{
 "dataset": "plumber",
 "version": "2026-08-12",
 "records": 10,
 "columns": [
  "page_id",
  "state",
  "occupation",
  "cluster",
  "credential_holder",
  "licensing_level",
  "board_name",
  "board_url",
  "application_url",
  "renewal_cycle",
  "ce_hours",
  "exam",
  "fees",
  "legal_basis",
  "last_verified",
  "source_urls",
  "page_url"
 ],
 "terms": "Free to cite and reuse with attribution to LicensingAtlas. Every value is verified against the official source named in its source_urls and dated in last_verified.",
 "rows": [
  {
   "page_id": "ca-plumber",
   "state": "California",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "contractor",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)",
   "board_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/",
   "application_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/",
   "renewal_cycle": "Active licenses expire every two years; inactive licenses expire every four years. Approximately 60 days before expiration CSLB mails a renewal application, and an acceptable renewal application must be received at CSLB's Headquarters Office before the expiration date to avoid unlicensed time — \"It is your responsibility to make sure your license is renewed, even if you don't receive a renewal form.\" If a renewal has not arrived within 45 days of the expiration date the licensee can order one online or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB. If an acceptable renewal is not received on or before the expiration date a delinquent fee is due, equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee. Since 2021 the registrar is required to retroactively reinstate an expired contractor's license if a completed renewal application with the appropriate fees is received within 90 days of the expiration date (SB 1474). Maintaining an active license requires the $25,000 contractor's bond, the $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual where the license is qualified by an RME or a sub-10-percent RMO, and either proof of workers' compensation coverage or a filed exemption (C-36 may file an exemption if it has no employees and is not qualified by an RME); the current qualifying individual must also file a statement verifying their capacity as qualifier (Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7068(f)). An inactive license requires no bonds, no workers' compensation proof or exemption, and no designated qualifying individual, and the holder may not bid or contract for work; returning to active status requires an Application for Reactivation and the reactivation fee. A license cannot be renewed at all where the business entity has changed (sole owner to corporation, partnership to corporation, and so on), where the corporate registration number assigned by the Secretary of State has changed, or where the owner of a sole-owner license or the general partners of a partnership license have changed — a new license application is required instead. Before renewing a corporate license CSLB verifies the corporation's status and registered name with the Secretary of State: the corporation must have \"Active\" status, a suspension must be cleared first, and CSLB cancels the license if the corporation has dissolved, merged or surrendered the right to do business in California.",
   "ce_hours": "None. California does not require continuing education to renew a contractor license. CSLB's renewal requirements are the renewal fee, the $25,000 contractor's bond, the Bond of Qualifying Individual where applicable, workers' compensation coverage or a filed exemption, an active business entity status, and a current qualifying individual and address — with no continuing-education component anywhere in the renewal process. There is likewise no continuing-education requirement on an individual plumber, because California issues no individual plumber credential to renew.",
   "exam": "Two CSLB examinations, both administered by PSI Exams at computer testing centres under contract with CSLB: (1) the Law and Business examination and (2) the C-36 Plumbing trade examination. CSLB does not publish the exam fees on its own fee schedule — Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7137(a)(2) provides that the fee to take an examination conducted or administered by an outside organization \"shall be no greater than the actual cost of the administration of the examination and shall be paid directly to the organization by the applicant,\" and CSLB confirms that once an application is approved and referred for testing the applicant self-schedules with PSI and pays PSI directly, with each exam carrying a separate fee. Both exams are computer-based, multiple-choice, and allow 3-1/2 hours each. Scheduling is at test-takers.psiexams.com/cacon or by phone with PSI at (877) 392-6422; PSI centres are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday except major holidays. Eligibility runs 18 months from the day the application is accepted (posted); miss it and \"your application is considered void, and you will have to submit a new application with new fees.\" A failed exam may be retaken after 21 calendar days, provided the 18-month void date has not passed. The trade exam must be taken in person in California or Oregon; the Law and Business exam is additionally offered at PSI centres in eighteen other states. Cancelling or rescheduling without forfeiting the fee requires notice to PSI two days before the appointment; a no-show forfeits the fee. Official CSLB examination study guides are free on CSLB's website in English and Spanish. Accommodations under the ADA and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act must be requested from CSLB and approved before scheduling. Separate from these two qualifying exams, every new applicant must complete the asbestos open-book examination and submit the verification form before CSLB can issue the license. The trade examination may be waived under reciprocity (for plumbing, only from Arizona) or under the sec. 7065-7065.4 waiver and exemption provisions, in which case a different application form is used — the Application for Original Contractor License - Examination Waiver (7065), form 13A-1A.",
   "fees": "Application for an original license in a single classification: $450, non-refundable — Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7138 provides that \"a fee paid in connection with a service or application covered by Section 7137 shall accrue to the Contractors License Fund as an earned fee and shall not be refunded,\" so an abandoned or failed application forfeits it. Sec. 7137(a)(1)(A) sets the $450 and permits an increase to no more than $563. Initial license fee once the exams are passed and the license is issued: $200 for a sole owner (individual owner), $350 for a non-sole owner (partnership, corporation, LLC or joint venture); the fee covers the license for two years and is required for both active and inactive licenses, in addition to the application fee. A 50-percent reduction in the initial license fee applies to a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve components, who was not dishonorably discharged (sec. 7137(a)(3)(D)). Other application and licensing fees: additional classification applied for with an original license, waiver or joint venture application $150; additional classification for an existing license $230; replacing the qualifier $230; adding new personnel to an existing corporation or LLC $125; adding a new limited partner to an existing partnership $125; license reactivation application $450 sole owner / $700 non-sole owner; joint venture application for one classification $800 total, which CSLB's own fee page states already comprises the application fee plus the initial license fee (and BPC 7137(a)(3)(B) places a joint venture in the $350 initial-license tier, so the $200 figure was wrong twice over); asbestos certification application $125; hazardous substance removal certification application $125. Renewal (every two years for an active license): active timely $450 sole owner / $700 non-sole owner; active delinquent $675 / $1,050; inactive timely $300 / $500; inactive delinquent $450 / $750. The delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee if the license is renewed after its expiration (sec. 7137(a)(5)). The $20 surcharge assessed with the renewal fee for an active license, which CSLB's fee page shows as raising renewals to $470/$720 timely and $695/$1,070 delinquent, applies only to C-10 electrical contractors and funds enforcement of the Labor Code's electrician certification provisions (sec. 7137(a)(6)(A)) — a C-36 plumbing contractor does not pay it. Per Senate Bill 1455, licensees may be required to pay any outstanding Industry Expert Recovery Fees at the time of renewal. Fingerprinting (live scan) fees are paid to the live-scan operator: $32 Department of Justice processing fee, $17 FBI processing fee, plus the site's own rolling fee, which each site sets. Bonds are paid as premiums to a surety, not to CSLB: a $25,000 contractor's bond is required at issuance (or a $25,000 cashier's check in lieu), plus a second $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual where the license is qualified by an RME or by an RMO owning under 10 percent of the voting stock. Examination fees are separate and paid directly to PSI at self-scheduling, one fee per exam; CSLB does not publish those amounts on its fee schedule. Payments at CSLB's Sacramento office may be made by cash (exact change only), check or money order; CSLB states that the Norwalk, Fresno, San Bernardino and San Diego offices are not accepting payments and that payment kiosks are not available statewide at this time.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7048 (minor-work exemption: a license is required at $1,000 or more, or where a building permit is required, and the exemption is withdrawn where the work is part of a larger operation, where contracts are divided to evade the chapter, where the person advertises as a contractor, or where the person employs another; amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 67, Sec. 12 (AB 1170), effective January 1, 2026)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7048\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7053 (the wage-employee exemption — the provision that lets a plumber employed by a licensed C-36 contractor work with no state credential; amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1427, Sec. 2)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7053\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7027.2 (an unlicensed person may advertise only for work under $1,000 and only if the advertisement states the person is not licensed; amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 240, Sec. 1 (AB 2622), effective January 1, 2025)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7027.2\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code, div. 3, ch. 9, art. 3, secs. 7040-7054.5 (Exemptions from the Contractors State License Law — the complete article, twenty sections: 7040, 7041, 7042, 7042.1, 7042.5, 7043, 7044, 7044.01, 7044.1, 7044.2, 7045, 7046, 7048, 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7053, 7054, 7054.5. Section 7044.01 sits between 7044 and 7044.1 and is an enforcement provision -- injunctive relief and prevailing-party fees against an owner-builder who is neither licensed nor exempt -- not itself an exemption, which is why it is absent from the exemption narrative and changes no answer about who needs a license)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=3.&title=&part=&chapter=9.&article=3.\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7068 (how an applicant qualifies in regard to experience and knowledge; the RME definition, \\\"bona fide employee\\\" and \\\"actively engaged\\\" at 32 hours per week or 80 percent of operating hours; the bar on a qualifier holding another active license; the qualifier's renewal statement; verification of experience claims and random review; review of out-of-state experience; amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 376, Sec. 5 (AB 830), effective January 1, 2022)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7068\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7058.5 (asbestos: the 100-square-foot threshold and the C-22 or certification-exam requirement, the materials excluded from it, and subsection (b) requiring all applicants for an initial contractor license to complete the open book examination and submit it prior to issuance; amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 188, Sec. 8 (SB 826), effective January 1, 2022)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7058.5\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7071.6 ($25,000 contractor's bond required before issuance, reactivation or renewal of an active license)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7071.6\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7071.9 ($25,000 bond of qualifying individual, in addition to and not combined with the contractor's bond, where the qualifier is not the proprietor, a general partner or a joint licensee; the 10-percent-voting-stock RMO exemption on certification; the tribal exemption)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7071.9\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7125 (workers' compensation as a condition of licensure and the classifications required to carry coverage whether or not they have employees — C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49; C-36 is not among them. Citation note: BPC 7125 currently has two versions on file, and one is marked repealed effective January 1, 2028, so this citation is to the article-level text that serves both. That January 1, 2028 repeal changes which version of 7125 is operative.)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=3.&title=&part=&chapter=9.&article=7.5.\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7137 (fee schedule: $450 original application, $150/$230 additional classification, $230 replace qualifier, $125 add personnel, $200/$350 initial license, $450/$700 active renewal, $300/$500 inactive renewal, the 50-percent delinquency fee, the 50-percent veteran reduction in initial license and registration fees, and the C-10-only $20 electrician-certification surcharge)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7137\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7138 (a fee paid in connection with a service or application covered by sec. 7137 accrues to the Contractors License Fund as an earned fee and shall not be refunded)\", \"url\": \"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7138\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, sec. 825 (the regulation CSLB's application form cites for the four-years-of-journey-level-experience-within-the-last-10-years requirement)\"}, {\"citation\": \"Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, div. 8, art. 3 (Classifications) — C-36 Plumbing Contractor, and the related C-42 Sanitation System, C-55 Water Conditioning and C-16 Fire Protection classifications, as published by CSLB with the authority note \\\"Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"CSLB — C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification, quoted verbatim with its Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, div. 8, art. 3 authority (the six-part scope: waste removal and on-site disposal systems; piping, storage tanks and venting for gases and liquids including medical, dental, commercial and industrial; gas appliances, flues and connections excluding forced warm air units; water and gas piping from the owner's side of the utility meter; water and fluid heating equipment including solar; maintenance and replacement plus health and safety devices)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Step 1: Before Applying for the Examination (who must be licensed and the $1,000 / permit / additional-workers test; the full list of who is exempt from licensing including the paid-wages employee; asbestos requirements and the open-book exam; penalties for unlicensed contracting; to whom a license is issued; qualifying-individual rules and the three-firm limit; C-36 eligibility for hazardous substance removal certification and underground storage tanks)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/before_applying_for_license.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — FAQs About Journey-level Experience (\\\"that person does not have a license\\\"; the C-36-specific standard: plumbing every day for four full years at about eight hours a day, and a plumbing apprenticeship normally five years plus four years of journeyman time; owner-builder and property-manager experience; CSLB does not visit worksites and photos prove nothing)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Journeymen/Journeymen_FAQS.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Step 3: Qualifying Experience for the Examination (four years at journey level or as foreman/supervising employee/contractor/owner-builder, with CSLB's definitions of each; \\\"You do not have to meet any education requirements\\\"; the tiered 1-1/2 / two / three-year training and education credit; at least one year must be practical; sealed transcripts and foreign-degree evaluation)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/Exam_Application/Experience_For_Exam.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Application for Original Contractor License, form 13A-1 rev. 01/2026 (the 10-year experience window and its 16 CCR 825 authority; owner-builder experience limited to B-General Building; PSI examinations and the 18-month window; 21-day retake; the 3% random application and experience review; examination waivers and reciprocity, with the Law and Business exam still required if not passed within the last five years)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/FormsAndApplications/ApplicationForOriginalContractorsLicense.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Certification of Work Experience form (\\\"The qualifying individual must document at least four (4) years of journeyman-level or higher experience in the classification for which they are applying. The experience must have been obtained within the last 10 years.\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/FormsAndApplications/CertificationOfWorkExperience.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Summary of Acceptable Documentation to Verify Work Experience, form 13P-100 dated 04/26 (4 years in the last 10; wage/tax documents, employer contact information, duty statement, proof of an out-of-state employer's license status — and NO classification-specific certificate for C-36, unlike the EPA 608 requirement attached to C-20/C-38)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/Contractors/Journeymen/3_-_AcceptableDocs_032426.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — List of All CSLB Fees ($450 original application; $200/$350 initial license; $150/$230 additional classification; $230 replace qualifier; $125 add personnel; active timely renewal $450/$700 and delinquent $675/$1,050; inactive renewal $300/$500 and $450/$750; the C-10-only $20 surcharge; live-scan $32 DOJ + $17 FBI plus a varying rolling fee)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/fees.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Examination FAQ (PSI administers both exams and is paid directly; Notice to Schedule; each exam a separate fee; 3-1/2 hours per exam; multiple-choice on computer; 18-month void date; 21-calendar-day retake; the trade exam only in California or Oregon and the list of PSI centres; two-day cancellation rule; score reporting; ADA/FEHA accommodations approved before scheduling)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_us/Examination_FAQ.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Step 8: Issuing My License (the issuance checklist: initial license fee, $25,000 contractor bond or cashier's check, Bond of Qualifying Individual where applicable, completed asbestos open-book examination, workers' compensation certificate or exemption; the tribal exemption; active vs inactive obligations; formal investigation of some applications; wall certificate and pocket card)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Contractors_License/Exam_Application/Issuing_My_License.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Bond Requirements ($25,000 contractor's bond under sec. 7071.6 and the SB 607 increase effective January 1, 2023; the separate $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual under sec. 7071.9 for an RME or a sub-10% RMO, with the tribal exemption and the per-qualifier rule; the $25,000-minimum disciplinary bond; the 90-day filing window and Attorney General-approved form)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Workers' Compensation Requirements (the must-carry-regardless list is C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 — C-36 IS NOT ON IT, so a C-36 with no employees may file an exemption; the RME bar on filing an exemption; the 90-day proof deadline after a hire; sec. 7125.6 classification-code reporting)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/workers_compensation.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — General Renewal Information (active licenses expire every two years, inactive every four; the renewal fee table; 60-day mailing and 45-day order window; delinquent fee; SB 1474 retroactive reinstatement within 90 days; SB 1455 Industry Expert Recovery Fees; entity and corporate-status changes that block renewal; inactive renewal requires no bonds, workers' comp or qualifier)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/renew_license/general_renewal_information.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Reciprocity Program landing page (the programme covers Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and North Carolina)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — General Information on Reciprocity (formal agreements with the five states; reciprocity offered \\\"in specified classifications where the scopes of practice and licensing requirements are either identical or fundamentally indistinguishable\\\"; Bus. & Prof. Code sec. 7065.4)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/General_Reciprocity_Information.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Reciprocity Requirements (same for each state: the classification must appear on that state's list; an active license in good standing there for the previous five years; a Request for Verification of License form completed by the other agency; the Application for Original Contractor's License. Plus the separate NASCLA route, which reaches only B-General Building)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/Reciprocity_Requirements.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Reciprocal Classifications List (ONLY Arizona's plumbing classes map to C-36: C-37 / K-77 / L-77 \\\"Plumbing, Including Solar\\\" and C-37R / K-37 / L-37 \\\"Plumbing\\\". Nevada has no C-36 mapping; Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina reciprocate only into B / B-2. \\\"If an applicant is granted reciprocity, the CSLB may waive the trade portion of the exam, but retains the right to require the exam. The applicant will still be required to take the business law portion of CSLB's exam.\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Applicants/Reciprocity/Reciprocal_Classifications_List.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — AB 2622 implementation bulletin, CSLB #24-07 dated December 31, 2024 (\\\"License Requirement for Minor Work Increases from $500 to $1,000\\\" effective January 1, 2025, \\\"but there is a catch: the work cannot require a permit, and the unlicensed person cannot employ anyone for the project\\\"; unlicensed persons may advertise for work up to $1,000 with a not-licensed disclosure; the minor work exemption does not apply to people who advertise they are licensed or qualified)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/IndustryBulletins/2024/AB%202622%20Implementation.FINAL.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — C-42 Sanitation System Contractor classification (verbatim scope: cesspools, septic tanks, storm drains and other sewage disposal and drain structures)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C42\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — C-55 Water Conditioning Contractor classification (verbatim scope: water conditioning equipment with only the pipe and fittings necessary to connect it and to by-pass the parts of the supply system from which conditioned water is excluded)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C55\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — 2026 California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (the board's own annual publication of the Contractors State License Law and related regulations)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/2026/2026_CSLB_Law_Book.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CSLB — Forms and Applications index (Application for Original Contractor License and the 7065 Waiver version, Certification of Work Experience, Construction Project Experience, Statement Regarding Criminal Plea/Conviction 13A-45, Request for Verification of License, bond and workers' compensation exemption forms)\", \"url\": \"https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/ca-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "fl-plumber",
   "state": "Florida",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "contractor",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)",
   "board_url": "https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/",
   "application_url": "https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1042&clientCode=0604&XACT_DEFN_ID=18295",
   "renewal_cycle": "Biennial, and the year parity depends on which credential you hold — this is the detail most easily got wrong. Section 489.115(4)(a): “Each certificateholder or registrant who desires to continue as a certificateholder or registrant shall renew the certificate or registration every 2 years.” DBPR’s CILB page states the two cycles separately: for Certified Contractors, “Licenses expire August 31st every even year,” and for Registered Contractors, “Licenses expire August 31st every odd year.” DBPR’s CE-and-renewal table repeats it per category, and for Plumbing Contractor gives “Registered: 8/31/ODD YEAR / Certified: 8/31/EVEN YEAR.” DBPR states the current deadline directly: “Before midnight EST on August 31, 2026, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license: Complete the continuing education requirement; and Pay the renewal fee” — that is the certified cycle now running. For the registered cycle DBPR notes an administrative extension in the last round: “Licenses expire August 31st every odd year. However, because the 31st falls on a Sunday this year, and September 1st is a holiday, the deadline has been extended to September 2nd,” and “Before midnight EST on September 2, 2025, you will need to complete the following requirements.” DBPR sends the renewal notification 90-120 days before expiration, by email only. Renewal also carries forward the insurance affidavit in s. 489.115(5)(a), which applies “[a]s a prerequisite to the initial issuance or the renewal of a certificate or registration.” Inactive and delinquent status are governed by s. 489.116; the inactive biennial renewal fee is $50 (Rule 61G4-12.009(3)(b)), the delinquency fee is $25 (61G4-12.009(11)(a)), reactivation of an inactive license is $100 (61G4-12.009(6)), and reinstating a null and void license is $100 (61G4-12.009(14)).",
   "ce_hours": "14 hours per biennial renewal, with five named single-hour topics for plumbing. Section 489.115(4)(b)1. requires proof “that the certificateholder or registrant has completed at least 14 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each of continuing education courses during each biennium since the issuance or renewal of the certificate or registration,” and provides that “[a] person who has been licensed for less than an entire biennium must not be required to complete the full 14 hours of continuing education.” Rule 61G4-18.001(1) restates it as “at least 14 classroom or interactive distance learning hours of continuing education in one or more courses from a continuing education provider approved by the Board.” Rule 61G4-18.001(2) sets the mandatory hours: of the fourteen, one hour each in (a) a specialized or advanced module course approved by the Florida Building Commission or the Board; (b) workplace safety; (c) business practices; (d) workers’ compensation; and (e) laws and rules regulating the construction industry — plus, for named categories only, one hour of wind mitigation methodologies (General, Building, Residential, Roofing, Specialty Structure, Glass and Glazing), one hour of pool electrical requirements (the pool/spa categories), and one hour of cementitious cladding, stucco, plastering and lath (General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure). Plumbing is in none of those three additional groups, and DBPR’s own renewal table confirms it, listing for Plumbing Contractor: “14 hours of CE – minimum of 1 hour specialized or advanced module, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour laws and rules, and the remaining hours can be any board approved construction related instruction.” Up to four of the fourteen hours may be earned by attending a Board meeting at which disciplinary cases are considered, with at least seven days’ advance notice, sign-in and sign-out, and the first complete hour satisfying the laws-and-rules requirement — but not when the licensee attends as a party to a disciplinary action (Rule 61G4-18.001(1)). A licensee holding both a Part I and a Part II (electrical) license may apply the Part II workers’ compensation, workplace safety and business practices hours to the Part I requirement (s. 489.115(8)). For plumbing contractors doing medical gas work, the 6-hour NFPA 99C / brazing course required by s. 489.1136(1)(a) is taken “as part of the contractor’s continuing education requirement, at least once during the holding of such license.”",
   "exam": "Two tests for a Certified Plumbing Contractor, none for a Registered Plumbing Contractor. Because plumbing is a Division II category, DBPR’s Examinations at a Glance requires “two examinations: Business and Finance and General Trade Knowledge” (Division I — General, Building, Residential — sits three). Rule 61G4-16.001(12) fixes the plumbing trade test at 20% Drainage, 20% Water Distribution, 15% Natural Gas Piping, 20% Medical Gas Piping, 10% Industrial Piping, 5% Swimming Pools/Wells/Irrigation, 5% Solar and 5% Fire Protection, plus “five plumbing isometric drawings,” each worth up to 10 points and graded independently by three graders with at least two having to agree on each criterion; weights may vary ±3% (61G4-16.001(36)). Format (Examinations at a Glance, updated June 2024): Business & Finance — 120 scored questions, 6.5 hours, daily computer-based testing; Plumbing — 110 scored questions (45 AM, 65 PM) plus 5 isometric drawings in the AM session, 4.5 hours per session, paper and pencil, AM and PM. All construction examinations are open book and multiple choice. Passing score is “no less than a percentage of seventy (70%) out of one hundred percent (100%) on each of the required tests” (61G4-16.001(37)). Candidates apply directly to the department’s vendor, Professional Testing, Inc. (floridaexam.com, 407.264.0562), and “[c]ompleted applications and appropriate fees must be received by Professional Testing, Inc., no later than 30 days prior to the examination date”; computer-based parts are then scheduled with Pearson VUE (888.204.6230) once PTI approves the candidate (eligibility to schedule opens within 72 hours of approval). DBPR’s live examinations page lists the 2026 plumbing trade-knowledge administrations as April 14-15, June 2-3, August 11-12, October 12-13 and December 8-9, 2026, all at Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building, Kissimmee. Note a published conflict: the Examinations at a Glance PDF (updated June 2024) says the paper/pencil examinations “are currently administered on one day and in one location: Orlando,” with a 4.5-hour AM session reporting at 7:00 AM and a 4.5-hour PM session reporting at 1:00 PM, “normally take place on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the following months: February, April, June, August, October, and December” — while the live 2026 schedule names Kissimmee and lists no February 2026 date. Both are DBPR sources; the dated schedule page is the operative one for booking. Score validity: a passing grade is valid only four years from the date of the most recently passed portion (61G4-16.005), and all tests must be passed within four years of the first attempt or every past score becomes invalid (61G4-16.009(1)(b)2.); a failing candidate retakes only the failed parts. An applicant who has “received a baccalaureate degree in building construction from an accredited 4-year college, or a related degree as approved by the board by rule, and has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher... is only required to take and pass the business and finance portion of the examination” (s. 489.113(1)); for the plumbing classification the board-approved degrees are Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering (61G4-15.001(4)(c)). An oral examination may be petitioned for by a failing applicant in any category except general and building, on proof of lack of comprehension of written examinations plus 10 documented years in the craft and written competency recommendations, once per year (s. 489.113(7)). For registration there is no state test at all: “An examination is not required for registration” (s. 489.117(1)(a)); the applicant instead files evidence of the local jurisdiction’s competency and licensing requirements.",
