Iowa Plumbing License: Everything You Need to Know

You need to get licensed as a plumber in Iowa to provide plumbing services. Thus, with this post, we will accompany you in your plumbing journey and make it easy for you to get your Iowa plumbing license. Wonderful, right? So, let’s get started!

Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Iowa?

Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board provides plumbing licenses to applicants who meet the required criteria (which we are going to discuss next). Here are its contact details:

• Official website: Click here
• Address: 321 E 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
• Phone: 1-866-280-1521
• Email: Submit your queries using the contact form

What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in Iowa?

There are three types of plumbing licenses here:

1. Apprentice license

An apprentice is an individual who is:

• Providing plumbing services under the guidance of a journeyperson or master plumber.
• Enrolled in an apprenticeship training program registered with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

This is the first level of your licensure.

2. Journeyperson license

A journeyperson license defines the middle stage of a plumber. It is the individual who is working as an employee under the guidance of a master plumber.

3. Master license

A master plumber is responsible for planning, performing, and supervising the plumbing services. It is also lawfully qualified to conduct plumbing business.

Apart from these licenses, you can also get a contractor license. As a plumbing contractor, you will be able to provide plumbing services on a contractual basis.

What are the Requirements to Get a Plumbing License In Iowa?

These are the general guidelines for licensure that every applicant has to meet:

Now, let’s look at the required criteria for each type of plumbing license:

1. Apprentice license

To be a licensed apprentice, you will have to:

• File an application and pay the license fee.
• Get enrolled in a registered apprenticeship training program.
• Work under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or plumber.

2. Journeyperson license

To become a journeyperson plumber, you will have to:

• File an application and pay the license fee.
• Pass the journeyperson license exam for plumbing.
• Provide the board with evidence that the applicant has completed 4 years of a registered apprenticeship training program.

3. Master license

To get a master-level license, you will have to:

• File an application and pay the license fee.
• Pass the master license exam for plumbing.
• Provide the board with evidence that the applicant has a journeyperson plumber license and has two years of plumbing experience under it.

4. Contractor license

You will have to complete the following requirements to get a contractor license:

• Register with the Iowa Division of Labor.
• File an application and pay the license fee.
• Provide the required bond and information.
• Provide a valid unemployment insurance number (even if you have no employees).
• Provide the board with evidence that the applicant has a permanent place of business.

Now, you may be worried about the costs. So let’s tackle this nagging question.

What is the Approximate Cost of Getting a Plumber License in Iowa?

Here are the approximate costs you will need to bear at each stage:

These are the fees for a 3-year license that expires on 30th June of 2017, 2020, 2023, and so on.

But remember, the license fees vary depending upon when you apply for it. Thus, you don’t need to pay the full fees if you apply in the middle of the cycle. Have a look at how the license fees vary.

On top of this, as an apprentice, you will also need to be enrolled in an apprentice training program. Usually, it is funded by your employer or union. Thus, you can complete your training program at little to no cost.

Iowa Plumbing Exams

Here are the details about the exams you need to pass:

Modes of Applying for a License

There are two ways to apply for a license in Iowa:

Step-By-Step Process to Become a Licensed Plumber in Iowa

Follow these steps once you have completed 18 years of age to get an Iowa plumber license:

Step 1: Enroll in a registered plumbing apprentice program.

Step 2: Apply for an apprentice license to the board along with the required documents and fee to become a licensed apprentice.

Step 3: Complete the 4-year apprenticeship program while providing plumbing services under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master plumber.

Step 4: Apply for the journeyperson exam, pay the exam fee, and clear it.

Step 5: Apply for the journeyperson license with all the prerequisites. Once approved, you will be a licensed journeyperson plumber.

Step 6: Get 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyperson under the guidance of a master plumber.

Step 7: Apply for the master exam, pay the exam fee, and clear it.

Step 8: Apply for the master’s license with all the prerequisites. Once approved, you will be a licensed master plumber.

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Conclusion

Now, you are equipped with the required information to start your plumbing journey in Iowa. A plumber in Iowa earns $25 an hour on average, as per Indeed. Thus, get yourself going to grab this opportunity now.