Plumbing License Requirements

Thinking about becoming a plumber? You’ll need a license first. Most states require one to work legally, and skipping this step could lead to fines or legal trouble. Whether you’re brand new to the trade or looking to level up and start your own plumbing business, our guide walks through every step of the licensing process.

Plumbing license requirements by state

Plumbing license requirements vary depending on where you live. While each state follows roughly the same steps, some may have additional local rules or specialty licenses. We’ll outline some standard requirements to give you an idea of what to expect, but always check with your state and local authorities for specifics. You can also check out our state licensing guides below.

Common requirements across states

While each state sets its own rules, most require the following:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Training: You’ll need to complete a state-approved apprenticeship or accredited plumbing program.
• Work experience: Most states require thousands of hours of documented on-the-job experience.
• Licensing exam: You’ll need to pass a written test covering plumbing codes, safety practices, and trade knowledge.
• Criminal history check: Since plumbers work in people’s homes and businesses, many states also require a criminal history check and sometimes a drug screening.

How to find your state’s requirements 

To find your state’s plumbing license requirements, start by checking your state’s Department of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board, or regulatory agency. They’ll have official steps, forms, and fee schedules.

You can also check the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) National Association. While the PHCC doesn’t issue licenses, it offers helpful tools, training, and connections that can make the process easier to understand. These resources are especially helpful for those new to the trade or moving to a new state.

How to get your plumbing license

Getting your plumbing license takes a mix of education, hands-on experience, and passing an exam. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Meet eligibility criteria 

Most states set a minimum age of 18 and require a high school diploma or GED. In some areas, you may also need to provide documentation showing legal residency or authorization to work in the U.S.

These requirements help state licensing boards verify that you’re ready for training and employment. If you’re unsure about the rules in your area, check with your local licensing board to confirm what’s needed before applying to a program or apprenticeship.

Step 2: Complete education and training prerequisites 

There are two main paths to getting started:

• Trade school or community college: These programs mix classroom instruction with hands-on labs. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the school. This is a good route if you prefer structured learning before jumping into the field.
• State-approved apprenticeship (union or non-union): This lets you earn while you learn, working under a licensed plumber. Apprenticeships are usually free or low-cost and often run 4 to 5 years.

Some states allow you to do both, starting with trade school and then transitioning to an apprenticeship to meet your experience hours.

Step 3: Get hands-on experience 

Most licensing boards require 6,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, logged over several years. You’ll need to track your hours and get them verified by a licensed plumber.

This experience prepares you for real-world work and may open the door to advanced licensing, which we’ll discuss further below.

Step 4: Take the licensing exam

Once your training and experience are complete, you’ll take the state plumbing licensing exam. These tests typically include:

• Plumbing codes (UPC or IPC)
• Local regulations
• Blueprint reading
• Safety standards
• Basic math and physics

Some states also include a business law section. Exams are usually offered online or at a testing center, and costs range from $100 to $600, depending on your state and license level.

Pro tip: Many aspiring plumbers find that prep courses, study guides, and practice exams help boost confidence and improve test scores.

Step 5: Apply for your license 

After passing the exam, you’ll submit a formal application. This usually includes:

• Proof of training hours
• Exam results
  Background check (and sometimes fingerprints)
• Application fee (usually $25–$200)

Once approved, you’re officially licensed and can start working legally in your state. Just make sure to track your renewal dates and continuing education requirements to keep your license in good standing.

Types of plumbing licenses

As you gain experience, you can qualify for additional plumbing licenses, each with different responsibilities and requirements. These licensing tiers reflect the various types of plumbing roles available throughout your career.

Apprentice plumber license 

This is the starting point for most people entering the plumbing trade. An apprentice-level license allows you to:

• Work under supervision while logging your required hours
• Assist with basic tasks like installing pipes, making repairs, and performing maintenance
• Likely register with the state or receive a formal apprentice ID

Journeyman plumber license 

Journeyman plumbers can work independently on most residential and commercial jobs. However, they may not be able to pull permits or supervise apprentices in every state.

To qualify, you must:

• Complete a plumbing program or apprenticeship
• Meet your state’s training and experience requirements
• Pass the journeyman-level exam

Journeymen are skilled, certified professionals capable of handling most plumbing work on their own.

Master plumber license

This is the highest level of plumbing licensing and comes with greater responsibility—and opportunity.

To qualify, you must:

• Work as a licensed journeyman for 2 to 5 years
• Pass an advanced licensing exam
• Understand state/local plumbing codes and business laws

Master plumbers can run their own business, supervise crews, pull permits, and take on complex projects. This license opens the door to leadership roles and higher income.