   "fees": "Read the live DBPR application, not only the fee rule — the two disagree, by exactly the statutory unlicensed-activity surcharge. What DBPR actually charges (DBPR CILB 5-M and CILB 2 applications, and DBPR’s own fee dialog on each application page, checked July 29 2026): Certified Plumbing Contractor as an Individual — $245 when applying for initial certification between May 1 of an even year and August 31 of an odd year, or $145 between September 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year; DBPR’s dialog on July 29 2026 read “The current fee for this application is $245. If you submit this application after August 31, 2027 the fee will be $145.” Registered Plumbing Contractor as an Individual — $305 when applying for initial registration between May 1 of an odd year and August 31 of an even year, or $205 between September 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year; the dialog on July 29 2026 read “The current fee for this application is $305! If you submit this application after August 31, 2026 the fee will be $205.” Biennial renewal, from DBPR’s live CE-and-renewal table for Plumbing Contractor: “$205 (+$50 per qualified business).” What the fee rule says (Rule 61G4-12.009, F.A.C., effective 10/30/2017): the application-and-examination fee for certification is $335, nonrefundable, covering both application processing and examination administration, of which the applicant pays $135 directly to the Department or its examination development vendor on scheduling the tests, $80 to the Department or its assigned vendor “to cover examination administration costs for each test administered,” and $40 to the Department “for processing of the application after they have successfully passed the examination”; the application fee for registration is $100; the initial certification or registration fee is $200, “However, any initial certification or registration fee for registrants remitted within the second year of a biennium shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00)”; the biennial renewal fee for certification and registration is $200 ($50 inactive); business-organisation application and initial issue $50 and biennial renewal $50; delinquency fee $25; status-change processing $50; reactivation of an inactive license $100; transfer of a license between business entities $50; duplicate license $25; examination review $75; certification of a registered contractor under s. 489.118 $100; reinstatement of a null and void license $100. For an unsuccessful examinee, or an approved applicant who failed to appear, the next test fee is again $135 plus $80 per test administered, all nonrefundable. Reconciling the two: the live figures are the rule’s figures plus $5, the fee s. 455.2281 obliges the department to add — “the department shall impose, upon initial licensure and each subsequent renewal, a special fee of $5 per licensee, in addition to all other fees imposed, to fund efforts to combat unlicensed activity” (subject to a waiver where the profession’s unlicensed-activity account balance exceeds twice its prior two years of enforcement spending). So $200 initial certification + $40 application processing + $5 = $245; $100 registration application + $200 initial registration + $5 = $305; $200 renewal + $5 = $205. Statutory ceilings (s. 489.109(1)): for a certificate applicant the initial application fee may not exceed $150, and if an examination cost is included in the application fee the combined amount may not exceed $350, while the initial certification fee and the renewal fee may not exceed $250 each; for a registration applicant the initial application fee may not exceed $100 and the initial registration fee and renewal fee may not exceed $200 each; business-organisation application and renewal fees “shall be $50”; inactive-status renewal may not exceed $50. Costs DBPR does not publish as a dollar figure, and which are therefore real but unpriced here: the Livescan fingerprinting fee (set and collected by the FDLE-registered Livescan provider; s. 489.115(9) puts the cost on “the person subject to the background screening”), the credit report from a board-approved nationally recognised agency, the 14-hour financial responsibility course required if the FICO-derived score is below 660, and the public liability and property damage insurance premiums ($100,000 / $25,000 minimum for plumbing per the CILB 5-M application). Examination fees are paid to Professional Testing, Inc. and Pearson VUE, not with the license application. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members “may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount” (DBPR checklist; see DBPR Military Services).",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.105(3)(m) (definition and scope of “plumbing contractor”; the work a plumbing contractor may do “without obtaining an additional local regulatory license, certificate, or registration”; the chapter 527 LP-gas and natural-gas-utility water-heater carve-outs; drain cleaning and rainwater catchment permitted but not themselves licensed). Also s. 489.105(4)-(6) (primary and secondary qualifying agent; “contracting” includes bidding, negotiating and attempted sale), s. 489.105(8) and (10) (certified contractor may contract in any jurisdiction; registered contractor only in the jurisdictions whose competency requirements were met), s. 489.105(12)-(14) (local construction regulation board; business organization; financially responsible officer). 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.105.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.103 (Exemptions) — the 24 exemptions from Part I in full, including (2) the employee exemption that is why an employed plumber needs no state license, and its F.I.C.A./withholding/workers’-compensation definition of “employee”; (7) the owner-builder exemption and its statutory disclosure statement; (9) the under-$2,500 casual, minor or inconsequential work exemption with its anti-splitting and anti-advertising conditions; (15) the water-conditioning-unit exemption that expressly bars any municipality or county from requiring such an operator to be licensed as a plumber. Last amended s. 1, ch. 2021-22. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.103.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.113 (Qualifications for practice; restrictions) — (1) certification for statewide contracting versus registration for other than statewide, and the 3.0-GPA building-construction-degree route to the business and finance portion only; (2) certification or registration required, the supervised-subcontractor exception and its exclusion of the s. 489.105(3)(d)-(o) categories (plumbing is (m)), and cease-and-desist authority for the department and for counties, municipalities and special-act local licensing boards; (3) the duty to subcontract plumbing work absent a state certificate or registration in the trade; (4) permit privileges of a certificateholder and the local construction regulation board’s power to deny or revoke them; (5) the certificate is not transferable; (6) voluntary certified specialty categories, including the categories the board was directed to establish by rule by July 1, 2025; (7) the oral examination petition. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.113.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.111 (Licensure by examination) — (2)(a)-(c) age 18, good moral character, and the alternative eligibility criteria: a baccalaureate degree in the appropriate field of engineering, architecture or building construction plus 1 year of proven experience (2,000 person-hours = full-time equivalency); or “a total of at least 4 years of active experience as a worker who has learned the trade by serving an apprenticeship as a skilled worker... or as a foreman... provided, however, that at least 1 year of active experience shall be as a foreman”; or the three stated worker/foreman/college-credit combinations. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.111.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.115 (Certification and registration; endorsement; reciprocity; renewals; continuing education) — (1) no person may engage in contracting without being certified or registered in the proper classification; (3) the four endorsement routes, including the 10-year out-of-state license route and its Division-I-and-roofing-only Florida Building Code course; (4)(a) biennial renewal; (4)(b)1. at least 14 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each per biennium; (5) insurance affidavit as a prerequisite to initial issuance and renewal, credit report and evidence of financial responsibility, and the 30-day workers’-compensation-exemption affidavit; (6) and (9) statewide and national criminal history records checks at the applicant’s cost; (7) financial stability guidelines capped at $20,000 (Division I) and $10,000 (Division II) with 50% satisfiable by a 14-hour financial responsibility course. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.115.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.117 (Registration; specialty contractors) — (1)(a) “An examination is not required for registration,” and initial registration requires evidence of compliance with local examination and licensing requirements; (1)(b) registration limited to the jurisdictions where local requirements were met; (1)(c) 30-day duty to report each local certificate; (2)(a) no new registration on a local license from a jurisdiction without disciplinary control and oversight; (2)(b) the route for applicants who held a license during 2021, 2022 or 2023 in a jurisdiction that no longer offers the type; (3)(a) limited nonrenewable registration for one project for a contractor not domiciled in the state; (4)(a)1. the local-licensing preemption, which expressly preserves the s. 489.105(3)(a)-(o) and (q) categories and the journeyman licenses authorized in s. 489.1455(1); (4)(d)-(e) the single-family and swimming-pool supervision routes, both excluding plumbing; (5) the 24-month declared-emergency widening of a registrant’s territory. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.117.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.1455 (Journeyman; reciprocity; standards) — (1) counties and municipalities “are authorized to issue journeyman licenses in the plumbing, pipe fitting, mechanical, or HVAC trades” on a proctored Block and Associates or other board-approved examination score of at least 75 percent (70 percent before October 1, 1997), a completed registered and state-approved apprenticeship program under s. 446.021(6) OR at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training, and Florida Building Commission advanced module coursework under s. 553.841 (or proof of completion within 6 months); (2) counties and municipalities “must recognize a person as a journeyman... if the person was issued a journeyman license in such trade by a county or municipality in the state.” 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1455.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.1136 (Medical gas certification) — (1)(a) the licensed plumbing contractor’s at-least-6-hour board-approved NFPA 99C and brazing course, taken as part of continuing education at least once during the holding of the license; (1)(b) the at-least-8-hour classroom-and-practical course, with a practical examination, for any other natural person employed by a licensed plumbing contractor to work on a medical gas system; (1)(c) the brazing-only examination route; (1)(d) and (2)(b) the contractor’s duty to ascertain workforce compliance, enforceable under s. 489.129; (2)(a) the on-site presence requirement; (3) “medical” means any medicinal, life-supporting or health-related purpose. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.1136.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.109 (Fees) — the statutory ceilings the board’s fee rule must fit inside: certificate applicant initial application fee not to exceed $150, combined application-plus-examination not to exceed $350, initial certification fee and renewal fee not to exceed $250; registration applicant initial application fee not to exceed $100, initial registration fee and renewal fee not to exceed $200; business-organization application and renewal fees $50; inactive-status renewal fee not to exceed $50. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.109.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.118 (Certification of registered contractors; grandfathering provisions) — the board “shall” certify a registered contractor who holds a valid registered local license in a s. 489.105(3)(a)-(p) category, has passed a written examination the board finds substantially similar (the statute names National Assessment Institute, Block and Associates, NAI/Block, Experior Assessments, Professional Testing, Inc. and Assessment Systems, Inc., and bars the board from imposing requirements on the nature or content of those examinations), has at least 5 years of experience as a contractor in the category or as an inspector or building administrator with oversight over it, has had no revocation ever, no suspension within 5 years and no fine over $500 within 5 years, and complies with s. 489.115(5). 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.118.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 455.2281 (Unlicensed activities; fees; disposition) — “the department shall impose, upon initial licensure and each subsequent renewal, a special fee of $5 per licensee, in addition to all other fees imposed, to fund efforts to combat unlicensed activity,” subject to a waiver where the profession’s unlicensed-activity account balance at the start of the fiscal year before renewal exceeds twice the prior two fiscal years’ enforcement expenditures. This is the $5 that reconciles DBPR’s published $245 / $305 / $205 with the fee rule’s $240 / $300 / $200. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0455/Sections/0455.2281.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.128 (Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable) and s. 489.127 (Prohibitions; penalties) — the civil and penal consequences of contracting for plumbing work without the required certification or registration. 2025 Florida Statutes\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.127.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Stat. s. 489.128 (Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors unenforceable), 2025 Florida Statutes -- cited separately because Online Sunshine serves one section per URL and the 489.127 page does not contain 489.128 at any point.\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0489/Sections/0489.128.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-12.009 (Fees), effective 10/30/2017 — the itemised CILB fee schedule (see fees field). Rulemaking Authority 455.213(2), 455.217(2), 455.219(1), 455.271(6), (8), 489.108, 489.109, 489.118 FS\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-12.009\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-16.001 (Written Certification Examination Requirements), effective 12/16/2024 — (12) the plumbing certification examination: two tests, the trade-knowledge content weights, and the five isometric drawings with the three-grader / two-must-agree scoring rule; (36) ±3% weight variance; (37) “The score necessary to achieve a passing grade on all of the construction certification examinations shall be no less than a percentage of seventy (70%) out of one hundred percent (100%) on each of the required tests”\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-16.001\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-18.001 (Continuing Education Requirements for Certificateholders and Registrants), effective 6/26/2023 — 14 hours per renewal cycle and the mandatory topic hours; plumbing is not in the wind-mitigation, pool-electrical or cementitious-cladding groups\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-18.001\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-15.001 (Qualification for Certification), effective 5/16/2024 — (1)(a)-(b) experience must be gained under a properly licensed contractor and experience from s. 489.103 exempt services is not accepted; (4)(c) “Plumbing Classification: Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering” as the appropriate baccalaureate degrees\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-15.001\"}, {\"citation\": \"Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G4-16.005 (Duration of Validity), effective 3/26/2017 — “For the purpose of certification, a passing grade shall be valid only for a period of four (4) years from the date of the most recently passed portion of the exam”; and R. 61G4-16.009 (Examination and Reexamination), effective 8/26/2024 — retake only the failed tests, but all tests must be passed within four years of the first attempt, and the application must reach the examination vendor at least 30 days before the administration\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-16.009\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"DBPR / CILB — Construction Industry home page: board identity and executive director; the board’s own definitions of “certified contractor” (code begins with C) and “registered contractor” (code begins with R); the CF and RF plumbing contractor scope; the Renew My License panels (Certified expire Aug 31 EVEN years, Registered Aug 31 ODD years, Aug 31 2026 deadline, 90-120 day email notice); the CE Requirements table row for Plumbing Contractor (14 hours with the five named single hours; renewal $205 (+$50 per qualified business); Registered 8/31/ODD, Certified 8/31/EVEN); and the full list of plumbing application types (CILB 5-M, 6-M, 7-M, 9, 10, 26 certified; CILB 2, 3, 4, 9, 20, 26 registered)\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR licensing portal — Certified Plumbing Contractor as an Individual, Active (CILB 5-M) application checklist: examination required for certified applicants; “four years of experience or a combination of college and experience”; Livescan fingerprints after applying; credit report with FICO score; insurance attestation and workers’ comp or exemption within 30 days of issuance; age 18. This is the application_url\", \"url\": \"https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1042&clientCode=0604&XACT_DEFN_ID=18295\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR CILB 5-M — Application for Certified Plumbing Contractor as an Individual (Eff. July 2024, incorporated by Rule 61-35.010, F.A.C.): THE LIVE FEE ($245 May 1 even year–Aug 31 odd year; $145 Sep 1 odd year–Apr 30 even year); the five methods of qualification and the three veteran methods; the Part A / Part B plumbing experience areas; and the insurance minimums ($100,000 public liability / $25,000 property damage for all categories other than General and Building)\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/CILB5M_Certified_Contractor_Individual_Plumbing.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR licensing portal — Registered Plumbing Contractor as an Individual, Active (CILB 2) checklist: “In lieu of a state certification examination, applicants for registration must show evidence of possessing a certificate of competency from a local licensing authority”\", \"url\": \"https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1042&clientCode=0617&XACT_DEFN_ID=18360\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR CILB 2 — Application for Registered Contractor as an Individual: THE LIVE REGISTRATION FEE ($305 May 1 odd year–Aug 31 even year; $205 Sep 1 even year–Apr 30 odd year); requirement of a copy of the current local competency card or a letter from the local building official; and the s. 489.117(2)(b) route for applicants whose local jurisdiction no longer offers the license type (license held during 2021, 2022 or 2023 plus evidence the type is no longer issued)\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/CILB2_Registered_Contractor_Individual.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR — Construction Examinations: Division II applicants sit Business & Finance plus General Trade Knowledge; Professional Testing, Inc. registers/develops/scores (floridaexam.com, 407.264.0562) with applications and fees due no later than 30 days before the exam date; Pearson VUE administers the computer-based parts (888.204.6230), schedulable within 72 hours of PTI approval; all examinations open book and multiple choice; and the LIVE 2026 plumbing trade-knowledge dates (April 14-15, June 2-3, August 11-12, October 12-13, December 8-9, 2026) at Osceola Heritage Park, Exhibition Building, Kissimmee\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/examination-information/construction-examinations/\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR Bureau of Education & Testing — CILB Examinations at a Glance (updated June 2024): Division I sits three tests, Division II two; Business & Finance 120 scored questions / 6.5 hrs / daily CBT; Plumbing 110 scored questions (45 AM, 65 PM) plus 5 isometric drawings AM / 4.5 hrs / paper-pencil AM & PM. CONFLICTS WITH THE LIVE SCHEDULE on venue and months: this PDF says paper/pencil exams run “on one day and in one location: Orlando,” normally a Tuesday or Wednesday in February, April, June, August, October and December\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/exam_glance.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"DBPR Bureau of Education & Testing — Plumbing Contractors General Trade Knowledge Examination Content Information (revised September 5, 2014): two sessions, 45 equally weighted questions plus 5 isometric drawings worth 10 points each in the morning, 65 equally weighted questions in the afternoon, scores combined; content areas and the required knowledge per system\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/plum_eci.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CILB — Reciprocity and Substantially Equivalent Exams: the board’s reciprocal agreements cover only General, Building and Residential licenses (Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi). No plumbing reciprocity\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/Reciprocity-06.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"CILB — Endorsement and Substantially Equivalent Exams: the list of out-of-state examinations previously found substantially similar to Florida’s (Alabama Roofing; Arkansas and Iowa Master HVACR; several California classifications; Georgia Pollutant Storage; South Carolina Mechanical-Air Conditioning). No plumbing examination from any state appears\", \"url\": \"https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/pro/cilb/documents/Endorsement-06.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"Florida Administrative Code ch. 61G4-12 (Organization and Purpose), Rule 61G4-12.009 Fees, eff. 10/30/2017 — the complete CILB fee schedule the DBPR forms are built from ($335 application-and-examination broken into $135 + $80 per test + $40; $100 registration application; $200 initial and $200 biennial renewal, halved to $100 in the second year of a biennium; $50 business organisation; $25 delinquency; $100 reactivation; $100 s. 489.118 certification of a registered contractor; $100 reinstatement)\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=61G4-12\"}, {\"label\": \"Florida Administrative Code ch. 61G4-16 (Examinations) — Rule 61G4-16.001(12) plumbing test structure and content weights plus the five isometric drawings and the three-grader rule; (36) ±3% weight variance; (37) 70% passing score on each required test; Rule 61G4-16.005 four-year validity of a passing grade; Rule 61G4-16.009 reexamination, the 30-day application deadline, and the four-year window to pass all tests\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=61G4-16\"}, {\"label\": \"Florida Administrative Code ch. 61G4-18 (Continuing Education) — Rule 61G4-18.001(1)-(2): 14 classroom or interactive distance learning hours per renewal from a Board-approved provider; the five mandatory single-hour topics; the category-specific wind mitigation, pool electrical and cementitious cladding hours (none of which apply to plumbing); and the up-to-4-hour credit for attending a Board disciplinary session\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=61G4-18\"}, {\"label\": \"Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-15.001 Qualification for Certification, eff. 5/16/2024 — experience must be gained under a contractor properly licensed in the applied-for category or one encompassing its full scope; experience gained providing s. 489.103 exempt services is not accepted; and (4)(c) the appropriate baccalaureate degrees for the Plumbing classification are Mechanical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering\", \"url\": \"https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61G4-15.001\"}, {\"label\": \"Florida Statutes ch. 489 Part I (Construction Contracting) — chapter index for the sections cited in legal_basis\", \"url\": \"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0489/0489PartIContentsIndex.html\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/fl-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "ga-plumber",
   "state": "Georgia",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "contractor",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board — Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, administered by the Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division",
   "board_url": "https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers",
   "application_url": "https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-plumber-license",
   "renewal_cycle": "Biennial, on a fixed statewide date: every license and certificate issued under Chapter 14 is valid for two years and renews on expiration (O.C.G.A. 43-14-20(a)), and plumbing licenses sit in the November-30-of-even-numbered-years group with a late renewal period running December 1 to December 31 of even years (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 295-2-.09(a), effective as of the 2022 renewal cycle; the statute expresses the late window as \"a period not to exceed 31 days immediately following the expiration of the biennial license,\" 43-14-20(c)). The Division: \"License renewal is completed online through your GOALS account and must be completed by November 30 of even-numbered years. Late renewal period is December 1 – 31 of even-numbered years.\" The renewal application must be filed with the division director before the expiration date with the biennial renewal fee and must certify that all current continuing-education requirements determined by the Board have been fulfilled, and it must also disclose any findings or pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or First Offender treatment for any felony or misdemeanor other than minor traffic violations made since the last approval, plus authorisation for the division to receive criminal history record information through a Board-approved entity (43-14-20(b); Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-4-.02(6)). Missing both the deadline and the late window lapses the license; the holder \"shall not be authorized to engage in the business or profession for which licensed\" while unrenewed (121-4-.02(2); 43-14-20(d), (l)). Reinstatement within three years takes a reinstatement application, the reinstatement fee, verification of completed continuing education and any other information the Board prescribes; after three years the Board or Division may additionally require re-examination and an affidavit attesting to the applicable experience requirements, and the Board's how-to guide states that a license expired more than three years requires applying for reinstatement before re-taking the exam (43-14-20(e)-(f)). Renewal of a lapsed license is discretionary and may be granted with conditions including retaking the licensure examination (121-4-.02(5)). Neither the Board's failure to send nor the licensee's failure to receive a renewal reminder excuses a missed renewal (121-4-.02(3)).",
   "ce_hours": "8 hours per two-year renewal cycle for both Master and Journeyman Plumbers. The Board's rule: \"Any applicant for renewal of master or journeyman license is required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education within the 24 months prior to the license or certificate expiration date. An applicant for renewal who has been initially licensed for less than two (2) years must have completed four (4) hours of continuing education while licensed prior to renewal. An applicant for renewal who has been initially licensed for less than one (1) year is not required to complete continuing education prior to the applicant's initial renewal\" (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-4-.04(1)). The Division states the same total per year: \"Yes, 4 continuing education hours are required annually (a total of 8 hours per renewal),\" and Rule 121-4-.02(7)(b) asks the renewal application to include evidence of 4 hours for each year since the last renewal, or since initial issuance if the license has not been through a renewal cycle. Acceptable subjects are plumbing installation, design, state codes, products, innovations or new techniques, tools and materials, safety, or work-related legal issues — plus environmental or business issues for Master Plumbers only — and providers must be an institute of higher education, a vocational-technical school, a trade, technical or professional organization, or an institute under the State Board of Technical and Adult Education (121-4-.04(2)). Statutory rules layered on top by SB 553 (2026): each Division may require CE for renewal and may approve courses offered inside or outside Georgia subject to reasonable, nondiscriminatory fees; courses conducted primarily to promote specific products or services are not permitted; hours may not be carried forward to a subsequent renewal period; a Division may waive CE for hardship, disability or illness; and each Division must make reasonable efforts to offer CE online or by home study and at times outside normal work hours (O.C.G.A. 43-14-20(g)-(k)). Failure to comply renders the license invalid and can mean denial of renewal or revocation (43-14-20(l)). Licensees self-certify on renewal and must keep records for at least five years showing the conducting school or organization, course title, location and date, outline or topics, hours of instruction, and documentation of attendance and satisfactory completion; hours are produced to the Division on request (121-4-.04(3)-(4)). Audits are random — the Division warns \"You may be randomly selected for an audit of your completed CE hours\" — and its CE Audit Report Form (revised 01/2026) is headed \"For the Two-year CE Reporting Period Ending November 30th of even numbered years\" and is signed before a notary. SB 125 (2025, Act 93, effective July 1, 2025) also established a continuing education tracking solution for Secretary of State licensing boards to monitor compliance. There is no separate CE requirement published for the Medical Gas Piping certification, but that certification is voided if the holder fails to perform brazing during any 12-month period (121-2-.11(3)(c)).",
