The procedures for obtaining a plumbing license can vary widely depending on location. Our state-by-state look at the requirements helps demystify the process.

Plumbing License Requirements for All 50 States

A plumbing career offers consistent work, competitive pay, and opportunities to become your own boss.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median plumber salary in the U.S. is $62,970 per year. The plumbing trade also provides real job security, with the industry projected to add 22,700 jobs by 2034, according to the BLS.

In most states, prospective plumbers need only a high school diploma to start an apprenticeship program or join a trade school. After completing a plumbing apprenticeship (and earning a salary while you train), and paying an application fee, you will find that most states offer a journeyman plumber and master plumber license. Many provide specialty licenses for plumbers who work with natural gas or gas piping. 

If you want to run your own business, you typically need a plumbing contractor license, which requires you to employ at least one master plumber, carry liability insurance, and provide workers’ compensation insurance.

Whether you want to work in residential or commercial plumbing, laboring as a licensed plumber offers multiple benefits. 

This helpful guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of plumber licensing requirements in all 50 states.

Alabama

To work as a plumber in Alabama, apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers need to obtain certification from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board. After two years of experience as an apprentice, you can apply to test for a journeyman license. After working for a minimum of one year as a journeyman, you may apply to take a test to qualify for a master plumber’s license.

If you own your own business, you must have a minimum amount of insurance—$300,000 for property damage, $100,000 general liability insurance—and submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the Examining Board.

View the full Alabama Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Alaska

Alaska requires a license to legally perform plumbing work. The state licenses every level of the workforce, from trainees to journeymen to contractors. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, specifically the Mechanical Inspection Section of the Labor Standards Division, verifies training, experience, and registration requirements for applicants, conducts testing, and issues Certificates of Fitness in both the plumbing and electrical trades for Alaska.

Alaska issues the following plumbing license types:

• Plumber Journeyman

• Plumber Gas (restricted)

• Plumber Utility (restricted)

• Plumber Trainee 

• Plumber Utility Trainee 

A journeyman Certificate of Fitness requires 8,000 hours of legally obtained work in the installation of commercial/residential plumbing. A maximum of 1,000 hours of trade-related classroom training may be used toward the work experience requirement of 8,000 hours.

The other license classifications require between 1,000 to 2,000 hours of experience to qualify for licensure.

View the full Alaska Plumber License Requirements.

Arizona

Arizona requires a contractor license to legally perform plumbing work valued at more than $1,000. Plumbing contractor licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, there are three types of statewide Plumbing Contractor licenses available.

• Specialty Commercial C-37 Plumbing

• Specialty Residential R-37 Plumbing, including Solar

• Specialty Dual CR-37 Plumbing (Commercial and Residential)

You are required to have at least four years of experience for each of these licenses, and you must take and pass the Statutes and Rules exam and the applicable Trade exam.

Arizona does not license apprentices or issue journeyman licenses, but some of Arizona’s cities do license at the apprentice and journeyman level, so you always want to check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work. 

View the full Arizona Plumbing License Requirements.

Arkansas

It is illegal to perform any plumbing contractor work, except on your own home or agricultural buildings, without a license in Arkansas. To join this workforce legally, you must begin by registering as an apprentice with the Arkansas Department of Health. 

After completing four years of documented work under a licensed plumber, you can apply for a journeyman license. After working for a year with your journeyman license and thereby having five years total of work experience, you may apply for a master plumber's license and pay the licensing and exam fees.

Both the journeyman and master license require you to pass an examination.

View the full Arkansas Plumbing License Requirements.

California

In California, a plumber's license is a classification of an original contractor’s license. It is a Class C Specialty Contractor License, specifically C-36 – Plumbing, issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board.

California requires anyone applying to take the plumbing contractor licensing exam to demonstrate four years of journeyman-level experience in the field. That experience can be entirely hands-on or gained by up to three years in an approved college or vocational training program, but at least one year must be in the field. You must also pass a licensing examination.

