How to get a Plumber license in North Carolina
Yes — North Carolina requires a Plumber license, issued by NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $300, and it renews every 1 year.
North Carolina Plumber license requirements at a glance
| License required | Yes (state) |
|---|---|
| Issuing board | NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors |
| Exam | Yes — Open-book exam on current NC State Building Codes via PSI; Class I (all structures) / Class II (1-2 family residential) |
| Experience | 2 years (4,000 hrs) on-site full-time experience; up to 2,000 hrs creditable from academic/technical training |
| Bond | No |
| License fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Every 1 year(s) |
| Reciprocity | None; SC technical-exam waiver available; Neighbor State License Recognition Act covers NC residents licensed in GA, SC, TN, VA, WV |
Step by step
- Meet the experience requirement. 2 years (4,000 hrs) on-site full-time experience; up to 2,000 hrs creditable from academic/technical training
- Pass the required exam. Open-book exam on current NC State Building Codes via PSI; Class I (all structures) / Class II (1-2 family residential)
- Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors with the $300 fee.
- Keep the license current. Renew every 1 year to stay eligible to pull permits.
Fee detail and fine print
Fee = $150 exam (PHFP Exam Application) + $150 license activation (License Activation Form, due within 45 days of passing); annual renewal $150 (GS 87-22). Licenses expire Dec 31 annually. No bond requirement published.
Already licensed in another state?
None; SC technical-exam waiver available; Neighbor State License Recognition Act covers NC residents licensed in GA, SC, TN, VA, WV
North Carolina Plumber reciprocity in detail →
Official source: NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors →
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in North Carolina?
- Yes. North Carolina requires a Plumber license issued by NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
- How much does a Plumber license cost in North Carolina?
- The license fee is $300. Fee = $150 exam (PHFP Exam Application) + $150 license activation (License Activation Form, due within 45 days of passing); annual renewal $150 (GS 87-22). Licenses expire Dec 31 annually. No bond requirement published. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
- How much experience do you need?
- 2 years (4,000 hrs) on-site full-time experience; up to 2,000 hrs creditable from academic/technical training
- What exam do you have to pass?
- Open-book exam on current NC State Building Codes via PSI; Class I (all structures) / Class II (1-2 family residential)
- Is a surety bond required in North Carolina?
- No surety bond is required for this license by NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Fee = $150 exam (PHFP Exam Application) + $150 license activation (License Activation Form, due within 45 days of passing); annual renewal $150 (GS 87-22). Licenses expire Dec 31 annually. No bond requirement published.
- Does North Carolina have reciprocity with other states?
- None; SC technical-exam waiver available; Neighbor State License Recognition Act covers NC residents licensed in GA, SC, TN, VA, WV
- How often do you renew?
- Every 1 year.
Now get operating
Finance your truck & equipment
Plumbers starting out finance the truck and tools rather than pay cash.
Financing options →Related
What it costs, in full:
Cost of a Plumber license in North Carolina →
Other trades in North Carolina:
Plumber licensing in other states:
Every figure is sourced to the official state board and may change — confirm before acting. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.