Before bidding a project, identify:

• The specific plumbing system involved
• Whether the work is interior or exterior
• The pipe diameter, where applicable
• The exact installation, repair, or service being performed
• Any additional permitting or utility requirements

Compare those details with Rule 21 NCAC 50 .0518.

If a project combines covered exterior work with unrelated interior plumbing, determine whether another properly licensed contractor is needed.

Local permitting, utility, and backflow-testing requirements may also apply independently of the contractor license.

NC RLP Examination and Application Requirements

The North Carolina Board's FAQ identifies a $150 nonrefundable examination application fee and a 90-day examination authorization window.

Fees and administrative procedures can change, so confirm the latest requirements through the Board's official FAQ.

Which Reference Books Are Required for the RLP Exam?

Candidates should use the Board's RLP-specific examination reference list when selecting study materials.

The RLP book set is not identical to the reference lists used for Plumbing Class I, Plumbing Class II, or plumbing technician examinations.

This distinction matters when choosing reference books, study guides, and practice questions.

Review the official Board examination book reference list before purchasing materials or preparing for the examination.

How Contractor Training Center Helps You Prepare for the RLP Exam

Contractor Training Center's North Carolina Plumbing License Exam Prep line includes a planned Restricted Limited Plumbing (RLP) exam preparation course designed for this classification.

The proposed self-paced course format includes:

• Video-based lessons
• Reference book highlighting guides
• Practice quizzes
• A timed examination simulator
• Unlimited simulator attempts during the applicable access period

CTC's product brief also identifies an RLP-specific reference book bundle and optional tabbed and highlighted books.

Course availability, included materials, pricing, access terms, and package options should be confirmed before purchasing.

The broader CTC North Carolina exam preparation collection provides a starting point for reviewing currently available courses and study resources.