Iowa Plumber Licensing FAQs

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

How to Get an Iowa Journeyman Plumber License

  1. Must be at least 18 years old and meet ONE of the following requirements:
    1. Have completed 4 years in an approved apprenticeship program
    2. Have a master level license from another jurisdiction
  2. Submit an exam approval application
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure
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How to Get an Iowa Master Plumber License

  1. Must be at least 18 years old and meet ONE of the following requirements:
    1. Have a master level license from another jurisdiction
    2. Have been an IA licensed journeyperson for 2 years
  2. Submit an exam approval application
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure
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Iowa Plumber Renewal Requirements

Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire on June 30th every 3 years (2020, 2023, 2026 etc).

Continuing Education: The minimum requirement is 8 hours of continuing education* every three years. Those with multiple licenses have additional requirements. Only half of the requirement may be completed online.

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Iowa?

To work as a plumber in the State of Iowa a plumbing license from the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board is required. Anyone working as a plumber in the state of Iowa is required to be licensed with the Board.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Iowa?

  • Apprentice
  • Journeyman
  • Master

Does Iowa have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Iowa has a reciprocity agreement with South Dakota. This means that if you obtained a South Dakota plumbing license on the basis of written examination, you can submit an application for reciprocity to obtain an Iowa plumbing license without passing another examination for the state of Iowa.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Iowa?

Journeyman

Master

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Iowa plumbing license?

Licenses expire on June 30th every 3 years (2020, 2023, 2026 etc).

How do I renew my plumbing license in Iowa?

  1. Complete the required continuing education
  2. Submit an application for renewal along with your renewal fee to the board

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

The minimum requirement is 8 hours of continuing education* every three years. Those with multiple licenses have additional requirements. Only half of the requirement may be completed online.

*Our courses are currently not approved for continuing education in Iowa.

My Iowa plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

There is a 30-day grace period for all licensees to renew without penalty, after that there will be a late fee assessed.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will be required to either retake (and pass) your licensing examination or retake all continuing education requirements*. In addition, you must pay any applicable fees.

View further details on the reinstatement requirements here.

*Licenses lapsed for more than one renewal cycle must show proof of having completed required CEUs for each cycle lapsed.

How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Iowa?

  1. Must be at least 18 years old and meet ONE of the following requirements:
    1. Have completed 4 years in an approved apprenticeship program
    1. Have a master level license from another jurisdiction
  2. Submit an exam approval application
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure

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

What can I expect from the Iowa journeyman plumbing exam?

Journeyperson Plumber with Gas

Open book exam, 75 questions, 3 hour time limit

Topics Covered:

  • General Knowledge of the Uniform Plumbing Code
  • Drainage, Waste and Vent Systems
  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Fuel Piping

What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?

  • Administration
  • Definitions
  • General Regulations
  • Plumbing Math
  • Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Vents
  • Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
  • Storm Drainage
  • Appendices
  • Hands-On Practical Application

Where can I take the Iowa journeyman plumber exam?

  • Ankeny
  • Des Moines
  • Dubuque
  • Cedar Falls
  • Cedar Rapids
  • Council Bluffs
  • Creston
  • Estherville
  • Fort Dodge
  • Ottumwa
  • Marshalltown
  • Mason City
  • Sheldon
  • Sioux City

Tipton

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

At the end of your exam, your score will be shown on screen. The report will indicate percent of correct answers, 75% or more correct must be obtained to pass. Once you pass your exam, you will need to contact the Board Office to submit a Post-Examination Licensure Application

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you do not pass the exam, you must register and pay for a new exam.

How do I get my master plumbing license in Iowa?

  1. Must be at least 18 years old and meet ONE of the following requirements:
    1. Have a master level license from another jurisdiction
    1. Have been an IA licensed journeyperson for 2 years
  2. Submit an exam approval application
  3. Study for and pass your exam
  4. Submit an application for licensure

What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Iowa?

What can I expect from the Iowa master plumbing exam?

Master Plumber with Gas

Open book exam, 125 questions, 5 hour time limit

Topics Covered:

  • Definitions
  • General Regulations
  • Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect Wastes
  • Vents
  • Traps and Interceptors
  • Storm Drainage
  • Fuel Gas Piping
  • Health Care Facilities and Medical Gas and Medical Vacuum Systems
  • Firestop Protection
  • Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable applications
  • Water Systems Sizing
  • Drain, Waste and Vent Systems Sizing
  • Fuel Pipe Sizing

What can I expect from your Iowa master plumber exam prep?

  • Administration
  • Definitions
  • General Regulations
  • Plumbing Math
  • Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Vents
  • Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
  • Storm Drainage
  • Appendices
  • Hands-On Practical Application

Where can I take the Iowa master plumber exam?

  • Ankeny
  • Des Moines
  • Dubuque
  • Cedar Falls
  • Cedar Rapids
  • Council Bluffs
  • Creston
  • Estherville
  • Fort Dodge
  • Ottumwa
  • Marshalltown
  • Mason City
  • Sheldon
  • Sioux City
  • Tipton

How do I know if I passed the Iowa master plumber exams?

At the end of your exam, your score will be shown on screen. The report will indicate percent of correct answers, 75% or more correct must be obtained to pass. Once you pass your exam, you will need to contact the Board Office to submit a Post-Examination Licensure Application

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you do not pass the exam, you must register and pay for a new exam.

What continuing education is required to renew my Iowa plumber license?

The minimum requirement is 8 hours of continuing education* every three years. Those with multiple licenses have additional requirements. Only half of the requirement may be completed online. *Our courses are currently not approved for continuing education in Iowa.

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

Our courses are currently not approved for continuing education in Iowa.

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.

Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (866) 280-1521
Fax: (515) 281-6114
https://idph.iowa.gov/pmsb

Exams are administered by:
Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: (319) 398-4482
https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/state-disciplines

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.