Easy Steps to Get a Maine Plumbing License

Are you thinking about working as a plumber in the state of Maine? 

No need to look further!

Today, we are going to discuss a simple and straightforward process to obtain a Maine plumbing license.

An aspiring plumber starts off as a journeyman-in-training, frequently registered in a technical program, then advance to trainee plumber, journeyman plumber, and ultimately master plumber. 

There are some additional criteria and requirements set by the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to become a licensed plumber. So, let’s discuss it in detail.

Types of Maine Plumbing Licenses

1. Trainee plumber

Any individual working as an apprentice or performing plumbing installations under the close and direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber is referred to as a trainee plumber, whether they are doing it for educational purposes or not.

2. Journeyman-in-training

A journeyman-in-training plumber is an individual who is authorized to help with plumbing installations while being directly supervised by a master or journeyman plumber. But, the journeyman-in-training plumber is not permitted to pose as or operate in the capacity of a licensed journeyman plumber.

3. Journeyman plumber

Any individual who regularly performs the installation of plumbing systems and water supply systems under the supervision of a master plumber or, in the absence of a master plumber, regularly does plumbing repairs as a regular side job is referred to as a journeyman plumber.

4. Master plumber

Any individual who holds a master plumber license from the Board and is now operating or plans to operate a plumbing business is considered a master plumber.

Requirements and Steps to Become a Licensed Trainee Plumber

1. Examination requirements

Submit a properly filled trainee plumber license application form.

Application	Online application PDF application form
Fees	License fee: $100 Criminal background check fee: $21
Term	Every two years based on the date of the initial license.

2. Renewal details

• Before renewing your trainee license, the Department must confirm that you have satisfied all requirements. Your license will not automatically renew if you submit your renewal application online.
• Up to 90 days beyond the license’s expiration date, license renewals are subject to a $50 late fee.
• Any applicant who files a renewal request more than 90 days after the expiration date is subject to all specifications for fresh applications.

Renewal application	License renewal application online License renewal application PDF
Biennial renewal fee	$100
Term	Every two years, based on the date of the initial license.

Requirements and Steps to Become a Licensed Journeyman-In-Training

1. Examination requirements

• Completing a year-long or two-semester plumbing program at a board-approved community college; 
  OR
• Completing a two-year plumbing curriculum as a secondary student in a career and technical education program recognized under 20-A MRS 8306-B or in an accredited Department of Labor apprenticeship program;
  AND
• 70% or better is required to pass the journeyman plumber exam.

2. Steps to apply for a journeyman-in-training license

Application	Online application PDF application form
Fees	License fee: $200 Criminal background check fee: $21
Term	4-year non-renewable license

Requirements and Steps to Become a Licensed Journeyman Plumber

1. Examination requirements

• A minimum of two years and 4,000 hours of experience working as a licensed trainee plumber in the domain of plumbing installation while being supervised by a licensed master plumber; 
  OR
• A minimum of 2,000 hours of experience working as a journeyman-in-training on plumbing installations while being supervised by a certified master plumber, provided that the experience was gained no more than four years after the candidate received their journeyman-in-training license.

Application	Online application PDF application form
Fees	License fee: $200 Criminal background check fee: $21
Term	Every two years, based on the date of the initial journeyman plumber license.

2. Renewal details

• Before renewing your journeyman license, the Department must confirm that you have satisfied all requirements. Your journeyman plumber license will not automatically renew if you submit your renewal application online.
• Up to 90 days beyond the license’s expiration date, license renewals are subject to a $50 late fee.
• By making the payment of the $200 license fee and the $100 penalty charge, anybody who files an application for renewal more than 90 days but no more than two years after the expiry date may be reinstated.
  OR
• All conditions for new applicants apply to anybody who files a renewal application more than two years after the expiry date.

License renewal application	License renewal application online License renewal application PDF
License reinstatement application	License reinstatement application online License reinstatement application PDF
Biennial renewal fee	$200
Term	Every two years based on the date of the initial license.

Requirements and Steps to Become a Licensed Master Plumber

1. Examination requirements

• 2,000 hours of experience working as a registered journeyman plumber in the domain of plumbing installations over the course of at least a year;
  OR
• 8,000 hours of experience working as a licensed trainee plumber in the domain of plumbing installations over the course of at least four years, all while being supervised by a certified master plumber.

Application	Online application PDF application form
Fees	License fee: $200 Criminal background check fee: $21
Term	Every two years, based on the date of the initial license.

2. Renewal details

• Before renewing your master plumbers license, the Department must confirm that you have satisfied all requirements. Your master plumber license will not automatically renew if you submit your renewal application online.
• Up to 90 days beyond the license’s expiration date, license renewals are subject to a $50 late fee.
• By making the payment of the $200 license fee and the $100 penalty charge, anybody who files an application for renewal more than 90 days but no more than two years after the expiry date may be reinstated.
  OR
• All conditions for new applicants apply to anybody who files a renewal application more than two years after the expiry date.

License renewal application	License renewal application online License renewal application PDF
License reinstatement application	License reinstatement application online License reinstatement application PDF
Biennial renewal fee	$200
Term	Every two years based on the date of the initial license.

Maine Plumbing Exam Details

• The plumbing examination is a computer-based exam.
• Once the Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board has given its approval, you are free to take the exam at any Prov testing center in the country. 
• There are five Prov testing locations in Maine where applicants can take their exam. These testing facilities are situated at 
  • Auburn 
  • Bangor 
  • Calais
  • Presque Isle
  • Portland
• Depending on the specs of your computer and internet connectivity, you could also write your exam through a remote proctor using a computer at home.
• A completed exam application must be submitted to the Plumbers’ Examining Board along with the appropriate application fee in order to take an exam. 
• If the Board accepts your application, you will get email instructions on how to schedule your exam session.

Note: Before taking the exam, applicants must get the Board’s consent. Examination results of candidates who take the exam before obtaining Board clearance are invalid.

Maine Plumbing Trade Schools

Sr. No.	Plumbing Trade Schools	Address
1.	Northern Maine Community College	33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME, 04769-2016, Aroostook County
2.	Eastern Maine Community College	354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME, 04401, Penobscot County
3.	Southern Maine Community College	2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME, 04106-1698, Cumberland County
4.	Washington County Community College	One College Drive, Calais, ME, 04619, Washington County
5.	Lewiston Regional Technical Center	156 East Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240

What is the Average Salary of a Plumber in Maine?

Plumbers in Maine make an average yearly income of $46,500. This covers taxable salaries, tips, bonuses, and other incentives. It is based on information from 106 TurboTax customers who described their profession as plumbing. 

A plumber’s pay can range from $23,500 to $76,500 based on their job, geography, employer’s location, and their education, basic plumbing skills, abilities, and experience.

Conclusion

If you are interested in pursuing the plumbing profession in Maine, you must take the necessary steps to obtain a license issued by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. It enables you to operate legally as a plumber in the state and displays your expertise to potential employers and clients.

As a last point, operating as a plumbing contractor or running a plumbing business may be greatly improved by having the appropriate tools. For instance, plumbing estimating & invoicing software, like InvoiceOwl, may assist you in streamlining your billing procedure and improving your financial management. 

With the help of our software, you can manage your spending and income more easily while also automating estimating, invoicing, and record keeping. You may save time, decrease mistakes, and boost productivity by utilizing InvoiceOwl, all of which are essential for successfully managing a plumbing business.