Get a plumbing business license: State-by-state requirements

One of the most in-demand professions is the plumber. Whether it’s fixing a leaky pipe or unclogging the drain in your kitchen sink, there is an infinite number of reasons why you’d need to hire a plumber for your home or business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the plumbing industry to continue expanding through 2030—with continued growth anticipated beyond—so starting a plumbing business is not the world’s worst idea.

But what are the requirements to becoming a plumber, and do you need a plumbing license to succeed? Here we outline all you need to know about the plumbing license requirements in each state and how securing your plumbing license can help launch your plumbing career to new heights.

What is a plumbing license?

A plumbing license is a certification that allows you to operate independently and open your own plumbing company. While the specific types of licenses vary by state, two of the most popular professional plumbing licenses are the journeyman license and the master license, which are typically regulated and distributed by a specific state board within each state.

While not all states require a plumbing license, most do. In many cases, the process for obtaining your plumbing license includes passing a licensing exam, registering your plumbing business with the state by providing the names and addresses of the company owners, proof of an apprenticeship period, professional recommendations, a surety bond, and business insurance.

How is this different from getting a business license for my plumbing business? Is it different at all?

The main difference between a plumber’s license and a business license for your plumbing business is that a plumbing license allows you to conduct business as a plumber. On the other hand, a business license for your plumbing business ensures your business as a whole is meeting the specific state requirements to run your own business.

How much does a plumbing license cost?

Just as the requirements for securing a plumbing license differ from state to state, the cost of the license varies on a state-by-state basis as well. Generally, the cost for securing your plumbing license will include any costs associated with obtaining your high school diploma or GED, going to a technical college or trade school, and any costs associated with working under a licensed plumbing contractor. You may also incur exam fees and application fees when applying for your license. In total, you’re potentially looking at several thousand dollars, with the cost significantly less depending on what level of education you’ve completed at the time you decide you want to pursue the plumbing path.

What happens if I’m not certified?

If you choose not to get your plumber’s license, you’re limiting your potential growth as a plumber and limiting your potential earnings. Licensed master plumbers can earn almost double what unlicensed plumbers can bring home, topping out around 6 figures. But before you can become a master plumber, you’ll first need to secure your journeyman plumber’s license. The point is, you won’t have a shot at maxing out your plumbing salary without first going down the path of certification.

As a certified master plumber, you’re also able to teach aspiring plumbers the rules of the road and can be viewed as a person of prominence within your local plumbing industry.

Plumbing license requirements: State by state

Despite the variance across state lines, there is some overlap in general requirements:

Personal requirements

• Possess a GED or high school diploma.
• Possess 4 to 5 years of a plumbing apprenticeship.

Your state may…

• Mandate a work experience requirement. The typical apprenticeship requirement is around 4 years.
• Mandate a plumbing license exam.
• Require proof of work experience with professional recommendations.
• Require you to register your plumbing business with the state in which you reside.

The following is an overview of the specific plumbing license requirements for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Alabama

A plumbing license is required for plumbers to conduct work in the state of Alabama. To secure your license, you’ll need to contact the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber’s License: You’ll need two years of apprentice experience or will need to complete a board-approved apprentice training program. You must also pass an exam.
• Master Plumber’s License: You’ll need one year of work experience as a journeyman plumber and will need to pass an exam.

Alaska

If you want to work as a plumber in Alaska, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. There are three main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to provide evidence of 8,000 work hours of installing commercial or residential plumbing. Up to 1,000 hours of related education can be substituted for up to 1,000 of the 8,000 hours of required work experience.
• Plumber Gas License: You’ll need to provide evidence of 4,000 work hours, 2,000 of which must include installing fuel gas piping. Up to 500 hours of related education can be substituted for up to 500 of the 4,000 hours of required work experience.
• Plumber Utility License: You’ll need to provide evidence of 1,000 work hours of installing sewer, water, or storm lines. Up to 125 hours of related education can be substituted for up to 125 of the 1,000 hours of required work experience.

All of the above plumber’s licenses also require that you take and pass an exam.

Arizona

To work as a plumber in Arizona, you must possess a state contractor’s license. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues three types of contracting licenses: Commercial, residential, and dual—which covers both commercial and residential. The Special Residential Contracting License, Plumbing R-37 license allows plumbers to install and repair water and gas piping systems, sewage treatment systems, and fire protection systems. The Specialty Commercial Contracting License, Plumbing C-37 license allows plumbers to install, alter, and repair all plumbing within property lines. Both licenses require proof of 4 years of experience as well as passing a business and trade exam. You must also show proof of a bond.

