How Long Does It Take to Get a Plumbing License?

Dreaming of becoming a licensed plumber? You’re not alone—plumbing is one of the most in-demand and well-paying trades out there. But how long does it actually take to become a licensed plumber? The truth is, there’s no universal answer. The path depends on where you live, your education level, and how quickly you move through your apprenticeship and licensing exams.

Typically, it takes about 4 to 5 years to become a licensed plumber. That includes completing an apprenticeship, passing exams, and fulfilling state-specific requirements. Some fast-track programs promise quicker routes, but they usually still involve practical hours and formal certification.

In this article, we’ll break down each step of the journey so you can understand what to expect—and how long each stage might take. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or switching careers, we’ll give you the inside scoop on how long it really takes to get licensed and start earning as a professional plumber.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Plumbing License?

Why Plumbing Licenses Matter

You can’t just wake up one day, grab a wrench, and start working as a plumber. Plumbing work impacts public health and safety, so states require licenses to ensure plumbers are trained, skilled, and up to code.

Licensing proves:

You’ve had formal training
You understand plumbing codes
You can safely install, repair, and maintain systems

Without a license, you may be limited to assisting roles or working under supervision. Worse, you could face fines for doing unlicensed work. If you’re planning to start your own plumbing business, a license is mandatory.

General Overview of the Licensing Journey

The journey to a plumbing license usually looks like this:

High school diploma or GED
Apprenticeship program (typically 4-5 years)
Journeyman license exam
Optional master plumber certification
Continuing education and renewals

Some states allow you to work as an apprentice almost immediately, while others require classroom instruction first. Either way, your clock starts the day you commit to training.

Prerequisites Before Applying for a License

Minimum Education Requirements

To begin the licensing process, most states require a high school diploma or GED. Why? Because plumbing involves math, science, and problem-solving. You’ll need to read blueprints, calculate pipe lengths, and understand water pressure and flow rates.

Some technical schools even offer pre-apprenticeship plumbing programs that include certifications in:

Basic safety
Plumbing math
Blueprint reading
Tool identification

If you’re still in high school, you can get a head start by taking courses in algebra, physics, and vocational training.

High School Courses That Help

Want a head start? Focus on these subjects:

Algebra & Geometry: Helps with measuring pipe lengths and calculating slopes.
Chemistry: Useful for understanding water properties and chemical treatments.
Technical Drawing: Prepares you to read blueprints and schematics.
Shop Class or Woodworking: Develops your hands-on mechanical skills.

Many vocational schools offer introductory courses in plumbing, giving you a leg up when applying for apprenticeships.

Plumbing Apprenticeship

What Is a Plumbing Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is where the magic happens. It’s a hands-on training program where you work under licensed plumbers, earn a wage, and learn the trade from the ground up. Think of it as a paid internship—but way more intense and way more valuable.

Apprenticeships combine:

On-the-job training (8,000+ hours)
Classroom instruction (500+ hours)
Real-world problem-solving

You’ll learn how to:

Install pipes, fixtures, and appliances
Read blueprints and building codes
Use specialized tools and safety equipment

Most apprenticeships are run by trade unions, plumbing associations, or technical schools. Some are even sponsored by employers, meaning you get paid while learning.

How Long Does an Apprenticeship Last?

Typically, a plumbing apprenticeship takes 4 to 5 years to complete. This isn’t just about putting in time—it’s about building the skills and experience needed to handle real-world plumbing issues confidently.

Here’s what your time might look like:

Year 1: Learning the basics—tools, safety, pipe systems
Year 2–3: Hands-on work in residential and commercial settings
Year 4: More complex tasks—gas lines, advanced diagnostics
Year 5: Prepping for the journeyman license exam

Some states may allow you to test earlier, but you’ll still need to meet minimum hours. Don’t expect to shortcut this step. Plumbing is a craft—and mastery takes time.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber

Requirements to Become a Journeyman

Once you finish your apprenticeship, you’re eligible to take the journeyman plumbing exam—a major milestone on the road to licensure.

Requirements generally include:

Proof of apprenticeship completion (4–5 years)
Classroom instruction hours
Background check or fingerprinting (in some states)
Exam application and fee

The exam typically covers:

Plumbing codes and laws
Water distribution systems
Sanitary drainage systems
Safety protocols and materials

Passing the exam officially makes you a licensed journeyman plumber, allowing you to work independently under a master plumber or contractor.

Duration and Process of Journeyman Licensing

How long does it take to become a journeyman? Including your apprenticeship, the full process takes about 4 to 6 years. This depends on your pace and your state’s requirements.

The exam itself may take a few hours, and results are often available within a week or two. Once you pass, your license will typically be valid for 1 to 3 years and will need to be renewed periodically.

You can work as a journeyman indefinitely, or you can choose to level up and become a master plumber, which opens even more doors—like starting your own business or supervising apprentices.

