Plumber License Requirements in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (NC PHF Board) |
| License Type | Plumbing Contractor (P-I or P-II) |
| Experience Required | 2 years / 4,000 hours of hands-on plumbing experience. Technician: 1.5 years / 3,000 hours. |
| Education Substitute | Up to 50% of experience (2,000 hours) can be substituted with approved academic/technical coursework |
| Exam Required | Yes — Plumbing Trade Exam + Business & Law Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | Several weeks plus 90-day exam authorization window |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Initial License Fee | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $275 |
Renewal: $150 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Plumbing Trade Exam
Business & Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in North Carolina
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in North Carolina. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
P-I (Class I)
All buildings — residential, commercial, industrial
Exam: Required
P-II (Class II)
Single-family detached dwellings only
Exam: Required
Plumbing Technician
Must work under licensed P-I, P-II, or RLP contractor
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Technician license fee is $75 (activation and renewal)
- Exam waiver agreement with South Carolina
You're licensed in North Carolina as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues the Plumbing Contractor (P-I or P-II); the business that invoices North Carolina customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
North Carolina requires a $5,000 surety bond. Minimum $5,000 surety bond. Some local jurisdictions may require additional bonding. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
North Carolina requires general liability insurance for this license. GL required: $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate minimum. Workers comp for 3+ employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $150.
Other licenses in North Carolina
- General Contractor license in North Carolina
Statewide license required · $154 in initial government fees · NCLBGC
- Electrician license in North Carolina
Statewide license required · $125 in initial government fees · NCBEEC
- HVAC Technician license in North Carolina
Statewide license required · $250 in initial government fees · NC PHF Board
- Roofing Contractor license in North Carolina
Statewide license required · $154 in initial government fees · NCLBGC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina requires a statewide plumber license through the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
How much does a plumber license cost in North Carolina?
The estimated initial cost is $275, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in North Carolina?
2 years / 4,000 hours of hands-on plumbing experience. Technician: 1.5 years / 3,000 hours. Education substitute: Up to 50% of experience (2,000 hours) can be substituted with approved academic/technical coursework
What exams are required for a plumber license in North Carolina?
You must pass the Plumbing Trade Exam and Business & Law Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in North Carolina?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. Minimum $5,000 surety bond. Some local jurisdictions may require additional bonding.
Does North Carolina have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 7 states that may apply to plumbers. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in North Carolina?
Processing time is typically Several weeks plus 90-day exam authorization window after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in North Carolina— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NC PHF Board