Massachusetts Plumbing License: A Detailed Guide

The government of Massachusetts protects its citizens so that they get various services, including plumbing, from verified and licensed experts.

Thus, to get your Massachusetts plumbing license, you have to meet certain criteria and follow the stated process.

Sounds overwhelming? Relax. In this post, we will walk you through every detail you need to get your plumbing license. Let’s start with the governing authority for plumbing in Massachusetts.

Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Massachusetts?

The governing authority for plumbing in this state is the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

It is responsible for ensuring that people get plumbing services from licensed plumbers who are aptly qualified for the task. Here are its contact details:

Next is the types of plumbing licenses you can get in Massachusetts.

What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in Massachusetts?

Here, you need to climb a hierarchy in plumbing which consists of the following three stages of license:

1. Apprentice plumber license

You are required to start your plumbing journey as an Apprentice. This will allow you to practice various plumbing services under the supervision of a journeyman plumber or a master plumber.

2. Journeyman plumber license

Once you have the required experience and educational qualifications (stated ahead), you will be eligible to give the examination to become a licensed journeyman plumber. You need to pass the examination to get this license.

With this, you will be allowed to perform plumbing services on your own.

3. Master plumber license

With the prerequisites gathered to become a licensed master plumber, you will be eligible to give the exam for it. This license will allow you to start your plumbing business and hire journeyman and apprentice plumbers.

Now that you know the levels to cross, let’s see the requirements you need to meet to move through each level.

What are the Requirements to Get a Plumbing License in Massachusetts?

1. Apprentice plumber license

To become a licensed apprentice plumber, you will need to do these two things: –

If you want any help in filling out the application, check out this step-by-step process. And also keep this in mind:

• You don’t need to be enrolled in a plumbing theory school to be an apprentice. But you must start your plumbing education program within 9 months of getting an apprenticeship license.
• You will need to upload a completed Statement of Employing Master Form, a Notarized CORI Authorization form, and a 2*2 passport-style photo of yours in the application.

2. Journeyman plumber license

Following are the requirements to be eligible to sit in the exam to get a journeyman plumber license: –

• Experience: You will need to complete 6800 hours of employment under the supervision of a master plumber or a journeyman hired by a master plumber.
• Education: You will need to:-

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete 550 hours of board-approved plumbing education program spread over no less than 4 years.

While gathering the needed experience and education, take care of these points: –

• You cannot accrue more than 165 hours of board-approved plumbing education program (out of the total of 550 hours) in a year.
• For each year you complete 165 hours of your plumbing education, you also need to gather 1700 hours of plumbing work experience.
• Both, your plumbing experience and education need to be gathered simultaneously.

If you clear the exam, you will get the Massachusetts journeyman plumber license. Go here to apply for the license with the following documents:

3. Master plumber license

Following are the requirements to give the exam for a master plumber’s license: –

• Experience: You will need to complete a minimum of 1700 hours of experience as a journeyman in no less than one year.
• Education: You will need to complete the fifth tier (110 hours) of your plumbing education. If you have completed this as an apprentice, you don’t need to complete any additional education.

Here is where you can apply for a master plumber license with the following documents: –

Next, have a look at the cost to become a plumber in Massachusetts.

What is the Cost of Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Massachusetts?

You need to pay application fees once. For renewing your license, you have to pay only the license fee.

Also, add to this the cost of your tuition for the plumbing education program. It can charge you around $1000 – $2000 per year.

Steps to Get Your Massachusetts Plumbing License

Follow these steps to get your license:

Step 1: Get employed under a licensed master plumber as an apprentice.

Step 2: Fill out the application form to become a licensed apprentice along with the required documents stated before.

Step 3: Get enrolled in a plumbing education program from an authorized institute. Begin this within 9 months of getting an apprentice license.

Step 4: Once you have gathered the required experience and education, apply for the journeyman license. You will need to pay the $31 application fee here.

Wait for the board’s approval. If found any issues, the board will get back with the correction required. An incomplete application will only be kept on file for 180 days.

Step 5: After the approval, apply for the journeyman plumber license exam from here.

Step 6: Take the exam and clear it. You will get the results instantly. If you clear the exam, you need to pay the license fees at the exam center.

Step 7: Now, you are an authorized journeyman plumber in Massachusetts.

Step 8: Once you have gathered the required experience and education, apply for the master’s license. You will need to pay the $31 application fee here.

Wait for the board’s approval. If found any issues, the board will get back with the correction required. An incomplete application will only be kept on file for 180 days.

Step 9: After the approval, apply for the master plumber license exam from here.

Step 10: Take the exam and clear it. You will get the results instantly. If you clear the exam, you need to pay the license fees at the exam center.

Step 11: Congratulations! Now you are an authorized master plumber in Massachusetts.

Conclusion

Voila! Now you have the details to get a plumbing license in Massachusetts. So start your plumbing journey now, as the plumbing industry is on the rise. We wish you all the best.