Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Licensing Authority for Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors
We are a regulatory authority established in 1931 to protect public health, safety, and welfare by setting licensing standards for plumbing, heating, and fire sprinkler contractors. Our board, appointed by the Governor, ensures applicants meet minimum qualifications through rigorous examinations and enforces compliance with North Carolina General Statutes and Board Rules. We hold open hearings to address licensee concerns and public inquiries, maintaining fiscal responsibility while managing licensing processes and disciplinary actions.Our team of experienced professionals, including administrative officers and legal counsel, investigates complaints, conducts hearings, and provides education to uphold industry standards. We prioritize transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in contractor oversight to serve North Carolina residents effectively.
Services
Licensing Exams
License Renewals
Disciplinary Education
Complaint Investigations
Continuing Education
Code Enforcement
Hearing Proceedings
License Verification
Regulatory Compliance
Trade Certification
Details
- Year established: 1931
Highlights and features
- We enforce strict licensing standards to ensure public safety.
- Our board includes industry experts with decades of experience.
- We provide transparent complaint resolution and disciplinary processes.
- We offer no-cost Board Laws & Rules education classes.
- We maintain fiscal responsibility while managing licensing operations.
Services
Licensing Exams
We administer comprehensive examinations for plumbing, heating, and fire sprinkler contractor licenses based on North Carolina State Building Codes. Our exams ensure applicants meet minimum competency standards for public safety. Testing centers operate statewide through PSI Services LLC with 90-day authorization periods for scheduling flexibility.
License Renewals
Licensees must renew annually by December 31st through online payments or mailed checks. Late renewals within three years incur $25 fees, while expired licenses require reexamination after three years. We process renewals within 2-3 business days with immediate online status updates.
Disciplinary Education
We require disciplinary courses for licensees violating regulations or demonstrating knowledge gaps. Board-approved programs cover business management, code compliance, and technical skills. Courses are available through third-party providers like PHCC-NC and Umpire Technologies Group.
Complaint Resolution
Our field staff investigates consumer complaints statewide, with five administrative officers covering regional areas. We facilitate resolution conferences, formal hearings, and legal proceedings to address violations while maintaining fair processes for licensees and complainants.
Code Enforcement
We enforce compliance with Chapter 87, Article 2, and Board Rules through inspections and investigations. Our team includes certified code enforcement officials with expertise in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing standards to ensure industry-wide adherence to safety regulations.
People
Dale Dawson
Executive Director
Serving since 2007, Dale oversees all board operations with 30+ years plumbing experience. He maintains industry relationships while managing licensing processes and regulatory compliance.
M.R. Strother
Chairman
Fire sprinkler contractor since 1991, appointed in 2019. Owns successful business with dual plumbing and fire sprinkler licenses, bringing practical industry insights to board decisions.
P.K. Selby
Secretary-Treasurer
Public member with 14 years prior board experience. Appointed in 2021, she provides continuity through deep understanding of licensing requirements and regulatory frameworks.
John N. Fountain
Attorney
Legal counsel with 50 years service, specializing in administrative law. Advises on legislative matters and represents the board in formal proceedings with extensive occupational licensing expertise.
Tom Johnston
Senior Administrative Officer
Investigates complaints in North Central region since 2007. Former HVAC technician with field experience ensuring regulatory compliance through on-site inspections and enforcement actions.
Questions
How do I apply for a plumbing or heating contractor license?
Review exam requirements, submit application with documentation, and schedule testing through PSI Services after approval.
Is continuing education required for license renewal?
Mandatory continuing education was eliminated in 2012, but disciplinary courses may be required for violators.
What happens if my license expires?
Renew within three years with back fees; licenses expired over three years require reexamination.
Where can I take the licensing exam?
Computer-based exams available in Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.
How do I report an unlicensed contractor?
Submit complaints through our website or contact form for investigation by regional administrative officers.
What disciplinary actions can the board take?
We may require education courses, impose fines, suspend licenses, or initiate legal proceedings for violations.
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