What are the experience requirements for the NC SP-PH license?

Generally about 2 years of experience (with 1 year being primary) in a business primarily engaged in lawful plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning work in North Carolina. Confirm exact requirements on the application.

How do I schedule the SP-PH exam?

After the NC Board approves your application you receive a Test-Taker ID from PSI Services. You then register online with PSI or call (855) 746-8173 to schedule.

What score do I need to pass the SP-PH exam?

You need 75% (30 of 40 questions) to pass the open-book SP-PH exam, which has a 3-hour time limit.

Guides › How to Get Licensed

How to Get the NC SP-PH License

The SP-PH (Special Restricted Plumbing & Heating) license lets you do the electrical work tied to plumbing, heating, and AC systems in North Carolina. Here's the path from "no license" to "licensed," step by step.

Step 1 — Confirm SP-PH is the right classification

SP-PH covers electrical work directly related to plumbing/heating/AC. If your work is fire alarm or low-voltage instead, you likely want SP-FALV — see SP-PH vs SP-FALV. For larger general electrical work, look at the Limited/Intermediate/Unlimited classifications.

Step 2 — Meet the experience requirement

You generally need about 2 years of experience (1 year primary), and you must be engaged in (or employed by) a business primarily doing lawful plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning work in NC. Gather documentation of your experience — the application asks you to verify it.

Step 3 — Submit your application to the NCBEEC

File the new-license application with the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and pay the license fee (about $75). Processing typically takes around 5–10 business days after submission.

Step 4 — Get your books and start studying

The exam is open book, so your references are essential. Get the exact required editions — the 2020 NEC (softbound) and the NASCLA NC Electrical 13th edition — then tab them and drill the practice questions. Don't wait for approval to begin; studying early is free.

Step 5 — Schedule the exam with PSI

Once approved, you'll receive a Test-Taker ID from PSI Services. Register online with PSI or call (855) 746-8173 to book your seat. The exam fee is about $90.

Step 6 — Pass the exam

Questions	40 multiple choice
Time	3 hours
Passing score	75% (30 of 40)
Format	Open book (2020 NEC + NASCLA)
Retakes	Up to 2 per year, waiting period based on score

Worried about difficulty? See how hard the SP-PH exam really is — the short version is that lookup speed, not memorization, is what passes it.

Step 7 — Keep it active

After you're licensed, complete 4 hours of approved continuing education each year before your license expires, and pay the annual renewal. Miss the CE and you risk having to reactivate.

Timeline reality check: the paperwork and approval are the slow part; the studying is the part you control. Start drilling now so you're ready to test the moment PSI gives you a date.

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