How To Get a Plumbing License: Requirements State by State and Tips

What do you get when you mix water, pipes, and a dash of official paperwork? A shiny new plumbing license and the key to starting a successful business.

A plumbing license isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about fixing leaks and unclogging drains as a pro. Many states require plumbers to have a license to demonstrate their knowledge and skills before they can legally work.

In this article, we’ll explore plumbing licenses across the country. You’ll learn how to become a certified plumber in different states and get tips for making it through the process successfully.

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The Types of Plumbing Licenses

Most states have three main levels with different licensing requirements: apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber. The exact rules for each level can vary depending on where you live, so always double-check your state’s requirements as you move up the ladder.

Here’s an overview of each level:

• Apprentice. This is where everyone starts out. As an apprentice, you’re still learning the trade. You’ll work under experienced plumbers, helping out and soaking up knowledge.
• Journeyman: After you’ve finished your apprenticeship and gained enough experience, you can become a journeyman. At this level, you can work on your own.
• Master Plumber. This is the highest level. Master plumbers have years of experience and deep knowledge of the trade. They can run their own businesses and oversee big projects. They can also take on additional jobs like training and supervising apprentice and journeyman plumbers.

State-By-State Plumbing License Requirements

What you have to do and how long it takes to become a plumber depends on your state. While the rules vary in the details, most states require a specific combination of experience and testing.

But what plumbing work can be done without a license? The answer to this question also depends on where you live. A few states let you take on small jobs without a license, and some states don’t have licensing requirements at all.

Note that states that don’t require licenses may still have local requirements. State rules can change, too, so always check with your state’s licensing board for the most up-to-date information to avoid getting a penalty for plumbing without a license.

Alabama

To work as a plumber in Alabama, you need a state license. For a journeyman license, you’ll need to pass an exam and complete an approved training program or have two years of experience as a plumbing apprentice. Master plumbers need one year of work as a plumbing journeyman.

Alaska

Alaska requires state licenses for plumbers. Journeyman plumbers need 8,000 hours of work experience. There are also special licenses for gas and utility plumbing work.

Arizona

In Arizona, plumbers need a state contractor’s license. You can get licenses for residential, commercial, or both. You’ll need four years of experience and must pass tests.

Arkansas

Arkansas plumbers need a state license. Master plumbers need five years of experience and must pass an exam.

California

California requires a state contractor’s license for plumbing work over $500. You’ll need four years of experience and must pass tests. You’ll also need to provide a $25,000 bond.

Colorado

Colorado has different licenses for residential, journeyman, and master plumbers. Each needs different amounts of experience, from two to five years.

Connecticut

Connecticut offers journeyperson and contractor licenses. Journeypersons need to finish an apprenticeship program, while contractors need two years as a journeyperson.

Delaware

In Delaware, you need a master plumber license for most plumbing work. You’ll need either seven years of supervised experience or a journeyman certificate plus two years of experience.

Florida

Florida plumbers need a state license. You’ll need four years of experience or a mix of experience and education. You also need insurance.

Georgia

Georgia offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need three years of experience. Masters need five years of experience, with two as a plumbing journeyman, foreman, or similar role.

Hawaii

Hawaii has licenses for journey workers and master plumbers. Journey workers need five years of experience, while masters need two years as a licensed journey worker.

Idaho

Idaho has several license types. Journeyman plumbers need four years of experience as a plumbing apprentice. Contractors need two and a half years as a plumbing journeyman.

Illinois

In Illinois, apprentice plumbers need a sponsor. Plumbing contractors need four years as an apprentice and must complete an approved course.

Indiana

Indiana requires licenses for journeymen and plumbing contractors. Both need four years of training or experience.

Iowa

Iowa has licenses for apprentice, journeyperson, master, and plumbing contractors. Each has different requirements for experience and education.

Kansas

Kansas doesn’t require a state license.

Kentucky

Kentucky offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need two years of experience, while masters need a current journeyman license and to pass an exam.

Louisiana

Louisiana has journeyman and master plumber licenses. Both need to pass a test and take classes to keep their license.

Maine

Maine offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need two years of experience, while masters need one year as a journeyman.