Specialty licenses

Some states offer additional plumbing licenses for specific types of work. These licenses often require extra training, testing, or certification. Examples include:

• Residential-only license: Limits work to single-family homes or smaller residential properties.
• Commercial plumbing license: Authorizes work on large-scale or multi-use commercial buildings.
• Gasfitting license: Required for installing or servicing gas lines and appliances.
• Backflow prevention license: Focuses on protecting water supplies from contamination.
• Fire sprinkler system license: Covers the installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems.
• Medical gas piping license: Required for installing gas lines in healthcare settings for oxygen, nitrous oxide, and other medical gases.
• Hydronic heating license: Covers the installation and maintenance of water-based heating systems, such as boilers and radiant floor heating.
• Water treatment or water conditioning license: Focuses on the installation and servicing of water softeners, filtration systems, and other equipment that treat water quality.
• Irrigation license: Required for installing or repairing lawn sprinkler and irrigation systems.
• Septic system installer license: Needed for installing or repairing onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Plumbing license costs 

Getting licensed isn’t free. Costs can vary by state, license type, and renewal rules. Here’s what to budget for.

Exam fees 

Most plumbing licensing exams cost between $100 and $600, depending on the state. This price often includes both the exam and application fee, but in some cases, they’re billed separately. Some states may require more than one test, such as a trade-specific exam and a separate exam covering business law or safety standards. 

The cost can also vary by license level. For instance, master plumber exams may be priced higher than journeyman-level exams. In addition to the base fee, you may also need to pay a registration or scheduling fee if using a third-party testing center. Always check your state board for a full breakdown of what’s included.

Application and license fees 

When you apply for a plumbing license, you may be charged both an application submission fee and a separate fee to issue the license. Some states bundle these with exam fees, while others bill them separately. The total cost typically ranges from $25 to $200, depending on your license level. 

For example, California charges $200 for an initial plumbing license. Apprentice licenses may be on the lower end of the range, while journeyman and master applications tend to cost more. Be sure to review your state’s fee schedule carefully so there are no surprises during the application process.

Renewal fees and continuing education 

To keep working legally, you’ll need to renew your license every few years. This typically requires a fee and completing continuing education (CE), especially for journeyman and master-level plumbers.

These courses help you stay up to date on code changes, safety updates, and new technologies. Costs for CE vary widely. For example, Minnesota offers code change courses starting at $40, while Washington requires a 24-hour CE course that costs around $159. Check your state’s renewal rules and course options to stay in good standing.

How to renew your plumbing license

The renewal process varies by state, but here are the most common steps:

• When to renew: Most states require renewal every one to three years. In Minnesota, for example, journeyman licenses expire on Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years, while master plumber licenses expire on Dec. 31 of even-numbered years.
• How to submit your renewal: Submit a renewal application through your state’s licensing board or commissioner’s office. This can often be done online. Be sure to meet any posted deadlines and pay the required renewal fee.
• Continuing education requirements: Many states require a set number of CE hours covering topics like code changes, safety standards, and industry updates. You’ll need to complete and report these before your license can be renewed.
• If your license lapses: Letting your license expire can lead to late fees and possibly retaking the licensing exam. In some cases, unlicensed work or misconduct during a lapse can result in disciplinary action or permanent license loss.

Tips for passing the plumbing licensing exam

Preparing for the plumbing licensing exam takes time and effort. Practice tests, flashcards, and review courses can all help you study.

Study resources and materials 

Here are some commonly used resources that cover both technical knowledge and practical skills:

• PHCC training materials: Courses and guides from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association.
• UPC/IPC codebooks: Most exams are based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC), so these books are a must-have.
• Online plumbing forums: Join discussions with professionals to ask questions and share tips.
• YouTube tutorials: Great for visual learners. Many licensed plumbers and instructors share how-to videos and exam prep tips.
• Community college or trade school handouts: Course materials often include charts, summaries, and practice questions tailored to exam topics.

Practice exams and prep courses

Plumbing practice exams are a great way to get comfortable with the types of questions you’ll face. Many trade schools and plumbing associations also offer exam prep courses, which can be especially helpful for first-time test takers. These programs often focus on test-taking strategies, timed drills, and code review sessions.

Common exam topics and questions

Most plumbing exams cover core knowledge areas needed for the job. While topics vary by state, you can expect questions on:

• Plumbing codes (UPC or IPC)
• System design and installation
• Fixture installation and venting
• Drainage and waste systems
• Safety practices
• Basic math and calculations
• Tools for plumbers

How Housecall Pro can help plumbers

For those just starting out, Housecall Pro offers scholarships, training, and career resources through Trade Academy. Once you’re ready to start and grow your own plumbing business, we offer an all-in-one platform to track license information, job scheduling, invoicing, customer communication and more. From easy access to estimate templates and service checklists to automated marketing tools, our platform is built to simplify daily tasks and free you up to focus on what matters.

Learn more or sign up today to see how our plumbing software works for you.