How to Get a Plumbing License in Frederick County, MD

Thinking about becoming a licensed plumber in Frederick County, Maryland? You’re not alone. With steady demand for skilled tradespeople and strong job growth projected through 2030, plumbing offers a stable, well-paying career path. But before you can legally work on pipes, fixtures, or drainage systems in Frederick County, you must obtain the proper plumbing license. This guide walks you through exactly how to get a plumbing license in Frederick County, MD—clearly, accurately, and without the confusing jargon.

What Type of Plumbing License Do You Need in Frederick County?

In Maryland, plumbing licenses are issued at the state level by the Maryland Board of Plumbing, not by individual counties. However, Frederick County enforces local permitting and inspection rules, so even with a state license, you must comply with county regulations when performing work.

There are three main plumbing license types in Maryland:

1. Apprentice Plumber – Entry-level; works under direct 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, pull permits, and supervise others.

💡 Key Insight: You cannot legally perform plumbing work for compensation in Frederick County without at least a Journeyman license from the state of Maryland.

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

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

To qualify for a Journeyman license, Maryland requires at least 4 years (or 7,500 hours) of documented apprenticeship under a licensed Master Plumber.

• Registered Apprenticeships: Enroll through approved programs like those offered by:
  • Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chesapeake
  • UA Local 486 (Plumbers & Pipefitters Union)
  • Maryland Department of Labor–approved schools

⏱️ Tip: Keep detailed logs of your hours. The Maryland Board of Plumbing may audit your records.

Step 2: Meet Educational Requirements

While not always mandatory, most successful applicants complete:

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic math, blueprint reading, and plumbing theory courses

Many trade schools (e.g., Frederick Community College) offer pre-apprenticeship courses that count toward your training.

Step 3: Apply for the Journeyman Plumber Exam

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, submit an application to the Maryland Board of Plumbing:

• Application Fee: $70 (as of 2026)
• Required Documents:
  • Proof of 7,500 supervised hours
  • Supervisor verification form
  • Government-issued ID

Apply online via the Maryland Department of Labor Licensing Portal.

Step 4: Pass the Journeyman Plumbing Exam

The exam covers:

• Maryland plumbing code (based on the IPC – International Plumbing Code)
• Plan reading
• Safety protocols
• Drainage, venting, and water supply systems
• Passing Score: 70%
• Exam Fee: $95
• Prep Resources: Use the PSI Exams study guide and take practice tests

📊 Stat: In 2025, the first-time pass rate for Maryland’s Journeyman exam was 68%—highlighting the importance of thorough preparation.

Step 5: Receive Your License & Register with Frederick County

After passing, you’ll receive your Maryland Journeyman Plumber license. But to work in Frederick County:

• Register with the Frederick County Department of Permits & Inspections
• Obtain a business license if you’re self-employed (even as a sole proprietor)
• Pull permits for all jobs over $1,000 (required by county code)

🏢 Note: While the state issues the license, Frederick County handles local enforcement. Always check frederickcountymd.gov for updates on permit rules.

Master Plumber License: Next Steps After Journeyman

Want to start your own plumbing business? 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 (covers advanced design, business law, and code interpretation)

Exam Details:

• 100 multiple-choice questions
• 4-hour time limit
• $110 fee

Once licensed, you can:

• Pull permits in your name
• Hire and supervise Journeymen and Apprentices
• Operate a plumbing contracting business in Frederick County

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Costs Breakdown: How Much Does It Really Cost?

💰 Total Startup Cost: ~$1,000–$2,500 (excluding apprenticeship tuition)

Why Licensing Matters: Safety, Trust, and Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), licensed plumbers in Maryland earn 22% more than unlicensed workers. More importantly, licensing ensures:

• Compliance with health and safety codes
• Protection against liability
• Consumer trust (87% of homeowners prefer licensed pros)

As noted by plumbing expert Maria Lopez, Director of Workforce Development at ABC Chesapeake:

“A license isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s proof you’ve mastered the craft and care about doing it right.”

For more on professional standards, see Plumbing on Wikipedia.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I get a plumbing license in Frederick County without going through an apprenticeship?

A: No. Maryland requires 7,500 hours of supervised experience to sit for the Journeyman exam. There are no shortcuts—this ensures public safety and code compliance.

Q2: How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Maryland?

A: Typically 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + a few weeks for exam processing. If you’re already trained out-of-state, you may qualify for reciprocity—but Maryland rarely grants it for plumbing.

Q3: Do I need a separate license just for Frederick County?

A: No. Maryland issues statewide licenses. However, you must register locally with Frederick County’s permitting office to legally perform work there.

Q4: Can I work as a plumber while waiting for my license?

A: Only as an Apprentice under direct supervision of a Master Plumber. Performing paid plumbing work without a license is a misdemeanor in Maryland.

Q5: What’s the difference between a Journeyman and Master Plumber in Frederick County?

A: A Journeyman can install and repair systems but cannot pull permits or run a business. A Master can do all that plus supervise teams and own a contracting company.

Q6: Are plumbing licenses renewable in Maryland?

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

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to get a plumbing license in Frederick County, MD—from apprenticeship to Master status. It’s a journey that demands time and effort, but the payoff is a recession-resistant career with strong earning potential and community respect.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone starting their plumbing journey!
👉 Tag a future plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram—and help them turn wrenches into wages.

Ready to apply? Visit the Maryland Board of Plumbing today.