View the full California Plumbing License Requirements.

Colorado

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations is responsible for issuing plumber licenses. 

The first step to starting a plumbing career involves registering as an apprentice. After two years of documented work under a licensed plumber, you can apply for your residential plumbers license. After four years of documented work under a licensed plumber, you can apply for your journeyman license. After five years total, you can apply to become a master plumber.

If you plan to be a general contractor, you will need to get your license at the local level. Colorado does not regulate general contractor licenses. Plumbing contractors must register with the state Plumbing Board.

View the full Colorado Plumbing License Requirements.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issues all professional licenses and oversees the Plumbing and Piping Work Examining Board.

Connecticut offers eight specific plumbing licenses based on the exact scope of the work. Each of the plumbing licenses has a distinct code, scope of work permitted, and specific requirements. Connecticut issues licenses at the contractor and journeyperson level.

To qualify to take the examination for any of the journeyperson-level licenses, you will need to complete a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent experience and training of a certain number of hours (2,000 to 8,000), depending on the complexity of the scope of work.

To qualify to take the examination for any of the contractor level licenses, you will need to demonstrate two years of documented work as a licensed journeyperson. 

View the full Connecticut Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Delaware

The state of Delaware licenses plumbers through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. Specifically, the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners licenses and regulates the industry.

Plumbing candidates in Delaware can pursue apprentice, journeyman, master, and plumbing contractor licenses. Each requires varying levels of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

You need a minimum of four years of experience to qualify for a journeyman license. To become a master plumber, you must hold a journeyman license and pass a licensing exam. 

View the full Delaware Plumber License Requirements.

Florida

To legally perform plumbing work in the state of Florida, you must be a licensed contractor or a technician apprentice working under a licensed contractor.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, a division of Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, issues the licenses.

There are two plumbing licenses available in Florida.

• Certified Plumbing Contractor

• Registered Plumbing Contractor

A State Certified license allows you to work anywhere in the state of Florida. You must pass the State of Florida’s licensing examination to earn a Certified license.

A State Registered license allows you to work only in the locality where you passed that locality’s competency exam. Each county will have its own licensure requirements.

View the full Florida Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Georgia

The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board – Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers oversees licensing. Georgia offers three plumbing licenses: 

• Journeyman License

• Master License Class 1 Restricted

• Master License Class 2 Unrestricted

Becoming a plumber begins with either an apprenticeship or trade school. There is no license or registration necessary to be an apprentice plumber. As an apprentice or in a trade school, you can begin accruing the required three years of work experience to apply for your journeyman plumber license under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. After an additional two years, you can apply to become a master plumber.

View the full Georgia Plumbing License Requirements.

Hawaii

Hawaii licenses plumbers through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division, which is responsible for 25 professional boards and commissions and 27 licensing programs, including for contractors, plumbers, and electricians. Specifically, the Board of Electricians and Plumbers licenses and regulates both industries.

Hawaii offers the following plumber licenses:

• Plumber Apprentice 

• Journey Worker Plumber

• Master Plumber

• Plumbing Contractor

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain five years of work experience. For a master license, you must work as a licensed journeyman for at least two years. 

An individual who wishes to be a Plumbing Contractor must hold a Master level license and a Class C Specialty Contractor license. The specific license for a plumbing contractor is a C-37 license.

View the full Hawaii Plumber License Requirements.

Idaho

To perform any plumbing work legally in Idaho, you must be licensed through the state. The state licenses every level of this workforce, including apprentices, journeymen, and contractors. The Idaho Division of Building Safety administers the exams for all plumbing licenses.

Apprentices need to successfully complete a board-approved four-year apprenticeship of at least 8,000 hours of work experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction to become eligible to apply for a journeyman license. To become a plumbing contractor, you need to work for a minimum of 30 months as a licensed journeyman plumber. Idaho also offers some specialty plumbing licenses that require additional training.

View the full Idaho Plumbing License Requirements.

