How to Get Your
New Jersey Plumbing License
Get the complete step by step guide on obtaining a New Jersey Plumbing License. Learn the requirements, exam preparation, and start earning a lucrative salary that plumbers enjoy in New Jersey.
New Jersey Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
21 years (Master)
Experience Required
4 years + 1 year journeyman
License Fee
$80 - $160
Licensing Body
State Board of Master Plumbers
Renewal Period
Biennial (2 years)
Continuing Education
5 credits (after first renewal)
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.
New Jersey Licensing Authority
State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
NJ Master Plumbers BoardRegulates plumbing licenses and ensures plumbing services comply with state law
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:
Three Stages of Plumbing Licensure
Your Path to Master Plumber
Apprentice Plumber Registration
Entry-level registration for those learning the trade under supervision.
Key Requirements
- 18 years of age minimum
- High school diploma or GED
- Enroll in approved 4-year apprenticeship
Journeyman Plumber Registration
Intermediate level registration after completing apprenticeship.
Key Requirements
- Complete 4-year apprentice program
- OR Bachelor's degree in plumbing/mechanical engineering
- Work under licensed master plumber
Master Plumber License
Full license to provide plumbing services independently and supervise others.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 21 years of age
- 1 year journeyman experience (1,200 hours)
- Pass three-part master plumber exam
What are the Requirements to Get an NJ Plumbing License?
Requirements for Master Plumber Exam and License
New Jersey Master Plumber License Requirements
1Eligibility Criteria
Basic requirements to apply
Eligibility Criteria
Basic requirements to apply
- Have a minimum of 21 years of age
- Get the required experience (see Experience Requirements below)
2Document Requirements
What you need to submit
Document Requirements
What you need to submit
- A completed application form for the plumbing examination. Include full street and number
- Proof that you have got the required experience
- Application fee ($50 with prior registration or $100 without)
3Experience Requirements
Hands-on experience needed
Experience Requirements
Hands-on experience needed
- 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 1,200 hours of work experience
4Requirements After Passing Exam
Final steps for licensure
Requirements After Passing Exam
Final steps for licensure
- A surety bond of $3,000
- A completed application
- License fee ($80 if paid during second year of biennial period, $160 if paid during first year)
What are the Costs Involved For a Plumbing License in NJ?
Complete Fee Structure
New Jersey Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Registration Non-refundable | — | $50 | |
| Journeyman Registration (No Prior Registration) Non-refundable | — | $75 | |
| Journeyman Registration (With Prior Registration) Non-refundable | — | $50 | |
| Master Plumber Exam (No Prior Registration) Non-refundable | $100 | ||
| Master Plumber Exam (With Prior Registration) Non-refundable | $50 | ||
| Master Plumber License (1st Year) | — | $160 | $160 |
| Master Plumber License (2nd Year) | — | $80 | $160 |
As a licensed master plumber, you need to renew your license every 2 years. After your first biennial renewal, you must complete 5 credits of continuing education from an approved program. You are relieved from this requirement in your first biennial renewal.
NJ Plumbing Exams Details
The master plumber exam consists of 3 sections. You need to score a minimum of 70% in EACH section to pass.
Section 1: Open Book Exam
Trade Exam
Fundamental plumbing concepts
Plumbing materials and applications
Safety devices and preventers
Fixture fittings and installations
Water distribution systems
Indirect wasters and roof drain piping
Specialized plumbing applications
Job safety and best practices
Proper ventilation systems
The Trade Exam has 100 questions total and is an open book exam. You have 195 minutes to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass.
Section 2: Closed Book Exam
Practical Examination
3D plumbing system analysis
Technical drawing interpretation
The Practical Exam has 25 questions total and is a closed book exam. You have 130 minutes to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass.
Section 3: Open Book Exam
Business and Law Exam
Business structure and planning
License requirements and regulations
Job costing and proposals
Contract administration
Project planning and execution
Risk assessment and mitigation
Workplace safety compliance
Employment regulations
Business finances and accounting
Tax obligations and lien rights
The Business and Law Exam has 50 questions total and is an open book exam. You have 130 minutes to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass.
This exam has been conducted a minimum of 4 times a year. 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
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Master Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Get to 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
Choose Your Education Path
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).
Register as a Journeyman Plumber
Register yourself as a journeyman plumber and get one year of experience under the guidance of a licensed master plumber (minimum 1,200 hours).
Register as JourneymanApply for the Master Plumber Exam
Apply for the master plumber license and pay the application fee. Upon the board approving your application, you are eligible for the master plumber exam.
Apply for Master Plumber ExamPass All Three Exam Sections
Pass all three sections of the master plumber exam: Trade Exam (100 questions, 195 min), Practical Examination (25 questions, 130 min), and Business and Law Exam (50 questions, 130 min). You must score at least 70% in each section.
Obtain Surety Bond and Pay License Fee
Once the exam is cleared, pay the license fee and get a surety bond of $3,000 to receive your NJ master plumber license.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
You are now a licensed master plumber in New Jersey and can work independently and supervise other plumbers.
Maintain Your License
Renew your license every 2 years. After your first biennial renewal, you must complete 5 credits of continuing education from an approved program.
Become a Plumbing Contractor (Optional)
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.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
No. The state of New Jersey doesn't have a reciprocity agreement with any other US state. You must complete all requirements and examinations to become licensed in New Jersey.
No, you cannot. It is illegal to provide any plumbing service without registering yourself or getting a license for it. Upon being found guilty, the board has the right to take disciplinary action against you, including fines and penalties.
Plumbers in New Jersey currently earn an average of $28.43 per hour, according to Indeed. This provides a lucrative career opportunity for licensed plumbers in the state.
An apprentice plumber is in training and must work under supervision. A journeyman plumber has completed apprenticeship and can work under a master plumber's supervision. A master plumber has passed all exams and can work independently, supervise others, and pull permits.
The typical path takes about 5 years total. You'll need 4 years of apprentice experience (or a bachelor's degree in plumbing/mechanical engineering) plus 1 year as a registered journeyman (minimum 1,200 hours) before you're eligible to take the master plumber exam.
If you fail one or two sections, you will be allowed to retake just those sections 2 more times. If you're unable to pass them in those retakes, you will need to take the whole plumbing exam again.
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.
Aim to become a plumbing contractor after obtaining your master plumber license. With general liability insurance and a federal tax identification number, you can take plumbing contracts and work independently, significantly increasing your earning potential.
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