Dreaming of becoming a licensed Master Plumber in the Philippines? You’re not alone. With growing infrastructure projects and stricter building codes, certified plumbers are in high demand. But before you can legally practice or run your own plumbing business, you must pass the Master Plumber Board Exam administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This guide walks you through exactlyhow to apply for Master Plumber Board Exam in Philippines—clearly, confidently, and without confusion.
What Is the Master Plumber Board Exam in the Philippines?
The Master Plumber Licensure Examination is a national certification exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) under Republic Act No. 1348, as amended by RA 544 and later reinforced by the Philippine Plumbing Code (National Plumbing Code of the Philippines, Revised Edition 2021).
Only licensed master plumbers may design, install, inspect, and supervise plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. According to the PRC, over 1,200 candidates took the exam in 2024, with a passing rate of approximately 48%—highlighting the need for thorough preparation and correct application.
💡 Fun Fact: The Philippines is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that mandates a national licensure exam for plumbers—a testament to its commitment to public health and safety standards.
Who Is Eligible to Take the Exam?
Before applying, ensure you meet the official eligibility criteria set by the PRC:
✅ Educational Requirement:
Graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering, Associate in Sanitary Engineering, or a recognized plumbing-related technical course (e.g., NC II/III in Plumbing from TESDA).
Must have completed at least 2 years of practical experience in plumbing installation or maintenance under a licensed Master Plumber.
✅ Citizenship:
Must be a Filipino citizen.
✅ Moral Character:
No criminal record involving moral turpitude.
⚠️ Note: The PRC may require a Certificate of Employment or Affidavit of Experience signed by a licensed Master Plumber to verify your field experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Master Plumber Board Exam in Philippines
Follow these 7 precise steps to complete your application correctly and avoid delays:
Step 1: Monitor the PRC Announcement
The PRC typically schedules the Master Plumber exam twice a year (May and November). Watch for official announcements on the PRC website or their official Facebook page. Registration usually opens 6–8 weeks before the exam date.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather these documents in advance:
PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate
Transcript of Records or Diploma (with TOR if applicable)
Certificate of Employment or Notarized Affidavit of Experience (minimum 2 years)
Two (2) recent passport-sized photos (white background, name tag)
PRC application form (filled out online)
Valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
📌 Pro Tip: Scan all documents in PDF format (max 2MB per file) for online submission.
Step 3: Create a PRC Online Account
Go to the PRC LERIS portal (https://online.prc.gov.ph) and register for an account. Verify your email and mobile number.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Select “Master Plumber” under the list of professions.
Fill in personal, educational, and work experience details.
Upload all required documents.
Choose your preferred exam venue (Manila, Cebu, Davao, etc.).
Step 5: Pay the Exam Fee
As of 2026, the application fee is ₱900 (subject to change). Payment can be made via:
Keep your Official Receipt (OR)—you’ll need it on exam day.
Step 6: Print Your Notice of Admission (NOA)
Once your application is approved (usually within 3–5 working days), log back into LERIS and download your Notice of Admission. This includes your:
Exam schedule
Room assignment
List of allowed materials (e.g., calculator model)
Step 7: Attend the Exam & Bring Valid IDs
On exam day, arrive at least 1 hour early with:
Printed NOA
Two valid IDs (one with photo)
Black ballpen
Approved calculator (e.g., Casio FX-991ES PLUS)
🕒 Exam Format:
Day 1: Plumbing Design & Installation (4 hours)
Day 2: Sanitation, Codes & Ethics (4 hours) Passing score: 75% overall, with no subject below 60%.
What’s Covered in the Master Plumber Exam?
The exam tests both technical knowledge and code compliance. Key topics include:
Subject Area
Weight (%)
Sample Topics
Plumbing Design & Layout
30%
Pipe sizing, venting, fixture units
Philippine National Plumbing Code
25%
RA 1348, NBCP provisions
Water Supply & Distribution
20%
Pumps, pressure tanks, backflow prevention
Drainage & Sewerage Systems
15%
Slope calculations, trap seals
Safety, Ethics & Laws
10%
Professional conduct, OSH standards
For deeper study, refer to the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines and review materials from Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (MPAP).
Even qualified candidates get disqualified due to simple errors. Avoid these:
❌ Incomplete work experience documentation – Affidavits must be notarized and signed by a licensed plumber. ❌ Late submission – PRC portals close exactly at the deadline—no extensions. ❌ Wrong photo format – Must be 2×2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months. ❌ Using unapproved calculators – Only non-programmable models are allowed.
Tips to Pass the Master Plumber Board Exam
Join a review center: Top-performing candidates often attend reviews from institutions like Review Innovations or Excel Review Center.
Solve past exams: PRC releases sample questions annually—practice under timed conditions.
Memorize code sections: Focus on Chapter 10 (Traps & Interceptors) and Chapter 7 (Water Supply) of the Plumbing Code.
Form a study group: Discussing real-world scenarios improves retention.
📊 Stat: In 2025, 72% of top 10 placers credited their success to consistent mock exams and code memorization.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can foreigners apply for the Master Plumber exam in the Philippines?
A: No. Only Filipino citizens are eligible under current PRC rules. Foreign-trained plumbers must first secure citizenship or explore reciprocity agreements (none currently exist for plumbing).
Q2: How long does it take to get my license after passing the exam?
A: The PRC issues Certificates of Registration and PRC ID within 4–6 weeks after results are posted. You must attend the oath-taking ceremony (virtual or in-person).
Q3: What if I fail the exam? Can I retake it?
A: Yes. You may reapply for the next scheduled exam. There’s no limit on retakes, but you must pay the full fee each time.
Q4: Is TESDA NC III in Plumbing enough to qualify?
A: Yes—if combined with 2 years of documented field experience under a licensed Master Plumber. TESDA certification alone is not sufficient.
Q5: Are calculators allowed during the exam?
A: Yes, but only non-programmable scientific calculators (e.g., Casio FX-991 series). Graphing or programmable models are prohibited.
Q6: Where can I check my exam results?
A: Results are posted on the PRC website and published in major newspapers like Philippine Star and Manila Bulletin within 3–5 days after the last exam day.
Conclusion
Knowing how to apply for Master Plumber Board Exam in Philippines is your first step toward a respected, stable, and well-compensated career. With proper documentation, focused preparation, and attention to PRC guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to earning that license—and the professional pride that comes with it.
If this guide helped you, share it with a fellow aspiring plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp! And don’t forget to bookmark this page for quick reference during your application journey.
💬 “A licensed plumber doesn’t just fix pipes—they protect public health.” — Master Plumber Association of the Philippines (MPAP)
Good luck—and may your drains always flow freely! 🛠️🚰
Leave a Reply