Illinois

To legally perform plumbing work in Illinois, you must be licensed. The Illinois Department of Public Health or the City of Chicago issues plumbing licenses.

The state issues five types of licenses:

• Apprentice plumber’s license

• Plumber’s license

• Plumbing contractor license

• Irrigation contractor license

• Retired plumber license

Apprentices need to work under a licensed plumber for at least four years and demonstrate 144 hours of classroom instruction before applying for licensure.

If you wish to own your own business, you must apply to be a plumbing contractor. Plumbing contractors must maintain minimum general liability insurance, bodily injury insurance, property damage insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance.

View the full Illinois Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Indiana

It is illegal to perform any plumbing services in Indiana without a state-issued license. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency oversees the Indiana Plumbing Commission, which issues and renews plumbing licenses for apprentice, journeyman, and plumbing contractors.

To qualify to take the journeyman examination and become licensed, you must provide evidence of at least four years in an apprenticeship approved by the commission or be a licensed plumber in another state.

To qualify to take the contractor examination and become licensed, you must be an Indiana resident, at least 18 years old, and provide evidence that you have completed at least four years in an apprenticeship approved by the commission, be a licensed plumber in another state, or provide proof of four years in the plumbing business under the direction of a licensed plumbing contractor.

View the full Indiana Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Iowa

The state of Iowa requires a license to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. The state licenses apprentices, technicians, journeymen, masters, and contractors. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) is responsible for the licensing and regulation of plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must acquire a minimum of four years of work experience. To qualify for a master license, you must hold a journeyman license and also pass a licensing examination.

View the full Iowa Plumbing License Requirements.

Kansas

Kansas doesn't offer plumbing licensing at the state level; licenses are issued at the local level. Typically, Kansas cities license plumbing apprentices, journeyman, and master plumbers. 

Wichita, Kansas:

The Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) is the licensing board responsible for issuing journeyman and master plumber licenses, as well as plumbing contractor licenses in Wichita. Wichita plumbers who wish to operate their own businesses need to obtain a Trade Contractors license from the MABCD Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Topeka, Kansas:

The City of Topeka Development Services Division (DSD) is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses, including apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Topeka plumbers who wish to operate their own businesses need to obtain a Trade Contractors license.

View the full Kansas Plumber License Requirements.

Kentucky

Kentucky licenses plumbers at the state level. It is illegal to do any plumbing work without a license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. However, Kentucky does not require you to have a license to begin working and learning as a plumber’s apprentice, as long as you are directly supervised by a licensed journeyman plumber and generally supervised by a licensed master plumber.

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Division of Plumbing issues and renews all plumber licenses in the Commonwealth.

View the full Kentucky Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Louisiana

The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA) is responsible for licensing plumbers. The Board issues journeyman and master plumbing licenses and also requires all plumbing apprentices to register.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must complete a five-year apprenticeship program. To become a master plumber, you must hold a journeyman license and gain additional experience. Master plumbers can only take on jobs valued less than $10,000.

To legally perform plumbing work valued at more than $10,000 in labor and materials in the state of Louisiana, you must also be licensed as a commercial contractor.

Commercial contractor licenses are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). 

View the full Louisiana Plumbing License Requirements.

Maine

The state of Maine requires a license to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. Maine licenses every level of this workforce from trainee to master. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation in Maine oversees the Plumbers’ Examining Board and issues the licenses. Maine issues four plumber licenses: trainee plumber, journeyman-in-training plumber, journeyman plumber, and master plumber. Each classification has specific license requirements.

View the full Maine Plumbing License Requirements.

Maryland

It is illegal to perform any plumbing services in Maryland without a state-issued license. To join this workforce legally, you must begin by registering as an apprentice. After four years of documented work under a licensed plumber, you can apply to get your own journeyman license. Then, after two more years working with your journeyman license, you can apply to become a master plumber in Maryland. There are serious penalties if you defy this state law.

Plumbing licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing, one of 21 licensing boards that fall under the Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. 

