Idaho Plumber Licensing FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Idaho’s plumber licensing and continuing education

How to Get an Idaho Journeyman Plumber License

  1. Meet the requirements for eligibility*
    1. Complete an approved 4-year education course
    2. Possess 4 years work experience (8,000 hours) supervised by a licensed Journeyman
  2. Submit an application for examination
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure along with required fees

*Eligibility requirements described are for Journeyman, Specialty Journeyman requirements are different.

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How to Get an Idaho Plumbing Contractor License

  1. Meet the requirements for eligibility*
    1. Possess an active Journeyman license
    2. Minimum of 2.5 years’ experience as a licensed journeyman
  2. Submit an application for licensure along with required fees
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit proof of compliance bond to the board

*Eligibility requirements described are for Plumbing Contractors. Specialty Contractor requirements are different.

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Idaho Plumber Renewal Requirements

Renewal Deadline: Every three years by date of initial licensure

Continuing Education:

  • Journeyman: 8 hours every three years
    • 4 hours on code updates
    • 4 hours in industry related subjects
  • Contractors: 16 hours every three years

Journeyman CEUs may be applied to contractor requirement

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Idaho?

A license is required for any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity who is engaged in plumbing or performing plumbing installations. A separate license is issued for any contractors wishing to engage in public works contracting.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Idaho?

  • Apprentice
  • Specialty Apprentice
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Specialty Journeyman Plumber
  • Plumbing Contractor
  • Specialty Plumbing Contractor

Does Idaho have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Idaho has reciprocal licensing agreements for Journeyman in the following states:

  • Montana
    • Must have held for 1 year
  • Oregon
    • Must have held for 6 months
  • Washington
    • Must be a current WA resident

Additionally, you must have taken a test to obtain your current license there as well as show proof of 4 years of schooling and on the job training.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Idaho?

Journeyman:

  • Application: $22.50
  • Exam: $75
  • Renewal: $21.60
  • Late renewal: $29.40

Contractor:

  • Application: $22.50
  • Exam: $75
  • Renewal: $108
  • Late renewal: $147

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Idaho plumbing license?

Plumbing licenses renew every three years by the date of initial licensure.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Idaho?

Journeyman:

  1. Complete 8 hours of required continuing education OR complete an exam administered by the division
  2. Pay the renewal fee

Contractors:

  1. Provide current $2,000 bond
  2. Complete 16 hours of required continuing education
    1. Hours accrued for journeyman education may be applied toward this requirement
  3. Hold an active Plumbing Journeyman license*
  4. Pay the renewal fee

*Does not apply to Specialty Contractors

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Idaho?

Journeyman:

8 hours of continuing education every three-year cycle

  • 4 hours must be related to plumbing code updates
  • 4 hours must be in industry related subjects

Contractors:

16 hours of continuing education every three-year cycle

  • Hours accrued for journeyman continuing education may be applied to contractor requirements

How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Idaho?

  1. Meet the requirements for eligibility*
    1. Complete an approved 4 year education course
    2. Possess 4 years work experience (8,000 hours) supervised by a licensed Journeyman
  2. Submit an application for examination
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure along with required fees

*Eligibility requirements described are for Journeyman, Specialty Journeyman requirements are different.

What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Idaho?

  • Application: $22.50
  • Exam: $75
  • Renewal: $21.60
  • Late renewal: $29.40

What can I expect from the Idaho journeyman plumbing exam?

4 hour time limit

Open book exam

94 Questions – 75% correct to pass

Where can I take the Idaho journeyman plumber exam?

  • Blackfoot
  • Coeur d’Alene
  • Meridian

How do I know if I passed the Idaho journeyman plumber exam?

You will receive a letter stating your pass or fail score.

What happens if I fail my exam?

You may apply for re-examination upon payment of the exam fees.

How do I get my plumbing contractor license in Idaho?

  1. Meet the requirements for eligibility*
    1. Possess an active Journeyman license
    2. Minimum of 2.5 years’ experience as a licensed journeyman
  2. Submit an application for licensure along with required fees
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit proof of compliance bond to the board

*Eligibility requirements described are for Plumbing Contractors. Specialty Contractors have different requirements.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumbing contractor in Idaho?

  • Application: $22.50
  • Exam: $75
  • Renewal: $108
  • Late renewal: $147

What can I expect from the Idaho plumbing contractor exam?

4 hour time limit

Open book exam

76 Questions – 75% correct to pass

Where can I take the Idaho plumbing contractor exam?

  • Blackfoot
  • Coeur d’Alene
  • Meridian

How do I know if I passed the Idaho plumbing contractor exams?

You will receive a letter stating your pass or fail score.

What happens if I fail my exam?

You may apply for re-examination upon payment of the exam fees.

What continuing education is required to renew my Idaho journeyman plumber license?

Journeyman:
8 hours of continuing education every three-year cycle

  • 4 hours must be related to plumbing code updates
  • 4 hours must be in industry related subjects

What continuing education is required to renew my Idaho plumbing contractor license?

Contractors:

16 hours of continuing education every three-year cycle

  • Hours accrued for journeyman continuing education may be applied to contractor requirements

Who submits my Idaho plumbing continuing education course completions to the state?

Course completions are handled through CEBroker, and we will submit your course completions for you the next business day after they are completed.

Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Idaho?

Yes, you can find our courses on CEBroker.

Idaho Division of Building Safety
1090 E Watertower St, Suite 150
Meridian, ID 83642
Main: (208) 334-3950
Exam Scheduling: (800) 955-3044
https://dbs.idaho.gov/programs/plumbing/

Exams are scheduled through the Division of Building Safety. You must schedule at least two business days in advance.

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.