Licensing Guides
Virginia Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Virginia
Plumbing, VA
Joanne Bratton
5Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Virginia
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Virginia?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Virginia?
Does My Virginia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Virginia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Virginia?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but time and effort leads to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Virginia employs 13,190 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In Virginia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is at 3% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Virginia in July 2025 totaled 229,500, an increase of 10,100 (5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 22,200 (11%) from February 2020.
If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Virginia has statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the journeyman level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Virginia
Is a license required for plumbers in Virginia? Yes. It is mandated from the beginning.
The Board for Contractors within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues licenses for tradesmen and contractors. This includes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, backflow prevention, gas fitters, water well construction, elevator mechanics, and building energy analysis.
In addition, plumbers may be subject to local requirements. It’s important to check with the jurisdiction where you plan to work to ensure you meet local permitting and licensing requirements.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Virginia
What are the types of plumber licenses in Virginia? There are three types of plumbing tradesmen licenses and three classifications of contractor licenses.
Plumbing tradesmen licenses include:
Journeyman Plumber — A plumber is defined as a tradesman who performs the construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, or removal of plumbing systems regulated under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. A journeyman is a person who possesses the ability, proficiency, and qualifications to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems.
Master Plumber — A person who possesses the ability, proficiency, and qualifications to plan and lay out the details for plumbing system installation and supervises plumbing system installation, repair, and maintenance.
Residential Plumber Tradesman: A person who possesses the ability, proficiency, and qualifications to perform plumbing work in dwellings and townhouses, as defined in Virginia Residential Code, or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses. This does not include commercial, industrial, institutional, or government-use structures. Note: This new license classification began on April 1, 2025.
Plumbing contractor licenses include:
Class A Contractor — A contractor is any person who, for a fixed price, commission, fee, or percentage performs or manages the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of any building or structure. A Class A Contractor License is for a single contract or project with a total value of $150,000 or more, or projects with a total value of $1 million or more within a 12-month period.
Class B Contractor — A Class B Contractor License is for a single contract or project with a total value of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, or projects with a total value of $250,000 or more but less than $1 million within a 12-month period.
Class C Contractor — A Class C Contractor License is for a single contract or project with a total value of more than $1,000 but less than $30,000, or projects with a total value of less than $250,000.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman Plumber License
Have a Social Security Number or a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Control Number.
Have a government-issued identification card.
Meet one of the following training and experience requirements:
Four years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training.
Five years of practical experience and 160 hours of formal vocational training.
Six years of practical experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training.
Seven years of practical experience and 40 hours of formal vocational training.
Eight years of practical experience.
Currently certified or licensed as a journeyman by an out-of-state governing body.
Or, meet one of the following educational and experience requirements:
Obtain an associate degree or certificate of completion from a two-year program in a tradesman-related field from an accredited community college or technical school, and have two years of practical experience in the trade.
Obtain a bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and have one year of practical experience in the trade.
Pay the $150 application fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the journeyman plumber exam. The cost is $100.
Master Plumber License
Have a Social Security Number or a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Control Number.
Have a government-issued identification card.
Meet one of the following training and experience requirements:
One year of practical experience as a licensed journeyman plumber.
Three years of practical experience as a licensed plumber tradesman.
Nine years of practical experience in the trade.
Currently certified or licensed as a master by an out-of-state governing body.
Pay the $150 application fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the master plumber exam. The exam cost is $125.
Residential Plumber Tradesman License
Have a Social Security Number or a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Control Number.
Have a government-issued identification card.
Meet one of the following training and experience requirements:
Two years of practical experience and 160 hours of vocational training.
Three years of practical experience and 120 hours of formal vocational training.
Four years of practical experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training.
Five years of practical experience and 40 hours of formal vocational training.
Six or more years of practical experience in the trade.
Currently licensed or certified as a residential tradesman by an out-of-state governing body.
