N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-151.15
A certificate issued by the Board under this Article is valid as long as the person certified is employed by the State of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof as a Code-enforcement official, or is employed by a federally recognized Indian Tribe to perform inspections on tribal lands as a Code-enforcement official. When the person certified leaves that employment for any reason, he shall return the certificate to the Board. If the person subsequently obtains employment as a Code-enforcement official in any governmental jurisdiction described above, the Board may reissue the certificate to him. The provisions of G.S. 143-151.16(b) relating to renewal fees and late renewals shall apply, if appropriate. The provisions of G.S. 143-151.16(c) shall not apply. This section does not affect the Board's powers under G.S. 143-151.17.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-151.15