Arkansas

You can acquire the plumber’s license in Arkansas via the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing, and Natural Gas Division. To obtain the master plumber’s license, you’ll need to provide 5 years of work experience. If you’re a journeyman plumber, you must have possessed a journeyman plumbing license for at least a year. You’ll also be required to pass a plumbing license exam.

California

To work as a plumber in California, you must obtain the C-36 Plumbing Contractor license through the state via the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board. You must also have a license for completing any work that’s valued at $500 or more.

To secure your contract license, you’ll need to provide evidence of 4 years of journeyman-level work experience. Qualifying work experience also includes working as a supervising employee, foreman, owner-builder, or contractor. Other requirements include possessing a $15,000 bond and passing a business exam, law exam, and trade exam. If you work with dangerous materials, you may also be required to obtain a Hazardous Substance Removal Certification for hazardous substance removal work, such as installing or removing underground storage tanks—for which you’ll need to pass an exam to secure.

Colorado

Before you can start your work as a plumber in Colorado, you’ll need to secure a state plumbing license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board. There are 3 main licenses you can obtain:

• Residential Plumber’s License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of 3,400 hours (2 years) of plumbing experience.
• Journeyman Plumber’s License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of up to 6,800 hours (4 years) of plumbing experience.
• Master Plumber’s License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of 9,780 hours (5 years or 60 months) of plumbing experience.

You’ll also need to pass an exam to secure any of the above licenses.

Connecticut

To work as a plumber in Connecticut, you’ll need to snag a Plumbing and Pipefitting license from the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. There are two main plumbing licenses within that category:

• Journeyperson License: For this license, you’ll need to complete a registered apprentice program or possess an equivalent amount of training and work experience, as well as pass a trade exam.
• Contractor License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of 2 years of work experience as a licensed journeyperson, pass a trade exam, pass a law exam, and pass a business exam.

Delaware

If you’re planning to install, design, replace, construct, repair, service, modify, or alter fixtures, pipes, or other apparatuses for gas or water in the state of Delaware, you’ll need to secure a master plumber license from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. If you already possess a journeyman certificate, you’ll need to prove that you’ve completed an apprenticeship program and 2 years of work experience supervised by a licensed master plumber. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Without a journeyman certificate, you’ll need to provide proof of 7 or more years of work experience being supervised by a licensed master plumber and pass the apprenticeship by-pass exam.

District of Columbia

Plumbers in Washington, D.C. must obtain a plumbing license through the Board of Industrial Trades Plumbing and Gasfitting. To secure a journeyman license or master plumber license, you’ll need to pass an exam, have worked as a journeyman plumber for a minimum of 4 years, and provide at least 1 letter of recommendation from a former employer.

Florida

Plumbers working in Florida will need to secure a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You’ll need to provide proof of 4 years of plumbing experience or some combination of work experience and completion of a plumbing-related education. You’ll also need to possess public liability insurance, property damage insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance and will also need to pass an exam.

Georgia

Georgia-based plumbers will need to obtain a plumbing license from the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing, Bord, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers. The following are the two main types of available plumbing licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to provide proof of 3 years of plumbing work experience and will need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: You’ll need to provide proof of 5 years of plumbing experience. 2 of the years must be as a plumbing contractor, plumbing superintendent, military plumber, journeyman plumber, or plumbing foreman. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Hawaii

To work as a plumber in Hawaii, you’ll need to secure a license from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers. The following are the two main types of plumbing licenses in Hawaii:

• Journey Worker Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of 5 years and at least 10,000 hours of plumbing work experience, which also must comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of 2 years of work experience as a licensed journey worker plumber.

For both of the above licenses, you’ll need to pass an exam.

Idaho

Idaho-based plumbers must secure a plumbing license from the Idaho Division of Building Safety if they wish to work as a plumber in Idaho. There are a few different types of licenses they can secure:

• Plumbing Apprentice License: All you’ll need to do is be registered with the state.
• Plumbing Journeyman License: You’ll need to complete a 4-year course that the Idaho Plumbing Board approves, and you’ll need to pass a trade exam. To get the journeyman plumber’s certificate of competency, you’ll need to prove you have 4 years of supervised apprentice experience working under a qualified journeyman plumber.
• Plumbing Contractor License: You’ll need to prove you have 2.5 years working as a licensed journeyman plumber and must pass an exam.
• Specialty Plumbing Apprentice License: You’ll need to have a job with a licensed plumbing specialty contractor, a plumbing specialty journeyman who works in the same category as your specialty and supervises your work. You’ll also need to be enrolled in or have completed an approved plumbing training course.
• Specialty Plumbing Journeyman License: You’ll need to prove you have 18 months of apprentice experience under your belt and that you’ve completed 72 hours of approved training. You’ll also need to pass a test.
• Specialty Plumbing Contractor License: You’ll need to prove you have 2.5 years of experience as a specialty plumbing journeyman within the specialty category that you’re applying for. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Illinois

Plumbers in Illinois will need to secure a plumbing license from the Illinois Department of Public Health before starting their work within the state. Below are the 2 main types of licenses plumbers can receive:

• Apprentice Plumbers License: For this license, you’ll need to prove you have sponsorship from a licensed Illinois plumber or approved apprenticeship. You’ll also need to pass the plumbers licensing exam within 6 years of your apprenticeship period.
• Plumbing Contractors License: For this license, you’ll need to hold a plumber apprentice license for a minimum of 4 years and will have had to have completed 2 years of high school—at a minimum—where you’ll have needed to have completed an approved course. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Indiana

If you’re planning to work as a plumber in Indiana, you’ll need to possess a plumbing license from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Plumbing Commission. The following are the main types of licenses you can apply for:

• Plumbing Apprentice: All you’ll need to do is be registered with the state.
• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to secure this license by applying through an approved apprenticeship school and will need to complete 4 years of training. You’ll also need to pass a practical exam. If you’re applying through a plumbing trade, you’ll need to have a valid out-of-state plumbing license and provide evidence of 4 years of work experience.
• Plumbing Contractor License: You’ll need to secure this license by applying through an approved apprenticeship school and will need to complete 4 years of training. You’ll also need to pass a practical exam.

Iowa

If you’re working as a plumber in Iowa, you’ll need a state license provided through the Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing, and Mechanical Systems Board. The following are the main types of licenses available:

• Apprentice License: For this license, you’ll need to be at least 18, be a high school graduate, and be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program where you’re working under the supervision of a master plumber or journeyperson.
• Journey Person Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to complete at least 4 years of a registered apprenticeship program and will need to pass the journeyperson exam. You’ll also need to be working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. Alternatively, you can hold a master-level license that you obtained in another jurisdiction, which should meet the requirements for this license.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll either need to have had 2 years of work experience holding a journeyperson license or currently possess a master license in another jurisdiction and pass the master licensing exam.
• Plumbing Contractor License: For this license, you’ll need to provide proof of holding a surety bond and holding business insurance in the state of Iowa. You’ll also need to register as a contractor with the Iowa Division of Labor.

Kansas

You do not need a plumbing license in the state of Kansas to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require certain licenses.

Kentucky

If you’re a plumber in Kentucky, you’ll need to possess a state license to work. You can obtain a license through the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Plumbing Division. The following are the two main types of licenses you can get:

• Journeyman Plumber License: This license requires that you complete 2 years of work experience as a plumber and pass the trade exam.
• Master Plumber License: This license requires that you possess a journeyman license and pass an exam.

Louisiana

If you’re a plumber in Louisiana, you’ll need to possess a state license through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana to work in the state. The following are the two main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to complete an approved apprenticeship program and pass a trade exam. You’ll also need to complete continuing education through an approved program to renew your license annually.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to possess a Louisiana Journeyman Plumbing License and pass a trade exam. You’ll also need to complete continuing education through an approved program to renew your license annually.

Should your plumbing work exceed $10,000 in value, you’ll be required to secure a commercial plumbing license through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. You’ll need to pass a law exam, trade exam, and business exam for this license.

Maine

If you’re a plumber in Maine, you’ll be required to obtain a license through the Plumbers’ Examining Board to work. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to prove you possess at least 2 years and 4,000 hours of plumbing installation experience as a licensed trainee plumber while working under a licensed master plumber. Alternatively, you can have a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed journeyman-in-training within the last 4 years, for which you’ll need to be supervised by a licensed master plumber. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: You’ll need to prove you possess a minimum of 1 year of plumbing installation experience with 2,000 hours as a licensed journeyman plumber. Alternatively, you can have a minimum of 4 years of plumbing installation experience with 8,000 hours as a licensed trainee plumber, for which you’ll need to be supervised by a licensed master plumber.