View the full Maryland Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Massachusetts

In the state of Massachusetts, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work. The state licenses every level of this workforce — apprentice, journeyman, and master. The Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure issues all the professional licenses in the commonwealth, while the state regulates plumbers through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

Journeyman plumbers need at least 6,800 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice to qualify for licensure. Master plumbers must obtain at least one year of experience as a licensed journeyman.

View the full Massachusetts Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

Michigan

To perform any plumbing work legally in Michigan, you must be licensed through the state. You begin by registering as an apprentice. After three years (6,000 hours) of documented work under a licensed authorized master plumber, you can apply for your journey plumber license. After holding your journey license for two years (4,000 hours) of documented work, you can apply for your master plumber license. Each license is a building block that leads to the next. If you want a plumbing contractor license, you either need to hold a master plumber license yourself or employ someone who is licensed as a master plumber.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees all of the professional licensing in the state. The Bureau of Construction Codes is responsible for all the skilled trades including electricians, mechanical contractors, and plumbers who are licensed through the Plumbing Division.

View the full Michigan Plumbing License Requirements.

Minnesota

It is illegal to perform any plumbing work without a license in Minnesota. To join this workforce legally, you must begin by registering as an unlicensed individual (formerly known as an apprentice). After four years of documented work under a licensed journeyworker (the term used instead of journeyman in Minnesota) or licensed master plumber, you can apply to take the journeyworker plumber examination to earn your license. After working as a licensed journeyworker plumber for another year, you can apply to take the master plumber examination.

Statewide regulations for electricians and plumbers are set by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Minneapolis Construction Code Service and the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issue certificates of competency, or Comp Cards, at the journey and master level. The two cities have reciprocal agreements, so if you’re certified in one you can get your certification in the other without having to retest. Always be sure to check with the municipality for local requirements where you intend to work.

View the full Minnesota Plumbing License Requirements.

Mississippi

The state of Mississippi does not license plumbing contractors who work on projects valuing less than $10,000. Instead, it falls to the local jurisdictions. The state does require a commercial license for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work of $10,000 or more.

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) issues residential licenses and commercial contractor licenses. A commercial license is required for commercial work over $50,000. Residential building work over $50,000 requires a residential builder license from MSBOC. 

View the full Mississippi Plumbing License Requirements.

Missouri

Missouri does not issue plumbing licenses at the state level, but most cities or counties have local license requirements.

Most jurisdictions require apprentices to be registered and then certify competency at the journeyman level, and then the master level. 

Kansas City and St. Louis are the most populous cities in the state. Both require apprentice plumbers to work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or licensed master plumber to gain the knowledge needed to pass examination and the work experience required to apply for a certificate of qualification as a journeyman. 

The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue certificates of qualification at the journey and master level, as well as license contractors.

View the full Missouri Plumbing License Requirements.

Montana

Montana licenses plumbers at the state level through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division. Specifically, the Montana Board of Plumbers licenses and regulates the industry. 

Montana requires licensure at the journeyman and master levels. While there is no contractor license, plumbing contractors and apprentices need to register with the state.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain five years of work experience via an apprenticeship. You need an additional four years as a licensed journeyman to qualify for a master license. 

View the full Montana Plumber License Requirements.

Nebraska

Nebraska requires licenses for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. However, individual cities issue plumbing licenses. Additionally, plumbing contractors and subcontractors doing business in the state must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Omaha, Nebraska

The City of Omaha Planning Department issues apprentice plumber certificates, journeyman plumber licenses, and master plumber licenses. 

Lincoln, Nebraska

The City of Lincoln's Building and Safety Department issues licenses for master plumber contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and plumber apprentices. The city also issues other plumbing-related licenses, including water conditioning contractor and installer, and master, journeyman, and apprentice gas fitter licenses.

View the full Nebraska Plumber License Requirements.

Nevada

Nevada requires a state license for journeyman and master plumbers, issued by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE). Additionally, plumbing professionals who pull permits or own their own businesses need to hold a contractor license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. 

