How to Get Your
Maine Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Maine. Learn about the four license levels, requirements, exams, and the step-by-step process from trainee to master plumber.
Maine Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
16 years (Trainee)
Experience Required
2-4 years depending on level
License Fee
$100 - $200
Licensing Body
Maine DPFR
Renewal Period
Every 2 years
Exam Passing Score
70% (Journeyman)
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Maine?
Maine Licensing Authority
Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Maine DPFRIssues all plumbing licenses in Maine through the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Out-of-State License Reciprocity
Important: Maine has no written reciprocity agreements with other states, but they do consider reciprocity on a case-by-case basis.
- If you hold a current license in another state with requirements and experience standards similar to Maine's, you may qualify for reciprocity.
- The other state must also accord equivalent privileges to Maine plumbing license holders.
- Learn more about Maine's reciprocity considerations.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Maine
Are you thinking about working as a plumber in the state of Maine? No need to look further! 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.
Four License Levels Available
Choose Your License Path
Trainee Plumber
Entry-level for individuals performing plumbing installations under close supervision.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Work under supervision of journeyman or master plumber
- Pay $100 license fee
Journeyman-In-Training
For those who completed approved plumbing education programs and are working toward journeyman status.
Key Requirements
- Complete 1-2 year plumbing program
- Pass journeyman plumber exam (70%)
- Pay $200 license fee
Journeyman Plumber
Licensed to perform plumbing installations and repairs under supervision of a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- 2 years (4,000 hours) as trainee plumber
- OR 2,000 hours as journeyman-in-training
- Pass journeyman exam
Master Plumber
Highest level license for operating or planning to operate a plumbing business.
Key Requirements
- 1 year (2,000 hours) as journeyman plumber
- OR 4 years (8,000 hours) as trainee plumber
- Pass master plumber exam
Requirements for Maine Plumbing Licenses
Detailed Requirements by License Type
Maine Plumbing License Requirements
1Trainee Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Trainee Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Submit a properly filled trainee plumber license application form
- Pay license fee of $100
- Pay criminal background check fee of $21
- License term: Every two years based on the date of initial license
2Journeyman-In-Training
For technical program graduates
Journeyman-In-Training
For technical program graduates
- Complete a year-long or two-semester plumbing program at a board-approved community college
- OR complete 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
- Pass the journeyman plumber exam with 70% or better
- Pay license fee of $200
- Pay criminal background check fee of $21
- License term: 4-year non-renewable license
3Journeyman Plumber
Full license requirements
Journeyman Plumber
Full license requirements
- Minimum of 2 years and 4,000 hours of experience working as a licensed trainee plumber on plumbing installations while supervised by a licensed master plumber
- OR minimum of 2,000 hours of experience working as a journeyman-in-training on plumbing installations while supervised by a certified master plumber (experience must be gained within 4 years after receiving journeyman-in-training license)
- Pass the journeyman plumber examination
- Pay license fee of $200
- Pay criminal background check fee of $21
- License term: Every two years based on the date of initial license
4Master Plumber
Highest level requirements
Master Plumber
Highest level requirements
- 2,000 hours of experience working as a registered journeyman plumber on plumbing installations over at least one year
- OR 8,000 hours of experience working as a licensed trainee plumber on plumbing installations over at least four years, all while supervised by a certified master plumber
- Pass the master plumber examination
- Pay license fee of $200
- Pay criminal background check fee of $21
- License term: Every two years based on the date of initial license
Plumbing License Costs in Maine
All License Types
Maine Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Plumber Biennial renewal | — | $100 | $100 |
| Journeyman-In-Training 4-year non-renewable license | — | $200 | N/A |
| Journeyman Plumber Biennial renewal | — | $200 | $200 |
| Master Plumber Biennial renewal | — | $200 | $200 |
| Background Check (All) One-time per application | — | $21 | N/A |
All licenses (except Journeyman-In-Training) renew every two years based on the date of initial license.
- Late fee: $50 if renewed up to 90 days after expiration
- Reinstatement (within 2 years): $200 license fee + $100 penalty charge
- After 2 years: Must meet all requirements for new applicants
- Department confirmation required: Your license will not automatically renew online; the Department must confirm you've satisfied all requirements
Maine Plumbing Exam Details
The Maine plumbing examination is computer-based and administered at Prov testing centers throughout the state.