Maryland

For plumbers in Maryland, you’ll need to possess a state plumbing license to work. There are a few main license types:

• Apprentice Plumber License: All you’ll need to do is be at least 16 years old. Easy.
• Journey Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to have an apprentice license for at least 4 years and will need to provide proof of 7,500 training hours that a master plumber supervised. You’ll also need to complete 32 hours of backflow prevention device training and will need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to have a journey license for at least 2 years and will need to provide proof of 3,750 training hours that a master plumber supervised. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts plumbers need to possess a plumbing license through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. There are 3 main types of licenses:

• Apprentice Plumber License: For this one, you’ll just need to be at least 16 years old.
• Journeyman Plumber License: This license requires you to have at least 8,500 licensed apprentice hours under your belt, which must be supervised by a licensed master plumber or journeyman plumber who works for a master plumber. You’ll also need to complete a minimum of 550 hours of plumbing theory and pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to possess a journeyman plumbing license for a minimum of 1 year, complete 100 hours of advanced plumbing theory through an accredited course, and pass an exam.

Michigan

To work as a plumber in Michigan, you’ll need to obtain a plumbing license through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journey Plumber License: This license requires you to possess a minimum of 6,000 hours of work experience as a registered plumbing apprentice over 3 years or more. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: This license requires you to be at least 18 years old and possess a minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience as a journey plumber over 2 years or more. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Minnesota

Plumbers in Minnesota need to be licensed through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes, and Licensing Division. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Plumber Journeyworker License: For this license, you’ll need to provide evidence you have at least 7,000 hours of work experience, with 2,000 of those hours being in waste, drain, and vent installation, 2,000 hours in water distribution installation, and 1,000 hours in fixture installation. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Plumber Master License: For this license, you’ll need to provide evidence you have at least 1,750 hours of work experience, possess a journeyworker license with 12 months of experience under your belt, and pass an exam.

Mississippi

If you’re performing any residential plumbing work in Mississippi that’s valued at over $10,000 or any commercial work valued at over $50,000, you’ll need to obtain a contractor’s license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and pass an exam. If you’re performing residential or commercial plumbing work valued less than $10,000 and $50,000, respectively, check your local government regulations for any other licensing requirements.

Missouri

You do not need a plumbing license in the state of Missouri to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require specific licenses.

Montana

Plumbers in Montana will need to obtain a plumbing license from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Board of Plumbers to work in the state. There are two main types of licenses:

• Journeyman License: For this license, you’ll need to show proof of completing a registered apprenticeship program and 5 years of work experience. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Master License: For this license, you’ll need to show proof of 4 years of experience as a licensed journeyman, during which 3 of those years were working in a supervisory capacity or with a licensed master. You’ll also need to show 9 years of work experience in notarized statements and pass an exam.

Nebraska

You do not need a plumbing license in the state of Nebraska to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require specific licenses.

Nevada

In Nevada, plumbers must secure a license through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners to work. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to complete 4 years of an accredited, state-registered apprenticeship program. Alternatively, you can possess 8,000 hours of plumbing experience and pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to possess a journeyman plumber license in Nevada for a minimum of 1 year (2,000 hours) and will need to pass an exam.

If you’re a plumbing contractor, you’ll need to possess a plumbing and heating contracting license (classification C-1) from the Nevada State Contractors Board and provide evidence of 4 years of work experience over the past 10 years, and will need to pass an exam.

New Hampshire

To work as a plumber in New Hampshire, you’ll need a state license in one of the main licensing categories:

• Apprentice License: You’ll need to be at least 16 years old and be registered in an approved apprenticeship program.
• Journeyman License: You’ll need to be at least 17, complete an apprenticeship program, and pass the journeyman exam.
• Master Plumber: You’ll need to possess a journeyman plumber license for at least 6 months, as well as pass an exam.

New Jersey

If you’re a master plumber in New Jersey, you’ll need to snag a license through the Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. You’ll need to be at least 21 years old, will need to complete an approved 4-year apprenticeship program, and will need to have 1 year of journeyman plumber experience. Alternatively, you can have a bachelor’s degree in plumbing, sanitary, or mechanical engineering from an accredited college, as well as have 1 year of journeyman plumber experience. You’ll also need to register as a journeyman plumber and will need to pass an exam with a practical section, business and law section, and a trade section.

New Mexico

You’ll need to obtain a state license as a plumber to conduct plumbing work in the state of New Mexico. Licenses are distributed through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department and require proof of 4,000 hours (2 years) of work experience to obtain a JP or Journeyman Plumber License. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

New York

You do not need a plumbing license in New York to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require specific licenses.