Pay the $150 application fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the residential plumber tradesman exam. The exam cost is $85.
Plumbing Contractor License
Register your business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
Have a Business Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number, or a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Control Number.
Identify a qualified individual who holds a master plumber license, is a full-time employee or member of responsible management, and meets the minimum experience requirement for the license classification:
Class A: Five years of experience.
Class B: Three years of experience.
Class C: One year of experience.
Identify a designated employee or a member of responsible management who has completed a board-approved pre-licensure education course. For Class A and B licenses, this person must also have passed a business exam. For the Class A license, they must pass the advanced, general, and Virginia exam. For the Class B license, they must pass the general and Virginia exam.
For Class A and B licenses, show proof of financial responsibility. This may be shown by submitting a financial statement form, a surety bond form, or a CPA review/audit. The amount of required financial responsibility depends on license classification.
Class A: Document $45,000 in net worth/equity.
Class B: Document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
Pay the initial license fee based on license classification:
Class A: $425
Class B: $405
Class C: $260
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Virginia
To become a residential plumbing tradesman, you need at least two years of practical experience and 160 hours of vocational training.
Submit a residential plumbing tradesman exam and license application. Pay the $150 fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the residential plumbing tradesman exam. Cost is $85.
To obtain your journeyman plumber license, you need a minimum of four years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training. Those who earned an associate degree or completed a two-year plumbing program must have at least two years of experience, and those who earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering related to the trade must have one year of experience.
Submit a tradesman exam and license application. Pay the $150 fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the journeyman plumbing exam. The cost is $100.
To obtain your master plumbing license, you must have worked at least one year as a licensed journeyman plumber.
Submit a tradesman exam and license application. Pay the $150 fee.
Once the board approves your application, pass the master plumbing exam. Cost is $125.
To become a plumbing contractor, you must employ an individual with a master license or they must be a member of responsible management. They must also meet the experience qualifications, which vary based on the contractor license classification.
Form your plumbing business and register it with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Identify a designated employee or a member of responsible management who has completed a board-approved pre-licensure education course and took the business exam.
For Class A and B contractor licenses, show proof of financial responsibility through a financial statement form, a surety bond form, or a CPA review/audit. Class A licenses must document $45,000 in net worth/equity and Class B licenses must document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
Pay the initial license fee based on license classification. Class A is $425, Class B is $405, and Class C is $260.
Tradesman and contractor licenses must be renewed every two years.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Virginia
There are many benefits to obtaining your Virginia plumbing license:
Most importantly, Virginia requires plumbing journeyman, master, and contractors to hold a state license to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Virginia?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Virginia is $58,820, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Virginia those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,800
Senior (4-7 years): $76,700
Salaries vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Virginia?
The cost to get started as a plumbing apprentice in Virginia is fairly low. You may choose to gain your required experience through an apprenticeship program. Costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union typically will absorb these costs. Or, you may choose to seek a degree to meet plumbing training requirements. Costs vary based on institution fees.
Journeyman, master, and residential plumber tradesman licenses require applicants to pay a $150 fee for submitting the tradesman exam and license application. Applicants must also pass an exam with PSI. The journeyman exam costs $100, the master exam costs $125, and the residential plumber exam costs $85.
For Class A and B plumbing contractors, a designated employee or a member of responsible management must pass a contractor exam. Cost is $85. Contractors pay an initial license fee based on license classification. Class A is $425, Class B is $405, and Class C is $260. There are also additional business-releated costs.
All licenses must be renewed every two years. The cost to renew a tradesman license is $160. For contractor renewal fees, a Class A license costs $270, a Class B license costs $260, and a Class C license costs $220.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Virginia
Becoming a plumbing professional in Virginia isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
COMPLETE APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: A journeyman plumber license requires a minimum of four years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training. (The board accepts more years of experience and less hours of vocational training, listed above under the license requirement section.) Applicants may also have earned an associate degree or completed a two-year plumbing program and have at least two years of experience, or earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering related to the trade and have one year of experience.
