How to Get Your
Connecticut Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Connecticut. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Connecticut Plumbing License Quick Facts
Experience Required
4 years in plumbing
Journeyman Experience
1 year required
License Fee
$90 - $150
Licensing Body
Department of Consumer Protection
Renewal Period
Annual (October 31)
Continuing Education
Every 3 years
The plumbing sector in Connecticut is a fantastic choice for people looking for a secure and fulfilling career because of the state's growing population and growing need for trained trades experts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual wage for plumbers in Connecticut is over $70,000 and that employment in the sector will increase by 5% over the following ten years.
A plumbing and pipefitting license in Connecticut is also a great asset because it shows prospective employers are knowledgeable and skilled in the industry.
So why not start today by getting your Connecticut plumbing license and go toward a rewarding career in plumbing?
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Connecticut?
Connecticut Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Protection
DCPIssues all plumbing licenses in Connecticut and oversees the Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examining Board
The State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is responsible for issuing licenses for plumbers in Connecticut. The DCP is in charge of policing the state's plumbing business, and they have the power to grant, renew, and revoke plumbing licenses.
The licensing procedure for plumbers in Connecticut is managed by the DCP's Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examining Board. They are in charge of evaluating candidates' qualifications, conducting exams, and issuing and renewing licenses.
Connecticut does not have reciprocity agreements in place with other states. You cannot work as a plumber in other states while having Connecticut's plumbing license, and vice versa.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Connecticut
Unlike other states, Connecticut has eight plumbing contractor license types, which are issued by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) in Connecticut. The same department maintains rules and regulations related to plumbing, including plumbers licensing and certifications.
There are two main categories of plumbing licenses in Connecticut: Contractor and Journeyperson licenses.
License Types for Business Owners
Contractor Licenses
P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor
Full contractor license to work on all plumbing and piping tasks defined in Connecticut General Statutes.
Key Requirements
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyperson
- Or equivalent experience and training
- Pass contractor examination
P-7 Limited Sewer, Storm, and Water Contractor
Limited contractor license for water, sewer, and storm systems.
Key Requirements
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyman
- Or equivalent experience and training
- Limited to water, sewer, or storm piping
J-1 Limited Contractor
Specialized contractor license for water pumps and conditioning.
Key Requirements
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyman
- Or equivalent experience and training
- Limited to domestic water pumps and conditioning
J-3 Limited Lawn Sprinkler & Contractor
Contractor license for lawn sprinkler system installation and maintenance.
Key Requirements
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyperson
- Or equivalent experience and training
- Limited to lawn sprinkler systems
License Types for Plumbing Technicians
Journeyperson Licenses
P-2 Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber
Full journeyperson license to work on all plumbing and piping under supervision.
Key Requirements
- Complete apprenticeship program
- Or equivalent experience and training
- Work under employer's supervision
P-6 Limited Sewer, Storm, Water Journeyperson
Limited journeyperson license for water, sewer, and storm systems.
Key Requirements
- One year of apprenticeship program
- Or equivalent experience or training
- Limited to storm, sewer, and water lines
J-2 Limited Well Pumps & Piping Journeyperson
Specialized journeyperson license for well pumps and water conditioning.
Key Requirements
- One year of apprenticeship program
- Or equivalent experience or training
- Limited to water conditioning and pumps
J-4 Lawn Sprinkler & Maintainer
Journeyperson license for lawn sprinkler system work.
