What Do You Need to Get a Plumbing License? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thinking about becoming a plumber—but not sure what you need to get a plumbing license? You’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring tradespeople hit this roadblock every year. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, understanding the exact steps, training hours, and exams required can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down clearly, so you can move forward with confidence.

What Is a Plumbing License—and Why Do You Need One?

A plumbing license is an official certification issued by a state or local authority that legally allows you to perform plumbing work for pay. Without it, you risk fines, legal trouble, or even being barred from working in the trade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of plumbers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. But here’s the catch: nearly every state requires licensure to work independently.

💡 Did You Know? In some states like California and Texas, even minor plumbing repairs on someone else’s property without a license can result in penalties up to $5,000.

What Do You Need to Get a Plumbing License? (Step-by-Step)

While requirements vary by state, the core path to licensure follows a similar structure nationwide. Here’s the universal roadmap:

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you even apply, you must meet these baseline criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Pass a background check (some states disqualify applicants with certain felony convictions)

2. Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship

Most states require 4–5 years of hands-on training under a licensed plumber. This typically includes:

• 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year (totaling 8,000+ hours)
• 144–200 hours of classroom instruction annually (covering codes, safety, blueprint reading, etc.)

Apprenticeships are often sponsored by:

• Unions (e.g., UA Plumbers & Pipefitters)
• Trade schools
• Private plumbing companies

📌 Pro Tip: Many states allow you to begin working as an apprentice without a license—but you must be directly supervised by a licensed journeyman or master plumber.

3. Gain Journeyman-Level Experience

After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll usually qualify to take the Journeyman Plumber Exam. This license lets you work independently (but not run your own business or pull permits in some states).

Typical journeyman requirements:

• 4 years of documented experience
• Passing a written exam (often based on the International Plumbing Code)
• Application fee ($50–$300, depending on the state)

4. Pass the Licensing Exam

The plumbing licensing exam tests your knowledge of:

• Local and national plumbing codes
• Pipe sizing and installation
• Drainage and venting systems
• Water supply regulations
• Safety and environmental standards

Most exams are multiple-choice and administered by organizations like PSI or Prometric. You’ll usually need a 70–75% score to pass.

🔗 For a full overview of plumbing codes used in licensing, see the International Plumbing Code on Wikipedia .

5. Apply for Your License

Once you pass the exam, submit your application to your state’s licensing board. Required documents often include:

• Proof of apprenticeship completion
• Exam score report
• Work experience affidavits (signed by licensed plumbers)
• Application fee
• Photo ID

Processing times range from 2 weeks to 3 months.

State-by-State Differences: What You Should Know

Licensing is not federally regulated—each state sets its own rules. Here’s a quick comparison:

⚠️ Warning: Some states (like Kansas and Missouri) have no statewide license, but local cities or counties may require one. Always check with your local building department.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Even qualified candidates get denied due to simple errors:

• Incomplete documentation (missing supervisor signatures)
• Not verifying experience hours with the licensing board beforehand
• Studying outdated code books (codes update every 3–6 years)
• Missing renewal deadlines (licenses typically expire every 1–2 years)

How Long Does It Take to Get a Plumbing License?

On average: 4 to 6 years from day one.

• Apprenticeship: 4–5 years
• Journeyman license: +6–12 months (study + exam + processing)
• Master plumber license (optional): +2+ years of additional experience

But if you’re already working in construction or HVAC, some states offer credit for related experience, potentially shortening the timeline.

FAQ: What Do You Need to Get a Plumbing License?

Q1: Can I get a plumbing license without going to trade school?

Yes. While trade school helps, most states accept on-the-job apprenticeships as the primary training path. Some even offer online prep courses for the exam.

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

Total costs range from $500 to $2,500, including:

• Apprenticeship fees (if any)
• Exam fees ($100–$300)
• Application and licensing fees ($50–$500)
• Study materials ($100–$300)

Q3: Do I need a license to do plumbing in my own home?

Generally, no—if you live in the home and aren’t selling it. But if you’re renting it out or flipping houses, most states require a license for any plumbing work.

Q4: Can I transfer my plumbing license to another state?

Some states offer reciprocity, but many require you to retake the exam or complete additional training. Always check with the new state’s licensing board first.

Q5: What’s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber license?

A journeyman can work independently but can’t pull permits or run a business in many states. A master plumber can do all of that—and often supervise apprentices.

Q6: Are there continuing education requirements?

Yes, in most states. You’ll typically need 4–16 hours of continuing education every 1–2 years to renew your license.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to a Licensed Plumbing Career Starts Now

Knowing what you need to get a plumbing license is the first real step toward a stable, well-paying career. With median wages over $60,000/year (BLS, 2023) and strong job security, plumbing offers both financial freedom and hands-on satisfaction.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the curve. Now, take action:

• Contact your state plumbing board today
• Enroll in an apprenticeship program
• Start studying the current plumbing code

And if this guide helped you, share it with someone who’s dreaming of a trade career! 💧🔧

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