How to Obtain a Kentucky Plumbing License

As per 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.

So, if you are considering working as a plumber in the Bluegrass State, you need to get a plumbing license.

Therefore, in this blog, we will discuss how you can get a Kentucky plumbing license, licensing requirements, licensing fee, and other relevant details.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky

There are basically two types of plumbing licenses provided by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction- Division of Plumbing:

1. Journeyman plumber license

Under the direct supervision, authority, and control of a master plumber, a journeyman plumber may carry out plumbing development, installation, alterations, upkeep, repairs, removal, and replacement.

2. Master plumber license

In Kentucky, a master plumber is an individual who undertakes the responsible charge, proper oversight, or guidance of journeymen plumbers, plumbers’ apprentices, and other related individuals. He is also authorized and competent to indulge in creating design, making plans, supervising, and contracting for plumbing related work.

Kentucky Plumbing License: Benefits

Becoming a licensed plumber in Kentucky has numerous advantages:

• Most importantly, in order to lawfully do plumbing work in Kentucky, one must hold a state-issued license.
• A trade license is evidence of your knowledge and ability.
• Obtaining a license protects both your business and your clients.
• Plumbing contractors must be licensed to:
  • run a plumbing business,
  • promote plumbing services,
  • receive commercial insurance,
  • secure building permits,
  • pass inspections, and
  • submit bids for public and government projects.
• You have a competitive edge in the market if you have a license.
• Your possibility of generating revenue is also increased.

Requirements and Steps to Obtain a Valid Journeyman Plumber License

Sr. No.	Requirements	Criteria
1.	Basic requirements	The minimum age for applicants is 18. Applicants must have a good moral character. Applicants should be US citizens or either possess a valid work permit to work in the US.
2.	Experience required	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 is required, along with the completion of a department-approved course that covers plumbing practices or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
3.	Journeyman plumber license application	An applicant must provide the following documents to the department: 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.>
4.	Journeyman plumber license fee	$60 A journeyman plumber’s basic license fee may well be prorated for not less than 7 months or more than 18 months, with the license expiring on the last day of the applicant’s birth month.

Requirements and Steps to Obtain a Valid Master Plumber License

1. Basic requirements

• The minimum age for applicants is 18.
• Applicants must have a good moral character.
• Applicants should be US citizens or either possess a valid work permit to work in the US.
• The minimum amount of general liability insurance that applicants must have is $250,000.
• Evidence of adherence to the legislation governing workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance laws.

2. Experience

• Possess a journeyman plumber license that has been in full compliance for at least 2 years in the 5 years immediately prior to the application.

  AND

  Have worked in the plumbing industry for at least 2 years while working under the direct supervision and guidance of a master plumber.
• Possess a valid Kentucky engineer license and possess adequate experience in the field of mechanical engineering, as defined by the department based on the volume and difficulty of the applicant’s prior projects relating to mechanical engineering.
• Possess a plumbing license obtained from another state that has been in good standing for at least 2 years in the 5 years prior to the application

  OR

  Has worked as a master plumber or in a position equivalent to one in another state that does not provide any plumbing license for at least 4 years in the years immediately before the application.

3. Master plumber license application

• To become a licensed master plumber, an applicant must provide the following documents to the department:
  • A properly filled out master plumber application in Form PLB-1.
  • Proof of successfully clearing the Kentucky journeyman licensing exam by scoring a minimum of 80% in each section of the exam.
• A master plumbing license candidate who meets the requirements relating to the experience discussed above must provide documentation that they passed the journeyman plumber examination in accordance with the administrative regulations.

4. Master plumbing license fee

• $250
• A master plumber’s basic license fee may well be prorated for not less than seven 7 months or more than 18 months, with the license expiring 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.”
• It is crucial to keep in mind that 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.
• However, a state-approved college course may be used to replace one of those years.

Kentucky Plumbing Licensing Examination: Complete Information

1. Application for licensing examination

• 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.
• Website: https://dhbc.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=343
• Address:
  Office of Housing, Building, and Construction
  Division of Plumbing
  500 Mero Street
  Frankfort, KY 40601

2. Examination registration form: Form PLB-3

3. Non-refundable exam fee

• For journeyman plumbers: $50
• For master plumbers: $150

4. Additional requirements and details

• The applicant must attach a recent (not older than six-month) 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.

Examination Design

• Who creates exam requirements?:
  The State Plumbing Examining Committee is responsible for creating the exam requirements.
• Written exam:
  The written portion of the exam includes the following:
  • Written questions on the basic principles and fundamentals of plumbing.
  • Adding the proper pipe size to a prepared drawing that shows all wastes, stacks, vents, and the connected plumbing fixtures and fittings.
• Practical section:
  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

• Every year, during the months of February, May, August, and November, a routine examination of candidates for a journeyman or master plumber’s license is held.
• A special examination could well be held at other periods of the year, as determined by the department.
• The department notifies everyone with a registration form on the file of the exam date, time, and location at least 1 week in advance.

Kentucky Plumbing Trade Schools

Ambitious plumbers in Kentucky have a variety of trade schools to select from. Here are a few potential options:

Sr. No.	Plumbing Trade School	Address
1.	Elizabethtown Community and Technical College	600 College Street Rd, Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-3081
2.	Jefferson Community and Technical College	109 East Broadway Louisville, KY 40202
3.	Maysville Community and Technical College	1755 U.S. Hwy 68, Maysville, Kentucky 41056
4.	Gateway Community and Technical College	500 Technology Way, Florence, Kentucky 41042
5.	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 (source: Salary.com).

Salary ranges might vary significantly based on the city and a number of other crucial aspects, such as education, certifications, supplementary talents, and the length of time you’ve worked in a given field.

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.

But how can you do so?

InvoiceOwl, a leading estimating & invoicing software for plumbers, can help you streamline your invoicing process.

How much does it cost to become a plumber in Kentucky?

Fees associated with becoming a plumber in Kentucky include:

Plumber	Exam	License	Renewal
Journeyman Plumber	$50	$60	$60
Master Plumber	$150	$250	$250

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?