APPLY FOR JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER LICENSE: Submit a tradesman exam and license application to the Board for Contractors, found under the “forms and applications” menu on the tradesman program page. Choose from an interactive or static PDF application form. If you completed an apprenticeship, you’ll need to submit a copy of your apprenticeship action form with a completion approval stamp. Otherwise, submit an experience verification form. Pay the $150 application fee.
PASS JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER EXAM: Once the board approves your application, take and pass the journeyman plumber exam, administered by PSI. The exam cost is $100. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
APPLY FOR MASTER PLUMBER LICENSE: To be eligible for a master plumber license, you’ll need to have worked at least one year as a licensed journeyman plumber. Submit a tradesman exam and license application to the Board for Contractors, found under the “forms and applications” menu on the tradesman program page. Choose from an interactive or static PDF application form. Pay the $150 application fee.
PASS MASTER PLUMBER EXAM: Once the board approves your application, take and pass the master plumber exam, administered by PSI. The exam cost is $125. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become a plumbing contractor, you must employ a qualified individual with a master license or they must be a member of responsible management. They must also meet the experience qualifications. Class A requires five years of experience, Class B requires three years of experience, and Class C requires one year of experience.
Contractors submit an application to the Board for Contractors, found under the “forms and applications” menu on the contractor page. Choose from an interactive or static PDF application form.
Contractors must also identify a designated employee or a member of responsible management who has completed eight hours of board-approved pre-license education. Class A and B licenses require this individual to have passed a business exam with PSI. The exam cost is $85 for three portions and $72 for two portions. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Those seeking a Class A or B contractor license must show proof of financial responsibility through a financial verification form, a surety bond form, or a CPA review/audit. Class A licenses must document $45,000 in net worth/equity and Class B licenses must document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
Pay the initial contractor license fee based on license classification. Class A is $425, Class B is $405, and Class C is $260.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Virginia?
It takes a minimum of four years of experience to obtain your journeyman plumber license in Virginia, unless you’ve earned a degree. If you’ve earned an associate degree or certificate of completion from a two-year program from an accredited community college or technical school, you’ll need two years of experience. If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering related to the trade, you’ll need one year of experience. You must work a minimum of one year as a licensed journeyman plumber before you’re eligible to take the master plumber exam.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. Your salary increases when you become a licensed journeyman plumber, and again as a master plumber. As a plumbing contractor, you can own your own plumbing business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Virginia Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Those seeking a plumbing career in Virginia may begin as an apprentice or earn a degree. If you choose to start with hands-on experience, you’ll need a minimum of four years of experience and 240 hours of vocational training.
If you choose to obtain an associate degree or a certificate of completion from a two-year program from an accredited community college or technical school, you’ll need two years of practical experience. If you choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university, you’ll need one year of practical experience.
Several plumbing training programs and schools exist in Virginia.
Trade Schools/Community Colleges
Trade schools or community colleges with entry-level plumbing courses include:
Degree Programs
Schools offering an associate of applied science degree in the trades or a bachelor’s degree in engineering include:
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship opportunities include:
UA Local 5 (covers several Virginia counties)
UA Local 10 [plumber certification]
UA Local 110 [apprenticeship FAQs]
Program Prerequisites: For most apprenticeship plumbing programs, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Virginia.
Virginia Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Those applying for a journeyman, master, or residential plumber license must pass an exam. First you must meet experience requirements and submit an application to the Board for Contractors. Once your application is approved, you’re eligible to take the exam administered by PSI.
The board provides exam information in the “education and exam” menu on the tradesmen program page. PSI also provides a list of Virginia exams with additional information.
The journeyman plumber exam costs $100. The master plumber exam costs $125. Both exams are open book, have 80 questions, and have a three-and-a-half hour time limit. The residential plumber exam costs $85. It has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit.