You must complete at least four years (8,000 hours) of documented work experience to qualify for a journeyman plumber license in Nevada. After working at the journeyman level for at least one year (2,000 hours) and remaining in good standing with the NBOPE, you become eligible to apply for a master license.

View the full Nevada Plumber License Requirements.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) is responsible for issuing mechanical licensing, including plumbing licenses.

New Hampshire offers an apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber license, and each requires certain levels of classroom training and on-the-job experience. 

You must obtain four years of experience as an apprentice to qualify for a journeyman license. To move on to the master level, you must hold a journeyman license for a minimum of six months. 

View the full New Hampshire Plumber License Requirements.

New Jersey

To perform plumbing work legally in New Jersey, you must hold a master plumber license or be registered as an apprentice or journeyman working under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber. 

New Jersey licenses plumbers through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Specifically, the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers licenses and regulates the industry. 

To qualify for a master license, you must have been engaged or employed in the plumbing trade for a period of five years preceding the date of application for a state license. One of the five years must have been as a journeyman plumber. Four years of the five years must have been spent in a U.S. Department of Labor approved plumbing apprenticeship program.

View the full New Jersey Plumber License Requirements.

New Mexico

New Mexico requires a state-issued license for apprentice plumbers and journeyman plumbers, issued by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. New Mexico doesn’t offer a master plumber license. 

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain at least two years of experience as an apprentice and pass a licensing exam.

Additionally, plumbing professionals who own their own plumbing business need to obtain a plumbing contractor license, via the Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division.

To obtain the New Mexico contractor license, business owners need to hold a journeyman license or employ at least one licensed journeyman plumber to act as the qualifying party for the business. Additionally, candidates need to pass the contractor exam administered through PSI — both a law exam and trade exam — and fulfill multiple other requirements.

View the full New Mexico Plumber License Requirements.

New York

New York does not license plumbing professionals at the state level. Instead, state law requires city and county governments to provide oversight and licensing for plumbers. Licensing requirements vary widely from city to city, so make sure to check local regulations.

New York City

To perform plumbing work unsupervised in NYC, you must have a master plumber’s license, issued by the NYC Department of Buildings. NYC also offers both an apprentice and journeyman plumber license.

To qualify for a master license in NYC, you need to have seven years of experience in the previous 10 years or have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. 

View the full New York Plumber License Requirements.

North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be a licensed contractor or work under someone who is a licensed contractor. Licenses are issued by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, which falls under the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

North Carolina does not license at the journey or master plumber level. There are three main plumbers licenses for contractors in North Carolina and a sublicense for plumbing technicians.

• P-I (Plumbing-Class I) contractor

• P-II (Plumbing-Class II) contractor

• RLP (Restricted Limited Plumbing) contractor

• Plumbing technician

Technicians need 18 months (3,000 hours) of on-site, full-time experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing or heating systems to qualify for licensure. Contractors must obtain two years (4,000 hours) of experience to qualify for licensure. However, up to 2,000 hours may be in academic or technical training directly related to the field for which the examination is requested.

View the full North Carolina Plumbing License Requirements.

North Dakota

North Dakota requires a license to work as an apprentice plumber, journeyman plumber, or master plumber, issued by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. Additionally, plumbers need to obtain a state-issued general contractor’s license from the North Dakota Secretary of State's office.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you need to obtain four years of work experience and pass an examination. For a master license, you must demonstrate at least two years of experience or 3,400 hours as a licensed journeyman. 

View the full North Dakota Plumber License Requirements.

Ohio

To legally perform plumbing work in the state of Ohio, you must be a licensed commercial contractor or an apprentice working under a licensed contractor. There is no state-level license for either a journeyman or master plumber level.

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues state licenses to plumbing contractors who perform commercial work. After extensive work experience, apprentice plumbers in the state of Ohio can become a contractor and build their own businesses. 