Key Requirements
- One year of apprenticeship program
- Or equivalent experience or training
- Work under licensed contractor supervision
Connecticut Plumbing License Requirements
The general requirements for becoming licensed plumbers in Connecticut are as follows:
- Four years of experience in plumbing and pipefitting
- One year of experience as a plumbing Journeyperson
- Score more than 80% in plumbing contractor exam
- Provide liability and worker's compensation insurance proof
- Complete criminal history check
- Complete continuing education every three years
- Four years of Connecticut state-approved apprenticeship program
Contractor Application & Requirements
Requirements by Residency Status
Contractor License Requirements
1Connecticut State Residents
Requirements for CT residents
Connecticut State Residents
Requirements for CT residents
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyperson or equivalent
- Attach a copy of the current Journeyman license and issued date
- Score at least 80% on contractor examination
- Provide proof of liability insurance
- Provide proof of worker's compensation insurance (if applicable)
- Complete criminal history check
2Non-Residents of Connecticut
Requirements for out-of-state applicants
Non-Residents of Connecticut
Requirements for out-of-state applicants
- 2 years of experience as Unlimited Licensed Journeyperson or equivalent
- Attach a copy of each out-of-state Journeyman plumber license issued
- Bonafide certificate from each state showing when plumbing contractor license was originally issued
- Provide proof that you meet or exceed at least one state's license requirements
- Provide proof of Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program, including training
- Provide liability and worker's compensation insurance proof
- Complete criminal history check
Journeyperson Application & Requirements
Requirements by Training Path
Journeyperson License Requirements
1Connecticut Apprenticeship Completion
For CT apprenticeship graduates
Connecticut Apprenticeship Completion
For CT apprenticeship graduates
- Complete apprenticeship program or equivalent experience and training
- Attach original copy of Apprenticeship completion issued by the Apprenticeship Training Division of the Department of Labor in Connecticut
- Pass journeyperson examination with 70% or higher
2Equivalent Experience Path
For candidates with work experience
Equivalent Experience Path
For candidates with work experience
- Letter from existing or previous employer
- Proof of completion of required classes and hours for the plumbing license you're applying for
- Certificate of apprenticeship if completed from another state
- Photocopies of all trade licenses if allotted in other states
- Documentation indicating other states' requirement meeting to get license
- Provide scope of work documentation
Plumbing License Costs in Connecticut
Application and Examination Fees
Connecticut Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyperson Application | $65 | $90 | |
| Journeyperson Renewal | — | $120 | |
| Contractor Application | $130 | $150 | |
| Contractor Renewal | — | $150 |
All plumbing and pipefitting licenses expire every year on October 31. The state licensing board sends renewal notifications 30-45 days before expiration via mail.
Connecticut Plumbing Exam Details
Here is the Candidate information bulletin packet that contains an Occupational trade license application on page 3.
Journeyperson and Contractor Exams
Connecticut Plumbing Licensing Examination
Connecticut plumbing codes and regulations
Blueprint reading and interpretation
Hands-on plumbing skills
Water, sewer, and storm systems
Exam Application Process
Fill out the application along with the exam application form. Attach the original copy of the Letter of Apprenticeship Completion Certificate (to sit for the Journeyperson license exam) and a photocopy of your existing plumbing license (to apply for a contractor license).
Apply by paying $90 for a Journeyperson license and $150 for contractor candidates. Besides, Journeyperson plumber aspirants will have to pay $65 as an exam fee, while full-time contractor aspirants will have to pay $130.
You can mail them to the below address with all the necessary documents and payments:
PSI Licensure: Certification 3210 East Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89121
Once the post is delivered and verified, you can schedule a licensing exam or call (800)-733-9267. On page 6 of the candidate information bulletin, you can find the six different license examination locations.
- Two identification forms
- Government-issued ID
- ID with your photograph and signature
- Approved reference materials
Steps to Get Your Connecticut Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Complete Apprenticeship or Gain Equivalent Experience
Complete a Connecticut state-approved apprenticeship program or gain equivalent experience in plumbing and pipefitting.
Gain Required Journeyperson Experience
Work for at least one year as a journeyperson plumber to qualify for contractor licensing.
Complete Criminal History Check
Submit to a criminal history records check using fingerprints as required by the Department of Consumer Protection.
Prepare Application Documents
Gather all required documents including apprenticeship completion certificates, experience letters, and existing license copies if applicable.
