Can You Transfer a MA Plumber License to Kentucky?

Thinking about moving from Massachusetts to Kentucky and wondering, “Can you transfer a Massachusetts journeyman plumber license to Kentucky?” You’re not alone. Thousands of skilled tradespeople relocate each year, only to face confusing licensing rules in their new state. Unfortunately, Kentucky does not offer direct reciprocity with Massachusetts for plumbing licenses—but that doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can do, what you’ll need, and how to get licensed in Kentucky as efficiently as possible.

Does Kentucky Accept Out-of-State Plumbing Licenses?

Kentucky does not have a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts for journeyman plumber licenses. According to the Kentucky State Board of Plumbing, all applicants must meet Kentucky’s specific education, experience, and examination requirements—regardless of prior licensure in another state.

However, Kentucky may grant credit for your Massachusetts experience. That means your years on the job in MA could count toward Kentucky’s required experience hours, potentially shortening your path to licensure.

💡 Key Insight: While you can’t “transfer” your license, your Massachusetts credentials can help you qualify faster in Kentucky.

What Are Kentucky’s Journeyman Plumber Requirements?

To become a licensed journeyman plumber in Kentucky, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Be at least 18 years old.
2. Education: Have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Experience: Complete 4 years (or 8,000 hours) of documented plumbing work under a licensed master plumber.
4. Examination: Pass the Kentucky Journeyman Plumber exam administered by PSI Exams.
5. Application: Submit a completed application with proof of experience, fees ($100 application + $85 exam), and a background check.

If you’ve worked as a journeyman in Massachusetts for 4+ years, you likely already meet the experience requirement. You’ll just need to document it properly.

How to Document Your Massachusetts Experience for Kentucky

Kentucky requires detailed work verification. For each employer, include:

• Company name, address, and license number (if applicable)
• Your job title and dates of employment (month/year)
• Number of hours worked per week
• A description of plumbing tasks performed
• A signature from your supervising master plumber (or employer)

📌 Pro Tip: Request your Massachusetts employers to provide signed, notarized letters on company letterhead. The more detail, the better—vague descriptions may be rejected.

Do You Need to Retake a Plumbing Exam in Kentucky?

Yes. Even with a valid Massachusetts license, you must pass Kentucky’s journeyman plumber exam.

The exam covers:

• Kentucky plumbing code (based on the IPC – International Plumbing Code)
• General trade knowledge (fixtures, drainage, venting, gas piping, etc.)
• Local laws and regulations

Exam Details:

• Format: 80 multiple-choice questions
• Time: 3.5 hours
• Passing score: 70%
• Cost: $85 (paid to PSI Exams)
• Locations: Offered in Lexington, Louisville, and other testing centers

📘 Study Resource: Kentucky’s exam content outline is available on the PSI Exams website. Use it to focus your study.

While Massachusetts also uses the IPC, Kentucky may have state-specific amendments—so don’t assume your MA knowledge alone is enough.

Massachusetts vs. Kentucky Plumbing Licenses: Key Differences

Note: Massachusetts has stricter apprenticeship rules, but Kentucky demands more total experience hours.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed in Kentucky from Massachusetts

Follow these 6 concrete steps to transition smoothly:

1. Gather Work History
   Collect pay stubs, W-2s, and employer verification letters from your Massachusetts plumbing jobs.
2. Complete the Application
   Download the Journeyman Plumber Application from the Kentucky Board website. Fill it out completely.
3. Submit Documentation
   Mail or upload your application, experience verification, ID copy, and fees.
4. Schedule Your Exam
   Once approved, register with PSI Exams online. Choose a convenient date and location.
5. Study Kentucky-Specific Rules
   Focus on gas piping, backflow prevention, and any local amendments. Consider a prep course (e.g., Plumbing Exam Academy).
6. Pass the Exam & Get Licensed
   After passing, you’ll receive your Kentucky journeyman license within 2–3 weeks.

⏱️ Timeline: The entire process typically takes 6–10 weeks, assuming no delays in documentation.

Why Reciprocity Isn’t Universal (And What That Means for You)

Licensing reciprocity in plumbing is rare—only 12 U.S. states have limited agreements, often within regional compacts. According to the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), most states prioritize local code knowledge over out-of-state credentials.

Kentucky, like many states, wants assurance that plumbers understand its specific environmental conditions (e.g., frost depth for pipe burial) and enforcement policies.

🌐 Fact: Only New Hampshire and Rhode Island accept MA plumber licenses via reciprocity. Kentucky is not among them—but again, your experience still counts.

Real-Life Example: From Boston to Louisville

Mark T., a journeyman plumber from Worcester, MA, moved to Louisville in 2024. He submitted 5 years of work logs and passed the KY exam on his first try. “I studied 2 hours a night for 3 weeks using the PSI outline,” he says. “My MA license didn’t ‘transfer,’ but it got me in the door fast.”

His advice? “Don’t wait. Start your paperwork before you move.”

FAQ Section

Q: Can I work as a plumber in Kentucky while waiting for my license?
A: No. Kentucky prohibits unlicensed plumbing work. You may assist under direct supervision, but you cannot pull permits or perform independent work.

Q: Does Kentucky accept Massachusetts apprenticeship hours?
A: Yes, if properly documented. Apprenticeship hours count toward the 8,000-hour requirement if supervised by a licensed master plumber.

Q: How much does it cost to get a journeyman license in Kentucky?
A: Total fees are $185 ($100 application + $85 exam). Additional costs may include study materials or notary fees.

Q: Is there a master plumber license in Kentucky?
A: Yes—but you need 2 years of journeyman experience in KY before applying. Your MA journeyman time doesn’t count toward this requirement.

Q: Can I take the Kentucky exam without a Massachusetts license?
A: Technically, yes—if you meet the 8,000-hour experience requirement. But having your MA license helps prove your qualifications.

Q: Where can I find Kentucky’s plumbing code?
A: The state adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC). You can access it via the International Code Council (ICC) or local libraries. For state amendments, consult the Kentucky Board.

Conclusion

So, can you transfer a Massachusetts journeyman plumber license to Kentucky? Not directly—but your experience absolutely counts. With proper documentation and a focused study plan, you can earn your Kentucky license in under 3 months.

Don’t let licensing confusion delay your move. Thousands of plumbers have made this transition successfully—and you can too.

✅ Need help? Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow tradespeople on Facebook or LinkedIn, and tag someone planning a cross-state move! Your next job in the Bluegrass State is closer than you think.

For more on U.S. plumbing licensing, see the Wikipedia page on plumbing regulations.