- info@nciclb.org
- (919) 872-2229
In the state of North Carolina, irrigation work for any given jobsite totaling over $2,500 must be completed by a licensed irrigation contractor (§89G-3).
There are exemptions (§89G-3), allowing specific NC licensed professionals to complete irrigation work without an irrigation license. Professional licenses exempt from the irrigation licensing law are: Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, and General Contractors
Before entering into any contract for irrigation work, obtain proof that your contractor is licensed by the NCICLB. Contractors have license cards; and any license can be verified on the individual licensee search and corporate licensee search pages, or by calling/emailing Board administration.
You can submit a complaint online, or by paper complaint form. Visit the “Complaints” page for more information.
Yes, complaints regarding unlicensed practice may be submitted online or by paper complaint form. Visit the “Complaints” page for more information.
Once a complaint is filed, the complaints coordinator gathers all submitted information and reviews for validity. It is then sent to the Board investigator for further investigation.
If you are performing irrigation in North Carolina that exceeds $2,500 in costs per jobsite, yes you need a NC irrigation license.
To be eligible for licensure, an individual must submit application, be at least 18 years old, be of good moral character, have at least 3 years of experience in irrigation related work or the educational equivalent, and satisfy the exam requirement set by the Board.
To obtain a license, an individual must submit application, satisfy the exam requirement, and successfully complete the licensing process.
All applicants are required to satisfy an exam requirement. Most applicants will be required to take the NCICLB exam.
The only exceptions to taking the NCICLB exam are if the applicant has either:
The NCICLB exam is the North Carolina Irrigation Contractor licensing exam, administered quarterly by the NCICLB.
The CIC exam is a certification exam administered by the Irrigation Association (IA), the precursor to becoming a certified irrigation contractor.
A surety bond is a legally binding contract between 3 parties: the surety (usually an insurance company), the contractor, and the obligee (NCICLB). The surety provides a line of credit in order to guarantee payment of a claim, giving the home or project owner a financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfill their obligations. This binds the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of a contract. If the contractor is unable to successfully perform the contract, the project owner has the right to file a claim against the bond in order to recoup damages or losses. If a claim is valid, the surety may pay the project owner for the damages or losses, in amounts not to exceed the bond amount.
A letter of credit is a form of monetary guarantee issued by a bank on behalf of a licensee, indicating that funds are held by the bank to cover the contractor’s responsibilities. A letter of credit covers the same purpose as a surety bond.
It depends on the way you are applying for licensure, when you submit application, and when you pass the exam. Applications are reviewed by the Board at quarterly Board meetings, and exams are held quarterly, 2 months after the Board meeting.
The NCICLB currently accepts reciprocity from Texas and New Jersey. If you have an active irrigation license in Texas or New Jersey, you may apply for license via reciprocity.
Contact info can be updated through your online account, on the “Contact Info” page. Licensees should also send any information changes in writing to Board administration at info@nciclb.org
Licensees should contact Board administration upon changing companies, or starting a new company. Changes must be submitted to the Board in writing, within 10 days of any change.
Licenses may NOT be transferred.
Licenses may NOT be shared to cover different companies. Licenses are issued to a specific individual or entity, and may not be used for any other person or entity.
No.
Contact Board administration to request a new copy of your license.
Replacement seals may be ordered through Board administration.
Yes, contact Board administration to request a duplicate wall certificate. There is a $25 fee for replacement wall certificates.
All licensees are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education annually, in order to renew their license.
10 hours total, 6 irrigation hours and 4 business hours
A list of all approved courses for the current year are published on the “Upcoming CE activities” page of the website
The Board does not set fees for CE courses. Providers are individually responsible for setting the costs for each course they offer.
CE courses can be reported through the online account, by email to Board administration, or by post. All required 10 hours (6 irrigation hours and 4 business hours) must be reported in order for the license to become eligible for renewal.
When CE is not completed by the deadline of December 31, the licensee will be granted an additional 60 day window to complete the missing CE hours, and reinstate the license.
When CE is completed within the 60 day window (January 1- March 1), outside of the education year, the individual license will need to be reinstated upon renewal.
The reinstatement fee is an additional $250, on top of the $100 renewal fee and $50 late fee ($400 total).
Renewals are due annually, by December 31.
Licenses can be renewed online via the license account, or by paper renewal forms sent to the Board office. All 10 hours of continuing education must be completed and reported prior to renewal.
If you do not renew your license by the deadline of December 31, you will be required to pay a $50 late fee in addition to the $100 renewal fee.
There is a $50 late fee for all licenses renewed after December 31.
Yes. Individual and corporate licenses must be separately renewed annually.
When the renewal option is not available, it usually means that you have not entered the required amount of continuing education.
Make sure that you have entered all 10 CE hours; 6 irrigation hours, and 4 business hours. Licenses will not be eligible for renewal until the correct amount of credit hours has been submitted.
License cards and upcoming year decals are mailed beginning in November. If you have renewed your license for the upcoming year but have not received your card by December, please reach out to Board administration.