How to get a Plumbing license in North Carolina
The full North Carolina plumbing licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 6/12/2026.
Career prep, not a license.
Prep for the North Carolina Plumbing exam
Plumbing 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.
North Carolina P-I Plumbing Contractor License
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a plumbing license in North Carolina?
You need 4,000 hrs (~2 yrs) primary plumbing experience documented by a nc-licensed contractor.. Then pass the NC Plumbing Contractor Exam (NC State Plumbing Code + business + safety) administered by PSI Services. Applications go through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
What exam do I need to pass?
NC Plumbing Contractor Exam (NC State Plumbing Code + business + safety) — administered by PSI Services.
How much experience do I need?
4,000 hrs (~2 yrs) primary plumbing experience documented by a NC-licensed contractor.
What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?
P-I is full plumbing contractor; P-II restricts to single-family residential. $150 exam + $150 license/yr. Liability + workers comp required. Reciprocity with SC, GA, VA.
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