   "exam": "The State Construction Industry Licensing Board contracts examination delivery to PSI, and the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers approves separate examinations for Master Plumber Class I, Master Plumber Class II and Journeyman Plumbers (O.C.G.A. 43-14-6(1)(B)). You cannot register yourself first: the Board must approve your application to sit, after which \"information will be provided from Board staff on next steps, including your testing candidate ID number. Additionally, our testing vendor, PSI, will contact you regarding setting up an account with them and registering for the exam you have been approved to take. Exams are offered on a continuous basis and at various locations. Once you have registered with PSI, you can select your test date and location on their site.\" The passing standard is a minimum score of 70 on the appropriate examination for every class (O.C.G.A. 43-14-13(j)(1), (k)(1), (l)(1); Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-3-.02(2)). Book rules differ by class, and this is easy to get wrong: the Division's suggested reference list states that the \"Journeyman Plumber exam is open-book format. For all other exams, these reference materials may NOT be used during the examination.\" Failing twice stops you until you take a course: an applicant for a master plumber or journeyman plumber license who fails the examination twice (after July 1, 1989) must submit documentation of completion of a review course before being scheduled for a third examination, and the documentation must include the school name, the course title, the instructor's name and license number if the course was not run by a college or postsecondary technical school, the topics covered, the number of instruction hours and the date of completion (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-3-.03). The course must be conducted by a college, post-secondary technical school, military service, or a private agency meeting Board Rule 121-2-.06; the Board publishes the agencies that have submitted qualifying plumbing courses — currently Georgia Plumbing Inst., Inc. (East Point), PHCC of Georgia (Cumming) and the Georgia Plumbers Trade Association (Stockbridge) — with the instruction to confirm a private course meets 121-2-.06 before enrolling. Accommodations are requested through the Board's ADA Accommodations Form, and veterans may claim Veteran's Preference Points (exam point credits) with a DD-214 showing service during a period of conflict or war for at least 90 days. Examination and applicant information is confidential under Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-2-.02.",
   "fees": "Georgia sets no plumbing fee amounts in statute or in the administrative code; the Board publishes them in a separate schedule. The application fee \"shall be set by the Board in order to recover costs associated with processing the application. Fees shall be published in a separate schedule and will be made available to all applicants,\" and it is non-refundable unless the Executive Director, Deputy Division Director or Division Director approves otherwise (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-2-.01(2)); likewise \"the renewal fees, late fees, and reinstatement fees will be set by the Board. Fees will be published in a separate schedule and will be made publicly available\" (121-4-.02(1)). The statute itself refers applicants to \"the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board\" (O.C.G.A. 43-14-13(j)-(l)) and to a biennial renewal fee \"prescribed by the board\" (43-14-20(b)).\n\nThat separate schedule is published inside the Secretary of State's GOALS portal (goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/fee-schedules). Read from the portal on 2026-07-30, the Board publishes the same fee table for all three licensee types — Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber - Non-Restricted and Master Plumber - Restricted: the application fee obtained by examination is $100, and it is likewise $100 for a military applicant under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act; renewal is $100; late renewal is $100; reinstatement is $300, and reinstatement after three years is also $300. Every application additionally carries a $10 processing fee. Optional credential artifacts are priced separately — a wall certificate is $50 and a pocket card $25 — and expedited license verification is $40 for 3-5 business days or $115 for same business day. The schedule carries no effective date or revision history, so these amounts are stated as published on the date they were read rather than as of a stated revision.\n\nThe examination itself is administered by the Board's testing vendor, PSI. Any vendor exam charge is separate from and additional to the $100 application fee and is not published on the Board's fee schedule.\n\nAlso sourced about money: application, renewal and registration fees are non-refundable; a late renewal fee applies during the December 1-31 window; a reinstatement fee applies to a lapsed license; the applicant pays all fees associated with the criminal background check (43-14-13(h)); reciprocity applicants pay a fee \"in an amount established by the board\" (43-14-23(2)); continuing-education course approval is \"subject to reasonable, nondiscriminatory fees\" (43-14-20(h)); a municipality or county may still charge its own business license fee, registration fee, tax or gross receipt tax (43-14-16(c)); and the optional local code-compliance bond under 43-14-16(b)(2) is $10,000, deposited with the probate court rather than paid to the Board. Georgia requires no contractor bond or insurance filing with the Board for a plumbing license.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 14 (State Construction Industry Licensing Board), 43-14-1 through 43-14-24, as repealed and re-enacted in full by SB 553 (2026), signed May 11, 2026 — 43-14-2 definitions including Master Plumber Class I and Class II, journeyman plumber, plumbing, plumbing contractor and full-time experience; 43-14-6 division powers, the separate plumbing examinations and the list of licenses issued; 43-14-13 plumbing license requirements, the five-foot rule, company qualification and the Journeyman/Class I/Class II experience requirements with the March 1, 2025 grandfather; 43-14-15 injunction; 43-14-16 local inspection authority and the optional $10,000 code-compliance bond; 43-14-17 evidence, cease and desist, $1,500 fine and the misdemeanor; 43-14-18 display; 43-14-19 applicability and exceptions; 43-14-20 biennial renewal, late renewal, reinstatement and continuing education; 43-14-21 military expedited licensure; 43-14-22 inactive status; 43-14-23 reciprocity; 43-14-24 Georgia Administrative Procedure Act. No official URL: Georgia publishes the Official Code of Georgia Annotated only through a session-scoped LexisNexis container (the Board's own instruction is to open lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode and browse to Title 43, Chapter 14), so the citation is given without a link rather than pointed at an aggregator; the verbatim text of the chapter as enacted is in the SB 553 act PDF listed in this page's sources\"}, {\"citation\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 121 (State Construction Industry Licensing Board) — Chapter 121-1 organization; Chapter 121-2 qualifications for licensure (121-2-.01 application and fees, 121-2-.03 reciprocity, 121-2-.06 review course, 121-2-.11 medical gas piping certification, 121-2-.12 military spouses); Chapter 121-3 application for licensure (121-3-.02 statewide Master and Journeyman Plumber license, 121-3-.03 applicant review course); Chapter 121-4 license issuance, renewal, reinstatement and expiration (121-4-.02 renewal, 121-4-.04 plumber continuing education); Chapter 121-5 disciplinary proceeding; Chapter 121-6 business registration. Chapters renumbered filed February 27, 2025, effective March 19, 2025\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121\"}, {\"citation\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Rule 295-2-.09 (Joint Secretary, Professional Licensing Boards Division) — plumbing licenses expire November 30 of even-numbered years with a late renewal period of December 1 to December 31, effective as of the 2022 renewal cycle\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/295-2\"}, {\"citation\": \"Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code — the International Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, with Georgia State Amendments published by the Department of Community Affairs, revised and effective January 1, 2026\", \"url\": \"https://dca.georgia.gov/document/document/ipc-2026-amendment-packet/download\"}, {\"citation\": \"O.C.G.A. 50-36-1 and 50-36-2 (lawful-presence affidavit and secure and verifiable document, both required with every plumbing license application under 43-14-13(j)(4), (k)(4), (l)(4)) — no official URL, same LexisNexis limitation as Chapter 43-14\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-30",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers board home (board identity, license checklists for Journeyman and Master Plumber, links to rules, fee schedule, GOALS, licensee search and cease and desist orders)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers FAQ (the license types and the OLD Class I restriction \\\"single-family dwellings and one-level dwellings designed for not more than two families and commercial structures not to exceed 10,000 square feet\\\"; Class II \\\"no restrictions\\\"; Journeyman \\\"at least 1 year of experience\\\"; Master \\\"minimum of five (5) years... at least two (2) of the five (5) years being licensed as a Journeyman Plumber\\\" plus commercial/industrial experience for Class II; \\\"No, Georgia does not have reciprocity with any other states for Master or Journeyman Plumbers\\\"; \\\"the Licensing Board does not register Plumbing companies\\\" and \\\"Only licensed Master Plumbers may have a business (not Journeyman)\\\"; PSI as testing vendor with continuous exam offering; review course after two failures; renewal by November 30 of even-numbered years with late renewal December 1-31; \\\"4 continuing education hours are required annually (a total of 8 hours per renewal)\\\" and random CE audits; Medical Gas Piping certification)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/page/division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers-faq\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — How-To Guide: Plumber License (application checklists for Journeyman, Master Plumber Restricted and Non-Restricted, reinstatement under and over 3 years, and renewal; background check through local law enforcement; three references; Secure and Verifiable Document; Affidavit of Citizenship; 15-days-before-a-Board-meeting rule; 60-day deficiency withdrawal; \\\"You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license\\\"; Veterans Preference Points and the DD-214 90-day conflict-service condition)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-plumber-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — About the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (the State Construction Industry Licensing Board's five sub-boards; full board meets twice a year; each sub-board sets its own meetings and may pass rules within its jurisdiction; two consumer members; four-year gubernatorial appointments)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/page/about-division-master-and-journeyman-plumbers\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Board of Plumbers Rules and Regulations (points to Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121 and instructs that the board's LAWS are read through the LexisNexis O.C.G.A. portal at lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode; also lists the October 24, 2024 proposed-rule hearings under the pre-renumbering rule citations)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/page/board-plumbers-rules-and-regulations\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Master and Journeyman Plumbers Exam Suggested Reference List (stamped \\\"Effective 1/1/25 - 12/31/25\\\"; \\\"Journeyman Plumber exam is open-book format. For all other exams, these reference materials may NOT be used during the examination.\\\"; still names the 2018 Georgia Plumbing Code (2018 IPC) and 2018 Georgia Gas Code (2018 IFGC) with 2018 amendments revised Jan. 1 2020; NASCLA business/law guide 5th edition; OSHA 29 C.F.R. 1926 for Master Class I and II only)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/48-plumbers-2025-exam-reference-list\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Review Course Information for applicants who fail twice (course must be run by a college, post-secondary technical school, military service, or a private agency meeting Board Rule 121-2-.06; lists the plumbing providers that have submitted qualifying courses)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/48-plumbers-review-course-providers\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Plumbers CE Audit Report Form, rev. 01/2026 (\\\"For the Two-year CE Reporting Period Ending November 30th of even numbered years\\\"; notarised; Division address 3920 Arkwright Rd., Suite 195, Macon)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/48-plumbers-ce-audit-form\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121-3 (Application for Licensure) — Rule 121-3-.02 Statewide Master and Journeyman Plumber License: the 10,000-square-foot Class I restriction, minimum score of 70, the reference requirements (one Master Plumber for Class I, two for Class II), the five-years/two-years Master experience rule, the one-year Journeyman rule, and the definitions of Primary and Secondary Experience; Rule 121-3-.03 Applicant Review Course after two failures; Rule 121-3-.05 Display of Business Registration Number (conditioned air only)\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-3\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121-4 (License Issuance, Renewal, Reinstatement, Expiration) — Rule 121-4-.02 biennial renewal, late renewal, lapse and reinstatement including the over-3-year re-examination discretion and the 4-hours-per-year evidence requirement; Rule 121-4-.04 Continuing Education for Master and Journeyman Plumbers (minimum 8 hours within the 24 months before expiration; 4 hours if licensed under two years; none if under one year; subject areas and provider types; five-year record retention)\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-4\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121-2 (Qualifications for Licensure) — Rule 121-2-.01 application and non-refundable Board-set fee plus criminal-history disclosure; 121-2-.02 confidentiality; 121-2-.03 Statewide License by Reciprocity (written agreements, substantial equality, no grandfathered licensees); 121-2-.06 Review Course for Re-examination; 121-2-.11 Statewide Plumber Medical Gas Piping Systems Certification (32-hour ASSE 6000/NFPA 99 programme, 24 classroom hours, braze test on 1 1/2\\\" type L tubing, annual brazing or retest); 121-2-.12 Licensure for Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121-6 (Business Registration) — Rule 121-6-.01: a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation must have regularly connected with it a licensee actually engaged in the business full time who supervises and is responsible for the work, and who may not qualify more than one business at a time\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-6\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 121-5 (Disciplinary Proceeding) — Rule 121-5-.02 Unprofessional Conduct, including violating local ordinances and failing to obtain required permits and inspections, and failing to register with the Division the name of the business the licensee qualifies under Chapter 121-6 or to report severance within five days\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-5\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 121 administrative history — records that the plumber license rule and the plumber CE rule were renumbered (121-2-.01/.02 to 121-3-.01/.02 and 121-4-.05/.06/.07 to 121-4-.03/.04/.05), filed February 27, 2025, effective March 19, 2025; the Board's own web pages and third-party guides still cite the pre-March-2025 numbers\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121\"}, {\"label\": \"Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Rule 295-2-.09 (Joint Secretary, Professional Licensing Boards Division) — \\\"The following licenses expire on November 30 of the even numbered years, effective as of the 2022 renewal cycle: (a) Plumbing Contractors/Journeymen; with a lapsed, late renewal period from December 1 to December 31 of even years.\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/295-2\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia Senate Bill 553 (2026), signed May 11, 2026 — the act that REPEALED and re-enacted O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-14 in full. Source for the new Class I 20,000-square-foot / three-story definition (43-14-2(24)), the Class II unlimited definition (43-14-2(25)), the definitions of journeyman plumber, plumbing and plumbing contractor (43-14-2(13), (15), (26), (27)), the license mandate and the five-foot rule (43-14-13(b)-(c)), the company-qualification and 90-day death grace (43-14-13(e)), the seven-day severance notice (43-14-13(g)), the background-check consent (43-14-13(h)), the Journeyman/Class I/Class II experience requirements and the March 1, 2025 grandfather clause (43-14-13(j)-(l)), the local-authority and $10,000 bond provisions (43-14-16), the misdemeanor and $1,500 cease-and-desist fine (43-14-17), display duties (43-14-18), the full exceptions list (43-14-19), biennial renewal and continuing education (43-14-20), military expedited licensure (43-14-21), inactive status (43-14-22) and reciprocity (43-14-23)\", \"url\": \"https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/sb-553/download\"}, {\"label\": \"Governor's office press release, May 11, 2026 — confirms SB 553 was signed that day and describes it as \\\"establishing clear pathways to licensure for certain construction industry professions\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-11/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-strengthening-georgias-workforce\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia Senate Bill 125 (2025), Act 93, effective July 1, 2025 — the prior restructuring of O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-14; source for the continuing education tracking solution, the requirement that CE be completed before renewal, and the raise of the cease-and-desist fine from $500 to $1,500. Its section-renumbering (old 43-14-9 through 43-14-15 to new 43-14-13 through 43-14-21) is why pre-2025 rule and statute citations no longer resolve\", \"url\": \"https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2025-signed-legislation/sb-125/download\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia Legislative Counsel — Summary of General Statutes Enacted, 2025 session: the Act 93 / SB 125 entry (\\\"This Act amends O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-14 with respect to professional licenses for and other provisions relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors... Effective July 1, 2025\\\") and the code-section table showing the 43-14 renumbering\", \"url\": \"https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/legislative-counsel-document-library/25sumdoc.pdf?sfvrsn=95973fc9_4\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia Department of Community Affairs — Georgia State Amendments to the International Plumbing Code (2024 Edition), revised January 1, 2026, effective January 1, 2026: the current Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code, which supersedes the 2018 edition the licensing Board's exam reference list still names\", \"url\": \"https://dca.georgia.gov/document/document/ipc-2026-amendment-packet/download\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS GOALS portal - Fee Schedules by Board, Master & Journeyman Plumbers (the \\\"separate schedule\\\" that Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-2-.01(2) and 121-4-.02(1) point to; identical table for Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber - Non-Restricted and Master Plumber - Restricted: application/examination $100, SCRA military $100, renewal $100, late renewal $100, reinstatement $300, reinstatement after 3 years $300, $10 processing fee on all applications, wall certificate $50, pocket card $25, expedited verification $40 for 3-5 business days and $115 same business day; no effective date published)\", \"url\": \"https://goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/fee-schedules\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — GOALS licensee search (verify a Georgia Master or Journeyman Plumber license)\", \"url\": \"https://goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search\"}, {\"label\": \"Georgia SOS — Master and Journeyman Plumbers cease and desist orders (published enforcement against unlicensed plumbing contracting)\", \"url\": \"https://sos.ga.gov/page/master-and-journeyman-plumbers-cease-and-desist-orders\"}, {\"label\": \"PSI / Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, Candidate Information Bulletin (rev. 11/1/2024; reference list effective 1-1-26 through 12-31-26): 2024 Georgia codes from May 1, 2026\", \"url\": \"https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/4732\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/ga-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "il-plumber",
   "state": "Illinois",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "individual",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Plumbing Program, advised by the Illinois State Board of Plumbing Examiners",
   "board_url": "https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html",
   "application_url": "https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing/plumber-license-examination-application-06242021.pdf",
   "renewal_cycle": "Annual, on a fixed statewide date rather than an anniversary. All plumber's licenses and apprentice plumber's licenses expire on April 30 next following the date of issuance, except that an initial license issued after February 15 expires one year after the next April 30; the license then renews for one year from each succeeding May 1 on payment of the renewal fee before May 1, together with evidence of the required continuing education (225 ILCS 320/14; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.400(b), 750.410(b)). IDPH: \"Plumber licenses must be renewed by April 30th following the date of issuance via the online renewal page.\" Certified Plumbing Inspector certificates run on the same April 30 cycle. An apprentice plumber's license has a second expiry trigger — it also expires the day the sponsoring licensed plumber severs sponsorship — and no apprentice may accumulate more than 6 years as a licensed apprentice. Every renewal application requires the child-support certification: Illinois law requires all applicants, whether or not they have children, to certify whether they are delinquent in the payment of child support, and the application will not be approved until that is completed. The plumbing contractor registration is on a different date, and two official sources disagree about which: 225 ILCS 320/13.1(2), as amended by P.A. 103-26 (effective January 1, 2024) and P.A. 103-605 (effective July 1, 2024), provides that \"Application for registration shall be filed with the Department each year, on or before the last day of September\" and that \"All plumbing contractor registrations expire on the last day of September of each year,\" and IDPH's current registration form agrees (\"This contractor registration will expire on September 30, of the current year,\" with the surety bond required to expire September 30 of the current year). The administrative rule has not caught up: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 894.20(b), last amended effective November 12, 2014, still says registrations \"shall expire on April 30 of each year, except that initial registrations issued after January 30 shall expire one year after the next April 30,\" and 894.20(a)(7)(D) still requires a letter of credit to expire on April 30. The later statute and IDPH's own live form control; the April 30 text in Part 894 is stale. Registrations are non-transferable on a change of ownership — the new owners must reapply — and IDPH must be notified of any change in business structure, name, location, ownership, or the licensed Plumber of Record -- and the two official sources disagree on direction, so both are stated here as conflict (f): rule 77 Ill. Adm. Code 894.20(c)(1) requires a plumbing contractor to report \"15 days in advance of the change,\" while IDPH's own live change form asks for notice within 15 days after it. The difference decides whether a contractor who reports on the day of the change is compliant. Rule 894.20(c)(2) adds the operative consequence for ownership changes: operation under new ownership may not commence until the Department has issued a new registration -- 77 Ill. Adm. Code 894.20(c)(2) reads \"[o]peration under new ownership shall not commence until the Department has issued a new registration,\" so notifying the Department is not by itself enough to keep operating.",
   "ce_hours": "4 hours per year for a licensed plumber. The statute states it as a condition of \"each annual license renewal after the first license\" (225 ILCS 320/3(1)); IDPH's rule states it as a condition of \"each annual license renewal after the first license renewal\" and adds that \"a licensed plumber is not required to complete continuing education for the year in which that person's plumbing license was initially issued\" (68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.500(a)-(b)); a third IDPH rule states the duty with no scope at all — \"As a condition of renewal, a licensed plumber must provide proof of completion of four hours of continuing education in one or more courses approved by the Department\" (750.400(b)). The 4 hours, the annual cycle and the exemption for the initial-issuance year are common to all three. Hours must be earned in one or more courses from sponsors IDPH has approved under 750.510, whose registration is valid for three years and whose courses must each be separately approved and must cover a subject area listed in 750.540; instruction must be supervised directly by an Illinois licensed plumber (320/3(1)). IDPH approves continuing-education sponsors and courses under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.510 and publishes a sponsor/course registration application form for that purpose. An open dataset of approved courses that formerly sat on data.illinois.gov is gone -- that URL is no longer published (\"Page Not Found | Illinois Open Data\"), and the portal now carries no plumbing continuing-education dataset at all: its only continuing-education datasets cover private sewage disposal, water wells and pest control. There is therefore no open-data source for the approved-course list; confirm approved courses with IDPH directly. The portal does still carry the municipal plumbing-ordinance datasets. Two add-ons: a licensed plumber found to have committed repeated violations of the Illinois Plumbing Code must complete a minimum of 2 hours of additional continuing education conducted by the Department itself, at a time and place the Department sets (750.500(d)), and any CE requirement the Department imposes by rule is capped by statute at 15 hours per year (320/14). A licensed retired plumber owes no continuing education unless restoring to active plumber status, in which case IDPH sets the number of hours based on how long the plumber has been retired. Chicago-licensed plumbers seeking the Illinois license by reciprocity must show four hours of continuing education in the last year, and a Chicago-licensed Plumber of Record on a plumbing contractor registration must show four hours taken after October 1 of the renewal year. Certified plumbing inspectors are on a separate, much larger requirement: 14 classroom hours of at least 50 minutes each as a condition of each annual certification renewal after the first renewal — at least 6 classroom hours in courses conducted by the Department and at least 8 classroom hours from Department-approved sponsors, with no CE required for the year the certification was initially issued (750.720(b)-(c)).",
   "exam": "The Illinois plumbing license examination is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health itself, together with the State Board of Plumbing Examiners — Illinois uses no third-party testing vendor for it. Applications must be postmarked at least 30 days before the examination date and must include the completed \"Application for Examination for Plumber's License,\" a photograph of the face of the applicant at least 1-1/2 inches by 2-1/2 inches (68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.300(b)(2)) -- with a divergence between official sources worth knowing before you pay for photos: the rule sets that 1-1/2 by 2-1/2 inch minimum, while all six live IDPH application forms instead ask for a recent 1 by 1 inch head-and-shoulders photograph of the applicant, proof of eligibility under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.300(e), and the non-refundable fee ($175 for an Illinois-licensed apprentice, $225 for an applicant registered or licensed in another state). IDPH must hold examinations at least once every three months (225 ILCS 320/9) and will examine no more than 50 applicants on a given date, or no more than 40 during winter months; extra dates may be added based on applicant numbers. The examination is uniform and comprehensive and tests knowledge and qualifications in the planning and design of plumbing systems, knowledge and practical skills in plumbing, and knowledge of the Illinois Plumbing Code. It has three parts: (1) a Knowledge Assessment of true/false, multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions based on the Illinois Plumbing Code; (2) Construction Drawings or Plans, where the candidate interprets and completes drawings on paper or electronically or answers questions demonstrating knowledge of fixtures, piping techniques and Code compliance; and (3) a Practical Application Assessment, where projects using current plumbing techniques are assembled from materials selected from Appendix A, Table A of the Illinois Plumbing Code. Candidates supply their own tools and materials, are told in writing what to bring, must wear safety glasses in the shop, may not wear any clothing bearing pictures, writing, inscriptions or logos, and may not leave the examination area without permission. Each part is worth a maximum of 100 points; passing requires an average of 75 or above and a grade of 61 or above on each part. ADA accommodations require documentation from an Illinois-licensed physician or chiropractic physician plus a specific proposal, submitted at least 10 business days before the exam. Results are confidential until announced and are reported to the examinee in writing; an examinee dissatisfied with the conduct of the examination may complain in writing within 30 days of notification, and may retake at no charge if the evidence shows disadvantaging conditions imposed by the Department or Board, special assistance given to other examinees, or grading not to the same standard. A failed candidate files the Retake Examination Application with a $175 fee and is placed in one examination at a time. An apprentice who has failed three times is summoned, with the sponsor, before the Department and the Board to review compliance with the apprentice-supervision rules. A candidate observed cheating is expelled, the examination is voided, and IDPH issues a notice of intent to deny and to bar reapplication for not less than six months. The Certified Plumbing Inspector examination is likewise administered by the Department; applications are accepted at any time in business hours and examinations are scheduled when there are enough applicants.",
