Fire Sprinkler Contractor License

Fire sprinkler work requires a separate NC board license — NICET Level III is mandatory

The NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues two fire sprinkler licenses: the Installation Contractor and the Inspection Contractor. Both require NICET Level III certification as a hard prerequisite to sit for the Board's Business and Law exam — NICET is not optional (21 NCAC 50.0301(c)). Unlicensed fire sprinkler work is a Class 2 misdemeanor under G.S. § 87-25.

NICET Level III must be current to apply — and maintained through every renewal

Obtain the correct NICET Level III certification before submitting an application:

• Installation Contractor: NICET Level III in *Water-Based Systems Layout*
• Inspection Contractor: NICET Level III in *Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems*

NICET certification must remain current as a condition of annual renewal under 21 NCAC 50.0301(c). If NICET lapses, the license cannot be renewed.

Application exam fee is $100; processing takes up to 30 days

After obtaining NICET Level III certification:

1. Submit the Board's application with the $100 exam fee (Business and Law exam; non-refundable)

2. Provide documented fire protection experience

3. Submit to the Board at nclicensing.org

Processing typically takes up to 30 days after a complete submission.

Annual $150 renewal — license expires December 31 with no grace period

• Annual renewal fee: $150 per license; holding both Installation and Inspection licenses costs $300 combined
• License expiration: December 31 annually
• Late renewal fee: $25 applies to renewals received after December 31 (in January)
• No grace period: All licensed activities — bidding, contracting, supervising, installing, and inspecting — must cease on January 1 if the license has not been renewed
• No mandatory continuing education — CE requirement was eliminated December 31, 2012

Failure to renew within 3 years of expiration typically requires re-examination.