A Complete Guide to Get Your New Jersey Plumbing License

Today, we will help you get your New Jersey plumbing license easily. So follow this complete guide we created for you and start earning a lucrative salary that plumbers enjoy in New Jersey.

Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in NJ?

The State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers takes care of all the affairs regarding plumbing licenses in this state. It comes under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

The board’s purpose is to ensure that plumbing services are performed in compliance with the State’s law for the welfare of its citizens. Here are its contact details:

Official website: Click here
Phone: (973) 504-6420
Email: [email protected]
Address: 124 Halsey St # 6, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in NJ?

New Jersey has only one type of plumbing license, which is a master plumber license. It is evident from the name of its regulatory authority itself – the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. 

However, you will need to register yourself as an apprentice and journeyman plumber before you can move on to get a master plumbing license. Thus there are 3 stages in your New Jersey plumbing journey:

1. Apprentice plumber
2. Journeyman plumber
3. Master plumber

What are the Requirements to Get an NJ Plumbing License?

Requirements for master plumbing license exam:

Eligibility criteria:

• Have a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Get the required experience (discussed below).

Document requirements:

• A completed application form for the plumbing examination. Include full street and number.
• Proof that you have got the required experience.
• Application fee.

Experience requirements:

• Complete the 4-year apprentice program approved by the US Department of Labor (propane services should also be included in it).
  OR
  Completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college/university (propane services should also be included in it).
• Get one year of hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in NJ. It should consist of at least 1200 hours of work experience.

Requirements for master plumber’s license:

After passing your plumbing exam, here is what you need to submit:

• A surety bond of $3000
• A completed application
• License fee

What are the Costs Involved For a Plumbing License in NJ?

The following are the fees you will need to pay:

No	Various costs	Amount
1	Application fee without prior registration (nonrefundable)	$100
2	Application fee with prior registration (nonrefundable)	$50
3	Initial license fee If paid during the first year of a biennial renewal period If paid during the second year of a biennial renewal period	$160 $80
4	License renewal fee, biennial	$160
5	Registration as an apprentice (non-refundable)	$50
6	Registration as a journeyman without prior registration (non-refundable)	$75
7	Registration as a journeyman with prior registration (non-refundable)	$50

As a licensed master plumber, you need to renew your license every 2 years.

NJ Plumbing Exams Details

The master plumber exam consists of 3 sections: 

1. Trade exam

It is an open book exam that has a total of 100 questions. You will need to score a minimum of 70% in 195 minutes. Here is its syllabus:

• General knowledge
• Materials, uses, and specifications
• Traps, interceptors, and backflow prevention
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances
• Water supply systems
• Drains and waste: a. indirect waster b. roof drain piping
• Specialty plumbing
• Safety
• Vent systems

2. Practical examination

It is a closed-book exam that has a total of 25 questions. You will need to score a minimum of 70% in 130 minutes. Here is its syllabus:

• Isometric analysis
• Figure analysis
• Business and law exam

It is an open book exam that has a total of 50 questions. You will need to score a minimum of 70% in 130 minutes. Here is its syllabus:

• Business organization
• Licensing
• Estimating and bidding
• Contract management
• Project management
• Risk management
• Safety
• Labor law
• Financial management
• Tax law
• Lien law

This exam has been conducted a minimum of 4 times a year, and you need to get a score of 70 in EACH of these sections. 

If you fail in one or two sections, you will be allowed to retake just those sections 2 more times. If unable to clear it in those retakes, you will need to give the whole plumbing exam again.

Steps to Get Your NJ Plumbing License

To ease your way to your New Jersey master plumber license, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Get to 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Enroll in a 4-year apprenticeship program (with propane services) approved by the US Department of Labor. Register as an apprentice plumber and pay the application fee.
OR
Complete a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college/university (with propane services included in it).

Step 3: Register yourself as a journeyman plumber and get one year of experience under the guidance of a licensed master plumber.

Step 4: Apply for the master plumber license and pay the application fee.

Step 5: Upon the board approving your application, you are eligible for the master plumber exam. Apply for it and pass all three sections (discussed above).

Step 6: Once the exam is cleared, pay the license fee and get a surety bond of $3000 to receive your NJ master plumber license.

Step 7: Congratulations! Now you are a licensed master plumber. But to renew your license every 2 years, you have to get 5 credits of continuing education from an approved program. However, you are relieved from this in your first biennial renewal.
Step 8: To become a plumbing contractor, get general liability insurance and a federal tax identification number. This will allow you to take plumbing contracts and work independently.

Conclusion

Plumbers are having a great career in NJ as they currently earn $28.43 an hour on average, as per Indeed. And now, with a proper roadmap served, you are all set to get licensed as a plumber in New Jersey.