   "fees": "IDPH's published fee rule and IDPH's live application forms agree on every figure (checked July 29, 2026). Plumber's license: examination application $175 when the applicant is licensed as an Illinois apprentice plumber, $225 when the applicant is registered or licensed in a state other than Illinois; re-examination $175 (and $175 for an applicant licensed in another state); license fee, initial or renewal, $150; late fee or reinstatement fee for any license renewal $100 (in addition to all lapsed renewal fees); restoration of an expired plumber's license $175, which includes the fee for the first examination only; duplicate license $50. Apprentice plumber: license fee, initial or renewal, $100; change of sponsor $100; late fee $100. Retired plumber: annual license $25; reinstatement from retired status with fewer than five years out $100 per year out; restoration after more than five years $175, including the first examination fee. Certified plumbing inspector: examination $175; certification late fee $100; Chicago-licensed certified plumbing inspector $150. City of Chicago reciprocity (no examination): $150. Plumbing contractor registration: $150 non-refundable annual registration fee, registration reinstatement fee $100, dishonoured-payment fee $200 (77 Ill. Adm. Code 894.80 — note the returned-payment fee is $100 on the plumber side under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.1110(b) and $200 on the contractor side, because two different rule Parts set them). All application and registration fees are non-refundable, and the plumber examination fee is non-refundable even if the applicant turns out not to have met the eligibility requirement — IDPH's form warns \"It is up to the applicant to make sure he/she meets this requirement. Application fees are NOT refundable.\" Fees are paid by check or money order to the Illinois Department of Public Health; IDPH does not accept cash. Not fees, but money the contractor registration costs anyway: a $20,000 indemnification bond or irrevocable letter of credit, and insurance at $100,000 per occurrence general liability, $300,000 aggregate bodily injury, $50,000 property damage (or a $300,000 combined single limit) and $500,000 workers' compensation employer's liability.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Illinois Plumbing License Law, 225 ILCS 320 — 320/2 definitions and the exclusions from \\\"plumbing\\\" and from \\\"plumbing contractor\\\"; 320/2.5 irrigation contractors (section scheduled to be repealed January 1, 2029); 320/2.6 golf courses; 320/3 who must be licensed, the 4-hour continuing-education condition, the owner/lessee-occupant exemption, firm composition, and the apprentice rules including the 6-year cap; 320/5 advertising and display; 320/6 municipal corporations; 320/9-13 examinations; 320/13.1 plumbing contractor registration; 320/14 renewal, reinstatement and restoration; 320/15 military; 320/16 and 16.1 the 500,000-population local-ordinance exception; 320/17 reciprocity; 320/18 local regulation and permit verification; 320/29 and 29.5 penalties; 320/30 fees by rule; 320/42 home-rule preemption\", \"url\": \"https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1343&ChapterID=24\"}, {\"citation\": \"68 Ill. Adm. Code 750 (Plumbers Licensing Code) — 750.300 examination admission requirements and the six alternative experience/education routes; 750.310 examination format and the 75/61 pass standard; 750.320 results and complaints; 750.400 licensing, renewal, reinstatement, restoration and the retired plumber's license; 750.410 apprentice licensing; 750.500 continuing-education requirements; 750.510 sponsor and course approval; 750.550 programmes accepted as equivalent to an Illinois apprenticeship; 750.600 organisation of plumbing firms; 750.710 and 750.720 plumbing inspector certification and its 14-hour continuing education; 750.1100 and 750.1110 fees. Part last amended (permanent) at 40 Ill. Reg. 8786, effective June 17, 2016; fee section 750.1100 amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 19715, effective September 23, 2014\", \"url\": \"https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=06800750&TitleDescription=TITLE%2068:%20%20PROFESSIONS%20AND%20OCCUPATIONS\"}, {\"citation\": \"77 Ill. Adm. Code 894 (Plumbing Contractor Registration Code) — 894.10 definitions; 894.20 registration requirements, insurance and bond, and the (now stale) April 30 expiry; 894.30-894.40 certificates of insurance; 894.70 civil penalties for unregistered plumbing contractors; 894.80 fees ($150 annual, $100 reinstatement, $200 dishonoured payment). Part last amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 22239, effective November 12, 2014\", \"url\": \"https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=07700894&TitleDescription=TITLE%2077:%20%20PUBLIC%20HEALTH\"}, {\"citation\": \"77 Ill. Adm. Code 890 (Illinois Plumbing Code) — the technical standard the license examination tests, including Appendix A, Table A materials used in the practical assessment\", \"url\": \"https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=07700890&TitleDescription=TITLE%2077:%20%20PUBLIC%20HEALTH\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"IDPH — Plumbing program page (who IDPH licenses under 225 ILCS 320; \\\"Individuals who plan, inspect, install, alter, extend, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in state of Illinois must be licensed\\\"; ~8,900 plumbers and ~2,000 apprentices; 48-to-72-month apprentice-to-license path; apprentice age 16 and sponsorship; 6-year maximum apprenticeship; 15-day sponsorship-cancellation notice; April 30 renewal; plumbing contractor definition, annual registration and insurance; retired plumber eligibility at 62; advertising/display duties and the $1,000 Class A misdemeanor)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Application for Examination for Plumber's License (due 30 days before the exam; cites 225 ILCS 320/10(d) four-year Illinois licensed apprenticeship; two-year high-school course of study evidence if not a graduate; out-of-state and Chicago sections; LIVE FEES $175 for an Illinois-licensed apprentice, $225 for out-of-state/Chicago, $100 returned check; fees non-refundable; Plumbing Program address and phone)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing/plumber-license-examination-application-06242021.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Plumber's License Retake Examination Application (LIVE FEE $175 re-examination; $100 returned check; placed in one examination at a time; photo required every attempt)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumbers-retake-examination-application-042616.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Application for Apprentice Plumber's License (sponsor section completed by the Illinois licensed plumber; roster of the firm's licensed plumbers and apprentices; LIVE FEES $100 license, $100 returned check, $100 late fee; \\\"Licenses expire on April 30 following the date of issuance\\\"; out-of-state apprentice time and plumbing-course transcripts may be credited; child-support certification)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumbing-apprentice-license-application-042616.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Apprentice Plumber's Application Under JAC, for a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship training program (\\\"No person shall engage in plumbing as a plumber's apprentice unless he or she possesses a valid apprentice plumber's license issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health\\\"; one-year May 1-April 30 renewal term; LIVE FEES all apprentice application fees $100, all change-of-sponsor fees $100, returned check $100, late fee $100)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumber-apprentice-application-jac-042616.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Plumbing Contractor Application for Registration or Renewal (Plumber of Record must be the sole owner/partner/officer/manager-member and may not serve two companies; LIVE FEES $150 annual registration, $100 reinstatement/late, $200 returned check; insurance $100,000 per occurrence general liability, $300,000 bodily injury, $50,000 property damage, $500,000 workers' compensation; $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or letter of credit; \\\"This contractor registration will expire on September 30, of the current year\\\"; Chicago-licensed plumbers must show four hours of CE taken after October 1 of the renewal year; cites 77 Ill. Adm. Code 894.20)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumbing-contractor-application-renewal-042616.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Application for State of Illinois Plumber's License Reciprocity with the City of Chicago License Without Examination (proof of a 48-month licensed apprenticeship from the licensing agency, \\\"We do not accept letters from previous employers\\\"; copy of the current Chicago plumber's license; proof of four hours of continuing education in the last year; LIVE FEE $150; \\\"Plumber Licenses Expire April 30th Following the Date of Issuance\\\"; status verified through the City of Chicago Board of Plumbing Examiners)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumber-license-reciprocity-chicago-application-042616.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH form — Application for Examination for Certification of Plumbing Inspectors (cites 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.710(b) seven years as an Illinois licensed plumber; due 30 days before the exam; Illinois license prefix 058- or a City of Chicago J- license; LIVE FEE $175, $100 returned check)\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing/plumbing-inspector-certification-examination-application-06242021.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH memorandum to Illinois units of local government, April 9, 2013 — Regulation of Plumbers, Irrigation Contractors and Plumbing Contractors (Public Act 97-365): quotes 225 ILCS 320/42 home-rule preemption verbatim and states that any local government outside the Sections 16/16.1 exception that licenses, registers or bonds plumbers or plumbing/irrigation contractors \\\"does so in violation of the law\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/pa-97-365-050213.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH — Plumber, Apprentice, Certified Inspector and Retired Plumber online license renewal portal\", \"url\": \"https://ildohplmprod.glsuite.us/glsuiteweb/clients/ildohplm/private/PlumRen/Login.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH — Plumbing Contractor online license renewal portal\", \"url\": \"https://ildohplmprod.glsuite.us/glsuiteweb/clients/ildohplm/private/ContractorRen/Login.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"IDPH — Illinois plumbing license verification lookup\", \"url\": \"https://ildohplmprod.glsuite.us/GLSuiteWeb/Clients/ILDOHPLM/PUBLIC/Verification/Plumber_License_Verification.aspx\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/il-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "ma-plumber",
   "state": "Massachusetts",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "individual",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation",
   "board_url": "https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters",
   "application_url": "https://www.mass.gov/apply-for-a-plumber-gas-fitter-or-liquified-petroleum-installer-license",
   "renewal_cycle": "Two years. M.G.L. c. 142, § 6: \"Licenses shall be issued for two years and may be renewed every two years on or before May first, or in case of absence, sickness or other disability of the holder, on or before such later date as the examiners may permit, upon payment of the required fee.\" 248 CMR 3.03(6)(a) states it flatly: \"Licensees must renew their licenses every two years.\" The renewal date is therefore a fixed calendar deadline -- May 1 of each even-numbered year, with the renewal window opening on February 1 of that same year -- and not an anniversary of issue. The Board's renewal page states it directly: \"Licenses are eligible for renewal on February 1st of every even-numbered year. The deadline for application submission is May 1st of the same year.\" The statute itself does not name the year, so the even-year anchor comes from that page; without it a licensee cannot tell which May 1 is theirs, and the Board charges a $57 late fee on any renewal received after May 1. A license not renewed on time can receive a deferred renewal under § 6 on payment of the fee plus, at the examiners' discretion, a deferred renewal fee and \"such additional fees as would have been payable had such license been continuously renewed\"; that deferred renewal \"shall expire on the ensuing first day of May\" and does not make its holder a licensee for any period before it was issued. Inactive licenses must also be renewed every two years, without continuing education (248 CMR 11.04(3)(a)6.a). Renewal requires documented continuing education, the written disclosure of any finding against the licensee within fifteen days, and current address and email on file (248 CMR 3.03(6)). Renewals are filed online through the eLIPSE portal; mailed renewals are returned.",
   "ce_hours": "Twelve clock hours per two-year license cycle for plumbers. The statutory hook is M.G.L. c. 142, § 6A: \"a licensed plumber or gas fitter shall complete a course of continuing education as determined by the examiners.\" The number is in 248 CMR 11.04(2)(a): as a condition of license renewal each journeyman and master plumber, journeyman and master gas fitter, or undiluted LP gas installer shall complete, \"as applicable,\" \"1. 12-clock hours of approved continuing education courses for plumbers with an approved provider; and 2. six-clock hours of approved continuing education courses for gas fitters or undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installers with an approved provider.\" The Board's renewal page states the same split: 12 hours for journeyman and master plumber licensees, 6 hours for journeyman and master gas fitter and LP installer licensees. The courses must be completed \"during every two year license cycle\" and \"without repetition,\" and must focus on 248 CMR, although the Board may also approve industry-related business, law, technology or other subjects (248 CMR 11.04(1)). Apprentices are not required to complete continuing education (248 CMR 11.04(1)(a)). Documentation must be retained for no less than three renewal cycles and produced to the Board on request. Online and correspondence courses are allowed only where Board approved, must include a provider-designed, Board-approved examination, and allow only two attempts to pass it — \"[u]pon the second failure, the licensee shall not be given credit for the online/correspondence course and must then obtain their required continuing education for that session from a live, classroom based Provider.\" The Board may deny online or correspondence courses to licensees whose licenses have lapsed or who have been disciplined, and \"[i]t shall be the licensee's responsibility to ensure that their Provider has been authorized by the Board.\" Exemptions from continuing education (248 CMR 11.04(3)(a)): an approved instructor who has taught, without duplication, courses that would fulfil their own requirement for that cycle; a duly appointed Inspector, Assistant Inspector or Alternate Inspector of Plumbing and/or Gas Fitting under M.G.L. c. 142, § 11B who has completed the § 11 continuing education requirements; a State Inspector/Investigator, or the Board's Executive Director or Associate Executive Director; a licensee issued their license for the first time during the current renewal cycle — but \"this exemption shall not relieve a journeyman plumber or gas fitter from the continuing education requirement during a renewal cycle in which they obtain a master's license\"; a licensee on active military duty who has met M.G.L. c. 112, § 1B, who must then complete the current cycle's hours within 90 days of leaving active duty; and a holder of an inactive license. Waivers for other good cause may be granted on written request, including on illness or disability of the licensee or an immediate family member supported by a physician's letter; requests must be submitted before the renewal cycle expires unless the Board finds good cause, and — except for a permanent disability — such a waiver is \"a waiver of deadlines only, not of the requirement to ultimately complete\" the education. Where an extension is granted and the license has expired, the license is not reissued until the hours are done.",
   "exam": "Administered by PSI Exams under the Board's approval. The order of operations matters: the application (with the experience and education verification forms, CORI form and photo) is filed online through the eLIPSE portal with the non-refundable application fee; the Board reviews it and either approves or denies — a denied or incomplete application is returned with instructions; once approved, \"you'll be notified by PSI Exams and can register online to take the exam\"; the candidate picks a test site and sits the exam, with \"[s]cores ... available immediately\"; and on passing, the Board's application pages describe paying the license fee at the test site, while PSI's candidate bulletin (10/3/2025) states that candidates who pass both portions pay for the license through the Division's eLIPSE platform and that PSI does not print licenses on site. PSI accepts credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), money order, or a cashier's check or company check \"made payable to PSI Exams.\" Scoring and retakes (248 CMR 11.03(3)): 70% or better is required on each portion; a failed portion must be retaken \"within one year from date of failure,\" and an applicant who does not retest or pass within one year of the most recent failure \"shall be required to retake all parts of the examination.\" A licensed apprentice may not attempt the journeyman examination more than six times without special Board approval for good cause (248 CMR 11.02(1)(b)); the same six-attempt limit applies to the undiluted and limited undiluted LP installer examinations. Board approval to sit is valid one year (248 CMR 11.03(1)(c)). Failed candidates may request an examination review from the Board's designated exam administrator in writing, on payment of the review fee, and may not be accompanied during the review. Accommodations are available on request with physician documentation filed with the application. Veterans receive a five per cent credit to their examination standing (M.G.L. c. 142, § 4; 248 CMR 11.03(1)(b), which requires a DD-214). Statutory content of the examination, per § 4: master and journeyman plumber applicants are examined \"as to his practical knowledge of plumbing, house drainage, plumbing ventilation, and gas fitting\"; master and journeyman gas fitter applicants as to gas fitting, natural and manufactured gas and the installation of undiluted liquefied petroleum; and each applicant is also subjected to \"a practical test satisfactory to the examiner.\" § 4 requires frequent examinations in Boston and at other convenient places, with public notice.",
   "fees": "From the Board's live fee tables on mass.gov (all Board fees are non-refundable, and are set annually by the Commissioner/Secretary of Administration and Finance under M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B and 801 CMR 4.00, not by the Board — see M.G.L. c. 142, §§ 5 and 3B). Plumbing: apprentice plumber $14 application; journeyman plumber $31 application plus $52 license fee; master plumber $31 application plus $78 license fee. Gas fitting: apprentice gasfitter $9 license fee; journeyman gas fitter $31 application plus $52 license fee; master gas fitter $31 application plus $97 license fee. Business: plumbing business license $225. The license fee for the journeyman and master tiers is paid after passing and is separate from the application fee paid to the Board; the Board's pages describe paying it at the test centre, to PSI Exams, while PSI's candidate bulletin (10/3/2025) says passing candidates pay it through the Division's eLIPSE platform. Renewals (biennial): Plumber Apprentice $40; Plumber Journeyman $52; Plumber Master $78; Corporation or Partnership $225; Gas Fitter Apprentice $40; Gas Fitter Journeyman $52; Gas Fitter Master $97; Liquified Petroleum Installer $66; Limited Liquified Petroleum Installer $52; and a \"Late Fee for all Renewals (Received after May 1st)\" of $57. Note the apprentice oddity: the plumbing apprentice license costs $14 to obtain but $40 to renew. Not set by the Board and not published in these tables: the examination review fee (248 CMR 11.03(4)(b)), and the local registration fee a master plumber or master gas fitter pays to each town's board of health or inspector of buildings under M.G.L. c. 142, § 6, which each town sets but which \"in no event shall ... be greater than twenty dollars.\" Active military members, their spouses and veterans may qualify for fee reductions under the Valor Act.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 142 (Supervision of Plumbing) — § 1 definitions of \\\"plumbing\\\", \\\"gas fitting\\\", \\\"master plumber\\\", \\\"journeyman plumber\\\", \\\"apprentice plumber\\\", \\\"undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer\\\" and \\\"limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer\\\"; § 2 the chapter (except § 21) applies to all cities and towns; § 3 license required of every master, journeyman and apprentice, statewide gas fitting authority of plumbers, advertising and display duties, and the gas-company employee exception; § 3A apprentice licensing before the apprenticeship starts, employment and supervision limits, and the vocational-school on-the-job training exception; § 3B corporation and partnership certificates; § 4 examination content, the probationary six-month license, and the veterans' five per cent credit; § 4A licensed plumbers employed by cities, towns, institutions or corporations not in the plumbing business; § 5 fees set annually under c. 7, § 3B; § 6 two-year term, May 1 renewal, deferred renewal, suspension and revocation, and local registration capped at $20; § 6A continuing education; § 7 local notice of violations; §§ 8 and 9 repealed (1965, 358, § 1 and 1986, 557, § 130); § 10 inspection districts; §§ 11, 11A and 11B local inspectors, their qualifications and their continuing education; § 12 inspector conflicts of interest; § 13 the examiners' regulation-making power and the uniform permit application; § 14 persons learning the business sent out to do a journeyman's work; § 15 reports by inspectors of buildings and boards of health; § 16 penalties for unlicensed work and for employing the unlicensed (fine not exceeding $100); §§ 17-19 hot water tank marking, construction and safety-device standards; § 20 exception for installed or junked range boilers; § 21 plumbing in Commonwealth-owned buildings; § 21A liability insurance or bond as a condition of a self-employed contractor's permit, and the owner's-signature alternative; § 22 enforcement\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter142\"}, {\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 142, § 3 — the license requirement itself: \\\"No person shall engage in the business as a master plumber or a master gas fitter or work as a journeyman plumber or as a journeyman gas fitter or as an apprentice plumber or as an apprentice gas fitter or as an undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer or as a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer, nor solicit, by sign, listing or any other form of advertisement, work regulated or controlled by this chapter ... unless he is lawfully registered, or has been licensed by the examiners as provided in this chapter.\\\" Also the statewide gas fitting authority of licensed plumbers and the sole statutory exception in the section: \\\"This section shall not apply to authorized employees of any gas company organized under chapter one hundred and sixty-four\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter142/Section3\"}, {\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 142, § 4A — \\\"Master plumbers, journeymen, or apprentice plumbers, regularly employed by cities and towns or by institutions or corporations that are not engaged in the business of plumbing, may install such plumbing or make such repairs as may be required on the premises and property owned or leased and occupied by such cities, towns, institutions or corporations, provided that all such work performed by said plumbers shall be in compliance with the pertinent sections and provisions of this chapter.\\\" Note what it does and does not do: it permits licensed plumbers employed by a non-plumbing employer to work on that employer's own premises; it does not excuse anyone from holding the license\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter142/Section4A\"}, {\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 142, § 6 — \\\"Licenses and certificates issued by the examiners shall be valid throughout the commonwealth, but shall not be assignable or transferable. ... Licenses shall be issued for two years and may be renewed every two years on or before May first, or in case of absence, sickness or other disability of the holder, on or before such later date as the examiners may permit, upon payment of the required fee.\\\" Also the deferred-renewal mechanism, the suspension and revocation power, and the local registration of masters at a fee that \\\"in no event shall ... be greater than twenty dollars\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter142/Section6\"}, {\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 142, § 21A — no licensed plumber or gas fitter \\\"acting in the capacity of a self-employed contractor\\\" may be issued a permit without a current liability insurance policy including completed operations coverage from a Massachusetts-licensed insurer, substantially equivalent indemnity, or a bond; \\\"[i]n lieu of such insurance requirement, plumbing and gas inspectors shall accept the signature of the owner or his agent on the uniform application for a permit to perform plumbing or gas work upon the property of said owner\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter142/Section21A\"}, {\"citation\": \"248 CMR 11.00: Education and Experience Standards and Requirements for Licensure (effective April 30, 2021) — 11.02 education and experience for apprentices, journeymen and masters and for LP installers; 11.03 application requirements and examination administration; 11.04 mandatory continuing education; 11.05 continuing education provider and instructor qualifications; 11.06 education hour and course content requirements (the Tier structure). Its own stated regulatory authority: \\\"M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 61 through 65B; and c. 142, §§ 1 through 21\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-1100/download\"}, {\"citation\": \"248 CMR 3.00: General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth (effective April 30, 2021) — 3.03(1) business licensure and its exceptions; 3.03(5) \\\"These regulations, in conjunction with M.G.L. c. 142, shall be deemed to occupy the whole field of the licensing of plumbers, gas fitters, and undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installers in Massachusetts\\\"; 3.03(6) renewal procedures; 3.05 permits and inspections; 3.06 grounds for disciplinary sanctions; 3.07 complaint handling\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-300/download\"}, {\"citation\": \"248 CMR 10.00: Uniform State Plumbing Code, effective December 8, 2023 — the code against which licensed work is inspected; per the Board, the changes apply only to jobs whose plumbing permit was issued on or after that date\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-1000-effective-12823/download\"}, {\"citation\": \"M.G.L. c. 13, §§ 36-38 — creation and composition of the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (the \\\"examiners\\\" of c. 142). Cited by the Board on its own policies, regulations and statutes index\", \"url\": \"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter13/Section36\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters — board home (the Board's own statement of what it does: \\\"Conducts exams and issue licenses for journeyman and master plumbers and gas fitters. Registers apprentice plumbers and gas fitters. Issues corporate and partnership certificates for plumbing and gas. Holds public hearings for code changes. Approves dual and elevated gases and plumbing/gas products.