How to Get Your
Kentucky Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Kentucky. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years old
Experience Required
2 years (Journeyman), 4 years (Master)
License Fee
$60 - $250
Licensing Body
Division of Plumbing
Renewal Period
1-3 years (birth month)
Exam Pass Rate
75% (Journeyman), 80% (Master)
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky?
All plumbing licenses in Kentucky are issued and regulated by the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction - Division of Plumbing.
Kentucky Licensing Authority
Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction - Division of Plumbing
Division of PlumbingIssues and regulates all plumbing licenses throughout Kentucky
According to the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction:
- No individual, business, or corporation can develop, install, or modify any plumbing without first obtaining a plumbing construction permit from the Division of Plumbing.
- For plumbing in private properties, plumbing licenses may be awarded to homeowners or to qualified master plumbers.
- All plumbing installations must be carried out by a licensed journeyman plumber while being supervised by a licensed master plumber. However, there is an exception: work done by a homeowner with his or her own permission is allowed.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level position for those learning the trade under supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Work under direct supervision
- Complete state-approved apprenticeship program
- Gain required experience for journeyman license
Journeyman Plumber License
Carry out plumbing development, installation, alterations, upkeep, repairs, removal, and replacement under supervision of a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- 2 years continuous apprentice experience
- Pass journeyman exam (75% minimum)
Master Plumber License
Undertake responsible charge, proper oversight, or guidance of journeymen plumbers, apprentices, and create designs, plans, and supervise plumbing work.
Key Requirements
- 2 years as licensed journeyman
- $250,000 general liability insurance
- Pass master exam (80% minimum)
Kentucky Plumbing License Benefits
Becoming a licensed plumber in Kentucky has numerous advantages:
- Legal Requirement: In order to lawfully do plumbing work in Kentucky, one must hold a state-issued license.
- Proof of Competence: A trade license is evidence of your knowledge and ability.
- Protection: Obtaining a license protects both your business and your clients.
- Business Operations: Licensed plumbing contractors can:
- Run a plumbing business
- Promote plumbing services
- Receive commercial insurance
- Secure building permits
- Pass inspections
- Submit bids for public and government projects
- Competitive Advantage: You have a competitive edge in the market if you have a license.
- Increased Revenue: Your possibility of generating revenue is also increased.
Requirements for Kentucky Plumbing Licenses
Requirements to become a licensed Journeyman Plumber
Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
1Basic Requirements
Eligibility criteria for journeyman license
Basic Requirements
Eligibility criteria for journeyman license
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have good moral character
- Be a US citizen or possess a valid work permit to work in the US
2Experience Required
Work experience options
Experience Required
Work experience options
- Possess at least 2 years of continuous experience working as an apprentice plumber
- OR: A minimum experience of 1 year working as an apprentice plumber, along with completion of a department-approved course that covers plumbing practices or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code
3Journeyman License Application
Application requirements
Journeyman License Application
Application requirements
- Submit a properly filled out journeyman license application in Form PLB-2
- Provide proof of successfully clearing the Kentucky journeyman licensing exam by scoring a minimum of 75% in each section of the exam
4Journeyman License Fee
Cost information
Journeyman License Fee
Cost information
- $60 license fee
- License fee may be prorated for not less than 7 months or more than 18 months
- License expires on the last day of the applicant's birth month
Requirements to become a licensed Master Plumber
Master Plumber License Requirements
1Basic Requirements
Eligibility criteria for master license
Basic Requirements
Eligibility criteria for master license
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have good moral character
- Be a US citizen or possess a valid work permit to work in the US
- Maintain minimum $250,000 general liability insurance
- Provide evidence of adherence to workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws
2Experience Required
Work experience options
Experience Required
Work experience options
- Possess a journeyman plumber license in full compliance for at least 2 years in the 5 years immediately prior to application
- AND have worked in the plumbing industry for at least 2 years under direct supervision of a master plumber
- OR: Possess a valid Kentucky engineer license with adequate mechanical engineering experience
- OR: Possess a plumbing license from another state in good standing for at least 2 years in the 5 years prior to application
- OR: Worked as a master plumber in another state that doesn't provide plumbing licenses for at least 4 years immediately before application
3Master License Application
Application requirements
Master License Application
Application requirements
- Submit a properly filled out master plumber application in Form PLB-1
- Provide proof of successfully clearing the Kentucky master plumbing exam by scoring a minimum of 80% in each section of the exam
- Provide documentation that you passed the journeyman plumber examination in accordance with administrative regulations
4Master License Fee
Cost information
Master License Fee
Cost information
- $250 license fee
- License fee may be prorated for not less than 7 months or more than 18 months
- License expires on the last day of the applicant's birth month
Requirements for Kentucky Apprenticeship Plumbing
In Kentucky, an individual who studies plumbing under the close supervision of a qualified journeyman or master plumber is referred to as an "apprentice."
Important notes:
- Only state-approved apprenticeship programs will enable prospective plumbers to advance to higher levels and take on more responsibility.
- For an apprentice to be eligible to seek a journeyman license, they must finish two consecutive years of working as an apprentice plumber.
- A state-approved college course may be used to replace one of those years.
Plumbing License Costs in Kentucky
Complete fee breakdown for all license types
Kentucky Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Plumber | $50 | $60 | $60 |
| Master Plumber | $150 | $250 | $250 |
Journeyman License: Normally lasts up to one year and expires on the last day of your birth month.
Master License: Lasts three years and expires on the last day of your birth month.
Prorated Fees: Both license fees may be prorated for not less than 7 months or more than 18 months.
Important: Be sure to put a reminder on your calendar during the month of your birth, so you don't forget to renew your license.