Advancing to Master Plumber

What Is a Master Plumber?

Becoming a master plumber is like earning your black belt in plumbing. It’s the highest licensure level you can reach in the trade—and it comes with more responsibility, more authority, and yes, more earning potential.

A master plumber can:

Pull permits
Supervise journeymen and apprentices
Start and run a plumbing business
Take on complex commercial or industrial projects

The title isn’t just for show. It signifies that you’ve put in the work, have deep expertise, and can manage full-scale plumbing operations from planning to execution.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Master Level?

After you’ve been working as a journeyman for 1 to 5 years (depending on your state), you become eligible to apply for master plumber status.

The timeline looks like this:

4–5 years as an apprentice
1–5 years as a journeyman
Total: 5–10 years to become a master plumber

You’ll also need to pass a master plumber exam, which is more challenging than the journeyman test. It often includes:

Advanced plumbing codes and calculations
Business law and contracting knowledge
Project management skills
Blueprint interpretation

While it takes time, the payoff is big: master plumbers earn more and have the ability to work independently or launch their own company.

Licensing Requirements by State

State-by-State Variations in Timelines

Here’s the kicker—not all states have the same licensing timeline. Some states have no statewide plumbing license requirement, leaving it up to cities or counties. Others have a uniform state process that covers everything from apprentice to master plumber.

Here are a few examples:

Texas: Requires 4,000 hours as an apprentice to take the journeyman exam; then 8,000 hours as a journeyman to become a master.
California: No statewide license, but cities like Los Angeles require registration and exams.
New York: Requires licensing in most major cities but not always at the state level.
Florida: Requires a combination of education and 4+ years of experience before licensing exams.

Before you begin, check your state and local requirements on government or contractor licensing websites. Otherwise, you might waste time or be ineligible for exams.

Where It’s Faster or Slower to Get Licensed

If you’re looking for speed, some areas let you complete the process quicker through non-union apprenticeships, trade schools with built-in experience, or more lenient local regulations. States like Nevada or Alaska may have shorter timeframes due to labor demand.

In contrast, areas with stricter building codes—like Massachusetts, Illinois, or California (in specific cities)—may require more formal education, longer apprenticeships, or higher exam standards, which can stretch your timeline to the upper end of 6–10 years.

Exam Requirements

Types of Exams and Passing Criteria

Licensing exams are more than just written tests—they often include both practical and theoretical components. You may be tested on:

Pipe sizing and layout
Venting and drainage systems
Safety codes (OSHA standards)
Gas piping installations
Math and physics related to pressure, volume, and flow

Typical formats include:

Multiple-choice questions
Blueprint interpretation tasks
Scenario-based problem-solving

To pass, you generally need a score of 70% or higher. Exams are often timed (2–4 hours) and administered by state-approved boards or national testing agencies like PSI or NCCER.

How to Prepare and Time Needed for Study

Preparation is key. Most plumbers spend 2–3 months studying for the journeyman exam, while master exam prep could take longer due to the business and legal content.

Best prep methods:

Official state exam prep guides
Online practice tests
Trade school review classes
Apprenticeship review courses

Set aside 30–60 minutes a day for review, especially in the weeks leading up to the test. Cramming won’t cut it—this test requires genuine understanding of complex systems and codes.

Costs Involved in Getting Licensed

Tuition, Exam Fees, and Licensing Costs

Becoming a plumber isn’t free. You’ll need to budget for:

Apprenticeship programs: Free or paid depending on union/non-union
Trade school tuition: $1,000–$10,000 (for certificate programs)
Exam fees: $100–$300 per exam
Licensing application: $50–$200
Renewal fees: Every 1–3 years, typically $50–$100

Plus, you’ll need to invest in:

Tools and protective gear ($500–$1,000)
Textbooks and study guides
Travel and time off work for classes or testing

Over time, though, this investment pays off. Plumbers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 a year depending on their license and location.

Financial Aid or Paid Apprenticeships

Worried about the cost? Don’t be. Many union apprenticeships are tuition-free and pay a wage while you learn. You may also qualify for:

Workforce development grants
Employer-sponsored programs
Scholarships from trade organizations

These options can significantly reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses. The key is to research programs in your area and apply early—these slots are often limited and competitive.

Fast-Track Programs

Are Accelerated Programs Available?

Yes, fast-track plumbing programs exist—but let’s be clear: there’s no legitimate shortcut that skips the core training required for licensing. That said, some technical schools and training centers offer accelerated classroom programs that pack the theory portion into 6 to 12 months instead of 2 years.

What these programs do is:

Condense the bookwork
Combine classroom learning with simulated hands-on practice
Help fast-track your entry into an apprenticeship or journeyman program

Some trade schools even work directly with unions or employers to place students immediately after graduation.