Computer-Based Exam
Maine Journeyman Plumbing Examination
Water supply and drainage systems
Maine plumbing codes and regulations
Job safety and plumbing theory
Construction drawings and plans
Maine Exam Locations
The plumbing examination can be taken at any Prov testing center in the country. There are five Prov testing locations in Maine:
- Auburn
- Bangor
- Calais
- Presque Isle
- Portland
Depending on your computer specs and internet connectivity, you may also write your exam through a remote proctor using a computer at home.
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.
- Submit completed exam application to the Plumbers' Examining Board
- Pay appropriate application fee
- Wait for Board approval
- You will receive email instructions on how to schedule your exam session
Maine Plumbing Trade Schools
Board-Approved Educational Institutions
Approved Plumbing Trade Schools
Northern Maine Community College
33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769-2016, Aroostook County
Key Requirements
- Offers year-long plumbing programs
- Board-approved curriculum
Eastern Maine Community College
354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401, Penobscot County
Key Requirements
- Two-semester plumbing programs available
- Career and technical education
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106-1698, Cumberland County
Key Requirements
- Comprehensive plumbing training
- State-approved programs
Washington County Community College
One College Drive, Calais, ME 04619, Washington County
Key Requirements
- Plumbing apprenticeship programs
- Technical education focus
Additional approved school:
- Lewiston Regional Technical Center: 156 East Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240
Steps to Get Your Maine Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Maine
Start as a Trainee Plumber
Begin your plumbing career by applying for a trainee plumber license. This allows you to work under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber.
Apply for Trainee LicenseConsider Technical Education (Optional)
Enroll in a board-approved plumbing program at a community college or technical school. This can accelerate your path to journeyman status.
Gain Required Experience
Work as a trainee plumber for at least 2 years (4,000 hours) under supervision of a licensed master plumber. Keep detailed records of your hours.
Apply for Journeyman Exam
Once you've met the experience requirements, submit your journeyman plumber examination application to the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board.
Download Exam ApplicationPass the Journeyman Exam
Take and pass the computer-based journeyman plumber examination at a Prov testing center. You need a score of 70% or better.
Congratulations! You're a Journeyman Plumber!
You can now work as a licensed journeyman plumber in Maine, performing plumbing installations and repairs under supervision of a master plumber.
Gain Journeyman Experience
Work as a journeyman plumber for at least 1 year (2,000 hours) on plumbing installations to qualify for master plumber status.
Apply for Master Plumber Exam
Submit your master plumber examination application once you've completed the required journeyman experience.
Apply for Master ExamPass the Master Plumber Exam
Take and pass the master plumber examination to demonstrate your advanced plumbing knowledge and skills.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You can now operate or plan to operate your own plumbing business in Maine as a licensed master plumber.
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Start Your FREE TrialWhat 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's against the law to carry out plumbing work in Maine without a valid, state-issued plumbing license. Plumbing work is only permitted in Maine by those who have secured a license from the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
All professional licenses in Maine are issued by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, which is part of the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
There are no written reciprocity agreements between Maine and any other state. However, Maine does consider reciprocity for anyone who has a current license in another state.
The conditions are:
- The other state must have requirements and experience standards for licensing that are at least similar to those in Maine
- The other state or territory should also accord equivalent privileges to those who hold a Maine plumbing license
Maine has a progressive licensing structure:
- Trainee Plumber: Entry-level, works under direct supervision
- Journeyman-In-Training: For technical program graduates, 4-year non-renewable license
- Journeyman Plumber: Can perform installations and repairs under a master plumber
- Master Plumber: Highest level, can operate a plumbing business
Most licenses renew every two years based on your initial license date. You can renew online, but the Department must confirm you've satisfied all requirements before renewal is complete.
Note: Journeyman-In-Training licenses are non-renewable (4-year term only).
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.
Aim to become a master plumber and start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. With the average plumber in Maine earning $46,500/year, owning your own business can significantly increase your income.
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