License Requirements for Plumbing Contractors

Plumbers have many license requirements, despite the joke of only needing to know that water runs downhill and payday is Friday. Each state in the United States has its own laws and regulations regarding the requirements for a license to become a plumbing contractor.

Experience

Generally, most states require a few years’ experience in the plumbing trade to be eligible for a plumber’s license. Experience as a journeyman, or someone who works under a master plumber, college courses or plumbing training in the military can usually count towards experience. For instance, in California, applicants must have a total of four years of experience in plumbing to apply for a license.

Application

Many states require a submitted application to obtain a plumbing license. The exact requirements for an application can be found by contacting a state’s contractor’s licensing board.  Local governments might also have requirements for a plumbing contractor’s license if a state does not. For instance, in New York, licensing for contractors is regulated by the city or county. Applications generally have fees that can be up to a few hundred dollars.

Testing

There are also a number of tests that may be required for a plumbing contractor to acquire a license. Some states do not require any tests, some states require several. For example, Mississippi applicants are required to pass a business and law exam as well as a plumbing trade exam.

Funds, Bonds, and Insurance

Multiple states have money-related requirements for plumbing contractors who want a license. In Florida, applicants must show a 12-month credit report and a net worth of at least $2,500; liability insurance is also required in Florida and many other states. Bonds, or an amount of money that is put up to protect consumers from damages resulting from faulty workmanship, are also required by many states for any contractor looking to get a license to perform work.