Many cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, as well as other local jurisdictions, have additional licensing or registration requirements of their own for journeyman plumbers, so be sure to check where you plan to work.

View the full Ohio Plumbing License Requirements.

Oklahoma

To legally perform plumbing work in the state of Oklahoma, you must be licensed or registered as an apprentice working under a licensed contractor. Plumbing journeyman and plumbing contractor licenses are issued through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

Some of Oklahoma’s cities still require state-licensed tradesmen to register with their own governing agencies, so you always want to check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you are following local requirements. In Oklahoma City, for example, plumbing contractors must pay a fee to register their state licenses with the city before they can begin work.

View the full Oklahoma Plumbing License Requirements.

Oregon

Oregon offers four types of plumbing licenses and a plumbing business contractor license, as well as several others that combine plumbing with other trades. 

The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting plumbing licenses, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board issues contracting plumbing licenses. Oregon plumbing license types include journeyman plumber, solar heating and cooling installer, water-treatment installer, residential water-heater installer, and plumbing business contractor.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship that includes 576 hours of classroom training. 

View the full Oregon Plumbing License Requirements.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires a license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. However, localities issue plumbing licenses, not the state. Each license type requires certain levels of experience.

The City of Philadelphia Business Services Department is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Philadelphia. 

The Allegheny County Health Department is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Pittsburgh and greater Allegheny County.

View the full Pennsylvania Plumbing License Requirements.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires a state-issued license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. Additionally, plumbing professionals who work on underground utility lines need to hold an underground-utility contractor’s license.

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators branch is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state. 

Apprentice plumbers in Rhode Island need to complete at least five years of on-the-job training as well as 576 hours of related classroom instruction to qualify for a journeyman license. After working as a journeyman for at least one year, you become eligible for a master license.

View the full Rhode Island Plumbing Licensing Requirements.

South Carolina

To be a commercial plumbing contractor in South Carolina or a residential plumbing contractor, you must be licensed through the state. However, you can start out as an entry-level plumber’s helper without a license. You just need to work for someone who is licensed.

Plumbing contractor licenses are issued on a statewide level through two different entities. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees both the Contractor’s Licensing Board, which licenses commercial contractors, and the Residential Builders Commission, which licenses residential plumbers.

To apply for the residential specialty contractor license, you must demonstrate at least one year of work experience in the past five years. To apply for the commercial mechanical contractor license, you must have a minimum of two years of work experience in the past five years.

View the full South Carolina Plumbing License Requirements.

South Dakota

South Dakota requires a state-issued license for apprentices, journeymen, and plumbing contractors. Additionally, state-level licensing is required for sewer and water contractors, appliance installers, water conditioning installers, mobile home installers, and underground irrigation installers.

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulations Plumbing Commission is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state. Applicants can consult the Commission's website to complete online applications, pay license fees, register for exams, and review exam prep materials.

To apply for the journeyman plumber's license, candidates must have four years of experience as an apprentice plumber, and have spent at least 1,900 hours per year during those four years as an apprentice. To apply for the plumbing contractor's license, you must obtain at least six years of experience.

View the full South Dakota Plumbing License Requirements.

Tennessee

To be a plumber in Tennessee, you must be licensed. Licenses are issued at both the state and local level. Cities and counties throughout the state issue traditional journeyman or master contractor local licenses while the state issues a contractor license with a Plumber Classification (CMC or CMC-A) and a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license.

The state-level licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

In many cases, you need a minimum of 8,000 hours (or four years) of work experience and anywhere from 576 to 900 hours of classroom-based instruction to be eligible to apply for your local journeyman plumber’s license. This can be done through completing a degree at a technical college and then working for a licensed plumber, or through a registered apprenticeship.

View the full Tennessee Plumbing License Requirements.

Texas

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is the state agency responsible for licensing plumbers in Texas and has the authority to issue licenses, endorsements, and registrations.

