Alabama Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Alabama’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to get an Alabama Journeyman Plumber License
- Submit completed Application for Examination
- Provide verifiable proof of two (2) years of current work experience as an apprentice plumber OR of completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program
- Submit completed and executed form, “Declaration of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence of an Alien”
- Pay required fee(s)
- Receive a passing score on the written examination
How to get an Alabama Master Plumber License
- Submit completed Application for Examination
- Provide verifiable proof of one (1) year of current work experience as a journeyman plumber
- Submit completed and executed form, “Declaration of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence of an Alien”
- Pay required fee(s)
- Receive a passing score on the written examination
Alabama Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: December 31st, annually
This applies to all certificates & registrations
Continuing Education: There is currently no continuing education requirement for Alabama plumbers.
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Alabama?
Individuals must be licensed to perform any type of plumbing work inside the State.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Alabama?
- Apprentice Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Apprentice Gas Fitter
- Journeyman Gas Fitter
- Master Gas Fitter
Does Alabama have reciprocal licensing with other states?
Applicants licensed in other states as a Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter or Master Plumber/Gas Fitter may apply to become certified at the corresponding level in Alabama as long as they have:
- Provided proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence
- Provided verification from other state’s licensing agency that the out of state license is
- Active
- In good standing
- Complete the entire application form & submitted all required documentation
Renewing a License
How do I renew my journeyman, master plumber or gas fitter license in Alabama?
All certificates and registrations expire on December 31 of each year. Renewal begins October 1 through December 31 of each year.
If you renew after December 31, the late renewal fee is equal to the renewal rate for your certificate or registration.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my journeyman or master plumber license in Alabama?
There is currently no continuing education requirement to renew your license.
My Alabama plumbing license has lapsed — how do I get it reinstated?
The applicant must:
- Complete an application for reinstatement
- Pay all prescribed fees
- Comply with the terms set forth by the board
The revoked certificate of registration may be reissued provided that a majority of the Board vote in favor of re-issuance.
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Alabama?
- Submit completed Application for Examination
- Provide verifiable proof of two (2) years of current work experience as an apprentice plumber OR of completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program
- Submit completed and executed form, “Declaration of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence of an Alien”
- Pay required fee(s)
- Receive a passing score on the written examination
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Alabama?
- Non-refundable examination fee: $100
- Initial certificate fee: $50
- Renewal fee: $50
What can I expect from the Alabama journeyman plumbing exam?
3 hour time limit
70 Questions – 49 correct to pass
- 5 Questions – Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
- 6 Questions – Plumbing Fundamentals
- 10 Questions – Traps, Cleanouts, and Interceptors
- 12 Questions – Drainage Requirements
- 11 Questions – Vent Requirements
- 6 Questions – Water Distribution
- 20 Questions – Plan and Analysis
What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?
- Administration, Scope and Intent/Purpose
- Definitions and Symbols
- Plumbing Math
- General Regulations
- Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Nonpotable Water Systems
- Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
- Appendix E
- Isometrics
- Private Sewage Systems
- International Fuel Gas Code
- Hands-On Practical Application
- Practice Tests
Bonus Materials
- Reading and Understanding the PSI Bulletin
- Books That You Should Have During the Exam
- Effective Study Techniques
Where can I take the Alabama journeyman plumber exam?
- Birmingham (Vestavia Hills)
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Montgomery
- This exam may also be taken out of state (must fill out form found on candidate bulletin)
How do I know if I passed the Alabama journeyman plumber exam?
Your score will be given to you immediately following completion of the examination. If you pass, you will immediately receive a successful notification. If you do not pass, you will receive a diagnostic report indicating your strengths and weaknesses.
How do I get my master plumbing license in Alabama?
- Submit completed Application for Examination
- Provide verifiable proof of one (1) year of current work experience as a journeyman plumber
- Submit completed and executed form, “Declaration of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence of an Alien”
- Pay required fee(s)
- Receive a passing score on the written examination
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Alabama?
- Non-refundable examination fee: $160
- Initial certificate fee: $150
- Renewal fee: $150
What can I expect from the Alabama master plumbing exam?
4 hour time limit
100 questions – 70 correct to pass
- 10 Questions – Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
- 8 Questions – Plumbing Fundamentals
- 11 Questions – Traps, Cleanouts, and Interceptors
- 17 Questions – Drainage Requirements
- 15 Questions – Vent Requirements
- 10 Questions – Water Distribution
- 21 Questions – Plan and Analysis
- 8 Questions – Laws and Rules
What can I expect from your Alabama master plumber exam prep?
- Administration, Scope and Intent/Purpose
- Definitions and Symbols
- Plumbing Math
- General Regulations
- Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Nonpotable Water Systems
- Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
- Appendix E
- Isometrics
- Private Sewage Systems
- International Fuel Gas Code
- Hands-On Practical Application
- Practice Tests
- Alabama Code Title 34 Chapter 37
- 720 Rules
Bonus Materials
- Reading and Understanding the PSI Bulletin
- Books That You Should Have During the Exam
- Effective Study Techniques
Where can I take the Alabama journeyman, master plumber or gas fitter exam?
- Birmingham (Vestavia Hills)
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Montgomery
- This exam may also be taken out of state (must fill out form found on candidate bulletin)
How do I know if I passed the Alabama master plumber exams?
Your score will be given to you immediately following completion of the examination. If you pass, you will immediately receive a successful notification. If you do not pass, you will receive a diagnostic report indicating your strengths and weaknesses.
What is professional development?
Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.
State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
216 Aquarius Dr, Suite 319
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 945-4857
staff@pgfb.alabama.gov
http://pgfb.alabama.gov/
PSI Exams
3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(855) 746-8173
examschedule@psionline.com
https://candidate.psiexams.com/
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.