Download Candidate Information BulletinSubmit Exam Application and Fees
Mail your completed application with all required documents and exam fees to PSI Licensure: Certification in Las Vegas, NV.
Schedule and Take the Exam
Once your application is verified, schedule your licensing examination at one of the six exam locations in Connecticut.
Congratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed plumber in Connecticut and can work in your licensed capacity.
Obtain Required Insurance (Contractors)
If applying for a contractor license, obtain liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance as required.
Learn About Insurance RequirementsBrand Your Plumbing Business as a Professional
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Another major factor to consider to obtain a plumbing license in Connecticut is having liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance.
Liability insurance protects you and your plumbing business from the financial losses incurred from the property damage or injury caused during plumbing and piping work. With the help of liability insurance, you would be compensated against any legal defense or settlements.
Worker's compensation insurance takes care of your employees if they fall ill due to the plumbing and piping work.
So, these are the two types of insurance that you must have to run a plumbing business in Connecticut.
Both liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance are mandatory for contractor licenses in Connecticut. Make sure to obtain these before applying for your contractor license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Certificate From a Licensed Plumber in Connecticut?
The time it takes to get a certificate from a licensed plumber in Connecticut depends on the particular requirements and the applicant's credentials. However, the procedure for getting a plumbing license might typically take several months.
In Connecticut, you must have at least:
- Four years of experience in the plumbing industry, including at least one year working as a journeyman plumber
- Passing a plumbing exam, showing that you have liability insurance, and completing a criminal history records check using fingerprints
Frequently Asked Questions
You are required to meet the following requirement to become a licensed plumbing contractor in Connecticut:
- Possess a minimum of four years of experience in the plumbing industry, including at least one year working as a journeyman plumber.
- Pass a plumbing test.
- Show evidence of your worker's compensation and liability insurance (if you have employees).
- Conduct a criminal history check using fingerprints.
- Every three years, fulfill the requirements for continuing education.
Plumbing contractors in Connecticut may earn more or less on average based on their region, expertise, and credentials. The mean annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Connecticut was $67,863 in 2023, according to salary.com.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual wage for plumbers in Connecticut is over $70,000 and that employment in the sector will increase by 5% over the following ten years.
Yes, absolutely. The Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut makes it mandatory to have a plumber's license. Plumbing business owners must fulfill specific standards in order to receive a plumbing license, including having a particular amount of experience, passing an exam, and presenting evidence of liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance (if they have employees).
Yes, you can perform your plumbing job on your property as long as it is not done for a business or to make money. The installation or modification of a public water supply or sewer system, for instance, requires the expertise of a certified professional, so it's crucial to keep that in mind while you perform plumbing work.
It's also crucial to remember that even if you're permitted to perform your own plumbing repairs, you must still adhere to state plumbing laws and regulations. This entails obtaining the required license and inspections and abiding by the regional construction regulations.
No, you cannot work as a plumber in other states while having Connecticut's plumbing license since there are no reciprocity agreements in place between Connecticut and other states. The reciprocity agreement allows one state plumber to transfer their license to other states.
The State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is responsible for issuing licenses for plumbers in Connecticut. The DCP is in charge of policing the state's plumbing business, and they have the power to grant, renew, and revoke plumbing licenses.
The licensing procedure for plumbers in Connecticut is managed by the DCP's Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examining Board. They are in charge of evaluating candidates' qualifications, conducting exams, and issuing and renewing licenses.
The plumbing license application fees are:
- Journeyperson Application: $90 + $65 exam fee
- Contractor Application: $150 + $130 exam fee
Annual renewal fees are:
- Journeyperson Renewal: $120
- Contractor Renewal: $150
All licenses expire on October 31 each year.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Connecticut plumbers' license is an essential first step for any professional plumber wishing to work there. It guarantees that the plumber has the credentials and expertise required to carry out excellent service and abide by industry standards.
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