Texas Plumber Licensing FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Texas plumber licensing and continuing education

How to get a Texas Journeyman Plumber License

  1. Must be eligible to work in the State of Texas
  2. Must be either a Plumber’s Apprentice or Tradesman Plumber-Limited in Texas OR a Journeyman or Master in another state
  3. Meet minimum experience requirements:
    1. Minimum 8,000 hours of experience working in the plumbing trade
    2. Have completed an approved 48 hour training course OR an approved apprenticeship program
  4. Complete and submit an application along with applicable fees
  5. Take and pass your exam

How to get a Texas Master Plumber License

  1. Must be eligible to work in the State of Texas
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Meet one of the following experience requirements:
    1. Licensed Journeyman for 4 years
    2. Licensed Journeyman for 1 year plus have completed an approved apprenticeship program
    3. Master plumber in another state plus have been a Journeyman for at least 4 years
    4. Master plumber in another state, Journeyman for 1 year, plus have completed an approved apprenticeship program
  4. Complete and submit an application along with applicable fees
  5. Take and pass your exam

Texas Plumber Renewal Requirements

Renewal Deadline: You must renew every year before the expiration on your license

Continuing Education: You must complete six hours of continuing education annually

*Our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Texas

Professional Development

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Texas?

Individuals who want to practice any type of plumbing must obtain a plumbing license.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Texas?

  • Tradesman Plumber-Limited
  • Journeyman
  • Master
  • Plumbing Inspector

Does Texas have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Texas does have reciprocal licensing with other states as long as it is issued under the plumbing law

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Texas?

Journeyman

  • Exam: $40
  • Initial License: $40
  • Renewal: $40

Master

  • Exam: $175
  • Initial License: $75
  • Renewal: $75

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Texas plumbing license?

You must renew your Texas plumbing license every year.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Texas?

You first must complete the required six hours of continuing education, and then submit your renewal along with the renewal fee.

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

Yes, you need to complete six credit hours every year to renew your license.

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

You cannot renew a license, registration or endorsement that has been expired for more than two years. You must register as an apprentice and apply for and pass all exams.

How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Texas?

  1. Must be eligible to work in the State of Texas
  2. Must be either a Plumber’s Apprentice or Tradesman Plumber-Limited in Texas OR a Journeyman or Master in another state
  3. Meet minimum experience requirements:
    1. Minimum 8,000 hours of experience working in the plumbing trade
    1. Have completed an approved 48 hour training course OR an approved apprenticeship program
  4. Complete and submit an application along with applicable fees
  5. Take and pass your exam

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

  • Exam: $40
  • Initial License: $40
  • Renewal: $40

What can I expect from the Texas journeyman plumbing exam?

  • 90 multiple choice questions
  • Hands-on shop work
  • Design project of a two-story drainage and vent system.

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

The board will notify the applicant within thirty days after the examination.

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you fail the exam, you shall complete a training period before retaking the exam. You then can retake the part or parts that were failed.

How do I get my master plumbing license in Texas?

  1. Must be eligible to work in the State of Texas
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Meet one of the following experience requirements:
    1. Licensed Journeyman for 4 years
    2. Licensed Journeyman for 1 year plus have completed an approved apprenticeship program
    3. Master plumber in another state plus have been a Journeyman for at least 4 years
    4. Master plumber in another state, Journeyman for 1 year, plus have completed an approved apprenticeship program
  4. Complete and submit an application along with applicable fees
  5. Take and pass your exam

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

  • Exam: $175
  • Initial License: $75
  • Renewal: $75

What can I expect from the Texas master plumbing exam?

  • 210 multiple choice questions
  • 1 Fuel Gas Pipe Sizing chart
  • 1 water pipe sizing chart
  • 1 gas fueled appliance vent sizing chart
  • 1 drainage system pipe sizing chart
  • Design of a 3-story sanitary drainage and vent system for 16 plumbing fixtures.

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

The board will notify the applicant within thirty days after the examination.

What happens if I fail my exam?

Individuals that fail the examination will be rescheduled upon receipt of a new completed application and fee and will be rescheduled in the order of receipt of the new application, but no sooner than 30 days after the 1st failure, 60 days after the 2nd failure and 90 days after the 3rd failure.

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

You need six hours of continuing education every year to renew your Texas plumbing license.

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

We are not currently approved to provide continuing education in the state of Texas.

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.

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 41st St
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 936-5200
licensinghelp@hpc.state.tx.us
https://tsbpe.texas.gov/

Exams are scheduled through TSBPE.

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.