North Carolina

For plumbers in North Carolina, you’ll need to secure a license from the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. You’ll also need to provide evidence of 2 years of plumbing experience, up to half of which can be swapped with technical or academic training. Additionally, you’ll need to pass a business exam, law exam, and trade exam.

North Dakota

To work in North Dakota as a plumber, you’ll need to secure a license through the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. The following are the main types of licenses available:

• Apprentice Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to be 18 years old and will need to apply for one within 30 days of starting your work.
• Journeyman Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need 4 years and a minimum of 7,600 hours working as an apprentice plumber while being supervised by a licensed master plumber. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to be 21 years old, need a minimum of 3,400 hours (2 years) of work experience as a journeyman plumber, and must pass an exam.  

Ohio

If you’re an individual plumber in the state of Ohio, you do not need a state license to conduct plumbing work. However, if you need a commercial plumbing contractor license, you’ll need to contact the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. For this license, you’ll need to have at least 5 years of experience working as a plumber and 3 years of construction industry business experience. You’ll also need to pass an exam and possess business liability insurance in Ohio.

Oklahoma

Working as a plumber in Oklahoma requires that you possess a license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. The following are the main types of licenses you can obtain:

• Plumbing Apprentice: All you’ll need to do is be registered with the state and work under the guidance and supervision of a plumbing contractor or journeyman.
• Plumbing Journeyman License: For this license, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and will need to have 3 years of experience working for a plumbing contractor. You can swap completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of an approved plumbing school program with 2 years of experience, and you can swap 500 hours of an approved plumbing school program with 1 year of experience. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Plumbing Contractor License: For this license, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and will need to have 3 years of experience working for a plumbing contractor. You can swap completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of an approved plumbing school program with 2 years of experience, and you can swap 500 hours of an approved plumbing school program with 1 year of experience. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Oregon

You’ll need a state license to conduct plumbing work in the state of Oregon, which you can receive from the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division. To secure a journeyman plumber's license, you’ll need a 4-year degree under your belt from a registered apprenticeship program. Alternatively, you can complete 576 hours of schooling and show proof of 3,850 hours of residential and commercial work experience as an apprentice plumber or journeyman plumber. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Pennsylvania

You do not need a plumbing license in the state of Pennsylvania to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require specific licenses.

Rhode Island

Before you can work as a plumber in Rhode Island, you’ll need to obtain a plumbing license from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Plumber Journeyman License: For this license, you’ll need at least 4 years of plumbing experience and 576 hours of approved schooling. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Plumber Master License: For this license, you’ll need at least 5 years of plumbing experience and must possess a journeyperson license. Your journeyperson license will need to have been valid for at least 1 year, and you’ll also need to pass an exam.

South Carolina

To work as a plumber in South Carolina, you’ll need to obtain a license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission. To get a plumbing specialty contractor license specifically, you’ll need to provide proof of 1 year of work experience and pass an exam.

South Dakota

Working as a plumber in South Dakota requires you to secure a state license from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Plumbing Commission. The following are the main types of licenses you can get:

• Plumber Apprentice License: You’ll need to pass an exam and have 3,800 hours (2 years) of plumbing work experience serving under a plumbing contractor to work on single-family dwellings without supervision in your third and fourth year.
• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to have 4 years of apprentice experience with a minimum of 1,900 hours of experience per year. 2 years of military plumbing can be substituted for one year of experience, for up to five years in total. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Plumbing Contractor License: You’ll need to have at least 6 years of plumbing experience, with at least 2 years working as a plumbing contractor. For each year, you’ll need to have spent at least 1,900 hours working. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Tennessee

Plumbing licenses in Tennessee are distributed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. Depending on the value and the type of plumbing work you’re doing, you may also need a local license. The following are the main types of plumbing licenses you can secure in Tennessee:

• Limited Licensed Plumber License: You’ll need to secure this license if the cost of your work is less than $25,000 and there are no specific local requirements. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Plumbing Contractor (CMC or CMC-A Classification): You’ll need to secure this license if the cost of your project is worth more than $25,000. You’ll also need to prove you have 3 years of plumbing work experience and pass an exam.

