Montana Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Montana’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Montana Journeyman Plumber License
- Meet one of the following experience requirements:
- Have 5 years experience in the field of plumbing OR
- Have completed an approved apprenticeship program
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for board approval then take and pass your exam
How to Get a Montana Master Plumber License
- Meet the following experience requirements:
- Have 4 years experience as a licensed journeyman, with 3 of those years either working for a Master plumber or in a supervisory capacity
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for board approval then take and pass your exam
Montana Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire on September 1, annually
Continuing Education: 4 hours* annually, courses must be code-related
*Our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Montana
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Montana?
A master plumber license is required to obtain plumbing permits. A journeyman’s plumber’s license does not authorize the individual to obtain a plumbing permit or to engage in or advertise as a plumbing business.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Montana?
- Journeyman
- Master
Does Montana have reciprocal licensing with other states?
Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman licensure only with Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota and South Dakota. Your license in one of these states does not allow you to work in Montana. You must still apply for licensure in Montana.
Montana does not reciprocate a Master license.
If you have passed the Journeyman plumbing written and practical exams in one of the states we have reciprocity agreements with, and you do not have any complaints on your active license, you will not have to take the Journeyman exam in Montana. If you have not taken a practical examination, you will be required to in accordance with ARM 24.180.603.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Montana?
Journeyman
- Application/License: $270
- Exam:
- Practical: $75
- Written: $175
- Renewal: $160
Master
- Application/License: $380
- Exam: $175
- Renewal: $265
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Montana plumbing license?
Licenses expire on September 1 every year.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Montana?
Renewal opens 60 days prior to your expiration date. The board will mail you a renewal notice approximately 45 days prior to the license expiration date. The online renewal system is available 24/7.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Montana?
Yes, 4 hours* of continuing education must be completed annually, courses must be code-related.
*Our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Montana
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Montana?
- Meet one of the following experience requirements:
- Have 5 years experience in the field of plumbing OR
- Have completed an approved apprenticeship program
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for board approval then take and pass your exam
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Montana?
- Application/License: $270
- Exam:
- Practical: $75
- Written: $175
- Renewal: $170
What can I expect from the Montana journeyman plumbing exam?
100 multiple choice questions that are based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code book as amended and the Statutes and Rules Relating to the Board of Plumbers and Building Codes.
The written exam is open book with a three (3) hour time limit.
The practical examination includes three (3) virtual diagrams and will be limited to two and a half (2½) hours.
A minimum of 70% correct is required to pass.
Candidates must bring their own code book. Code books WILL NOT be provided at the examination.
What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Math
- Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply & Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Appendices
- Hands-On Practical Application
Where can I take the Montana journeyman plumber exam?
- Online Proctored Exams
- In-Person Exams
Montana Plumbing Exam Information
How do I know if I passed the Montana journeyman plumber exam?
Your results will be emailed to your preferred email address as indicated on your application within two weeks after your examination date. Please do not call the board office to obtain your score, as it will not be given out over the telephone.
What happens if I fail my exam?
In accordance with ARM 24.180.407, (3), if an applicant fails three written examinations within the one year period of an application’s viability, the applicant must submit proof of completion of 20 hours of continuing education as provided in ARM24.180.2102 before the applicant will be approved to take the examination a fourth time. An applicant who fails the fourth written examination may not reapply for licensure for one year.
How do I get my master plumbing license in Montana?
- Meet the following experience requirements:
- Have 4 years experience as a licensed journeyman, with 3 of those years either working for a Master plumber or in a supervisory capacity
- Complete and submit an application for licensure
- Wait for board approval then take and pass your exam
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Montana?
- Application/License: $380
- Exam: $175
- Renewal: $265
What can I expect from the Montana master plumbing exam?
125 multiple choice questions that are based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code book as amended and the Statutes and Rules Relating to the Board of Plumbers and Building Codes.
The examination is open book with a three (3) hour time limit.
A minimum of 70% correct is required to pass.
Candidates must bring their own code book. Code books WILL NOT be provided at the examination.
What can I expect from your Montana master plumber exam prep?
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Math
- Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply & Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Appendices
- Hands-On Practical Application
Where can I take the Montana master plumber exam?
- Online Proctored Exams
- In-Person Exams
Montana Plumbing Exam Information
How do I know if I passed the Montana master plumber exams?
Your results will be emailed to your preferred email address as indicated on your application within two weeks after your examination date. Please do not call the board office to obtain your score, as it will not be given out over the telephone.
What happens if I fail my exam?
In accordance with ARM 24.180.407, (3), if an applicant fails three written examinations within the one year period of an application’s viability, the applicant must submit proof of completion of 20 hours of continuing education as provided in ARM24.180.2102 before the applicant will be approved to take the examination a fourth time. An applicant who fails the fourth written examination may not reapply for licensure for one year.
What continuing education is required to renew my Montana plumber license?
Yes, 4 hours of continuing education must be completed annually, courses must be code-related.
Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Montana?
Our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Montana
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.
Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Board of Plumbers
301 S. Park Ave, 4th Floor
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-6880
https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/plumbers/
IAPMO
(708) 995-3309
certifications@iapmo.org
https://www.iapmo.org/mt-testing
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.