North Carolina licenses plumbing at the contractor level. There is no separate state journeyman card, so you work under a licensed contractor until you earn your own plumbing license in North Carolina.
Who runs plumbing licensing in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues plumbing contractor licenses, runs the exams, and handles verification. You can reach the board at 919-875-3612.
License types
- Plumbing Contractor Class I (P-I): plumbing work in any building, residential, commercial, or industrial.
- Plumbing Contractor Class II (P-II): a limited classification, primarily residential in scope. The board also offers restricted and limited classifications, so check which fits the work you actually do.
Requirements
- Experience: document 4,000 hours of plumbing experience. Up to half (2,000 hours) can come from directly related academic or technical training.
- Background: provide a certified criminal background history report.
- Exam: pass the licensing exam covering the North Carolina State Plumbing Code plus business and law. The P-I exam runs 100 questions over 240 minutes with a 75 percent passing score.
How to apply
Exam applications, candidate handbooks, and license lookup are at nclicensing.org.
FAQ
Do NC plumbers need a journeyman license?
No. The state licenses contractors. Until you hold a contractor license, you work under someone who does.
How long does it take?
The 4,000-hour requirement is about 2 years of full-time work, faster if qualifying training covers part of it.
What comes after the license?
Setting up the company. Read how to start a plumbing business, see other states on the plumbing license by state index, or get the basics in the plumbing license overview.
Requirements change. Always confirm current rules, fees, and forms with the board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.
