Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in the US (State-by-State Guide)

Becoming a certified plumber in the U.S. involves completing education, apprenticeship training, and passing state-specific licensing exams. Requirements vary across states, with most mandating documented experience and formal testing. Understanding your state’s regulations is essential for building a successful, stable, and rewarding plumbing career.

Introduction

Becoming a certified plumber in the United States is a rewarding career path that requires dedication, training, and compliance with state-specific licensing requirements. Plumbers are essential in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This article provides a comprehensive state-by-state guide to help you understand the steps to becoming a licensed plumber in the U.S.

Why Become a Certified Plumber?

Plumbing is a lucrative profession with excellent job stability and growth potential. Certified plumbers enjoy higher earning potential, greater job opportunities, and the ability to work independently. With a growing demand for skilled tradespeople, now is an ideal time to pursue this career.

General Steps to Becoming a Licensed Plumber

While requirements vary by state, the following steps provide a general outline of the journey to becoming a licensed plumber:

Complete High School or GED: A high school diploma or equivalent is often the first step, as basic math and science skills are essential for plumbing work.
Enroll in a Plumbing Training Program: Vocational schools, community colleges, or trade schools offer courses that teach the fundamentals of plumbing.
Enter an Apprenticeship: Most states require aspiring plumbers to complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Gain Work Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience through your apprenticeship, learning both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Pass the Licensing Exam: After meeting the state-specific work-hour requirements, take and pass the licensing exam to become a certified plumber.
Maintain Your License: Stay compliant with continuing education and license renewal requirements in your state.

State-by-State Guide to Plumbing Licenses

Each state has its own licensing requirements for plumbers. Below is a detailed guide for all 50 states.

Alabama

In Alabama, plumbers must obtain a license through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. Applicants must complete a formal apprenticeship and pass the journeyman or master plumber exam.

Alaska

Plumbers in Alaska must hold a certificate of fitness issued by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Requirements include documented work experience and passing a trade exam.

Arizona

Arizona requires plumbers to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Journeyman plumbers must have at least four years of experience and pass a state-approved exam.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health oversees plumbing licensing. Apprentices must complete a training program and pass the journeyman plumber exam to become certified.

California

California plumbers must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To obtain a C-36 Plumbing Contractor license, applicants need four years of experience and must pass the state exam.

Colorado

In Colorado, the State Plumbing Board regulates plumbing licenses. Aspiring plumbers must complete an apprenticeship, gain work experience, and pass the journeyman or master plumber exam.

Connecticut

Plumbers in Connecticut must be licensed through the Department of Consumer Protection. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state licensing exam.

Delaware

Delaware requires plumbers to obtain a license through the Division of Professional Regulation. Applicants must provide proof of experience and pass the state exam.

Florida

In Florida, plumbers must be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the licensing exam.

Georgia

The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees plumbing licenses. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the journeyman or master plumber exam.

Hawaii

Plumbers in Hawaii must be licensed by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Idaho

Idaho requires plumbers to be licensed by the Division of Building Safety. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the journeyman or master plumber exam.

Illinois

In Illinois, plumbers must obtain a license through the Department of Public Health. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Indiana

Indiana requires plumbers to be licensed through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the journeyman or master plumber exam.

Iowa

Plumbers in Iowa must be licensed through the Iowa Department of Public Health. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Kansas

Kansas does not have a statewide plumbing license, but local jurisdictions may require licensing. Check with your local government for specific requirements.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, plumbers must be licensed through the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Louisiana

Plumbers in Louisiana must be licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the licensing exam.

Maine

Maine requires plumbers to be licensed through the Plumbers' Examining Board. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Maryland

In Maryland, plumbers must obtain a license through the Maryland Board of Plumbing. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires plumbers to be licensed through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Michigan

Plumbers in Michigan must be licensed through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Minnesota

Minnesota requires plumbers to be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, plumbers must be licensed by the State Board of Contractors. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Missouri

Missouri does not have a statewide plumbing license, but local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for details.

Montana

Montana requires plumbers to be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Nebraska

Plumbers in Nebraska must be licensed through the State Plumbing Board. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Nevada

Nevada requires plumbers to be licensed through the Nevada State Contractors Board. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

New Hampshire

Plumbers in New Hampshire must be licensed through the Plumbers' Licensing Board. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

New Jersey

New Jersey requires plumbers to be licensed through the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

New Mexico

Plumbers in New Mexico must be licensed through the Construction Industries Division. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

New York

New York does not have a statewide plumbing license, but local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for details.

North Carolina

Plumbers in North Carolina must be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

North Dakota

North Dakota requires plumbers to be licensed through the State Plumbing Board. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Ohio

Plumbers in Ohio must be licensed through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires plumbers to be licensed by the Construction Industries Board. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Oregon

Plumbers in Oregon must be licensed through the Building Codes Division. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide plumbing license, but local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for details.

Rhode Island

Plumbers in Rhode Island must be licensed by the Department of Labor and Training. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

South Carolina

South Carolina requires plumbers to be licensed by the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

South Dakota

Plumbers in South Dakota must be licensed by the Plumbing Commission. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Tennessee

Plumbers in Tennessee must be licensed through the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Texas

Texas requires plumbers to be licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Utah

Plumbers in Utah must be licensed by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Vermont

Vermont requires plumbers to be licensed by the Department of Public Safety. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Virginia

Plumbers in Virginia must be licensed through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Requirements include documented experience and passing the state exam.

Washington

Washington requires plumbers to be certified through the Department of Labor and Industries. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

West Virginia

Plumbers in West Virginia must be licensed by the Division of Labor. Requirements include completing an apprenticeship and passing the state exam.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires plumbers to be licensed through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Applicants must complete an apprenticeship and pass the state exam.

Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a statewide plumbing license, but local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for details.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed plumber in the U.S. requires a commitment to training, hands-on experience, and passing state-specific exams. Understanding the licensing requirements in your state is a critical first step in your journey. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful and rewarding career in plumbing.

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