Keep in mind, though:

Accelerated programs still require you to complete an apprenticeship
You must still meet the required hours of experience before taking your license exam
State boards do not waive the hands-on training just because you finish classroom instruction quickly

So while you can fast-track your education, there’s no skipping the years of hands-on work. It’s a trade-off between quick theory prep and long-term, required fieldwork.

Pros and Cons of Speeding Up the Process

Pros:

Get into the workforce faster
Ideal for motivated, disciplined learners
Some programs include job placement

Cons:

Intense workload and fast pace
May sacrifice depth of understanding
Doesn’t reduce required apprenticeship hours

Fast-track programs are best for self-starters or people switching careers who want to hit the ground running. Just make sure the program is recognized by your state licensing board before enrolling.

Continuing Education for Plumbers

Is Ongoing Training Required?

Absolutely. Even after you’re licensed, most states require plumbers to complete continuing education (CE) courses to keep their licenses active. CE helps you stay up to date on:

New plumbing codes
Safety regulations
Green building practices
New materials and technologies

How often you need CE varies by state:

Annually in states like Texas and Florida
Every 2-3 years in places like Illinois or Michigan

Some states even require CE before each renewal. Check with your local licensing authority to know exactly what your obligations are.

Job Outlook and Salary After Licensing

Entry-Level vs Licensed Plumber Earnings

Here’s the part everyone loves—the money. Plumbing isn’t just secure, it pays well. As of recent data:

Apprentice plumbers earn $15–$22/hour
Journeyman plumbers make $25–$45/hour
Master plumbers can earn $60+/hour, especially with their own business

On average, licensed plumbers in the U.S. earn $55,000 to $80,000 annually, with union jobs, overtime, and specialized services boosting income significantly.

Location plays a huge role too:

Plumbers in New York, Massachusetts, and California often earn six figures
Those in rural areas may start lower but enjoy a lower cost of living

Career Growth Timeline

Your career as a plumber can evolve like this:

Apprentice (Years 1–5): Learn the trade, earn a modest wage
Journeyman (Years 5–10): Work independently, increase your pay
Master Plumber (Year 10+): Manage projects, run a business, earn top dollar

Add certifications in specialties like gas systems, HVAC, or medical plumbing, and your value multiplies. With experience, plumbers can become inspectors, foremen, or even contractors with multiple crews.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Balancing Work, Study, and Life

Let’s be real—becoming a plumber takes grit. Apprenticeships are full-time jobs. Throw in night classes, study time, and family responsibilities, and you’ve got a tight schedule.

Tips to manage the juggle:

Use a calendar: Schedule study blocks around work
Communicate with employers: Most know apprentices have school obligations
Take care of your body: Plumbing is physically demanding—sleep and nutrition matter
Find a mentor: Someone who’s been through it can offer advice and motivation

Plumbing isn’t a desk job. It’s mental, physical, and sometimes dirty—but that’s what makes it rewarding.

Success Stories and Real-Life Timelines

How Long It Took Real Plumbers

Let’s look at real stories. Most professional plumbers report timelines like this:

Mark, 34, New York: “I went through a union program—5 years of apprenticeship, got my journeyman license at 26. Started my own company by 31.”
Tamika, 29, Texas: “I took a 1-year trade school course, did a 4-year apprenticeship, and got licensed within 5 years. I’m now a master plumber at a commercial firm.”
Carlos, 42, California: “Started late, did night classes. Took me 6 years to get licensed because I had a full-time job, but now I make more than I ever did before.”

Everyone’s journey is different—but most agree that the effort pays off, both financially and personally.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to get a plumbing license? On average, 4 to 5 years—but that time is an investment in a career that’s stable, in-demand, and well-paid. Between your apprenticeship, classroom training, exams, and potential advancement to journeyman or master plumber, you’re looking at a journey filled with real-world experience and life-changing skills.

It’s not easy—but that’s what makes it worth it. Licensed plumbers are respected, essential professionals who literally keep our world flowing. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and commit to the process, the future is bright—and full of hot water, working drains, and solid paychecks.

FAQs

Can I become a plumber without an apprenticeship?
No. Apprenticeship is required in almost all states as it provides essential hands-on training. Some classroom programs may accelerate the theory part, but you’ll still need field experience.
What’s the fastest way to get a plumbing license?
Enroll in a fast-track plumbing program and immediately begin an apprenticeship. Some states allow accelerated classroom hours to count toward license requirements.
Do all states require a plumbing license?
No. Some states, like California, leave licensing up to local jurisdictions. However, the majority of states do require licensing at the state or municipal level.
How long is a plumbing apprenticeship?
Most plumbing apprenticeships last 4 to 5 years, including a mix of on-the-job training and classroom education.
Is plumbing school harder than college?
It depends. Plumbing is hands-on, physically demanding, and requires sharp problem-solving skills. While it may not be academically harder, it demands a different kind of discipline and intelligence.