\\\"; contact details One Federal Street Suite 600 Boston, 617-701-8798, Plumbingboard@mass.gov)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a Plumber, Gas Fitter, or Liquified Petroleum Installer License — the hub listing every credential the Board issues (apprentice / journeyman / master plumber; plumbing business; apprentice / journeyman / master gasfitter; gas fitting business; LP installer; limited LP installer)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/apply-for-a-plumber-gas-fitter-or-liquified-petroleum-installer-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a Journeyman Plumber license (fee table: $31 application, $52 license fee; Education Verification Form, Statement of Experience Form whose Employer's Statement \\\"cannot be modified after signature\\\", 2x2 photo, notarized CORI form; online-only via eLIPSE, mailed applications returned; PSI Exams payment methods; Board approval then PSI notification; scores immediate; retake within 12 months; 180-day abandonment rule; Valor Act fee reductions)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-journeyman-plumber-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a Master Plumber license (fee table: $31 application, $78 license fee; Statement of Experience and Education Verification Form carrying the journeyman license number, signed by a school official and the plumbing instructor; notarized CORI form; 2x2 photo)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-master-plumber-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for an Apprentice Plumber license (fee table: $14 non-refundable application fee; Statement of Employing Master form, notarized CORI Authorization form, 2x2 photo)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-an-apprentice-plumber-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a Journeyman Gas Fitter license ($31 application, $52 license fee)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-journeyman-gas-fitter-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a Master Gas Fitter license ($31 application, $97 license fee)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-master-gas-fitter-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for an Apprentice Gasfitter license ($9 non-refundable license fee)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-an-apprentice-gasfitter-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Apply for a plumbing business license ($225 license fee)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-plumbing-business-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Renew a plumber, gas fitter, or liquified petroleum installer license — THE FULL BIENNIAL RENEWAL FEE TABLE (Plumber Apprentice $40, Journeyman $52, Master $78, Corporation or Partnership $225, Gas Fitter Apprentice $40, Journeyman $52, Master $97, LP Installer $66, Limited LP Installer $52, Late Fee for all Renewals received after May 1st $57) plus the continuing education split (12 hours plumbers / 6 hours gas fitters and LP installers) and the Department of Revenue hold note\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-a-plumber-gas-fitter-or-liquified-petroleum-installer-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Plumbers, Gasfitters, and LP Installers License Applications and Renewals — the licensing services hub\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/plumbers-gasfitters-and-lp-installers-license-applications-and-renewals\"}, {\"label\": \"Plumbers and Gas Fitters Continuing and Tier Education Information (links the education requirements regulation, the authorized plumbing and gas fitting theory schools, and the approved continuing education providers for licensees and for inspectors)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/plumbers-and-gas-fitters-continuing-and-tier-education-information\"}, {\"label\": \"Reinstate an expired plumber, gas fitter, or LP installer license (reinstatement application, required continuing education certificates, notarized CORI Acknowledgment form)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/how-to/reinstate-an-expired-plumber-gas-fitter-or-lp-installer-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Policies, regulations, and statutes for plumbers and gas fitters — the Board's index of operative documents, showing the effective dates relied on here: 248 CMR 10.00 effective 12.8.23; 248 CMR 3.00, 4.00, 5.00 and 11.00 effective April 30, 2021; the pre-April-30-2021 consolidated text and the redline; and the Board's policy statements\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/lists/policies-regulations-and-statutes-for-plumbers-and-gas-fitters\"}, {\"label\": \"248 CMR 11.00 — Education and Experience Standards and Requirements for Licensure, official PDF (the source for the 6,800 work hours + 550 theory hours journeyman requirement, the five 110-hour Tiers, the 165-hours-per-year cap and 1,700-hours pacing rule, the HVAC-experience exclusion, the vocational-school credits, the gas fitter 5,100/330 and master 1,700/50 requirements, the LP 3,400/220 requirements, the out-of-state equivalency rule 11.02(7), the six-attempt examination limit, the 70% pass mark and retake clock, the 12-hour and 6-hour continuing education requirements and their exemptions, provider and instructor rules, and the no-grandfathering clause)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-1100/download\"}, {\"label\": \"248 CMR 3.00 — General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth, official PDF (business license requirement and its exceptions at 3.03(1); the whole-field preemption clause at 3.03(5); biennial renewal procedures at 3.03(6); permits and inspections at 3.05 including the licensed-individuals-only rule, the no-permit-for-apprentices rule, the gas-company employee permit exception, the emergency exception, federal-building permits only on federal request, and the exhaustive list of grounds to refuse a permit; product standards at 3.04; grounds for discipline at 3.06; complaint process at 3.07)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-300/download\"}, {\"label\": \"248 CMR 10.00 — Uniform State Plumbing Code, effective 12.8.23, official PDF\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/248-cmr-1000-effective-12823/download\"}, {\"label\": \"Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters: Frequently asked questions for new regulations (the Board's own guidance that the December 8, 2023 code changes \\\"only apply to jobs in which a plumbing permit was issued on or after the effective date,\\\" that old and new code may not be mixed on one permit, that a variance lies under 248 CMR 3.04(2), and that the FAQ is an advisory only which must yield to the regulations)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/lists/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters-frequently-asked-questions-for-new-regulations\"}, {\"label\": \"Board policy statement — Substantially Equivalent License (out-of-state and out-of-country applicants; enacted 12-28-2011, amended 04-24-2013, page dated 12/07/2017). CAUTION: this page quotes a version of 248 CMR 11.02(7)(a)1.a containing a three-years-immediately-preceding active-license requirement that is absent from the current regulation effective April 30, 2021\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/policy-statement/substantially-equivalent-license\"}, {\"label\": \"Board policy — renewal of apprentice licenses in excess of 10 years (the Board's policy behind the 248 CMR 11.02(1)(c) ten-year apprentice ceiling)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/pl-board-policy-regarding-renewal-of-apprentice-licenses-in-excess-of-10-years/download\"}, {\"label\": \"Board policy — On-the-Job Programs by Vocational Schools (the Board's rules for the M.G.L. c. 142, § 3A vocational-school on-the-job training programme)\", \"url\": \"https://www.mass.gov/doc/on-the-job-programs-by-vocational-schools/download\"}, {\"label\": \"eLIPSE — the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure online portal where all applications, renewals and reinstatements must be submitted, and where payment is made\", \"url\": \"https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/\"}, {\"label\": \"PSI, Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers & Gas Fitters Licensure Candidate Exam Application Information (10/3/2025): closed-book two-part exams, license fee paid through eLIPSE after passing\", \"url\": \"https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/597\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/ma-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "nc-plumber",
   "state": "North Carolina",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "contractor",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (\"the Board\")",
   "board_url": "https://nclicensing.org/",
   "application_url": "https://nclicensing.org/applicant-information/",
   "renewal_cycle": "Annual, on a fixed calendar. G.S. 87-22: \"All licenses shall expire on the last day of December in each year following their issuance or renewal.\" The renewal window opens 90 days before expiry, \"usually on October 1st,\" and invoices go out in early October (the Board mailed the 2026 invoices on September 30, 2025, and emailed them where it held a valid address) - \"[i]f you do not receive a renewal invoice or notice, you are still responsible for renewing the license.\" There is no grace period, and the Board says so: \"Contrary to popular belief, there is NO GRACE PERIOD following the expiration of a license, and all activities that require a license (bidding, contracting, supervising, installing, etc.) must cease until the license is renewed.\" Late: G.S. 87-22 - \"In the event of failure on the part of any person, firm or corporation to renew the license certificate annually and pay the required fee during the month of January in each year, the Board shall increase the license fee by twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to cover any additional expense associated with late renewal.\" The Board adds that if the correct forms and fees are not received by January 31 it \"may require payment of all unpaid annual fees before reissuing a license.\" Reinstatement: \"An expired license may be reinstated within three years of the date of expiration upon written request and upon payment of the current license fee, the license fee for the unpaid prior years, [and] the processing fee imposed by G.S. 87-22\" (21 NCAC 50 .0409). After three years the license is gone: \"The Board shall require reexamination upon failure of a licensee to renew license within three years after expiration\" (G.S. 87-22); the Board puts it as \"the license will be retired and the licensee must pass the exams to reinstate the license.\" Transferring an individual's qualification onto a corporate or other firm license does not expire the individual's license for re-examination purposes so long as that firm license is kept in force (21 NCAC 50 .0410). Renewals are \"currently being processed within 2-3 business days of receipt,\" with the new expiration date shown on the Board's license search immediately on processing.",
   "ce_hours": "None. Continuing education is not a condition of renewal in North Carolina. The Board: \"Mandatory Continuing Education was eliminated by the Board in 2012, and is no longer required in order to renew licenses annually; however, the Board does encourage all licensees to continue to attend educational courses... The Board does not approve providers or courses and there is no need to report CE hours to the Board.\" Its FAQ is equally flat: \"Does the Board require licensees to complete continuing education classes? No. The requirement for continuing education as a condition of renewal was eliminated on December 31, 2012.\" The mechanism: every adopted rule in 21 NCAC 50, Section .1400 (Continuing Education) was repealed effective December 31, 2012 (.1406 is reserved and was never adopted). What replaced it is disciplinary education, established January 1, 2013 - Board-approved courses (Board Laws and Rules, Business Management, Plumbing Design and Code, Fuel Gas Design and Code, Well Seal Installation, Protection and Sanitation, Mechanical Code, Mechanical Design) which \"[l]icensees who are found to be in violation of the Board's Laws and Rules, or lacking in knowledge of codes, design, installation or business management practices may be required to complete ... in order to comply with requirements agreed to by the licensee or ordered by the Board\"; the courses are also open to volunteers and the Board Laws and Rules class is offered by the Board at no charge. Two snags to note, both official text: G.S. 87-22 still authorises the Board to \"adopt regulations requiring attendance at programs of continuing education as a condition of license renewal\" (the power survives, the rules do not), and the codified 21 NCAC 50 .0409 still conditions reinstatement on \"evidence of continuing education for each prior as required by Rule .1401 herein\" - a cross-reference to a rule repealed in 2012, which the Board's own License Renewal page quotes without that clause. Treat the requirement as non-existent, which is what the Board states twice in its own voice.",
   "exam": "Computer-based, administered for the Board by PSI Services LLC. Every contractor examination other than Fire Sprinkler Installation and Fire Sprinkler Inspection has two parts and both must be passed (21 NCAC 50 .0301(b)): a technical part and the Business and Law part. Published durations: Plumbing Contractor technical 4.0 hours; Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor technical 2.0 hours; Plumbing Technician 4.0 hours; Business and Law 1.5 hours. Passing grade: examinations \"are based upon a maximum obtainable grade of 100 points, and a grade of 70 is required to pass\" (21 NCAC 50 .0305). The Business and Law part is waived \"if the applicant holds a currently active contractor license with this Board and the applicant passed the Board's Business and Law Exam after August, 2003.\" Process: the application, the DISA/CastleBranch criminal background report and the notarised experience verification forms must all be received, reviewed and approved by Board staff before the applicant is eligible to test - the Board says processing \"is currently averaging six weeks\" on one page and \"4-6 weeks\" on the application form, and it asks applicants not to call or email to check status. Note a conflict between two official board pages on the authorisation window: the Applicant Information page and the FAQ both give ninety days (\"which must be taken within ninety (90) days of the date of the notification letter\"; \"Your examination approval letter will list your 'Authorization Period', a 90-day window during which you must take your exam\"), while the Online Application page states \"You must take the exam within 30 days of your notification date.\" Confirm with the Board's Exam Coordinator which applies. Testing centres: Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem; \"[i]f you reside in another state that has PSI testing centers, you may be allowed to take the exam there.\" Rescheduling: \"[i]f you contact PSI at least three (3) days in advance, you may reschedule at no additional charge. If you do not reschedule or take the exam, the exam fee is forfeited.\" The result is given at the test centre immediately. Failing: G.S. 87-21(b)(6) - \"A person who fails to pass any examination shall not be reexamined until after 90 days from the date the person was last examined\"; \"[a]n applicant who fails to pass any examination may take the failed portion within six months of the date approved to take the examination without retaking the portion passed\"; and \"[t]he Board may require applicants who fail any part of the examination three times to receive additional education before the applicant is allowed to retake the examination or wait one year before retaking any portion of the examination.\" A re-test requires a Re-Examination Application and a further exam fee; a failing applicant \"may, on written request, review his or her examination\" (21 NCAC 50 .0308) and the Board offers an exam review in Raleigh before retesting. Statutory floor on availability: \"Examinations shall be given at least twice each year,\" the exam \"shall be conducted in two parts to include a business and law portion and a technical portion,\" application materials \"shall be made available online without charge,\" the Board \"may offer written examinations or administer examinations by computer within 30 days after approving an application,\" and computerised candidates \"shall be permitted to obtain the test score from each part ... immediately upon completion\" (G.S. 87-21(b)(6)). After passing, the License Activation Form and fee are due within 45 days or \"the applicant will have to retest.\"",
   "fees": "Application and examination: $150 per examination, non-refundable - and this figure is new. 21 NCAC 50 .1101(c), as amended effective June 1, 2026, provides that \"[a]n application for a license by examination requires a fee of one hundred-fifty dollars ($150.00), consisting of an application fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) and an examination fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00), which is nonrefundable.\" The Board's own announcement: \"The license examination application fees will increase to $150. This is the first increase in this fee in over 25 years.\" The live application form agrees - Form PHFP-1, revision 2026-06, states \"Cost: $150 per exam payable by check or money order\" - and so does the FAQ (\"The examination application fee is $150.00 and is non-refundable\"). Two official sources disagree, and the difference is currency, not arithmetic: G.S. 87-22.1 caps the fee at \"not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for each examination or any part of an examination\" but its last sentence still reads \"Until changed by the Board pursuant to rules adopted by the Board, the fee for each examination or any part taken on a particular day shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).\" The Board has now changed it by rule, so $150 is operative and the statute's $100 default is spent. No refunds: \"[t]he application fee for license without examination, and the application and examination fee for an examination shall not be refunded\" (21 NCAC 50 .0307), and the fee \"shall be retained by the Board whether or not the applicant is granted a license\" (G.S. 87-22.1). Annual license fee: $150 for a plumbing, heating or fuel piping contractor license, and also $150 for a Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor license (21 NCAC 50 .1102(a), (k)); $75 where the licensee's qualification \"is listed as the second or subsequent individual on the license of a corporation, partnership, or business with a trade name\" (.1102(d)); $75 for a Plumbing, Heating or Fuel Piping Technician license listed under a licensed contractor, rising to $150 where the technician qualifies a state or local government agency or a private educational institution (and, for a Fuel Piping technician, where listed with a Class A Gas Dealer under .1102(i)) -- not merely where a technician acts as any firm's qualifier (.1102(j); and the Board's Multi-Year Renewal form -- a different document from the License Activation Form -- prints \"For EACH sublicensee the fee is $75.00\". The License Activation Form itself carries no sublicensee $75 line at all; its only sublicensee text is an Add Sublicensee form at $25. Note that the two official sources do not agree on when the $75 applies: rule .1102(j) sets $75 where the technician license IS listed under a licensed contractor, while item 6 of the 2026 renewal invoice applies $75 where it is not so listed. Both are stated rather than one silently chosen); $25 for a licensee who holds qualifications from the Code Officials Qualification Board and is employed full time as a local government plumbing, heating or mechanical inspector (.1102(b); G.S. 87-22; the renewal invoice prices \"license in Inspector status with a municipality\" at $25 and asks for a copy of the card); $30 initial application fee for a license issued without a Board examination (.1102(c)). Statutory ceiling: an annual license fee \"not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00)\" for plumbing or heating contracting, with restricted-classification fees no higher (G.S. 87-22). Timing of the license fee: it \"must be paid to obtain the license within 45 days of notification of the result of the examination, except that anyone passing the examination on or after October 1 of any year may elect to obtain a license for the following year rather than the year in which the exam was passed\" (21 NCAC 50 .1101(c)); G.S. 87-22 frames the same October pivot differently - \"[p]ersons who obtain a license by passing an examination on or after October 1 of any year may receive a license for the remainder of the year by paying one-half of the usual license fee for that classification of license\" - so the rule offers a next-year license and the statute offers a half-price stub year. Both are published. Other published fees: late-renewal processing fee $25, required if the renewal is not received correctly before January 31 (G.S. 87-22; 21 NCAC 50 .1104(5)); an application to reissue or transfer a license to a different corporation, partnership or individual name $25, and an application to add a licensee to an existing license $25 (21 NCAC 50 .1101(a)-(b); the License Activation Form prices the Trade Name Change form and the Add Sublicensee form at $25 each); license-number assignment to a qualified licensee $10 (G.S. 87-21(e)); copy of a license $20; abstract of license record $25 per license record search; copy of Board rules $10; returned-check fee the maximum allowed by G.S. 25-3-506 (21 NCAC 50 .1104); petition for predetermination $45. Costs the board does not set or publish an amount for: the DISA/CastleBranch criminal background report (paid by the applicant directly to the vendor) and the mandatory reference books, sold at \"Publisher's Price as set forth at www.nclicensing.org.\" Online renewal by credit card carries a convenience fee, and the Board asks licensees not to use a debit card; it does not accept counter or starter checks, purchase orders, cash, or card details by mail, phone or email.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-21 (Definitions; contractors licensed by Board; examination; posting license, etc.) - 87-21(a)(1) defines \\\"plumbing\\\" as \\\"the system of pipes, fixtures, apparatus and appurtenances, installed upon the premises, or in a building, to supply water thereto and to convey sewage or other waste therefrom\\\"; 87-21(a)(5) reaches anyone who \\\"for a valuable consideration\\\" installs, alters or restores plumbing or offers to, deems a person who installs on property \\\"intended for sale or to be used primarily for rental\\\" to be contracting \\\"without regard to receipt of consideration,\\\" and provides that \\\"nothing herein shall be deemed to restrict the practice of qualified registered professional engineers\\\"; 87-21(b)(1) establishes the two classes (Class I all structures, Class II single-family detached residential dwellings); 87-21(b)(2) authorises the restricted classifications; 87-21(b)(3) caps required experience at two years with up to one-half academic and accepts 10 years of a license in good standing as experience for a Class II qualification; 87-21(b)(6) governs examination frequency, the two-part format, the 90-day retest wait, the six-month failed-portion window and the three-strike education option; 87-21(c), (c1), (c2), (i), (j), (k) and (l) carry every statutory exemption; 87-21(e) requires posting and the license number on proposals, contracts and permit requests and prices license-number assignment at $10; 87-21(g) is the out-of-state licensure power. Amendment history ends at S.L. 2023-91, s. 3. No dollar threshold appears anywhere in this section.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-21.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-25 (Violations made misdemeanor; employees of licensees excepted) - contracting without the license, or outside a limited license, or on false or forged evidence, or on an expired or revoked license, is a Class 2 misdemeanour; and \\\"An employee in the course of his work as a bona fide employee of a licensee of the Board shall not be construed to have engaged in the business of plumbing, heating, or fire sprinkler contracting, as the case may be.\\\" This is the statutory basis for an employed plumber needing no credential of their own.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-25.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-22 (License fee; expiration and renewal; reinstatement) - annual license fee \\\"not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00)\\\" for plumbing or heating contracting, with restricted-classification fees no higher; \\\"All licenses shall expire on the last day of December in each year following their issuance or renewal\\\"; the October 1 half-fee stub year; \\\"the Board shall increase the license fee by twenty-five dollars ($25.00)\\\" where renewal is not made during January; \\\"The Board shall require reexamination upon failure of a licensee to renew license within three years after expiration\\\"; and \\\"The Board may adopt regulations requiring attendance at programs of continuing education as a condition of license renewal\\\" - a power the Board has not exercised since repealing its CE rules effective December 31, 2012.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-22.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-22.1 (Examination fees) - \\\"The Board shall charge a nonrefundable application and examination fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for each examination or any part of an examination... The application and examination fee shall be retained by the Board whether or not the applicant is granted a license. Until changed by the Board pursuant to rules adopted by the Board, the fee for each examination or any part taken on a particular day shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).\\\" The Board changed it by rule effective June 1, 2026, so the operative fee is $150 and the statutory $100 default is spent.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-22.1.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-26 (Corporations; partnerships; persons doing business under trade name) - a license may issue in a corporate, partnership or trade name only where an officer, general partner, owner or full-time employee empowered to act is licensed, executes contracts \\\"to the extent of their license qualifications\\\" in that name, and exercises general supervision over the work; (d) requires the names and qualifications of the individual licensee or licensees to be indicated on the license; (e) \\\"It shall be necessary that persons licensed in accordance with the provisions of this section shall exercise general supervision over contracts to completion\\\"; (f) preserves the individual license of a licensee regularly employed by a local board of education, who may contract or perform work during off-duty hours.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-26.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"21 N.C. Admin. Code Chapter 50 (Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors) - .0301 the enumerated examination categories and per-classification part requirements; .0305 \\\"a grade of 70 is required to pass\\\"; .0306 experience by classification, including .0306(m) for the Limited Plumbing Water Heater Replacement license; .0307 no refund of application or examination fees; .0308 examination review on written request; .0310 reciprocity only under mutual-review agreements; .0318 \\\"license in good standing\\\" for the 10-year Class II route (eff. Oct 1, 2024); .0402 permits and the 10-day final-inspection duty; .0403 use of license and the bar on bidding outside your classification; .0404 the 1,500-hour active-employment floor per business location; .0405 one contractor license at a time; .0406 responsibility of the licensed person employed by a firm; .0409 reinstatement within three years; .0413 \\\"proposal or bid\\\" excludes a non-binding estimate; .0505 general supervision and the licensed-technician substitute; .0506 what is not a minor repair; .0510 license requirements generally; .0511 fuel piping; .0512 \\\"EMPLOYEES EXEMPTED FROM LICENSURE\\\" and the four indicia of bona fide employment; .0517 technician employment; .0518 RLP scope; .0520 on-site, in-person supervision (eff. June 1, 2023); .0521 LWH scope (eff. June 1, 2026); .1101-.1104 fees (.1101 amended eff. June 1, 2026); Section .1400 Continuing Education - nine rules (.1401-.1405 and .1407-.1410) repealed eff. December 31, 2012, while .1406 is reserved for future codification and was therefore never adopted or repealed.\", \"url\": \"http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2050%20-%20plumbing,%20heating%20and%20fire%20sprinkler%20contractors/chapter%2050%20rules.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 87-1 (\\\"General contractor\\\" defined; exceptions) - cited here only to place the dollar threshold where it belongs: a \\\"general contractor\\\" is one who undertakes construction \\\"where the cost of the undertaking is forty thousand dollars ($40,000) or more,\\\" licensed under Article 1 by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Article 2 (plumbing, heating, fire sprinkler) has no such threshold. The $40,000 figure was set by S.L. 2023-108, s. 2(a); the plumbing Board's own Consumer Awareness page still publishes $30,000.\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-1.html\"}, {\"citation\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B, sec. 93B-8.1 -- criminal-history use by occupational licensing boards: the factors at (b1) and the $45 predetermination petition cap at (b6).\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_93B/GS_93B-8.1.html\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-08-12",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"NC Board - Applicant Information (eligibility by license class: Plumbing/Heating contractor 2 years = 4,000 hours with up to one-half (2,000 hours; 45 quarter or 30 semester hours) academic; technician 3,000/2,500 hours; Fuel Piping technician 1,500 hours; RLP 1,500 hours; RFSC needs a Plumbing license held 2 years plus a 16-hour Board-approved course, which the Board now states is \\\"currently being offered\\\" (the earlier \\\"offered in the Fall of 2026\\\" wording is no longer published); \\\"There are no license reciprocity agreements with any other state\\\"; the SC technical waiver; Neighbor State Recognition Act; military/spouse documentation; \\\"The Board currently offers 31 different license qualifications\\\"; seven testing centres; 90-day exam window; License Activation within 45 days; 90-day wait to retest; Code Enforcement Official experience does not count)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/applicant-information/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - License Definitions, Contractor (revision 2026-06; the P-I, P-II, RLP and new LWH scopes, plus FP, H1-I/II, H2, H3-I/II and the fire sprinkler classes; notes that the SP-PH limited-electrical license is issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, not this Board)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/License-Definitions-Contractor-2026-06.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - License Definitions, Technician (\\\"A technician licensee is an individual who has passed the technical examination but has not passed the business law examination\\\"; \\\"A technician license is not a contracting license\\\"; \\\"A technician working as a bonafide (W2) employee of a contractor may perform work covered by the contractor's license\\\"; PT-I/PT-II must be a sublicensee of a Plumbing Contractor and PT-II may supervise single-family detached dwellings only)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/License-Definitions-Technician-2025v1.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Application Packet for Plumbing, Heating or Fuel Piping Contractor License, Form PHFP-1 rev. 2026-06 (THE LIVE FORM: \\\"Cost: $150 per exam payable by check or money order\\\"; the experience table 4,000/2,000/1,500 hours; \\\"Educational credits may account for up to 50% of the required experience\\\" and \\\"[e]ach approved semester hour may receive 66.66 hours of experience credit\\\"; H3-I/H-2 50% cross-credit; PSI named as the third-party exam provider; the mandatory DISA/CastleBranch background report, package code ST46; the South Carolina technical-waiver table; military and military-spouse routes at \\\"$30.00 application fee $150.00 annual License fee\\\"; the Class I/Class II technician fallback for failing only the business portion)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PHFP-Exam-App-2026-06.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Examination Listing and Information (revision 2026; Plumbing Contractor technical 4.0 h, Restricted Limited Plumbing 2.0 h, Plumbing Technician 4.0 h, Business and Law 1.5 h, plus the post-August-2003 Business and Law waiver)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Exam-Information-2026.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - License Activation Form (valid through 9/30/2026; THE LIVE FORM for the fee owed on passing: Plumbing Class I, Class II and RLP $150 each; Plumbing Tech Class I/II $75 \\\"unless qualifier for State & Local Gov't then $150\\\"; Trade Name Change $25; Add Sublicensee $25; \\\"due within *45 days of passing the exam or you must re-test\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/License-Activation-2026-Expires-9-30-2026-ADA-2.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Invoice for Renewal of State License (THE LIVE RENEWAL FORM: $150 for a Plumbing, Heating/A/C or Fuel Piping Contractor license; $75 for a plumbing/heating/FP technician license not listed under a contractor; $25 for a license held in Inspector status with a municipality; $25 late processing fee required if paying after January 31; the employee-misclassification attestation)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2026-Indiv-Renewal-for-webs-new.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - License Renewal (annual; all licenses expire December 31; window opens ~October 1; \\\"there is NO GRACE PERIOD\\\"; reinstatement within three years; re-examination after three years; quotes G.S. 87-22 and 21 NCAC 50 .0409 - note that the Board's quotation of .0409 omits the repealed continuing-education clause the codified rule still carries; renewals processed in 2-3 business days)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/license-renewal/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Education (\\\"Mandatory Continuing Education was eliminated by the Board in 2012, and is no longer required in order to renew licenses annually\\\"; \\\"[t]he Board does not approve providers or courses and there is no need to report CE hours to the Board\\\"; Disciplinary Education established 2013 and the seven Board-approved courses, with the Board Laws & Rules class free)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/education/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - FAQ (exam fee \\\"$150.00 and is non-refundable\\\"; PSI and the seven testing centres; the 90-day Authorization Period; 90-day retest wait; \\\"Do all persons in a firm have to hold a license? No.