How to get a plumbing license in Texas: the official requirements
The Journeyman Plumber license, the experience and training it takes, the exam and how to apply, from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
In Texas, the state plumbing license for individual plumbers is issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The Journeyman Plumber license, issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, the state agency that licenses plumbers in Texas. A Journeyman Plumber may install, change, repair, service or renovate plumbing under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Apprentice or trainee registration: Register as a Plumber's Apprentice first (at least 16 years old). An apprentice assists with plumbing under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber, and hours worked before you register do not count toward the Journeyman Plumber exam hours. Experience and training: At least 8,000 hours of experience in the plumbing trade under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber, earned while registered as a Plumber's Apprentice or licensed as a Tradesman Plumber-Limited, proven on the Employer's Certification Form. Licensing exam: The Journeyman Plumber Examination, which includes a computer-based test given by Pearson VUE after the Board approves your application, followed by a practical exam where applicable. How to apply: Apply to the Board for the Journeyman Plumber Examination with the completed application, supporting documents and Employer Certification Form(s); the application can be completed online through the Online Licensing System.
Texas plumbing license requirements
| Requirement | Texas |
|---|---|
| License you apply for | The Journeyman Plumber license, issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, the state agency that licenses plumbers in Texas. A Journeyman Plumber may install, change, repair, service or renovate plumbing under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. |
| Apprentice or trainee registration | Register as a Plumber's Apprentice first (at least 16 years old). An apprentice assists with plumbing under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber, and hours worked before you register do not count toward the Journeyman Plumber exam hours. |
| Experience and training | At least 8,000 hours of experience in the plumbing trade under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber, earned while registered as a Plumber's Apprentice or licensed as a Tradesman Plumber-Limited, proven on the Employer's Certification Form. |
| Classroom hours | A 48-hour training course approved by the Board, unless you are enrolled in or have completed a U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program. The 48 hours are two 6-hour continuing professional education courses, OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Training, 8 hours on the residential and/or Uniform Plumbing Code and 18 hours on the commercial plumbing codes. |
| Licensing exam | The Journeyman Plumber Examination, which includes a computer-based test given by Pearson VUE after the Board approves your application, followed by a practical exam where applicable. |
| How to apply | Apply to the Board for the Journeyman Plumber Examination with the completed application, supporting documents and Employer Certification Form(s); the application can be completed online through the Online Licensing System. |
| Background check | Applicants with a felony conviction also submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form, and every applicant and examinee submits fingerprints (a one-time requirement). |
| State fees | Journeyman Plumber exam: $40; initial license: $40; renewal: $40. Plumber's Apprentice registration: $15. |
| License term | Licenses renew every year; the first license gets an expiration date 6 to 18 months after you pass the exam. |
| Continuing education | Six hours of continuing professional education to be eligible to renew. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing. Fees shown are the licensing authority's own. Fees charged by exam vendors, schools, apprenticeship programs, fingerprint vendors and application portals are not included.
This page covers the plumbing license issued by the state. Cities and counties can have their own registration, permit or license rules; ask the local building department where you will work.
How to get licensed in Texas
- Register with the Board as a Plumber's Apprentice before you start counting work hours.
- Work at least 8,000 hours in the plumbing trade under a Responsible Master Plumber, documented on the Employer's Certification Form.
- Complete the Board-approved 48-hour training course, unless you are in or have completed a Department of Labor approved apprenticeship.
- Submit the Journeyman Plumber Examination application with your Employer Certification Form(s) and the $40 fee.
- Pass the computer-based test with Pearson VUE, then the practical exam if applicable.
- Pay the $40 license fee to receive your certificate of licensure and pocket card.
- Complete six hours of continuing professional education to be eligible to renew.
Go further
Requirements state by state.
Open →CareerHow to become a plumberThe career path, nationally.
Open →PayPlumber salary in TexasWhat plumbers earn.
Open →CareerPlumber career guideThe job, skills and outlook.
Open →ResumePlumber resumeHow to present your hours and licenses.
Open →InterviewPlumber interview questionsWhat hiring managers ask.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Each fact on this page comes from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (sources named below), read on the dates shown, with the exact wording we relied on kept on file. Requirements and fees change; the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners's current instructions govern. We re-read each state's sources every six months (next review by May 10, 2027).
- Not legal advice.
- Licensing rules can change. Verify current requirements with the issuing agency.
- Fees shown are the licensing authority's own. Fees charged by exam vendors, schools, apprenticeship programs, fingerprint vendors and application portals are not included.
- This page covers the plumbing license issued by the state. Cities and counties can have their own registration, permit or license rules; ask the local building department where you will work.
- This page covers the individual license named above. Master, contractor, specialty, residential, limited and out-of-state (reciprocity) licenses have their own rules.
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Journeyman Plumber, official source, read Nov 9, 2026.
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Apprentice Registration, official source, read Nov 9, 2026.
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Journeyman Plumber Examination Application (Revised August 2026), official source, read Nov 9, 2026.
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, License Types, official source, read Nov 9, 2026.