How to Get a Plumbing License in Frederick City, MD

Thinking about launching a plumbing career in Frederick City, Maryland? You’re not alone—skilled trades like plumbing are in high demand across the state, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 5% job growth for plumbers nationwide through 2032. But before you can legally turn a wrench or install a pipe in Frederick City, you’ll need the right license. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get a plumbing license in Frederick City, MD, including local rules, required experience, exam details, and insider tips to help you succeed.

What Type of Plumbing License Do You Need in Frederick City, MD?

Maryland issues plumbing licenses at the state level, not by individual cities. However, Frederick City (which operates under its own municipal code) may have additional local requirements or inspections—even if your license is issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing.

There are three main license types in Maryland:

1. Apprentice Plumber – Entry-level; works under supervision.
2. Journeyman Plumber – Can work independently but cannot pull permits or run a business.
3. Master Plumber – Fully licensed to operate a plumbing business, supervise others, and pull permits.

💡 Important: Even though Frederick City doesn’t issue its own plumbing license, all plumbing work must comply with the Frederick City Building Code, which adopts the Maryland State Plumbing Code (based on the IPC—International Plumbing Code). Learn more about plumbing codes on Wikipedia.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Plumbing License in Frederick City, MD

Step 1: Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship (4–5 Years)

To qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license, Maryland requires 4 years (or 7,500 hours) of documented plumbing experience under a licensed master plumber. Most apprentices complete this through:

• A union program (e.g., UA Local 486 in Baltimore)
• A non-union employer
• A state-approved vocational school with on-the-job training

✅ Pro Tip: Keep detailed logs of your work hours, tasks performed, and supervisor signatures. The Maryland Board of Plumbing may audit your records.

Step 2: Submit Your Application to the Maryland Board of Plumbing

Apply online via the Maryland Department of Labor’s Licensing Portal (dllr.maryland.gov).

Required documents:

• Proof of 7,500 hours of plumbing experience
• High school diploma or GED
• $60 application fee (as of 2026)
• Background check consent

Processing time: 2–4 weeks.

Step 3: Pass the Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam

Once approved, you’ll receive an exam eligibility notice from PSI Exams, Maryland’s testing vendor.

Exam Details:

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time Limit: 4 hours
• Passing Score: 70%
• Topics Covered:
  • General plumbing knowledge (30%)
  • Maryland-specific laws & regulations (15%)
  • Drainage, venting, fixtures, water supply, gas piping (55%)

📚 Study Resources: Use the Maryland Candidate Information Bulletin and the IPC 2021 Code Book. Many candidates also use prep courses from Plumbing Exam Academy or Red Vector.

Step 4: Receive Your License & Register Locally (If Required)

After passing, you’ll get your Maryland Journeyman Plumber license. While Frederick City doesn’t require a separate city license, you must register your business with the city if you plan to operate independently or pull permits.

• Visit the Frederick City Department of Public Works
• Provide proof of state license, insurance, and business registration
• Pay applicable local fees (typically $50–$150/year)

⚠️ Note: Unlicensed plumbing work in Maryland can result in fines up to $1,000 per violation and legal liability.

Master Plumber License: Next Steps After Journeyman

Want to start your own plumbing business in Frederick? You’ll need a Master Plumber license.

Requirements:

• Hold a Journeyman license for at least 2 years
• Complete 2,000 additional supervised hours as a journeyman
• Pass the Master Plumber exam (similar format, but includes business & advanced code questions)

Once licensed as a Master, you can:

• Pull permits in Frederick City
• Hire and supervise apprentices/journeymen
• Bid on commercial projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

FAQs: Getting a Plumbing License in Frederick City, MD

Q1: Do I need a separate plumbing license just for Frederick City?

A: No. Maryland issues plumbing licenses statewide. However, Frederick City may require business registration and compliance with local permitting rules.

Q2: How much does it cost to get a plumbing license in Maryland?

A: Total costs include:

• Application: $60
• Exam fee: $95
• License issuance: $120
  Plus potential costs for prep courses ($200–$500) and background checks.

Q3: Can I work as a plumber while waiting for my license?

A: Only as an apprentice under direct supervision of a Master Plumber. Performing independent plumbing work without a license is illegal.

Q4: How long is a Maryland plumbing license valid?

A: Licenses renew every 2 years. You’ll need 8 hours of continuing education (including 1 hour on Maryland laws) to renew.

Q5: Are there reciprocity agreements with other states?

A: Maryland has limited reciprocity with Virginia and DC, but you still need to pass a Maryland-specific law exam. No automatic recognition.

Q6: Where can I take the plumbing exam near Frederick?

A: PSI testing centers are located in Gaithersburg, Baltimore, and Hagerstown—all within 45 minutes of Frederick City.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to get a plumbing license in Frederick City, MD—from apprenticeship to exam prep to local compliance. With strong demand for skilled plumbers and average salaries exceeding $60,000/year in Maryland (BLS, 2025), this career path offers stability, growth, and community impact.

✅ Ready to start?
Review your experience logs, schedule your exam, and reach out to the Maryland Board of Plumbing with any questions.

👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or with someone starting their plumbing journey!

Your future as a licensed plumber in Frederick City starts today—one pipe at a time.