How do I obtain a NC Irrigation Contractors’ License?

ATTENTION: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY. APPLICANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBMITTING COMPLETE AND ACCURATE APPLICATIONS

Information for Applicants requesting North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ License

In order to obtain a NC Irrigation Contractors’ License you must first complete the application following the instructions on this page.  Once the applicant has completed the application, mail it to the Board office along with the $100 application fee.  Your application will be submitted at the next Board Meeting where the Board will decide if the applicant has met the requirements to sit for the exam.  The applicant will receive notification from the Board office including information about the upcoming exam.

LIST OF FEES (non-refundable)

• $100 application fee for application for irrigation contractor license
• $295 exam fee, due after applicant has been approved by the board to sit for the exam
• $100 renewal fee, (due yearly)
• $100 application fee for application for corporate irrigation contractor license (for any legal entity other than a sole proprietor)
• $100 renewal fee, (due yearly)
• $250 fee if applying through reciprocity
• see NCICLB Exam Information for costs of study materials and references

Make checks payable to “NCICLB” (North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board).
Return Check Policy:
Checks returned to the Board for lack of funds are subject to a $25.00 service charge.

All applicants, except those applying for reciprocity are required to pass the licensing examination. A passing score is 70%. More details regarding the exam, exam dates and times can be found here.

As part of the application process it is your responsibility to ensure that the Board receives a minimum of three (3) Confidential Reference Forms, three (3) Employer Verification Forms and/or Client Verification Forms and Transcripts, if applicable,  directly from the individual, firm or institution. You will not be reminded or contacted to provide this information.

Section 1: Fill in all information completely and legibly. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Your Social Security number is required.

Under reference information provide the names and addresses of three references, not relatives, at least one of whom is either a Licensed Irrigation Contractor, Licensed General Contractor, Licensed Plumber, or Licensed Landscape Architect.  These same individuals should complete the Confidential Reference Form (found on this website).  Do not use Board members or more than one employee of any single organization as a reference.

Section 2: If you are qualifying for license by reciprocity from another state or foreign country, that state or foreign country must submit license verification information directly to the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board.

Section 3: If you are qualifying by using educational experience, list institution(s) attended, length of time attended, and if graduated, the year of graduation and degree received. An official transcript from each institution listed will be required to substantiate the credits received. Official transcripts must arrive at the Board office direct from the institution or, if from the applicant, with the stamp or seal of the institution across the envelope flap. Two years of related education can be substituted for one year of experience.

Section 4: List all other licenses and certifications held.

Section 5: List professional organizations to which you belong.

Section 6: All applicants must show at least three (3) years irrigation contracting experience. The three (3) year experience requirement might include, but is not limited to: plans and specifications, contracts, qualifying irrigation invoices, tax returns, verifiable irrigation contracting employment experience, list of clients, or other documents as the board might deem appropriate. These employers and/or clients must complete the employer verification form and/or client verification form found on this website.

Section 7: Provide any information regarding criminal history.

Section 8: Pay special attention to the Code of Ethics in this section. By signing the application in Section 9, you are agreeing to adhere to the Code of Ethics and to report any violations of the Code.

Section 9: Have the affidavit notarized acknowledging your understanding of the Code of Ethics and accuracy of the information you are submitting.

Maintain a copy of this application for your personal records. If your application is rejected because it is incomplete, you will be notified, but it will not be returned to you.

The Board requires that any legal entity other than a sole proprietor must obtain a corporate license. This application is separate from the individual application and can be found here along with instructions. (It is suggested you wait until you have passed the exam to complete the corporate application.)

North Carolina General Statute .89G requires that persons engaged in the practice of constructing, installing, expanding, service, or repair of irrigation systems have a license. The North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board will issue licenses to qualified persons after approval by the Board and receipt of required $10,000 surety bond. The bond form can be found here and should be given to your insurance agency for completion. The original bond and bond form (signed by the licensee) must be returned to the board office.