When it comes to plumbing, each state has its own rules and regulations. In North Carolina, you must have a license to perform any plumbing work, regardless of the job size. The license is required before bidding or contracting any plumbing work. It protects the consumer by ensuring that only qualified individuals perform the work.
Getting your North Carolina general contractor license is not as difficult as you may think. To qualify for a plumbing license in North Carolina, you must:
Basic Requirements
-Be at least 18 years old
-Have a high school diploma or equivalent
-Complete an apprenticeship program OR
-Have at least 4 years of journeyman experience
Financial Requirements
Two (2) years of full-time experience in the installation, service, maintenance, or repair of plumbing systems associated with the category for which a license is sought, without regard to whether a license was initially required for the work done.
Up to 2000 hours (45 quarter or 30-semester credits) of the required experience may be in academic or technical training related to the field for which you are taking the examination. Up to 500 hours (12 quarter or 8-semester credits) of the required experience may be in safety courses related to the field for which you are taking the examination.
Plumbing License Exams
Once you have met the qualifications, you can take the licensing exam. The North Carolina Board of Examiners administers the exam for Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. It is a two-part, open-book exam that covers both the business and trade aspects of plumbing. Rocketcert is a certified institution that offers test prep to help you pass the exam. They ensure that you get the best avenue for success. The exam is divided into two;
– North Carolina Plumbing Exam: It entails 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 4 hours. The topics covered include plumbing code, safety, tools, materials, roughing in and trim out, water heaters and drain, waste, and vent systems. It is an open book, and the passing score is 70%.
– Business and Law Exam: The topics covered are liens and bonds, erosion and sedimentation control, licensing, subcontractor’s license law, workers’ compensation insurance, and general business information. There are 40 questions to be completed in 2 hours. The passing score is 70%.
After passing both exams, you will receive your license in the mail. The license is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires. This will require you to take 16 hours of continuing education. Of the 16 hours, at least 8 must be code related, 4 of which must be on the North Carolina State Plumbing Code. The other 8 hours can be on any subject related to the plumbing business, such as accounting, project management, or business law.
There are many benefits to having a North Carolina general contractor license. You can start your own business or work for an existing company with a license. You will have the opportunity to work on various projects, from small repairs to large construction projects. A license also shows that you are a qualified professional with the knowledge and skills to perform the work.
If you’re looking to get your plumbing license or renew an existing one, Rocketcert can help. We offer test prep and continuing education courses to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more.
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