Kentucky Plumbing Licensing Examination
Examination Application and Details
Application Deadline: Applications for the licensure exam must be accurately filled out and submitted to the Division of Plumbing office in Frankfort no later than three weeks before the date of the examination.
Exam Registration Form: Form PLB-3
Additional Requirements:
- Attach a recent (not older than six months) passport-sized color photo with the application
- The applicant's application is invalid if they are unable to pass the relevant examination within 1 year of receiving their initial notification of the exam
- For a period of 3 years, the passing grade on an exam is acknowledged
For more details on exam design and exam retake, visit: Kentucky Administrative Regulations
Examination Design
Written and Practical Exam
Kentucky Journeyman Plumbing Exam
Basic principles and fundamentals of plumbing
Adding proper pipe sizes to prepared drawings showing wastes, stacks, vents, fixtures, and fittings
Demonstrate proper installation techniques and connections between various plumbing materials
Advanced Written Exam
Kentucky Master Plumbing Exam
Advanced plumbing principles and code knowledge
Creating designs, plans, and supervising plumbing work
Who Creates Exam Requirements? The State Plumbing Examining Committee is responsible for creating the exam requirements.
Practical Section (Journeyman only): The practical portion of the journeyman exam requires the applicant to demonstrate their skills on how to properly install plumbing via various tasks, such as establishing the correct and proper connections between various plumbing materials.
Examination Schedule
The Division of Plumbing conducts regular examinations throughout the year:
- Regular Examinations: Held every year during February, May, August, and November
- Special Examinations: May be held at other periods of the year, as determined by the department
- Notification: The department notifies everyone with a registration form on file of the exam date, time, and location at least 1 week in advance
Steps to Get Your Kentucky Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 18 years of age, have good moral character, and be a US citizen or possess a valid work permit.
Find an Apprenticeship
Find a licensed journeyman or master plumber to supervise you, or enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Complete Apprentice Experience
Gain 2 years of continuous experience as an apprentice plumber, or 1 year experience plus completion of department-approved plumbing courses.
Register for Journeyman Exam
Submit Form PLB-3 and exam fee ($50) to the Division of Plumbing at least 3 weeks before the exam date. Include a recent passport-sized color photo.
Pass the Journeyman Exam
Take and pass the journeyman licensing exam with a minimum score of 75% in each section (written, pipe sizing, and practical skills).
Download Form PLB-3Apply for Journeyman License
Submit Form PLB-2 with proof of passing the exam and pay the $60 license fee.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!
You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in Kentucky and can work under the supervision of a master plumber.
Gain Master-Level Experience
Work for 2 years as a licensed journeyman plumber under the direct supervision of a master plumber.
Obtain Required Insurance
Secure minimum $250,000 general liability insurance and provide evidence of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance.
Pass the Master Exam
Register for and pass the master plumbing exam with a minimum score of 80% in each section. Exam fee is $150.
Download Form PLB-1Apply for Master License
Submit Form PLB-1 with proof of insurance, exam passage, and pay the $250 license fee.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
You can now supervise journeymen and apprentices, create designs and plans, and contract for plumbing work in Kentucky.
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Start Your FREE TrialKentucky Plumbing Trade Schools
Ambitious plumbers in Kentucky have a variety of trade schools to select from. Here are some potential options:
| School Name | Address | |-------------|---------| | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | 600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-3081 | | Jefferson Community and Technical College | 109 East Broadway Louisville, KY 40202 | | Maysville Community and Technical College | 1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, Kentucky 41056 | | Gateway Community and Technical College | 500 Technology Way, Florence, Kentucky 41042 | | Building Institute of Central Kentucky | 109 W Loudon Ave, Lexington, KY 40508 |
What is the Average Salary of a Plumber in Kentucky?
As of December 27, 2022, the average plumber's pay in Kentucky is $58,491, while the range frequently varies from $50,499 to $66,642 according to Salary.com.
Salary ranges might vary significantly based on the city and a number of other crucial aspects, such as:
- Education and certifications
- Supplementary talents and skills
- Length of time you've worked in the field
- Geographic location within Kentucky
To earn more, you need to focus more on your plumbing work and be a professional. One way to show your professionalism is by creating quick and accurate estimates and invoices.
InvoiceOwl, a leading estimating & invoicing software for plumbers, can help you streamline your invoicing process and present a professional image to your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't have a Kentucky plumbing license, you cannot do any plumbing work legally. The only exception is homeowners working on their own property with their own permit.
All plumbing licenses are issued and renewed by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Plumbing, located at 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.
In Kentucky, the journeyman examination requires at least 2 years of experience as an apprentice, and the master plumber licensing examination requires at least 4 years of total experience (2 years as apprentice + 2 years as journeyman).
No, a Kentucky plumbing license is only valid inside the state of Kentucky. You would need to obtain a separate license in other states.
No, Kentucky does not have reciprocity agreements. However, anyone with a legitimate plumbing license from another state may take the Kentucky plumbing license exam without having the necessary years of experience. All other conditions must still be satisfied.
A journeyman plumbing license normally lasts up to one year, whereas a master plumbing license lasts three years. Both licenses expire on the last day of your birth month, so set a reminder to renew on time.
Conclusion
All things considered, obtaining and keeping a valid plumbing license in Kentucky is a rather simple procedure. Maintaining your license should not be a substantial hardship because the Division of Plumbing has very basic standards and much less documentation than other states.
Just be sure to put a reminder on your calendar during the month of your birth, so you don't forget to renew your license.
If you want to learn about the plumbing requirements in other states, refer to How to Get a Plumbing License in Your State?
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