\\\"; no moonlighting; what happens when the firm's qualifier leaves; federal ceded land vs state/county/municipal and federally LEASED property; annual December 31 expiry; three-year reinstatement limit; CE eliminated December 31, 2012)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/faq/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Consumer Awareness (\\\"Anyone who contracts to install, alter or restore plumbing, heating (includes air conditioning) or fire sprinkler systems must have a license\\\"; \\\"*Minor repairs and service work to plumbing and heating systems do not require a state license\\\"; \\\"Beware of a contractor who says he works under another contractor's license\\\"; and the STALE general-contractor threshold, published here twice as \\\"$30,000 or more\\\" where G.S. 87-1(a) now reads $40,000)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/consumer-awareness/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Trade Talk (the June 1, 2026 rule package in the Board's own words - \\\"On May 28, 2026, the North Carolina Rules Review Commission approved several proposed rules\\\": ACE certification accepted alongside NICET; the new Limited Plumbing Water Heater Replacement license \\\"available for individuals who have held a heating or fuel piping license from the Board for at least two years\\\"; \\\"The license examination application fees will increase to $150. This is the first increase in this fee in over 25 years\\\"; \\\"1099 Employees Not Allowed in Trades - All employees working under a licensee of the Board must be bona-fide W2 employees\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/trade-talk/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Update on New North Carolina State Building Code Effective Dates (dated June 1, 2026: the 2024 Code's effective date is still unset, \\\"[t]he earliest possible date is May 1, 2027, but that has not been set and may be further delayed,\\\" and until then \\\"all exams for plumbing, heating, fuel piping and fire sprinkler licensing will be based on the 2018 edition of the codes,\\\" with the 2013 edition of NFPA 13 and 13D and the 2011 edition of NFPA 25; reproduces the Hurricane Helene appropriations act's Section 5.12 delay mechanism)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-06-01-Code-Update.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board - Board Laws and Rules (the Board's own index to G.S. Chapter 87, Article 2 and to 21 NCAC Chapter 50, section by section)\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/board-laws-and-rules/\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Office of Administrative Hearings - 21 NCAC Chapter 50, full chapter (the codified Board rules, current through the June 1, 2026 amendments): .0301 examination categories incl. Limited Plumbing Water Heater Replacement; .0305 passing grade 70/100; .0306 experience by classification incl. .0306(m) LWH; .0307 no refunds; .0318 license in good standing (eff. Oct 1, 2024); .0402 permits; .0403 use of license; .0404 active employment / 1,500 hours; .0405 multiple licenses; .0409 reinstatement; .0413 proposal or bid; .0505 general supervision; .0506 minor repairs and alterations; .0510 license requirements generally; .0512 employees exempted from licensure; .0517 technician employment; .0518 RLP scope; .0520 on-site supervision (eff. June 1, 2023); .0521 LWH scope (eff. June 1, 2026); .1101-.1104 fees; Section .1400 Continuing Education, nine rules (.1401-.1405 and .1407-.1410) REPEALED eff. December 31, 2012; .1406 is RESERVED and was never adopted\", \"url\": \"http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2050%20-%20plumbing,%20heating%20and%20fire%20sprinkler%20contractors/chapter%2050%20rules.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-21 (definitions of plumbing and of contracting; the two classes and the restricted classifications; eligibility, the two-year experience ceiling and the 10-year good-standing route; examination rules incl. the 90-day retest wait; ALL the statutory exemptions in (c), (c1), (c2), (i), (j), (k) and (l); posting the license and the $10 license-number assignment fee in (e); out-of-state licensure in (g)). read through an archived copy dated January 15, 2026, because the legislature's site is not directly reachable\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-21.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-22 (annual license fee not to exceed $150; \\\"All licenses shall expire on the last day of December\\\"; the October 1 half-fee option; the $25 late-renewal increase; re-examination after three years; the Board MAY adopt continuing-education rules; $25 renewal for a local-government inspector holding Code Officials Qualifications Board qualifications)\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-22.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-22.1 (nonrefundable application and examination fee \\\"not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00)\\\" for each examination or any part, retained whether or not a license is granted; and the now-superseded \\\"[u]ntil changed by the Board ... one hundred dollars ($100.00)\\\" default)\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-22.1.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-25 (unlicensed contracting, and contracting outside a limited license, is a Class 2 misdemeanour; \\\"An employee in the course of his work as a bona fide employee of a licensee of the Board shall not be construed to have engaged in the business of plumbing, heating, or fire sprinkler contracting\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-25.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-26 (license in the name of a corporation, partnership or trade name; the qualifier must execute contracts in the firm's name and \\\"exercise general supervision over contracts to completion\\\"; (f) preserves the individual license of a licensee regularly employed by a local board of education)\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-26.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-1 (the GENERAL contractor definition and its $40,000 threshold, administered by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors - NOT by the plumbing Board and NOT applicable to plumbing licensure; the $40,000 figure was set by S.L. 2023-108, s. 2(a))\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-1.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC General Assembly - G.S. 87-22.2 (licensing of nonresidents: no license for a foreign corporation or foreign LLC without a certificate of authority from the Secretary of State; no renewal for a nonresident individual or foreign entity flagged by the Secretary of Revenue for a delinquent income tax debt)\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-22.2.html\"}, {\"label\": \"N.C. Gen. Stat. 93B-8.1 (Use of criminal history records by occupational licensing boards) -- the source of the factors a board must weigh under (b1), and of the $45 cap on a predetermination petition fee at (b6).\", \"url\": \"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_93B/GS_93B-8.1.html\"}, {\"label\": \"NC Board -- \\\"Multi-Year Renewal form for Licenses Expired Prior to January 1, 2025\\\" (the form's own printed title). This is the document that prints \\\"For EACH sublicensee the fee is $75.00\\\" at item 5; it is a DIFFERENT form from the License Activation Form, which prices sublicensees at $25. It is the source for the $75 sublicensee fee.\", \"url\": \"https://nclicensing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Multiyear-Renewals-with-or-without-subs-for-web-1.pdf\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/nc-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "ny-plumber",
   "state": "New York",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "local-only",
   "licensing_level": "county/municipal",
   "board_name": "",
   "board_url": "",
   "application_url": "",
   "renewal_cycle": "",
   "ce_hours": "",
   "exam": "",
   "fees": "",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code §28-408.1 (Master plumber license required): “It shall be unlawful for any person: 1. To perform plumbing work unless such person is a licensed master plumber or working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber, except that a city employee who holds a master plumber license may only perform plumbing work on existing buildings in the course of his or her employment. 2. To use the title licensed master plumber, master plumber or any other title in such manner as to convey the impression that such person is a licensed master plumber, unless such person is licensed as such in accordance with the provisions of this article.” This is the provision that both requires the license and exempts the supervised worker.\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code §28-408.3.1 (Additional qualifications — Experience): the five alternative experience routes to a master plumber license, including the seven-years-in-ten route with two years as a registered journeyman plumber, the mechanical-engineering-degree route (five years in seven, two in New York City), the architect/engineer route (three years in five, one in New York City), the city-agency route, and the plumbing-inspector route credited at fifty percent to a maximum of 2.5 years. §28-408.3.2 (Armed services) credits military time but “such service credit shall not exceed one-third of the time required for experience.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code §28-408.2 and §28-408.4 (Seal; certificate of competence, license and seal): §28-408.2 requires the licensee's seal and signature on all documents filed with any city department or agency and that the licensed master plumber “performing the work and services shall personally sign and seal all applications”; §28-408.4.3 provides that a certificate holder “shall not be entitled to perform work... until such seal has been obtained” and may not contract for plumbing, gas piping or any piping system “other than an employment agreement with a master plumber business or a city agency”; §28-408.4.4 allows reexamination where a certificate has been held five years without a seal; §28-408.4.5 issues the license and seal only on establishing a conforming master plumbing business or on proof of city-agency employment (with the restrictive legend for government employees); §28-408.4.6 issues a certificate or license “only to an individual”; §28-408.4.7 bars more than one license and seal per individual. §28-408.5 requires surrender on death, retirement, surrender, revocation or suspension, with the one-year completion carve-out for a deceased licensee's legal representative.\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code §28-408.6 (Master plumber business required) and subsections: the 51-percent ownership test, the direct-and-continuing-supervision and direct-employ conditions, the pre-January 25, 1990 grandfather Exception with its July 25, 1990 application and January 25, 1991 evidence deadlines, §28-408.6.2 identification requirements for vehicles, advertising, websites and stationery (“N.Y.C. licensed plumber”), §28-408.6.3 lapse on withdrawal, §28-408.6.4 the one-other-business ownership limit and same-place-of-business rule, §28-408.6.5 written pre-approved joint ventures, and §28-408.6.6 supervision with its Exception for minor alterations, ordinary repairs and utility-performed gas service and meter piping. §28-408.7 requires evidence of fitness as a condition of renewal.\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code Article 409 (Journeyman Plumber Registration): §28-409.1 the four competence elements; §28-409.2 the disjunctive experience test (“A minimum of five (5) years of full-time experience in the performance of plumbing work under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber or equivalent, where at least one (1) year of such experience shall have been in New York city; or... Satisfactorily completed a New York State recognized training program in plumbing”); §28-409.3 “The registration for journeyman plumber shall have no expiration and shall not require renewal or reissuance”; §28-409.4 the mandatory card legend “This registration is NOT A LICENSE, and the holder is NOT AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM PLUMBING WORK in New York city except under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code Article 423 (Qualification for Gas Work): §28-423.1 defines gas work and makes it unlawful unless performed by a licensed master plumber or by a person under a licensed master plumber's direct and continuing supervision holding a full qualification, or a limited qualification exercised under the direct supervision of a full-qualification holder or a licensed master plumber — with the Exception that “[t]he provisions of this article shall not apply to gas work performed, serviced and maintained by utility corporations and subject to the jurisdiction of the New York state public service commission”; §28-423.2 the three routes to a full qualification, each requiring a limited qualification held at least one year; §28-423.2.1 concurrent applications and the fee waiver for registered journeyman plumbers; §28-423.3 the routes to a limited qualification (six months of supervised plumbing work plus a 16-hour approved gas course, NYS DOL registered apprenticeship, or another rule-set competence showing); §28-423.4 “The full gas work qualification shall have no expiration... The limited gas work qualification shall expire five (5) years after issuance and may not be renewed or reissued.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code Article 401 (General requirements for all licenses): §28-401.4 license required; §28-401.5 application and the duty to keep information current (14 days before issuance, 30 days after); §28-401.6 age 18, English literacy, good moral character and fitness; §28-401.7 examination unless otherwise specified; §28-401.8 background investigation at the applicant's cost; §28-401.8.1 fingerprinting of the applicant, sole-proprietor owner, general partners and “officers, principals, directors, and stockholders owning more than ten percent of the outstanding stock,” three passport-sized photographs each, the DCJS processing fee, the comparable-submission alternative, and the Correction Law article 23/23-a analysis; §28-401.9 $1,000,000 commercial general liability plus workers' compensation and disability benefits compliance; §28-401.11 “all licenses issued by the commissioner shall expire three (3) years from the date of issuance thereof, and may be renewed every three (3) years thereafter without examination”; §28-401.12 renewal 30-90 days before expiration, cancellation on failure to renew, seal surrender; §28-401.13 late renewal within one year without examination; §28-401.14 permissive continuing-education rulemaking; §28-401.15 the fee schedule; §28-401.18 New York City place of business, §28-401.18.1 address-change notice and §28-401.18.2 posting. Note §28-401.10 and table §28-401.15 carry editor's notes: both “modified by Local Law 128 of 2024,” effective December 21, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"NYC Administrative Code §28-401.15 (Schedule of fees), master plumber rows: “Master plumber license (certificate of competence) — $200 initial; $150 triennially; Late-renewal fees: Up to 30 days late, $50; From 31 days to five years late, $100 for each year or part thereof. Reissuance fee: $50.” “Master plumber license seal — $50 initial; $75 triennially; Replacement fee upon loss of seal, w/affidavit: $75.” “Journeyman plumber registration — $50; No renewal. Reissuance fee: $50.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"1 RCNY §104-06(b)(7) (Continuing education requirements): “Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor and Master Plumber. During the one (1) year immediately prior to renewal, the licensee must have successfully completed a Department-approved course that is at least seven (7) hours in length.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-06.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"1 RCNY §104-02 (Required insurance): applies to Master Plumbers and requires a policy that “[p]rovide[s] coverage of at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars) combined single limit per occurrence.”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-02.pdf\"}, {\"citation\": \"1 RCNY §104-01 (License qualifications): experience-verification requirements including the supervising licensee's statement of direct supervision, Social Security earnings history “reflecting wages appropriate for the trade,” proof that the supervising licensee performed the work (permits, completed contracts), documentation for self-employed applicants, and the exception permitting consideration of uncompensated experience on proof of an employer-employee relationship; fitness evidence at application and renewal; and the requirement that a Licensed Master Plumber maintain a place of business within New York City with prescribed signage under Administrative Code §28-408.6.2.\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-01.pdf\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"NY Department of State — Division of Licensing Services: “oversees the licensure, registration, and regulation of 35 occupations throughout the state,” with all 35 enumerated under Beauty Enhancement, Real Estate, Security and Secured Services and Miscellaneous Services. No plumbing, master plumbing, journeyman plumbing or plumbing contracting. Half of the proof that New York issues no statewide plumbing license\", \"url\": \"https://dos.ny.gov/division-licensing-services\"}, {\"label\": \"NYSED Office of the Professions — New York State Licensed Professions: the state's OTHER licensing agency, listing 36 professions licensed under Title VIII of the Education Law (acupuncture to veterinary medicine). No plumbing — and no electrical or HVAC either. The other half of the negative proof\", \"url\": \"https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC Administrative Code Title 28, Chapter 4 (Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work), 2022 Construction Codes edition as published by the NYC Department of Buildings — Article 401 general license provisions (§28-401.4 license required; §28-401.6 age 18/English/good moral character/fitness; §28-401.7 examination; §28-401.8 and §28-401.8.1 background investigation and fingerprinting of principals; §28-401.9 $1,000,000 general liability plus workers' comp and disability; §28-401.11 three-year term; §28-401.12 renewal 30-90 days out; §28-401.13 one-year late renewal; §28-401.14 permissive continuing education; §28-401.15 fee schedule; §28-401.18 NYC place of business), Article 408 Master Plumber License, Article 409 Journeyman Plumber Registration, Article 423 Qualification for Gas Work\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/codes-pdf/cons_codes_2022/2022GAP_Chapter4_LicensingWBwm.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC Administrative Code on American Legal Publishing's code library, “July 2026 (current)” edition — Title 28: New York City Construction Codes, whose chapter list includes “Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work.” Used to confirm the currency of the chapter cited above (and noting “Chapter 12: The New York City Existing Building Code (effective July 17, 2027)” as not yet in force)\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-207300\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC Department of Buildings — License Types: 22 licenses and registrations, including “Plumbing and Fire Suppression (Master and Journeyman)” and a separate “Gas Work Qualification.” There is no HVAC or mechanical-contractor license on the list. DOB also directs applicants to “Chapter 4 of the 2022 NYC Administrative Code” for licensure qualifications\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/license-types.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — Master Plumbers & Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor: the live fee table (License Fee $200.00; Renewal Fee $150.00; Late Fee $50.00 between 1-30 days and $100.00 at 31 days or greater; Seal Fee $50.00 new / $75.00 renewal; License Term 3 years) and the announcement of the new exam application fees (LIC41 written $585, LIC42 practical $530)\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/master-plumbers-master-fire-suppression-piping-contractor.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — Obtain a Master Plumber License: the DOB NOW: Licensing mandate effective February 23, 2026; the $585 written and $530 practical exam fees; written exam format (multiple choice on the NYC Construction Codes, no reference materials, 70% to pass, results at the test site) and the May 1, 2023 updated examination plan; the 24-month written-to-practical window, the one-year practical-to-application window and the one-year card-pickup window; the five experience routes as DOB states them; the background document list (LIC62, Experience Verification Form, SSA earnings statement, ID, Social Security card, pay stub/W-2, notarised within 90 days); the business-ownership and place-of-business requirements; and the 60-day reconsideration deadline\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/obtain-a-master-plumber-license.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — Obtain a Journeyman Plumber / Fire Suppression Piping Installer Registration: age 18, English, fitness, good moral character; the two qualification routes (five years of full-time supervised plumbing with at least one year in NYC, or a New York State registered training program with one year of NYC experience); the trade-specificity warning; the document list including the DPL1 form, notarised sealed employer affidavits, SSA earnings history and the mandatory Child Support Form; and the $50 registration fee\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/obtain-a-journeyman-plumber-fire-suppression-piping-installer-registration-or-gas-work-qualification.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — Gas Work Qualification: Local Law 150 of 2016 as the source of the requirement; full versus limited qualification and their expirations (full never expires; limited expires five years after issuance and may not be renewed); the written exam (50 questions, 2 hours, 70% / 35 correct) and its shift to open book on August 1, 2024 with references supplied electronically; the $50 registration fee; the exam administrator contact (NYCDOB@cpshr.us, (855) 224-6977); and the $5,000 penalty under 1 RCNY §102-01 for unqualified gas work\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/gaswork-qualifications.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — License Renewal: Master Plumber & Master Fire Suppression Contractor: renewal through DOB NOW: Licensing; the required LIC62 physical examination form completed within 90 days; the required “Original 7-Hour Continuing Education Course Certificate of Completion”; renewal fees $150 license + $75 seal = $225 total; late fees $275 (1-30 days) and $325 (31 days up to one year); and the 30-90-day filing window\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/master-plumbers-renew-license.page\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — LICENSE RENEWAL: MASTER PLUMBER checklist, Rev. 04/26: the dated operative form carrying the same 7-hour continuing education requirement, $225 total renewal fee and late-fee tiers\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/master_plumber_renewal_checklist.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"1 RCNY §104-06 (Continuing education requirements) — applies to Master Plumbers by name, and at (b)(7) requires that “[d]uring the one (1) year immediately prior to renewal, the licensee must have successfully completed a Department-approved course that is at least seven (7) hours in length.” This is where NYC's 7-hour CE requirement actually lives; the Administrative Code only permits it\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-06.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"1 RCNY §104-01 (License qualifications) — the experience-documentation rules behind the Experience Verification Form (supervisor's statement of direct supervision; SSA earnings history “reflecting wages appropriate for the trade”; evidence that the supervising licensee actually performed the work, shown by permits or completed contracts; the self-employed applicant's documentation; the uncompensated-experience exception), fitness evidence at application and renewal, and the requirement that a Licensed Master Plumber have a place of business within New York City with prescribed window or premises signage\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-01.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"1 RCNY §104-02 (Required insurance) — applies to Master Plumbers by name and requires coverage of “at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars) combined single limit per occurrence”\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_104-02.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"NYC DOB — Licensing Fees chart, “(as of 11/22)”: the tabular fee summary including Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber/Fire Suppression Piping Installer Registration and Gas Work Qualification (Full and Limited), plus a $500 background-investigation line. DATED NOVEMBER 2022 and superseded on exam fees by DOB's live pages, which announce LIC41 $585 and LIC42 $530\", \"url\": \"https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/licensing_fee_chart.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Buffalo — Department of Permit and Inspection Services, Plumbing Division: the 2026 exam dates (Master Plumber October 17, 2026; Journeyman Plumber and Journeyman Repair Plumber November 17, 2026); Chief Plumbing Inspector contact; the master plumber license requirement, title restriction and prohibition on engaging unlicensed plumbers; the certificate-of-competency step through the Examining Board of Plumbers; permits issued only to city-licensed master plumbers with the resident-owner carve-out; the physical-presence supervision rule; annual in-person registration on January 1 or during the preceding December; and the $50 fee to keep an unused certificate active\", \"url\": \"https://www.buffalony.gov/530/Plumbing\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Buffalo — Application for Master Plumber License (Department of Permit & Inspection Services, Plumbing Department): “Minimum Qualifications: 6,000 Hours worked as a Journeyman Plumber as an employee of a licensed Master Plumber, not working for yourself,” and the provision that master plumber licenses from other municipalities may be submitted as qualifying work experience\", \"url\": \"https://www.buffalony.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15182/Updated-Master-Plumber-Application\"}, {\"label\": \"Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs — Type of License: the enumerated list of county licenses, which includes “Master Plumbers,” “Restricted Plumbers” and “Backflow Tester”; the warning that unlicensed contractors are subject to arrest and prosecution; and the (631) 853-4600 verification line\", \"url\": \"https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Type-of-License\"}, {\"label\": \"Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs — Who Must Be Licensed: the county's home-improvement definition and its list of covered trades (air conditioning & heating systems through well drilling), which does NOT name plumbing, master plumbing or journeyman plumbing. Cited for what Nassau does not publish, not for a plumbing requirement\", \"url\": \"https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3465/Who-Must-Be-Licensed\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/ny-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "oh-plumber",
   "state": "Ohio",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "contractor",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) — Plumbing and Hydronics Section, Division of Industrial Compliance, Ohio Department of Commerce",
   "board_url": "https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board/about-ocilb",
   "application_url": "https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/Testing_Application_-_OCILB.pdf",
   "renewal_cycle": "Annual. ORC 4740.06(H): \"All licenses a contractor holds pursuant to this chapter shall expire annually on the same date, which shall be the expiration date of the original license the contractor holds\" — so a plumbing license and a hydronics license held by the same person expire together, on the anniversary of the first one issued. A valid, unexpired license is renewed without re-examination by applying to the appropriate specialty section not more than ninety calendar days before expiry, with the renewal fee ($60) and proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements, and by demonstrating continued compliance with the citizenship, insurance and no-fraud requirements of ORC 4740.06(B)(2), (4) and (5). A triennial cycle exists but only through the compliant contractor program: OAC 4101:16-1-08(C) provides that programme members \"may choose to renew their licenses on a triennial basis, rather than on an annual basis,\" and OAC 4101:16-2-09(A)(3) prices the triennial renewal of each license at $180. Qualifying for that programme takes one year of demonstrated compliance with ch. 4740 and its rules — timely renewal filings, timely fee payment and no disciplinary action — and it is open to existing licensees only, so a new applicant must first complete a licensure period in compliance (4101:16-1-08(B)). ORC 4740.06(M) is the statutory authority for that programme and lets the board make rules amending the continuing education requirements and the renewal schedule for it. Inactive (\"escrow\") licenses must also be renewed each year (OAC 4101:16-2-12(C)); OCILB states the $60 renewal fee is still owed while in escrow.",
   "ce_hours": "Two official sources give different baseline numbers, and both are published — confirm with OCILB before relying on either. (1) The rule, OAC 4101:16-2-08(A) (effective May 13, 2022): \"Except as provided in rule 4101:16-1-08 of the Administrative Code, a licensee shall complete ten classroom hours of an approved continuing education course each year to be eligible to apply for the renewal of their license or licenses,\" and (A)(1) provides that a licensee holding one or more plumbing, hydronics, HVAC or refrigeration licenses \"shall take the required ten hours of continuing education in any course that has been approved by any of the specialty sections\" — there is no subject-matter split for plumbers, unlike the electrical trade, which must take at least five of its ten hours in electrical code. The exception referenced is the compliant contractor program: OAC 4101:16-1-08(C) grants members \"a two-hour reduction in their yearly requirement for continuing education,\" so members renewing annually must show eight hours and members renewing triennially must show twenty-four hours. (2) OCILB's own License Information page states it as universal: \"All trades are required to attend 8 hours continuing education classes for one-year renewal or 24 hours for 3-year renewals. The Electrical trade only must have half of their hours in code.\" The eight/twenty-four figures match the compliant-contractor-program numbers in the rule, so the likeliest reading is that the board's page describes the programme's schedule; the rule's baseline for a licensee outside the programme is ten hours a year. Statutory ceiling either way, ORC 4740.05(F): no continuing education curriculum \"may require more than five hours per year in specific course requirements,\" no contractor may be required to take more than ten hours per year, and \"[t]he ten hours shall be the aggregate of hours of continuing education for all licenses the contractor holds\" — holding both a plumbing and a hydronics license does not double the requirement. Mechanics: a classroom hour is at least fifty minutes of instruction, and the remaining ten minutes may only be used for administrative duties or a break — a training agency may not accrue those minutes to start late, end early or lengthen a break (4101:16-2-08(B)). Excess hours do not carry forward to the next renewal period (4101:16-2-08(C)), and no licensee gets credit for more than ten classroom hours taken in one calendar day (4101:16-2-08(D)). Online delivery is capped: OCILB states that \"[e]ffective September 1, 2018 contractors may take some online continuing education. One-year renewals can only take up to 4 hours each year online. Three-year renewals may take up to 12 hours on line. Since hours can be carried over within a three-year period, all 12 hours can be taken in one year. The same 4-hour class cannot be repeated in the same year,\" and the same twelve-hour allowance applies to a licensee coming out of escrow who needs hours. Courses must come from a training agency the administrative section approved not more than one year before the course is offered (ORC 4740.05(A)(6)); course approval and training-agency approval are governed by OAC 4101:16-3-01 and 4101:16-3-03, and reporting by 4101:16-3-02. Waivers: on application within one calendar year of expiry, the specialty section may waive any portion of the requirement, or extend the time to complete it, in cases of certified illness, disability, military service, foreign residence or excusable neglect, case by case (4101:16-2-08(E)) — but where an extension is granted and the license has expired, the license is not reissued until the hours are done. Missing the deadline suspends the license automatically (4101:16-2-08(F)); failure to reactivate within one calendar year revokes it automatically. Licenses in inactive status carry no continuing education obligation while inactive.",
