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Plumber License Requirements by State

Last updated: 2026-03-31

Plumbing is a licensed trade in every state. Whether you're starting an apprenticeship, preparing for your journeyman exam, or looking to open your own plumbing business with a master license, requirements vary significantly by state.

License TypeRequired?Typical CostDetails
Apprentice RegistrationRequired$25 - $100Register with state, work under journeyman/master. 8,000-10,000 hours required.
Journeyman Plumber LicenseRequired$100 - $4004-5 years experience + UPC/IPC-based exam. Can work independently.
Master Plumber LicenseRequired to own business$150 - $5001-2 years as journeyman + advanced exam. Can pull permits, supervise, own business.
Plumbing Contractor LicenseRequired (some states)$200 - $600Master license + bond + insurance. Required separately in some states.
Backflow Prevention CertificationRecommended$150 - $300Specialized certification for testing/repairing backflow prevention devices.
Surety BondRequired (most states)$100 - $500/yr$5,000-$25,000 bond for plumbing contractors.

How to Get Licensed as a Plumbing Contractor

  1. Complete an apprenticeship — Register with your state and work 4-5 years (8,000-10,000 hours) under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Trade school can reduce the requirement in some states.
  2. Pass the journeyman exam — Exam covers plumbing code (UPC or IPC), fixture units, drainage calculations, water supply sizing, and safety. Study your state's adopted code edition.
  3. Gain master-level experience — Work 1-2 additional years as a licensed journeyman. Focus on residential and commercial projects to build diverse experience.
  4. Pass the master plumber exam — Advanced exam adding system design, advanced calculations, gas piping, and business law. Often requires references from licensed plumbers.
  5. Obtain insurance & bonding — GL ($1M+), workers' comp, and a surety bond ($5,000-$25,000). Required for contractor licensing.
  6. Apply for contractor license — Submit master license, insurance, bond, and fees to your state licensing board.

Plumber License Requirements by State

Select your state for specific requirements, exams, and fees.

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

What licenses do I need to start a plumbing business?
To start a plumbing business, you typically need: (1) a master plumber license (required in most states to own a plumbing business), (2) a plumbing contractor license (separate from trade license in some states), (3) a general business license, (4) a surety bond ($5,000-$25,000), and (5) insurance (GL + workers comp). Some states allow journeyman plumbers to own businesses with restrictions.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
Typically 4-6 years: a 4-5 year apprenticeship (8,000-10,000 hours) for journeyman, then 1-2 additional years to qualify for master plumber. Some states accept trade school credit (typically 1-2 years) toward the experience requirement. Total time to master plumber is usually 5-8 years.
How much does a plumber license cost?
Apprentice registration: $25-$100. Journeyman exam + license: $100-$400. Master plumber exam + license: $150-$500. Contractor license: $200-$600. Surety bond: $100-$500/year. Total first-year costs: $500-$2,000 depending on state. Renewals are $50-$200 every 1-3 years plus continuing education.
What exam do plumbers take?
Most states use exams based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC). Common testing providers: PSI, Prometric, or state-administered. Journeyman exams cover plumbing code, fixture calculations, drainage systems, and water supply. Master exams add design, advanced calculations, and business law.
Can I transfer my plumber license to another state?
Some states accept licenses from other states, especially if they use the same plumbing code and exam. States in ICC compact agreements may have streamlined reciprocity. Most states still require license verification, and some require passing their specific exam. Contact the target state's plumbing board.
What is the difference between UPC and IPC?
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is primarily used in western states and is published by IAPMO. The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is used in most eastern and midwestern states, published by ICC. Your exam will be based on whichever code your state adopts. Check your state's adopted code before studying.
Do plumbers need continuing education?
Most states require 4-16 hours of continuing education per renewal period (1-3 years). Topics include code updates, safety, backflow prevention, and green plumbing practices. Online courses are accepted in many states.

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