If you’re dreaming of building a career as a licensed plumber in Texas — whether you’re just starting out or switching careers — you’ve come to the right place. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Apprentice Application is your first real step toward earning your license, but it’s also one of the most confusing parts of the journey. Many applicants get stuck because they miss a document, pay the wrong fee, or submit late. We’re here to walk you through every single step — clearly, simply, and without jargon — so you can apply with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
What Is the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners?
Before you fill out the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Apprentice Application, it helps to understand who they are and why they matter.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating all plumbing professionals in Texas. They ensure that plumbers meet strict safety, health, and code standards — protecting homeowners and businesses across the state.
According to the TSBPE’s 2024 annual report, over 12,000 new apprentices were registered statewide last year — and that number is growing as demand for skilled plumbers surges due to housing construction and infrastructure upgrades.
“Properly trained apprentices are the backbone of our industry,” says Mark Reynolds, a licensed master plumber in Houston and TSBPE advisory board member. “The application process isn’t meant to be a barrier — it’s a gateway to a stable, well-paying career.”
You can learn more about the Board’s legal authority on the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1301 (Wikipedia).
Who Can Apply for an Apprentice License in Texas?
Not everyone qualifies — but if you meet these three basic requirements, you’re eligible:
✅ Be at least 16 years old
✅ Have a high school diploma or GED (or be currently enrolled)
✅ Be employed by a licensed Texas plumbing contractor
Note: If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian to sign your application.
Important: You cannot apply independently. You must have a job with a licensed master or journeyman plumber who will supervise your training. This is non-negotiable.
| Age | Minimum 16 years old |
| Education | High school diploma, GED, or current enrollment |
| Employment | Must be hired by a TSBPE-licensed plumbing contractor |
| Supervision | Must work under a licensed Master Plumber (at least 2 years licensed) |
If you’re still in school, many Texas high schools partner with local plumbing companies through career and technical education (CTE) programs. Ask your counselor if your school has a plumbing apprenticeship pathway!
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Apprentice Application
Here’s exactly how to submit your application — no guesswork, no confusion.
Step 1: Get Your Employer’s Information
Your employer (the licensed plumber) must provide:
- Their TSBPE license number
- Their full name and business address
- A signed Employment Verification Form (Form 1101)
👉 Pro Tip: Ask your employer to confirm their license status on the TSBPE License Lookup Tool before you start. If their license is expired or suspended, your application will be denied.
Step 2: Download and Fill Out Form 1001
Go to the official TSBPE website → Forms → Application for Apprentice Registration (Form 1001).
Download the PDF. Fill it out by hand or digitally (but print and sign). Include:
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Current address and phone
- Employer’s license number
- Start date of employment
- Signature (must be original — no digital signatures)
Don’t skip the signature. Over 30% of rejections in 2024 were due to unsigned forms.
Step 3: Pay the $40 Application Fee
The fee is $40 (non-refundable) and must be paid by:
- Credit/debit card (online submission)
- Certified check or money order (mail-in)
Do NOT send cash. It gets lost. Ever.
Payment Options:
- Online: Use the TSBPE portal (fastest, same-day processing)
- Mail: Send payment + form to:
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
P.O. Box 13075, Austin, TX 78711-3075
Step 4: Submit Your Application
You have two options:
| Online(Recommended) | 3–5 business days | Fastest, trackable, error alerts |
| 4–6 weeks | Only if you don’t have internet access |
👉 Online is strongly recommended. You’ll get an email confirmation and can track your status in real time.
Step 5: Wait for Approval & Receive Your Apprentice ID
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- A unique Apprentice Registration Number
- A digital certificate (PDF) via email
- Access to your online TSBPE account
Your apprentice license is valid for up to 5 years — but you must renew every year by paying a $25 renewal fee and submitting proof of continued employment.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
Getting approved is just the beginning. Here’s what you need to do next:
🔹 Work under supervision — You must log at least 8,000 hours (about 4 years full-time) under a licensed Master Plumber.
🔹 Complete 144 hours of classroom instruction — Approved courses cover plumbing codes, safety, math, and blueprint reading.
🔹 Keep a training log — Your employer must sign off on your monthly hours. Use TSBPE Form 1002.
🔹 Take the Journeyman Exam — After 8,000 hours + training, you can sit for the state exam to become a licensed Journeyman.
💡 Real Story: Maria, 22, from San Antonio, started as a helper in 2021. She logged 9,200 hours, passed her classes at San Antonio College, and became a licensed Journeyman in 2025. “The application was the hardest part — after that, it was just showing up and learning,” she says.
Common Mistakes That Cause Application Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)
Based on TSBPE’s 2024 rejection report, here are the top 5 mistakes — and how to dodge them:
| ❌ Unsigned application | Have your employerandyou sign in ink. Take a photo of the signed form as backup. |
| ❌ Incorrect employer license number | Double-check on theTSBPE License Lookup— copy and paste, don’t type. |
| ❌ Missing employment verification | Your employer must complete Form 1101. If they don’t know about it, send them the link:Form 1101 |
| ❌ Payment not received or wrong amount | Use the official portal. $40 only. No cash. No personal checks. |
| ❌ Submitted to wrong address | Never mail to a local office. Only use the P.O. Box listed above. |
Pro Tip: Save a copy of everything. Email yourself a PDF of your completed form, payment receipt, and employer’s license printout. You’ll thank yourself later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply as an apprentice if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have legal work authorization in the United States (e.g., green card, work visa, DACA). You’ll need to provide documentation like a Social Security card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Q2: How long does my apprentice license last?
Your initial apprentice registration is valid for up to 5 years, but you must renew it annually by paying a $25 fee and confirming you’re still employed under a licensed plumber. If you don’t renew for 12+ months, your license expires and you must reapply.
Q3: Can I start working before my application is approved?
No. You must have your apprentice registration number before you begin any plumbing work. Working without a license is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas and can result in fines up to $500 per violation.
Q4: Do I need to take a test to become an apprentice?
No. There is no exam to become an apprentice. The test comes later — when you’re ready to become a Journeyman Plumber after completing your 8,000 hours and coursework.
Q5: Can I switch employers while I’m an apprentice?
Yes — but you must notify the TSBPE within 30 days using Form 1103 (Change of Employer). Your new employer must also be licensed. Failure to report can delay your license upgrade.
Q6: What if my application gets denied? Can I appeal?
Yes. If denied, you’ll receive a written explanation. You have 30 days to submit additional documentation or request a review. Contact TSBPE at (512) 305-7400 or email info@tsbpe.texas.gov . Most denials are fixed with a simple correction.
Why This Matters: Your Future as a Texas Plumber
Let’s be real — plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about security, income, and respect.
- The average Journeyman Plumber in Texas earns $58,000/year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
- Master Plumbers can earn $75,000–$100,000+, especially with their own business.
- The demand for plumbers in Texas is growing faster than almost any other trade — thanks to population growth, drought-resistant plumbing systems, and new construction.
Starting as an apprentice isn’t the glamorous part — but it’s the foundation. And with this guide, you’re not just filling out a form. You’re building a career.
Ready to take the next step?
✅ Download Form 1001 now
✅ Talk to your employer about their license
✅ Submit online — it’s faster, safer, and smarter
Don’t let paperwork hold you back. Thousands of Texans have walked this path before you — and now it’s your turn.
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