   "exam": "Two parts, both required: one part specific to the trade applied for and one part on business and law (OAC 4101:16-2-03(B)). A score of 70 per cent on each part is a pass (4101:16-2-03(D)); once both parts are passed, the business-and-law part is credited as passed for three years from the date the license is issued if the holder later applies and is approved to sit for another ch. 4740 examination. The examination for each trade is scheduled at least four times a year at various locations around the state, and the approved applicant schedules the date with the approved testing agency (4101:16-2-03(A)). OCILB's own examination application states that approved candidates \"will be provided with a PSI Candidate Information Bulletin\" containing scheduling instructions, and that \"[a]ll licensure exams are computer based testing by appointment at sites throughout Ohio & the U.S.\" Sequence: file the application with the specialty section (notarized, with the $25 fee) → the section reviews eligibility at a scheduled board meeting and notifies the applicant by mail → obtain the BCI and FBI criminal records check → register with the approved testing agency and pay its exam fee → the testing agency scores the exam initially and the specialty section verifies the final scores (4101:16-2-03(E)). A failed part may be retaken on payment of the testing agency's fee, but ORC 4740.06(G)(1) provides the applicant \"may retake the examination not less than sixty days after the applicant's most recent examination,\" and (G)(2) requires an applicant who has failed five times to reapply for a license under 4740.06(A) before retaking. Board approval to sit expires automatically one calendar year from the date OCILB receives the completed criminal records check (4101:16-2-03(G)); OCILB's application form states board approval is \"valid for one year.\" Oral examinations, other accommodations, and examination in a language other than English may be permitted on request where the section finds the applicant's ability substantially impaired.",
   "fees": "Set by each specialty section subject to controlling-board approval (ORC 4740.09), and published in OAC 4101:16-2-09(A)-(B): $25 for an application for examination; $25 for issuance of any license; $60 for the annual renewal of each license, or $180 for the triennial renewal of each license; a late fee of not more than $120 for each license not timely renewed; and a $30 penalty fee for each license for any check or other draft instrument returned unpaid (see also ORC 4740.15). Continuing-education charges: $10 plus $1 per credit hour for each course application submitted, $1 per credit hour of instruction per attendee, and $25 for each training agency application. Every one of these fees is non-refundable and payable to the administrative section of OCILB. Reciprocity applications cost $25 non-refundable per trade, payable to \"Treasurer, State of Ohio\" — and each trade requires its own application and fee. Not set by OCILB and not published by it: the examination fee charged by the approved testing agency (the testing agency \"may charge a fee to the applicant for those expenses associated with the examination as approved by the administrative section or set forth in contract,\" OAC 4101:16-2-02(H)), and the BCI/FBI criminal records check fee, which is the fee prescribed under ORC 109.572(C)(3) and is paid to the background-check provider. ORC 4740.09 caps increases: no increase may exceed fifty per cent of the lowest fee that section set during the preceding three years, and no increase may be made more than once a year.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Ohio Revised Code ch. 4740 (Construction Industry Licensing Board) — 4740.01 definitions of \\\"license\\\", \\\"contractor\\\", \\\"contracting company\\\", \\\"licensed trade\\\", \\\"tradesperson\\\" and \\\"construction project\\\" (eff. Sept. 17, 2014, S.B. 78, 130th G.A.); 4740.02 the board and its plumbing and hydronics section; 4740.05 duties of the specialty sections, including the continuing-education ceiling in division (F) (eff. Oct. 9, 2021, H.B. 263, 133rd G.A.); 4740.06 license application, qualifications, out-of-state and uniformed-service routes, annual expiry, renewal, inactive status, criminal-history limits on renewal, conditional licenses and the compliance-incentive-programme rulemaking authority (eff. Sept. 30, 2025, H.B. 96, 136th G.A.); 4740.061 ORC ch. 4776 compliance; 4740.07 licenses issued to individuals and assigned to contracting companies; 4740.08 reciprocity (eff. Dec. 29, 2023, H.B. 33, 135th G.A.); 4740.09 determination of fees; 4740.10 disciplinary actions; 4740.12 local regulation; 4740.13 contractor operating without a license, plus the 25-volt control-wiring and 50-volt low-voltage provisions; 4740.131 lease of employees (eff. Mar. 24, 2021, S.B. 201, 133rd G.A.); 4740.15 NSF instruments; 4740.16 investigation and civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation per day (eff. Oct. 3, 2023, H.B. 33, 135th G.A.); 4740.99 penalty\", \"url\": \"https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-4740\"}, {\"citation\": \"Ohio Revised Code 3781.06 — supplies the definitions that bound ORC 4740.01(F). Division (C)(9): \\\"'Residential building' means a one-family, two-family, or three-family dwelling house, and any accessory structure incidental to that dwelling house,\\\" including such a dwelling used as a model home, and excluding an industrialized unit, a manufactured home and a mobile home. Division (C)(3) defines \\\"industrialized unit\\\" (closed construction fabricated off site and transported to the site of intended use). Division (C)(10): \\\"'Nonresidential building' means any building that is not a residential building or a manufactured or mobile home.\\\" Division (C)(11) defines \\\"accessory structure\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3781.06\"}, {\"citation\": \"Ohio Administrative Code 4101:16 (Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board) — 4101:16-1-01 definitions; 4101:16-1-05 investigations; 4101:16-1-06 disciplinary action; 4101:16-1-07 notification of examination result and adjudication hearings; 4101:16-1-08 compliant contractor program (two-hour continuing-education reduction; optional triennial renewal; 8 hours annual / 24 hours triennial); 4101:16-2-01 qualifications to take the licensing examination (eff. Sept. 6, 2024); 4101:16-2-02 application procedures, criminal records check and disqualifying offences; 4101:16-2-03 examinations (two parts, 70 per cent each, at least four sittings a year, three-year business-and-law credit); 4101:16-2-04 issuance of licenses; 4101:16-2-05 display of license and license number; 4101:16-2-06 notice of renewal date; 4101:16-2-07 renewal of license; 4101:16-2-08 continuing education hours (ten classroom hours a year, except as provided in 4101:16-1-08); 4101:16-2-09 fees and insurance ($25 examination application / $25 issuance / $60 annual renewal / $180 triennial renewal, late fee up to $120, $30 NSF penalty, at least $500,000 contractor's liability insurance); 4101:16-2-10 reciprocity; 4101:16-2-11 conditional licenses; 4101:16-2-12 inactive status; 4101:16-2-13 and 4101:16-2-14 military provisions and temporary licenses; 4101:16-3-01 approval of training agencies; 4101:16-3-02 continuing-education reporting; 4101:16-3-03 continuing-education course approval. Except where noted, the chapter's rules were effective May 13, 2022\", \"url\": \"https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4101:16-2-09\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"OCILB — About OCILB (the board's own scope statement: \\\"issues Licensure to qualified Electrical, Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, Hydronics and Refrigeration contractors who successfully pass the required licensing examination\\\"; part of the Division of Industrial Compliance; board secretary; per-trade board meeting schedule showing separate Plumbing/Hydronics, Electrical, HVAC and Administrative sections; links to the plumbing section's meeting minutes)\", \"url\": \"https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board/about-ocilb\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Verifying Licensed Contractors (\\\"Commercial trades regulated in Ohio include electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration\\\"; \\\"Note: residential contractors are not required to be licensed in Ohio\\\"; directs the public to the local city/county/township building department and to \\\"[a]sk if the worker holds a journeyman card or completed a state-approved apprenticeship\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board/verifying-licensed-contractors\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Contractors & Contracting Companies / License Information (\\\"issues State Licenses to Commercial Contractors for the following trades: Electrical, HVAC, Hydronics, Plumbing, and Refrigeration\\\"; the requirement list including $500,000 liability coverage; the 8-hour/24-hour continuing education statement; online CE caps effective September 1, 2018; escrow rules and the $60 escrow renewal fee; the 90-day license reassignment rule; NO DBAs; 1099 workers must be separately licensed; expired more than one year means starting over; the reciprocity state/trade list; the live page's \\\"Local building departments may require this license for residential work\\\" (the older \\\"H.B. 434\\\" phrasing seen in the archived copy dated September 20, 2023 is no longer on the page); the Reynoldsburg background-check address and (614) 644-3493). Note: read through an archived copy dated September 20, 2023\", \"url\": \"https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board/contractors-and-contracting-companies\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Examination Application, form DIC 3524 (the live application PDF: the board \\\"issues state licenses to Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Plumbing, and Hydronics Contractors who perform commercial work\\\"; age 18; citizenship or legal alien; five years as a tradesperson; the tax-document plus permit / journeyman card / apprenticeship certificate / 40-hours-of-code-CE proof options and the sewer, water, gas and drain-cleaning permit exclusion; \\\"self guided courses not permitted for licensing purposes\\\"; BCI and FBI background check after board approval and before the exam; approval valid one year; PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and computer-based testing; a $25 check payable to \\\"Treasurer, State of Ohio\\\" plus proof of at least $500,000 contractor liability insurance to receive the license; license must be assigned to a \\\"contracting company\\\" as defined in ORC 4740.01; the veterans' DD-214 route)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/Testing_Application_-_OCILB.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Out of State Examination Application (the out-of-state applicant's version of the examination application)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/Out_of_State_Testing_Application_-_OCILB.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Testing Application resource page (form number DIC 3524; \\\"Last Review Date: March 2020\\\"; the board's one-line scope statement; links to the application PDF)\", \"url\": \"https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board/contractors-and-contracting-companies/ocilb-examination-application\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — South Carolina Reciprocity Application (live PDF; plumbing IS an eligible reciprocity trade with South Carolina — \\\"Type of License Applying For: EL HVAC PL\\\"; grandfathered or reciprocity-obtained South Carolina licensees must sit the Ohio exam including business and law; each trade requires one application and one fee per trade; $25.00 non-refundable fee per trade; Certificate of Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 naming the board as certificate holder; license must be assigned to a contracting company)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/dico_SC_Reciprocity.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Kentucky Reciprocity Application (live PDF; the Kentucky agreement covers EL, HVAC and RE only — no plumbing; same $500,000 insurance and contracting-company assignment requirements)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/dico_KY_Reciprocity.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — Louisiana Reciprocity Application (live PDF; the Reciprocity Verification of Licensure form, requiring a state seal, the examination score and disciplinary history from the other state's board)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/dico_LA_Reciprocity.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB Plumbing/Hydronics Section — minutes of the February 12, 2025 meeting (the section itself votes to approve applicants to sit for the plumbing and hydronics examinations, approves test scores, requests further information, denies applicants, issues final orders and approves continuing-education course applications; confirms a license \\\"cannot be transferred\\\" and that a licensee no longer with the company is placed in escrow)\", \"url\": \"https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/raw/upload/v1744219360/com.ohio.gov/DICO/OCILB/Board%20Minutes/Plumbing_Hydronics_2-12-25.docx\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB eLicense Center — license lookup and online renewal for the Electrical, HVAC, Hydronics, Plumbing and Refrigeration trades, plus the approved continuing-education class search\", \"url\": \"https://elicense4.com.ohio.gov/lookup/licenselookup.aspx\"}, {\"label\": \"OCILB — board landing page (\\\"The Ohio Contractor Licensing Law (ORC 4740), requires building and health departments who have a registration in place to require the State License before issuing commercial permits. All local building and health departments regulate residential contractors. However, the State Licensing Law allows those building and health departments to require the State commercial license for their residential contractors.\\\"; the board's scope statement)\", \"url\": \"https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/oh-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "pa-plumber",
   "state": "Pennsylvania",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "local-only",
   "licensing_level": "county/municipal",
   "board_name": "",
   "board_url": "",
   "application_url": "",
   "renewal_cycle": "",
   "ce_hours": "",
   "exam": "",
   "fees": "",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Philadelphia Code sec. 9-1003 (Plumbers), Chapter 9-1000 (Trades) - sec. 9-1003(1)(a) defines \\\"Plumbing\\\" as \\\"[d]rainage, water piping, or the construction, alteration and repairing of any drainage, cesspools, trap, waste vent or water piping, and fixtures attached thereto, except gas or electric heaters\\\"; sec. 9-1003(2)(a) requires every person performing plumbing work to be a licensed Master Plumber, a licensed journeyman plumber, or a registered apprentice working \\\"under the direction of a licensed plumber\\\"; sec. 9-1003(2)(b) exempts only an unskilled \\\"helper or laborer\\\" under a licensed plumber's direction and \\\"minor plumbing repairs as defined in Section 8-201.2\\\" (the Code's editor's note: \\\"Referenced material now appears in Title 4, Subcode P, Chapter 2\\\"); sec. 9-1003(3) Master Plumber (four years registered apprentice plus one year licensed journeyman; examination; annual validity; the metal plate; the inactive list); sec. 9-1003(4) journeyman and apprentice (four years apprentice; annual validity; apprentices at least sixteen and re-registering on a change of employer); sec. 9-1003(5) Master Plumber insurance; sec. 9-1003(6) required and prohibited conduct; sec. 9-1003(7) the codified fee schedule; sec. 9-1003(8) suspension and revocation. Added by Bill No. 891 (approved February 17, 1995); the Master Plumber annual fee amended by Bill No. 080853 (approved December 8, 2008).\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-278198\"}, {\"citation\": \"Philadelphia Code sec. 9-1004 (Contractors) - the separate Philadelphia Contractor license. Sec. 9-1004(2)(c) defines \\\"Construction\\\" as \\\"[t]he demolition, erection, addition, conversion, improvement, modernization, rehabilitation, renovation, remodeling, repair or other alteration of any building, structure, real property or appurtenance thereto\\\"; sec. 9-1004(3)(a) makes the license mandatory for anyone acting as a Contractor; sec. 9-1004(3)(b) lists the exceptions, including owner-occupants who are the owner of record per the Board of Revision of Taxes, Commonwealth-licensed engineers or architects, government employees performing work for their governmental employer, a contractor already licensed by the Department, and \\\"a Contractor who does not perform any job for which the Contractor is paid more than five hundred dollars ($500)\\\"; sec. 9-1004(3)(c) sets a $100 annual renewal; sec. 9-1004(3)(e) provides that \\\"[t]his Section shall not apply to persons holding journeyman or master trade licenses unless such persons also operate as a Contractor within the meaning of this Section\\\"; sec. 9-1004(4) sets the application conditions, including the $100 initial non-refundable application fee and, for entities not licensed under secs. 9-1003, 9-1005 or 9-1006, the supervisory-training condition that may include OSHA 30.\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-278250\"}, {\"citation\": \"Philadelphia Code Title 4, Subcode \\\"P\\\" - The Philadelphia Plumbing Code. Title 8 (Plumbing Code) was \\\"[r]epealed, Bill No. 960589 (approved March 19, 1997)\\\" and \\\"further amended and incorporated as Title 4, Subcode 'P' (The Philadelphia Plumbing Code) by Bill No. 960589,\\\" so the definition of \\\"minor plumbing repairs\\\" that sec. 9-1003(2)(b) still cites as \\\"Section 8-201.2\\\" now sits in Subcode P, Chapter 2 (per the Code's own editor's note). The text of that definition is not quoted here.\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274056\"}, {\"citation\": \"Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act of Oct. 17, 2008, P.L. 1645, No. 132 (73 P.S. secs. 517.1-517.19), effective July 1, 2009 - sec. 2 defines \\\"home improvement\\\" (work on a private residence \\\"for which the total cash price of all work agreed upon between the contractor and owner is more than $500,\\\" including \\\"[r]epair, replacement, remodeling, demolition, removal, renovation, installation, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, rehabilitation or sandblasting\\\" and, \\\"[w]ithout regard to affixation, the installation of central heating, air conditioning, storm windows or awnings,\\\" and excluding new-home construction, material-only sales, commercial/resale services, easily removable appliances, uncompensated work by the owner of the owner's own residence or residential rental property, certain Plant Pest Act landscaping, emergency work under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, and conversions of commercial structures) and \\\"contractor\\\" (excluding a person whose total home improvements were worth less than $5,000 in the previous taxable year, and a home improvement retailer with a net worth over $50,000,000); sec. 3(a) \\\"No person shall hold himself out as a contractor, nor shall a person perform any home improvement without first registering with the bureau\\\"; sec. 4(a)(1)(ix) requires proof of at least $50,000 personal-injury and $50,000 property-damage liability insurance; sec. 4(c) requires updates within 30 days of any change; sec. 5(a) sets \\\"a fee of $50\\\" and biennial renewal; sec. 6 requires the registration number in all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals; sec. 7(a) makes a home improvement contract unenforceable against an owner unless written, legible and carrying the registration number; sec. 8 creates the offence of home improvement fraud; sec. 12 preempts local registration of home improvement contractors while expressly preserving building permits, local code enforcement, municipal authority under the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, and \\\"existing licensing standards in effect on the effective date of this act, with respect to electricians and plumbers and other trades, where licensing is conditioned on requirements of testing or possession of certificates obtained through specific training in electricity or plumbing or other trades\\\"; sec. 13 exempts only the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions and the Federal Government.\", \"url\": \"https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/2008/0/0132..HTM\"}, {\"citation\": \"Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XV (Plumbing and Building Drainage), 2022 edition - the county plumbing code the Health Department's Plumbing Program enforces and the code its Journeyman and Master Plumber examinations are written against (\\\"The 2022 version of Allegheny County Article XV will apply for the exam\\\"). Cited for provenance only: the county publishes Article XV through the ICC Digital Codes reader, and no provision of Article XV is quoted on this page; every Allegheny County fact here comes from the Health Department's own published pages instead. An \\\"Article XV Update\\\" appears on the Plumbing Advisory Board's July 16, 2026 agenda.\", \"url\": \"https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/PAAGCHDPC2022P1/index\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"PA Department of State - Boards & Commissions (the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs \\\"provides administrative and legal support to 29 professional and occupational licensing boards and commissions\\\" and ENUMERATES all 29; there is no plumbing, mechanical, HVAC or electrical board among them - this is the proof of the state-level negative)\", \"url\": \"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/professional-licensing/boards-commissions.html\"}, {\"label\": \"PA General Assembly - Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Act of Oct. 17, 2008, P.L. 1645, No. 132 (full enacted text: sec. 2 definitions of \\\"contractor\\\", \\\"home improvement\\\", \\\"private residence\\\" with the >$500 and <$5,000 thresholds; sec. 3(a) registration required; sec. 4(a)(1)(ix) $50,000/$50,000 insurance; sec. 5(a) $50 fee and biennial renewal; sec. 6 registration number in advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals; sec. 7(a) contract validity; sec. 12 PREEMPTION with the electricians-and-plumbers carve-out; sec. 13 exemptions; sec. 19 effective July 1, 2009)\", \"url\": \"https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/2008/0/0132..HTM\"}, {\"label\": \"PA Office of Attorney General - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (\\\"Registration under HICPA is not an endorsement, recommendation or approval by the Office of Attorney General of the contractor's competency or skill\\\"; links to the HICPA application instructions, online application and mail-in application; the $5,000-per-year threshold). read through an archived copy dated July 3, 2026, because the Attorney General's site is not directly reachable\", \"url\": \"https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/businesses-and-organizations/home-improvement-contractor-registration/\"}, {\"label\": \"PA Office of Attorney General - HICPA Frequently Asked Questions (master plumbers named expressly as needing to register when they perform home improvements; \\\"Political subdivisions in Pennsylvania cannot separately license or register home improvement contractors after July 1, 2009, with the limited exception of licensing standards that are in effect on July 1, 2009, with respect to electricians, plumbers and other trades\\\"; registrations \\\"valid for two years\\\"; the law does not apply to commercial property or new-home construction; \\\"Registration does not imply endorsement\\\"; PA-number format; civil penalties of $1,000 or more; 1-888-520-6680; AND the internal fee contradiction, printing both $100.00 and $50.00 in different answers)\", \"url\": \"https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/businesses-and-organizations/home-improvement-contractor-registration/frequently-asked-questions/\"}, {\"label\": \"PA Office of Attorney General - HIC Application Instructions (THE LIVE FORM's checklist: \\\"A check or money order in the amount of $100 payable to the 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania', which is NON-REFUNDABLE\\\" - this is what contradicts sec. 5(a)'s $50)\", \"url\": \"https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/HIC-Application-Instructions.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"PA Office of Attorney General - HIC Mail-in Application (THE LIVE FORM: \\\"submit a NON-REFUNDABLE check or money order in the amount of $100 payable to 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania' for the application fee\\\"; \\\"REGISTRATIONS ARE VALID FOR 2 YEARS\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/HIC-Application.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"Philadelphia Code sec. 9-1003 (Plumbers) - the license requirement and its two carve-outs; the definition of \\\"Plumbing\\\"; four-years-apprentice plus one-year-journeyman for Master; annual validity; the inactive-master list; apprentice minimum age 16 and re-registration on changing employers; Master insurance ($200,000 combined single limit); the conduct rules including the three-inch \\\"Registered\\\" sign; the codified fee schedule; suspension and revocation grounds. American Legal Publishing, the publisher Philadelphia's own L&I pages link to; \\\"2026 Code (current)\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-278198\"}, {\"label\": \"Philadelphia Code sec. 9-1004 (Contractors) - the separate Philadelphia Contractor license: definitions of \\\"Contractor\\\", \\\"Prime Contractor\\\" and \\\"Construction\\\"; sec. 9-1004(3)(a) license required; the five exceptions incl. owner-occupants of record, PA-licensed engineers and architects, government employees, and \\\"a Contractor who does not perform any job for which the Contractor is paid more than five hundred dollars ($500)\\\"; $100 annual renewal and $100 initial non-refundable application fee; and the boundary line \\\"This Section shall not apply to persons holding journeyman or master trade licenses unless such persons also operate as a Contractor within the meaning of this Section\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-278250\"}, {\"label\": \"Philadelphia Code Title 8 (Plumbing Code) - the repeal note that locates the current Philadelphia Plumbing Code: Title 8 was \\\"[r]epealed, Bill No. 960589 (approved March 19, 1997)\\\" and \\\"further amended and incorporated as Title 4, Subcode 'P' (The Philadelphia Plumbing Code) by Bill No. 960589\\\". This is what resolves sec. 9-1003(2)(b)'s reference to \\\"Section 8-201.2\\\"\", \"url\": \"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274056\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia - Get a Master Plumber's License (THE LIVE PAGE: \\\"Plumbing work needs to be done by a licensed master plumber\\\"; the plumbing-work scope list; one year as a Philadelphia Journeyman or an approved out-of-jurisdiction equivalent; the Philadelphia Master Plumber Examination \\\"administered by the International Code Council\\\" and the current-Code / 12-month rule; BIRT, Commercial Activity License, insurance minimums $500,000/$300,000/$100,000-$100,000-$500,000, employment statement, photo ID, tax compliance; license fee $303 with $50 non-refundable application fee applied, renewal $253, 1.5%-per-month late charge; annual renewal; the deactivation route)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/trade-licenses/get-a-master-plumbers-license/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia - Get a Journeyman Plumber License (THE LIVE PAGE: \\\"[t]his license allows you to do plumbing work under a licensed master plumber\\\" and \\\"does not allow you to operate a business\\\"; four years registered as a Philadelphia apprentice plumber or an approved equivalent; Journeyman Plumber Examination administered by the International Code Council; license fee $126 with a $25 non-refundable application fee applied, renewal $126)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/trade-licenses/get-a-journeyman-plumber-license/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia - Get a Plumber Apprentice License (THE LIVE PAGE: \\\"[a]ll work must be performed as an employee of a licensed master plumber. This license does not allow you to operate a business\\\"; employer statement on company letterhead signed by the master plumber; license fee $25 with a $20 non-refundable application fee applied, renewal $25)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/trade-licenses/get-a-plumber-apprentice-license/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia L&I - Trade licenses (the enumerated list of L&I trade licenses: Contractor, Demolition, Excavation, PA Home Improvement Contractor submission, Curb Setter, Electrical Contractor, five Fire Suppression licenses, two Sheet Metal licenses, the three PLUMBING licenses, Expediter, Engineer, and the inspector/inspection-agency licenses. \\\"Trade workers must carry Philadelphia licenses specific to their work in order to do business in Philadelphia\\\"; \\\"Many trades licenses require a Commercial Activity License\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/licenses/trade-licenses/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia L&I - Contractor requirements (OSHA 10 Construction for all workers on a construction or demolition site with proof kept on the job site, and its four exclusions; the OSHA 30 supervisor requirement and its express non-application to \\\"Plumbing contractors\\\", electrical contractors, fire suppression contractors and registered PA home improvement contractors with no separate Philadelphia license; the Contractor Code of Conduct; insurance certificates on file with L&I for workers' compensation, comprehensive general liability and motor vehicle liability)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/contractor-requirements/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia - Get a Plumbing Permit (what needs a permit - installation, alteration, renewal, replacement, repair - and the three things that do NOT: minor repairs with the same material incl. replacing faucets, valves and parts; removing and re-installing toilets if no pipes or fixtures are replaced or moved; stopping leaks and clearing stoppages. Plus the EZ-permit list, rough-in permits, and the Site Work / Utility Permit route for private water or sewer services)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/building-and-repair-permits/get-a-plumbing-permit/\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Philadelphia - Plumbing Advisory Board (\\\"Reviews appeals related to the Philadelphia Plumbing Code\\\"; makes recommendations on regulations and standards to the L&I commissioner; \\\"Reviews products and materials not currently listed in the Philadelphia Plumbing Code\\\"; 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Concourse; BoardsAdmin@phila.gov; (215) 686-2419)\", \"url\": \"https://www.phila.gov/departments/plumbing-advisory-board/\"}, {\"label\": \"Allegheny County Health Department - Plumbing Program (the Program \\\"inspects and permits new or modified residential and commercial plumbing installations to assure compliance with the Health Department's Plumbing Code Article XV\\\"; \\\"[t]he Plumbing Program issues licenses for Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumbers upon passage of the exam. Licenses are renewed annually on the plumbers birthdate\\\"; twice-yearly two-day exams; the lead-service-line rule; ~40,000 inspections a year and the contractor-present-at-inspection rule; the new office at 2121 Noblestown Road, Suite 207)\", \"url\": \"https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Plumbing-Program\"}, {\"label\": \"Allegheny County Health Department - Plumbing Licensing Information (THE FEE AND EXPERIENCE PAGE: Apprentice Plumbers card issued on registering at an accredited apprenticeship programme, valid to do plumbing \\\"as long as a journeyman plumber is present\\\", all cards expiring September 30; Journeyman = 576 hours of school + 4 years with a registered master plumber, $133.00 exam, $125.00 annual renewal on the licensee's birthday; Master = 2 full years as a journeyman, $265.00 exam, $375.00 annual renewal on the licensee's birthday; exam applications now exclusively through the Accela Citizen Access Portal; \\\"The 2022 version of Allegheny County Article XV will apply for the exam\\\"; notarised work statement submitted electronically)\", \"url\": \"https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Plumbing-Program/Licensing-Information\"}, {\"label\": \"Allegheny County Health Department - Plumbing Advisory Board (meeting agendas and minutes; the July 16, 2026 agenda carries \\\"IV. Article XV Update\\\" - the live tripwire for a change to the county plumbing code the exams are written against)\", \"url\": \"https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Plumbing-Program/Plumbing-Advisory-Board\"}, {\"label\": \"Allegheny County Health Department - How to Apply for a Master Plumber's License (the portal walkthrough: \\\"[a]s of Spring 2026 the only way to apply for a license is using the portal\\\"; the applicant's Journeyman license number must be associated with the Citizen Access Portal account; a passing Master Plumber Exam score is a prerequisite; record type \\\"Master Plumber License Application\\\" under Plumbing Contractor)\", \"url\": \"https://www.alleghenycounty.us/files/assets/county/v/2/government/health/documents/plumbing/how-to-apply-for-a-master-plumbing-license.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"Allegheny County Health Department - Plumbing Code Article XV, 2022 edition, as published for the county on ICC Digital Codes and linked from the county's own Plumbing Program page as \\\"Plumbing Code Article XV\\\". NOT READ - the ICC reader is a subscription/JS application that returned only \\\"Printing is a feature of Digital Codes Premium\\\" to every non-interactive client; no provision of Article XV is quoted anywhere in this record\", \"url\": \"https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/PAAGCHDPC2022P1/index\"}, {\"label\": \"City of Pittsburgh - Permits, Licenses, and Inspections: Licenses (the enumerated list of PLI licenses - General Contractors, Sign Contractors, and Electrical / HVAC / Stationary Power Engineer / Fire Suppression trade licenses, plus the business licenses - with NO plumbing license, because Allegheny County holds it. Also: 8 CEUs annually for trade license renewal; \\\"[a]ll licenses expire 365 days from the date of issuance\\\"; EPA Lead RRP certification required of General Contractors; \\\"[a]ll Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections fees change annually\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/Permits-Licenses-and-Inspections/Licenses\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/pa-plumber/"