Texas

Texas plumbers are required to secure a plumber’s license through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The following are the main types of available licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent for this license, and you’ll also need to be registered as a plumber’s apprentice or as a tradesman plumber in Texas. Alternatively, you could be registered as a journeyman plumber or master plumber in another state. You’ll also need at least 8,000 hours of plumbing work experience, and if you’re not licensed as a journeyman plumber or master plumber in another state, you’ll need to complete a 48-hour approved training course and need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent for this license, and you’ll also need to be registered as a journeyman plumber in Texas or another state and possess 4 years of work experience. Alternatively, you could be registered as a journeyman plumber in Texas or another state and have possessed the license for at least 1 year and completed an approved training program. You could also be a master plumber in another state and have held a journeyman license for a minimum of 4 years, or have held a journeyman license for at least 1 year and finished an approved training program. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Utah

In Utah, plumbers will need a license from the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. There are a few main types of plumbing licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: For this license application, you’ll need to have at least 6,000 training hours out of 8,000 training hours completed as a licensed apprentice. The apprentice hours need to be completed over 4 years or more, for you’ll need to submit proof of the final 2,000 training hours to receive your license. Alternatively, you can possess at least 16,000 hours (8 years) of plumbing work experience that’s been supervised by a licensed master plumber or licensed journeyman plumber.
• Residential Journeyman Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need to have completed an approved apprenticeship and possess at least 6,000 apprentice training hours over 3 years or more. Alternatively, you can provide proof of 12,000 hours (6 years) of plumbing work experience while supervised by a licensed plumber. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need at least 2 years of work experience as a licensed journeyman plumber and at least 2 additional years of experience as a journeyman plumber supervisor. If you can show you’ve also completed a higher education degree, you may be able to reduce your supervisory experience by 1 year. You’ll also need to pass an exam.
• Residential Master Plumber License: For this license, you’ll need at least 2 years of licensed residential journeyman plumber experience and at least 2 years of experience as a residential journeyman plumber supervisor. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Vermont

Plumbers in Vermont must possess a state license from the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: To obtain this license, you’ll need a certificate of completion from the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council, a certified statement of licensure from another state, proof of completing an apprenticeship program in another state, or provide evidence of 12,000 hours of plumbing instruction, training, or work experience.
• Master Plumber License: To obtain this license, you’ll need to have possessed a Vermont journeyman license for at least 1 year, have been licensed at the same level as a Vermont journeyman in another state for at least 1 year or can prove you have 14,000 hours of plumbing instruction, training, and work experience.

To secure either of the above licenses, you’ll need to pass an exam.

Virginia

To work in the state of Virginia as a plumber, you’ll need to secure a plumbing license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The following are the main types of license options available:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need to prove you have 4 years of plumbing experience as well as an additional 240 hours of formal plumbing training. If you have more than 4 years of plumbing experience, this can replace your training hours, since one year of experience equates to 80 training hours. The replacement hours are capped at 200 hours. Another option is to prove you have 2 years of work experience as a plumber and have a certificate of completion or an associate’s degree in plumbing from a 2 year accredited college. A third option is to provide proof of 1 year of plumbing work experience along with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college. The final option is to provide evidence of 10 years of plumbing experience.
• Master Plumber License: You’ll need at least 1 year of work experience as a journeyman plumber, or you’ll need to show at least 10 years of plumbing work experience.

To obtain either of the licenses mentioned above, you’ll need to pass an exam.

Washington

To work as a plumber in Washington, you’ll need a license from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need 8,000 hours and no less than 4 years of working as a plumber trainee while being supervised by a certified plumber. You’ll also need at least 4,000 of those hours and not less than two years to be installation-related, either commercial or industrial.
• Specialty Residential Plumber: You’ll need 6,000 hours and no less than six years of working as a residential plumber while being supervised by a certified plumber.

West Virginia

If you’re working as a plumber in West Virginia, you’re required to obtain a license through the West Virginia Division of Labor. There are 2 main types of licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License: You’ll need at least 8,000 hours of work experience and will need to pass an exam to secure this license.
• Master Plumber License: You’ll need at least 12,000 hours of experience and must pass an exam to secure this license.

Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin requires plumbers to be licensed to work in the state. The following licenses can be secured through the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Professional Credentialing Processing:

• Journeyman Plumber: To obtain this license, you must have completed a licensed apprenticeship program and pass an exam. Out of state applicants may need 5 years of experience working under a journeyman plumber license to qualify.
• Master Plumber: To obtain this license in Wisconsin, you’ll need to possess 1,000 hours of work experience as a journeyman plumber each year for the past 3 years. Alternatively, you can secure this license if you graduate from an accredited university or college with an approved engineering program. You’ll also need to pass an exam.

Wyoming

You do not need a plumbing license in the state of Wyoming to work as a plumber. However, you should check with your local government as they might require specific licenses.

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