Maryland

Maryland has apprentice, journey, and master plumber licenses. Journey plumbers need 7,500 hours of supervised training, while masters need two years as a journey plumber.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need 6,800 hours of supervised experience, while masters need one year as a journeyman.

Michigan

Michigan has journey and master plumber licenses. Journey plumbers need three years of experience, while masters need two years as a journey plumber.

Minnesota

Minnesota offers journeyworker and master plumber licenses. Journeyworkers need 7,000 hours of experience. Masters need a year of experience as a journeyworker.

Mississippi

Mississippi requires a state contractor’s license for residential or commercial work above $10,000 or $50,000, respectively.

Missouri

Missouri doesn’t require state plumbing licenses.

Montana

Montana has journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need five years of experience in addition to completing a plumbing apprenticeship. Masters need four years as a journeyman.

Nebraska

Nebraska only requires registration if you’re a contractor.

Nevada

Nevada offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need four years of experience, while masters need one year as a journeyman.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need to finish an apprenticeship program, while masters need six months as a journeyman.

New Jersey

New Jersey requires master plumbers to have a license. You need to be 21, have a year of experience as a journeyman, and satisfy educational requirements.

New Mexico

New Mexico requires a journeyman plumber license, which needs two years of experience.

New York

New York doesn’t require state licenses.

North Carolina

North Carolina offers several types of plumbing licenses, with different classes depending on expertise. Each requires a different combination of experience and testing.

North Dakota

North Dakota has apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Each needs different amounts of experience and testing.

Ohio

Ohio requires licenses for plumbing contractors. You’ll need five years of experience and must have liability insurance.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has apprentice, journeyman, and contractor licenses. Each needs different amounts of experience and testing.

Oregon

Oregon requires a journeyman plumber license. You’ll have to complete a plumbing apprenticeship or have a mix of training and experience (about four years).

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania doesn’t require state licenses.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. They require four and five years of experience, respectively.

South Carolina

South Carolina requires a license for plumbing contractors. You need one year of experience and must pass a test.

South Dakota

South Dakota has apprentice, journeyman, and contractor licenses. Journeymen need four years of experience,

Tennessee

Tennessee has both state and local licenses. The type you need depends on the size of your jobs. 

Texas

Texas offers different types of plumbing license  Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman, Master, and Plumbing Inspector. Most build on the others and requiring different amounts of experience and training.

Utah

Utah has several types of plumbing licenses: apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor. Each requires different combinations of experience and testing.

Vermont

Vermont offers journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen must complete an apprenticeship program or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills. Masters need a year of experience as a journeyman.

Virginia

Virginia has journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen need 240 hours of formal training and four years of experience. Masters need a year of experience as a licensed journeyman.

Washington

Washington requires licenses for journeyman and specialty residential plumbers. Journeymen need four years of supervised experience. Specialty residential plumbers need six years of supervised experience and must submit a surety bond and have general liability insurance.

West Virginia

West Virginia offers journeyman and master plumber licenses, requiring 8,000 and 12,000 hours of experience, respectively.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has journeyman and master plumber licenses. Journeymen must complete an apprenticeship program or have five years of supervised experience. Masters need three years of experience as a plumbing journeyman or an engineering degree.

Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t require state licenses.

3 Tips for Getting Your Plumbing License

With the right preparation, getting your plumbing license is a very achievable goal. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your career, these tips will help you on your journey to becoming a licensed plumber:

• Brush up on Your Math. Plumbing involves a lot of calculation. Practice basic math skills like fractions, decimals, and geometry. You’ll need these to figure out pipe sizes, water pressure, and angles for proper installation, and you may need them for licensing exams.
• Know the Code. Learn your local plumbing code inside and out. This includes both specific plumbing rules and general construction laws.
• Practice. Take as many practice tests as you can find. This will help you get used to the types of questions you’ll face on the real exam. It also shows you which areas you need to study more.

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Make Collecting Payments the Easiest, Most Efficient Part of Your Business

Having a license shows your clients you’re serious about your work. Show them you’re serious about offering a great customer experience with Joist.

We’ve made it incredibly simple to accept credit card payments from your clients. Simply issue your invoice, switch on Payments, and get paid! You’ll cut cash flow delays, spend less time tracking down payments, and be able to collect down payments on-site.