There are four types of plumbing licenses in Texas — tradesman plumber-limited, journeyman plumber, master plumber, and plumbing inspector — and each requires that you first register as an apprentice. Each license classification requires different training requirements, typically between two and four years of verifiable work experience. For a master license, you must work as a licensed journeyman for at least one year. 

View the full Texas Plumbing License Requirements.

Utah

In the state of Utah, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. Utah issues plumbing licenses at every level — apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor — and each requires certain levels of training. All Utah plumbers’ licenses are issued through the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). 

You need to obtain four years of experience to qualify for a journeyman license, and an additional two years as a supervising journeyman to qualify for a master license. 

Contractors must take a 30-hour pre-licensure course from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC), Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA), or Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC), and also obtain liability insurance and register their businesses with the state.

View the full Utah Plumbing License Requirements.

Vermont

Vermont requires a state-issued license for journeymen and master plumbers. Additionally, licensees may apply for special limited licenses to work with water heaters, heating systems, and water treatment systems. 

The Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state. Applicants can find license applications, state plumbing code information, continuing education resources, and plumbing and heating inspector contact information on the agency’s website.

Toapply for the journeyman plumber's license, candidates must obtain a Certificate of Completion provided by the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council demonstrating at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or a certified statement of licensure or completed apprenticeship from another state. To apply for the master plumber’s license, candidates must work as a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 12 months. 

View the full Vermont Plumbing License Requirements.

Virginia

The Board for Contractors regulates and licenses plumbers in Virginia. There are three basic levels of plumbing licenses in Virginia, and each requires a combination of formal education and practical experience. 

You’ll begin as an apprentice to gain the practical experience required to get a license while taking classes to learn the theoretical or conceptual parts of the trade. Virginia plumbing licenses include journeyman, master, and three classifications of contractor licenses, Class A, Class B, and Class C.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain four years of work experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training, or earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field like mechanical engineering. For a master license, you must have 10 total years of training or obtain one year of experience as a licensed journeyman. A Class contractor license requires five years of experience, while a Class B requires three, and a Class C license requires two years of experience.

View the full Virginia Plumbing License Requirements.

Washington

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries licenses plumbers, electricians, contractors, and several other professions. The Plumbing Certification Program certifies every level of the plumbing workforce, including trainees, journeymen, and contractors.

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must obtain four years of experience as a plumbing trainee, with two years spent working in commercial or industrial installations. Contractors face additional requirements, such as registering their businesses and obtaining insurance.

View the full Washington Plumber License Requirements.

West Virginia

The state of West Virginia requires licensure to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. The state licenses every level of this workforce — plumber in training, journeyman, master, and contractor. The West Virginia Division of Labor is responsible for the licensing and regulation of plumbers, HVAC technicians, and contractors.

Unlike most other states, you don’t need to obtain a set amount of work experience to qualify for licensure. You just need to pass the licensing exam for each classification.

View the full West Virginia Plumbing License Requirements.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. Wisconsin refers to its licenses and certifications as credentials and issues them at every level of this workforce, including apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor. 

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — Trades Credentialing Division requires individuals to complete an approved apprenticeship program and demonstrate a specified number of hours of classroom education and work experience. With additional experience, Wisconsin offers a master plumber license. To own a plumbing business in Wisconsin, you'll also need to obtain a dwelling contractor certification.

View the full Wisconsin Plumbing License Requirements.

Wyoming

Wyoming requires a license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. However, plumbing licenses are issued at the local level.

Cheyenne 

The City of Cheyenne Contractor Licensing Board issues plumbing licenses for contractors working in Cheyenne. Candidates can pursue three types of plumbing licenses: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Cheyenne also issues contractor licensing for plumbing businesses.

Casper

The City of Casper Contractor’s Board of License and Appeals issues plumbing licenses in Casper, Wyoming. Candidates can pursue three types of plumbing licenses: apprentice, journeyman, and master. The city of Casper also issues contractor licensing for plumbing businesses.

View the full Wyoming Plumbing License Requirements.