Subject areas for all exams include:
Standards of practice
Standards of conduct
Renewal and reinstatement
Definitions
Qualification for licensure
Revocation of licensure (not for residential plumber)
Drainage waste and vents
Water supply systems
Backflow prevention
Storm drainage systems
Plumbing fixtures
General regulations
Interceptors and traps
PSI provides a candidate information bulletin for the tradesmen exams with detailed information, including suggested references.
For plumbing contracting businesses, a designated employee or a member of responsible management must first complete eight hours of board-approved pre-license education. For Class A and B licenses, this individual must also pass a business exam with PSI. The exam cost is $85 for three portions and $72 for two portions.
The Class A business exam consists of three parts. The Class B business exam consists of parts one and two. All parts are open book.
Part 1 — Virginia portion (rules and regulations): This portion consists of 24 questions and has a 48-minute time limit.
Part 2 — General portion: This portion consists of 50 questions and has a one-hour and 40-minute time limit.
Part 3 — Advanced portion: This portion consists of 24 questions and has a one-hour time limit.
PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Virginia?
The Board for Contractors within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues tradesmen and contractor licenses. The mailing address is:
Board for Contractors Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation 9960 Mayland Drive Richmond, VA 23233
The phone number for the licensing section is (804) 367-8511; the education section is (804) 367-2224. The board’s email address is tradesmen@dpor.virginia.gov. To contact the board through an online form, visit the Board for Contractors page. The DPOR also provides a contact page with DPOR phone and email directories.
Does My Virginia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. While Virginia has a reciprocity agreement for plumbing licenses with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which covers Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, those with a journeyman or master plumber license will still need to apply for a plumbing license. However, they may qualify for an exam waiver with the WSSC if they meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Virginia?
Virginia has a reciprocity agreement for plumbing licenses with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which covers Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. This means an individual licensed as a journeyman or master plumber with the WSSC may be eligible for an exam waiver. They still will need to apply for the Virginia plumbing license, submit licensure verification from the out-of-state board, and meet licensing requirements.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
State contractor requirements may be found in Virginia Code, and additional tradesman regulations and contractor regulations may be found in Virginia Administrative Code.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Virginia?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in Virginia. Scholarship opportunities include:
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Virginia?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Virginia plumbing or contractor license by visiting the DPOR’s license lookup page.
Search by:
License type
License number
Name
Address
The page also provides advanced search and disciplinary action search options.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Virginia?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In Virginia, a plumbing tradesman license may be suspended or revoked for many reasons, including:
Failing to comply with state or board regulations.
Furnishing substantially inaccurate or incomplete information when obtaining, renewing, reinstating, or maintaining a license.
Practicing negligence, incompetence, or misconduct.
Failing to complete contracted work or misapplication of funds.
Failing to comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Failing to obtain a building permit or inspection as required.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to the Virginia administrative code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Virginia?
Working as a tradesman or contractor in Virginia without a license is illegal. Those who work without a tradesmen license or contractor license, or perform contracting work outside of their license classification, may be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Contractors also face a fine of up to $500 per day for each day of violation, according to Virginia Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Plumbing tradesmen must complete three hours of continuing education every two years before renewing their license. The continuing education course must cover a subject directly related to the current edition of the International Plumbing Code. The Board for Contractors provides a list of board-approved course providers, found under the “education and exams” menu on the tradesmen program page.
The providers transmit electronic rosters from each course to the board, which is then transferred to license-holder records, but the board recommends attendees keep a certificate of completion from the course to prove they completed continuing education requirements.
Tradesman and contractor licenses expire two years from the last day of the month when they were issued. License holders may renew online. License holders may also renew by mail.
License renewal cost is as follows:
Tradesmen License (journeyman, master, and residential plumber): $160
Class A Contractor License: $270
Class B Contractor License: $260
Class C Contractor License: $220
Note: Contractors must also pay a $30 recovery fund assessment fee when they renew.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
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