The most common questions about getting the NC Special Restricted Plumbing & Heating electrical license. Always confirm specifics with the official board before you rely on them.
It's one of North Carolina's seven Special Restricted electrical contractor classifications. SP-PH (Special Restricted — Plumbing and Heating) authorizes a limited scope of electrical work directly related to plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. The full scope is in Section .0800 of the board's rules.
The NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC). The exam is administered by PSI Services — (855) 746-8173.
40 questions, 3-hour limit, 75% to pass, open book. Topics: bonding & grounding, overcurrent protection, boxes & fittings, wiring methods & terminations, motors & control wiring, load calculations, appliances/HVAC equipment & lighting, general trade knowledge, and laws/rules/business practices. See the Study Guide.
The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law & Project Management (NC Electrical edition). References must be bound (no loose-leaf) and may be tabbed/highlighted beforehand. Confirm in the current PSI exam handbook whether you bring your own NEC or one is provided — sources differ, so verify when you register.
Generally 2 years of experience (with 1 year being primary), and you must be engaged in or employed by a business primarily engaged in lawful plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning work in North Carolina. Confirm exact requirements on your application.
Roughly $90 for the exam and $75 for the license, plus the cost of your reference books. Fees change — check the current application.
After your application is approved, you'll receive a Test-Taker ID from PSI. Register at the PSI portal or call (855) 746-8173. Processing typically takes about 5–10 business days after you submit.
You may take the exam up to 2 times within a 1-year period, with a waiting period between attempts that depends on your score range. Review your weak topics — and the NEC articles behind them — before retaking.
The 2020 NEC (softbound) and the NASCLA NC Electrical 13th edition. Buying the wrong version (loose-leaf, or the wrong state/edition) can cost you at the testing center. See our verified book list for the exact editions and ISBNs.
The free practice and study pages are open to everyone. The full question bank and study tools come with 6 months of access — plenty of time to prepare, sit the exam, and retake if needed — rather than a one-time download or a recurring subscription you have to remember to cancel.
Yes — the Special Restricted classifications require 4 hours of approved continuing education each year before your license expires, as a condition of renewal.
No. This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NCBEEC, PSI, NASCLA, or the NFPA. Always verify requirements with the official board and PSI handbook.