  },
  {
   "page_id": "tx-plumber",
   "state": "Texas",
   "occupation": "Plumber",
   "cluster": "plumber",
   "credential_holder": "individual",
   "licensing_level": "",
   "board_name": "Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)",
   "board_url": "https://tsbpe.texas.gov/",
   "application_url": "https://tsbpe.texas.gov/applications-forms/",
   "renewal_cycle": "Annual. \"A license, registration, or endorsement under this chapter is valid for one year. Except as provided by Subsection (d), on payment of the required fee, a license, registration, or endorsement may be renewed annually\" (Tex. Occ. Code 1301.401(a)), and the board may adopt a system under which credentials expire on various dates during the year (1301.401(b)). TSBPE implements that with staggered dates: \"When you are issued your license for the first time, you will be assigned a random expiration date anywhere from 6-18 months from the date you passed your licensure exam--unless you are a Plumbing Inspector,\" and the same 6-to-18-month assignment applies to a first Apprentice Registration, dated from application approval. A Plumbing Inspector License renews in January instead of syncing to any other license the holder has. Before expiry the holder must submit a completed renewal application form, obtain the required continuing education or training hours, and pay the required fees (22 TAC 365.5(a)); a renewal not completed by the annual expiration date is late and subject to late fees, and \"late renewal applications will have an unlicensed period from the expiration date of the previous license, registration or endorsement to the issuance date of the renewed license,\" during which work requiring the credential may not be performed (365.5(b)-(c); 1301.403(a)). The board must send written notice of impending expiration not later than the 31st day before the expiration date, and the holder must report any name or address change within 30 days of receiving it (1301.402). Stacked credentials: a holder may hold both a Journeyman and a Master Plumber License, the Master license is automatically assigned the Journeyman license's expiration date, and only the Master renewal fee is paid; a Plumbing Inspector License may be held in addition, but renews in January -- a holder of all three who is an unaffiliated Plumbing Inspector pays both the Master and the Plumbing Inspector renewal fees, while an affiliated Plumbing Inspector pays only the Plumbing Inspector renewal fee. Two-year cliff: \"A person whose license, endorsement, or registration has been expired for two years or more may not renew\" it, and must instead obtain a new credential by complying with the requirements and procedures, including the examination requirements, for an original credential (1301.403(d)). TSBPE spells out what that means in practice: \"When your license or registration goes into reinstate, it is like you never held that license or registration at all. Therefore, reinstating your license requires registering as a Plumber's Apprentice and applying for and passing all applicable exams. To take an exam, you must meet all CURRENT eligibility requirements even if those requirements were not in effect the first time you obtained your license.\" Endorsement cycle -- two official sources conflict. TSBPE's License Types page states \"Endorsements renew once every three years\" and that a first endorsement is automatically assigned an expiration date matching the license it was added to. The statute says a credential -- including an endorsement -- \"is valid for one year\" (1301.401(a)) and that an endorsement issued under 1301.356, 1301.3565 or 1301.357 \"expires on the date the master plumber or journeyman plumber license of the endorsement holder expires,\" with rules to allow renewing the endorsement in the same transaction as the license (1301.401(c)); 22 TAC 365.14(a) likewise gives an endorsement holder twelve months to obtain the hours required \"for a timely annual renewal.\" Neither Chapter 1301 nor the March 2026 board rules state a three-year endorsement term. Confirm the endorsement's expiration date with TSBPE or in the Online Licensing System rather than relying on either statement alone.",
   "ce_hours": "Six hours of continuing professional education (CPE) annually for license holders. Tex. Occ. Code 1301.404(b): \"A person who holds a license or endorsement under this chapter must complete at least six hours of continuing professional education annually to renew the person's license or endorsement. Three of the six hours must be in the subjects of health protection, energy conservation, and water conservation.\" TSBPE lists the credentials that owe the 6 hours as the Master Plumber License (with or without the RMP designation), the Journeyman Plumber License, the Tradesman Plumber-Limited License, an Apprentice Registration with endorsement(s), and the Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement -- noting that \"Apprentices Registration holders are only required to take 6 hours of CPE if they hold an endorsement\" and that some providers offer a special Apprentice training program satisfying the yearly requirement. Registrants owe an equivalent six hours of training: a drain cleaner, drain cleaner-restricted registrant or residential utilities installer \"must annually complete at least six hours of approved training that includes training in health and safety requirements, board-approved plumbing codes, and water conservation\" (1301.405(a)). 22 TAC 365.14 gives a licensee, drain cleaner registrant, drain cleaner-restricted registrant, residential utilities installer registrant or endorsement holder twelve months to obtain at least six hours for a timely annual renewal; requires a person whose credential has been expired for less than two years to complete at least six hours for each year it was expired; and allows courses to be taken in person, by correspondence or virtually by means of telecommunications equipment. Credit is only awarded for a course from a TSBPE-approved provider, and the Board must also approve anyone who instructs CPE or publishes the course materials that serve as the basis of a course; the executive director approves programs meeting the board's minimum curriculum standards, and a person may receive credit only for an approved program (1301.404(c)-(e); 365.15). Course materials are valid for two years from the stated effective date or the date of approval, whichever is later, and OSHA Outreach Training Program courses are approved for credit without an application. Medical gas endorsement -- a smaller, differently scoped requirement: 22 TAC 365.21(a) provides that a licensed Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber or Plumbing Inspector who also holds a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement \"shall complete a minimum of two (2) hours of CPE or demonstrate successful completion of a national certification before he or she may renew his or her endorsement,\" and may not use a single medical gas CPE course for more than one renewal period; the course must be based on the most current edition of NFPA 99 with comprehensive instruction on changes from the previous edition, and must be presented in a single day of at least two clock hours of classroom instruction. TSBPE's pages state the same two hours on a three-year cycle (\"Med Gas endorsement holders are required to take 2 hours of CPE every three years\") -- the two-hour figure is in the rule, the three-year interval is not (see Renewal cycle for the endorsement-term conflict). An individual may not instruct the 24-hour Medical Gas training program unless the individual holds the Med Gas Endorsement. Exemptions from continuing education and training (22 TAC 365.24): a military service member on active duty who submits documentation establishing active-duty status for the period claimed; a Board employee who reviews submitted course materials for compliance with the minimum curriculum standards or who monitors courses for compliance with the Plumbing License Law and Board rules; a course instructor approved for the period claimed; and an employee, contractor or volunteer of a high school or institution of higher education who provides at least 18 hours annually of instruction or training for a career and technology education program, who may renew any license or endorsement by completing six hours of continuing education or training at least every three years (the statutory basis being 1301.404(g), with 1301.404(f) authorising the board to exempt certain persons by rule where it is in the public interest). Every holder must be given at least 12 months to complete required continuing education (1301.4055).",
   "exam": "TSBPE designs and conducts the examinations: \"For each license and endorsement, the Board shall design and conduct a uniform, reasonable examination that includes written questions and practical applications, when appropriate\" (22 TAC 363.18(a)), and the board must make information about the scope of each examination accessible on its website. Delivery runs through Pearson VUE -- TSBPE's notice to examinees says an approved applicant receives an Authorization to Test (by email if an email address was supplied, otherwise by regular mail) and then follows the instructions in it \"to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE.\" The Master Plumber Examination Application (revised January 2026) states that \"the Texas Master Plumber Examination is computer-based and administered at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers using Pearson VUE-provided computers,\" and that once approved the applicant receives the Authorization to Test with instructions to pay the separate Pearson VUE examination fee and schedule the location and date. The Out-of-State Examination Request states that the out-of-state Journeyman and Master exams \"are now computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE\" and that \"the Journeyman exam also includes a practical exam portion.\" Where an examination contains a practical component the board must employ or contract with plumbing examiners to administer that portion (Tex. Occ. Code 1301.202(a)). The board may set and adjust minimum passing scores for each license or endorsement category (363.20). Identity is verified with current government-issued photo identification on the day of the exam. Non-standard accommodations require an applicant request form and a physician or qualified licensed professional recommendation form; examiners may not give oral versions of the written components, though they may give oral instructions and explanations, and an applicant diagnosed with a specific learning or reading disability such as dyslexia may request additional time, a separate examination area or another reasonable accommodation (363.19). The board must develop an examination review course in English and Spanish to assist license applicants, and may charge a fee for it (Tex. Occ. Code 1301.3522). Registrations (Plumber's Apprentice, Drain Cleaner-Restricted, Drain Cleaner, Residential Utilities Installer) require no examination -- the three add-on registrations instead require a passing score on a Verification of Training Affidavit.",
   "fees": "Fees are set by 22 TAC 361.6, most recently published in TSBPE's Administrative Rules dated March 13, 2026. Initial licenses, endorsements and registrations (361.6(b)(1)): Responsible Master Plumber $300; Master Plumber $75; Journeyman Plumber $40; Plumbing Inspector $55; Tradesman Plumber-Limited $35; Plumber's Apprentice Registration/Application $15; Residential Utilities Installer, Drain Cleaner and Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration/Application $18 each; each of the three endorsements $55 (Master), $14 (Journeyman), $27.50 (Inspector). Examinations (361.6(b)(2)): Master Plumber $175; Journeyman Plumber $40; Plumbing Inspector $55; Tradesman Plumber-Limited $36; each endorsement $80 (Master), $27 (Journeyman), $40 (Inspector). Renewals (361.6(b)(3)): Responsible Master Plumber $300; Master Plumber $75; Journeyman Plumber $40; Plumbing Inspector $55; Plumbing Inspector with a Master and/or Journeyman License $55; Master Plumber with Journeyman Plumber License $75; Tradesman Plumber-Limited $35; Plumber's Apprentice $15; Residential Utilities Installer, Drain Cleaner and Drain Cleaner-Restricted $18 each. Other (361.6(b)(4)): late renewal at one-half the renewal fee if expired less than 90 days and a full renewal fee if expired more than 90 days (RMP $150/$300; Master $37.50/$75; Journeyman $20/$40; Inspector $27.50/$55; Tradesman $17.50/$35; Apprentice $7.50/$15; each of the three registrations $9/$18) -- which matches the statutory totals in Tex. Occ. Code 1301.403(b)-(c), where a license or endorsement expired 90 days or less renews at 1-1/2 times, and one expired more than 90 days but less than two years at two times, the normally required renewal fee; Instructor Certification Training $150 per day; duplicate pocket card $25; returned check $25; fees for a provisional license under 1301.358 or a provisional registration under Tex. Occ. Code 53.0211(c) equal to the corresponding initial fees; Transfer of License $500 (361.6(b)(4)(G)); and License Verification $15 (361.6(b)(4)(H)). The subsection runs (A) through (H). The $500 is the price of the 1301.406 transfer route (35 consecutive years, second-degree consanguinity) that 1301.359(b) otherwise forbids. The $15 License Verification fee at (H) is stated by the rule without naming a route or tier, so it must not be read as the reciprocity fee: the Reciprocal License Verification Request charges its own non-refundable $40, and 361.6 sets no verification fee in that amount -- a further rule-versus-practice gap. Two fees are published differently by TSBPE in different places, and both sources are official. (1) Master plumber examination. 22 TAC 361.6(b)(2)(A) gives one figure, \"Master Plumber--$175.\" TSBPE's Master Plumber license-type page instead splits it: \"Exam Processing Fee (payable to the TSBPE): $25\" plus \"Exam Fee (payable to Pearson VUE on the day of the exam): $128.50.\" The official Master Plumber Examination Application (revised January 2026) confirms the board's half -- \"Applicants must submit the TSBPE's $25 application processing fee with this application\" -- and describes the Pearson VUE examination fee as separate without naming an amount. The rule's $175 is not what any TSBPE form charges. The Out-of-State Examination Request (revised March 2026) states the fee twice as \"Journeyman - $40, Master - $25,\" and the string \"175\" does not appear in that document; the in-state Master Plumber Examination Application likewise charges $25. $25 therefore applies on both the in-state and out-of-state Master routes, and no TSBPE page or form publishes $175 for anything. The 361.6(b)(2)(A) line is an unexplained divergence between the rule and the board's own practice, recorded here with both figures attributed and no bridge invented between them. Confirm the amount with TSBPE before paying. (2) Responsible master plumber initial fee. 22 TAC 361.6(b)(1)(A) publishes \"Responsible Master Plumber License--$300\" as the initial fee. TSBPE's Responsible Master Plumber page and the official RMP Designation Application both charge $225: \"$225 RMP Designation Application fee (the fee is non-refundable).\" TSBPE adds that an applicant who applies during the renewal period, which opens 90 days before the expiration date, pays only the $300 renewal fee and does not pay the $225 initial application fee. Not set by 361.6 and paid to a third party: the fingerprint background check, \"$39.05 and is collected by IdentoGO,\" in addition to the initial license or renewal fees; and the Pearson VUE examination fee. Relinquishing the RMP designation costs $10, waived if the form is submitted with the regular license renewal. A printed copy of the Plumbing License Law or Board Rules costs $5. Fee waivers: the Board shall waive the initial license, application and examination fees for military service members, military veterans and military spouses who substantially meet all the requirements (361.6(a)), and a person providing meaningful course instruction in a career and technology education program described by Tex. Occ. Code 1301.3542 is not required to pay a fee to renew the license (1301.401(d)). All fees paid online are non-refundable; the board must refund an examination fee in the circumstances set out in 1301.3521.",
   "legal_basis": "[{\"citation\": \"Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1301 (Plumbing License Law) - 1301.002 definitions (including 1301.002(5)(B), the two-year Master experience requirement); 1301.003 sunset (chapter expires September 1, 2033); 1301.051-.059 Subchapter B exemptions; 1301.202 plumbing examiners; 1301.255 adopted plumbing codes; 1301.302 contract disclosure; 1301.351 license required; 1301.3515 fingerprints; 1301.352-.3522 examinations; 1301.353 inspector conflicts; 1301.354, 1301.3542 apprentices and the career-and-technology-education route; 1301.356-.357 endorsements; 1301.3576 and 1301.552 responsible master plumber certificate of insurance; 1301.3581 reciprocity; 1301.3585 military experience; 1301.401-.4055 annual renewal, continuing professional education and registrant training; 1301.551-.553 municipal ordinances and inspections\", \"url\": \"https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/OC/htm/OC.1301.htm\"}, {\"citation\": \"Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 618 (H.B. 3214), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025 - amended Tex. Occ. Code 1301.002(5)(B) to reduce the Master Plumber experience requirement from four years to two years as a journeyman plumber (one year with an approved apprenticeship programme)\", \"url\": \"https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3214\"}, {\"citation\": \"22 Tex. Admin. Code, Part 17 (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners), chs. 361 (Administration, including 361.6 Fees), 363 (Examination and Registration), 365 (Licensing and Registration) and 367 (Enforcement) - official publication on the Texas Secretary of State TAC viewer\", \"url\": \"https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?interface=VIEW_TAC&part=17&title=22\"}, {\"citation\": \"Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 986 (S.B. 766), Sec. 47, eff. September 1, 2025 - amended Tex. Occ. Code 1301.057, the self-help project exemption\", \"url\": \"https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB766\"}, {\"citation\": \"Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 715 (H.B. 2334), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023 - added Tex. Occ. Code 1301.059, the exemption for service mains and service lines on certain private property\", \"url\": \"https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB2334\"}]",
   "last_verified": "2026-07-29",
   "source_urls": "[{\"label\": \"TSBPE - License Types (TSBPE is \\\"the state agency responsible for licensing plumbers in Texas\\\"; the four licenses, three endorsements and four registrations; annual renewal; random 6-18 month first expiration date; Plumbing Inspector renews in January; holding Journeyman + Master pays only the Master renewal; the two-year reinstatement cliff and what reinstating requires; \\\"Endorsements renew once every three years\\\"; 6 hours CPE to renew and 2 hours for the Medical Gas endorsement)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Master Plumber (eligibility: Journeyman held two years, or one year plus a USDOL Office of Apprenticeship program, plus the two out-of-state Master routes; $25 exam processing fee to TSBPE and $128.50 exam fee to Pearson VUE; $75 initial and $75 renewal; late renewal $37.50/$75; scope of work; fingerprints)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/master-plumber/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - IMPORTANT NOTICE: Upcoming Change to Master Plumber Requirements (June 23, 2025 - the Master experience requirement \\\"will be reduced from four years to two years\\\" starting September 1, 2025; applications before that date had to meet the four-year rule or one year with a DOL program certificate)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/important-notice-upcoming-change-to-master-plumber-requirements/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - 89th Texas Legislature (HB 3214 \\\"Relating to eligibility for a master plumber license\\\" signed by the Governor, effective 9/1/25; SB 1080 provisional licenses for certain applicants with criminal convictions, effective immediately 5/27/2025; and the bills that did NOT pass, including HB 747 on adopting a plumbing code and HB 710 / SB 716 on out-of-state license recognition)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/89th-texas-legislature/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Journeyman Plumber (8,000 hours; 48-hour training course; the out-of-state training waiver; $40 exam, $40 initial, $40 renewal; scope of work; possible endorsements)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/journeyman/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Tradesman Plumber-Limited (4,000 hours; 24-hour training course; $36 exam, $35 initial, $35 renewal; one- and two-family dwelling scope and the direct-supervision rule for other structures; Drain Cleaner Registration available)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/tradesman/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Responsible Master Plumber (must already hold a Texas Master license, be in good standing, and prove $300,000 commercial liability coverage; may NOT hold a Plumbing Inspector License; $225 initial and $300 renewal, with the renewal-period substitution; general supervision and management duties; $10 relinquishment fee)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/responsible-master-plumber/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Plumbing Inspector (high school diploma or GED plus 500 hours, or a current Texas Master/Journeyman/PE/Architect license or a substantially equivalent out-of-state inspector license; $55 exam, $55 initial, $55 renewal; affiliation with a political subdivision and the no-financial-interest rule; customer service inspections under 30 TAC ch. 290)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/inspector/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Apprentice Registration (age 16; $15 registration and renewal; direct-supervision scope and the trench-digging limit; \\\"You MUST register as a Plumber's Apprentice before you can start counting the hours of experience\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/apprentice/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Other Registrations (Drain Cleaner-Restricted, Drain Cleaner and Residential Utilities Installer eligibility, the 4,000/2,000-hour thresholds, Verification of Training Affidavits, scope of work for each, $18 application and renewal)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/registrations/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Endorsements (Medical Gas Piping Installation, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist, Water Supply Protection Specialist: eligibility, the RME-General/RME-Dwelling alternative, scope of work, and the per-tier exam and initial endorsement fees)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/endorsements/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Exam Training (the 24-hour Tradesman and 48-hour Journeyman programs broken out hour by hour; the five training exemptions including a THECB-approved associate of applied science plumbing technology degree; the three endorsement training programs)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/training-and-education/examinations/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Continuing Education Overview (which credentials owe the 6 hours; apprentices only if they hold an endorsement; Med Gas 2 hours every three years; approved providers, instructors and publishers; the Med Gas instructor restriction)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/training-and-education/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Printable Forms (\\\"Important Notice to Examinees\\\" - Authorization to Test and \\\"schedule your exam through Pearson VUE\\\"; \\\"Reciprocal License Verification Request (Louisiana and Arkansas ONLY)\\\"; the Out-of-State Examination Request)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/applications-forms/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Master Plumber Examination Application (official form, revised January 2026: the $25 application processing fee, the separate Pearson VUE examination fee, computer-based delivery at Pearson VUE centres, the 30/60/90-day failure waiting periods, incomplete applications expire one year from receipt)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/forms/TSBPE_MasterPlumberExaminationApplication.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Out-of-State Examination Request (official form, revised March 2026: must have HELD an out-of-state Journeyman or Master license two years; out-of-state examination processing fee $40 Journeyman / $25 Master; the Journeyman exam also includes a practical portion. This document says NOTHING about reciprocity or about Louisiana/Arkansas -- that text lives only in the separate Reciprocal License Verification Request)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/forms/TSBPE_OutOfStateExaminationRequest.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Reciprocal License Verification Request (official form: \\\"Texas currently reciprocates plumbing licenses with Louisiana and Arkansas\\\")\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/forms/TSBPE_ReciprocalLicenseVerificationRequest.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - RMP Designation Application (official form: the $225 non-refundable RMP Designation Application fee and the $300,000 one-year coverage requirement)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/forms/TSBPE_RMPDesignationApplication.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Fingerprint Instructions for Plumbers (IdentoGO, \\\"The fee is $39.05 and is collected by IdentoGO,\\\" in addition to license fees; no hard card; allow 45 days; fingerprint data is not shared between state agencies)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/fingerprint-instructions/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Fingerprint Requirement for All License Types (HB 636; \\\"all Plumbers Apprentices, Plumbers and Plumbing inspectors in the state of Texas, regardless of registration or license type\\\"; applies to exam applicants and reinstatements)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/fingerprint-requirement-for-all-license-types/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Law & Rules (links the official statute and the board's own Administrative Rules PDF dated March 2026 and Plumbing License Law PDF dated September 2025; $5 for a printed copy)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/plumbing-license-law-board-rules/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Administrative Rules, March 13, 2026 (the board's own publication of 22 TAC part 17, chapters 361, 363, 365 and 367 - source for the 361.6 fee schedule, 363.2 general qualifications and fingerprint list, 363.4-363.8 eligibility, 363.16-363.23 examinations, 365.1 scope of work, 365.5 renewal, 365.14-365.21 continuing education, 365.22 military, 365.24 CE exemptions, 367.9-367.10 advertising and disclosure)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/TSBPE_AdministrativeRules_March2026.pdf\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Proposed Rule Amendments (checked 2026-08-11: ONE proposal pending - 22 TAC 367.2, published August 14, 2026, 30-day comment window)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/proposedruleamendments/\"}, {\"label\": \"TSBPE - Apply / Renew Online and the Texas Online Licensing System (renewal workflow; online fees are non-refundable; online renewal payment is only available within 2 months of expiration or when expired 275 days or less)\", \"url\": \"https://tsbpe.texas.gov/applyrenew-online/\"}]",
   "page_url": "https://licensingatlas.com/plumber/tx-plumber/"
  }
 ]
}