To work as a plumber in Texas requires a license. The good news is that you can begin earning an income from the moment you start your apprenticeship, and unlike many states, Texas offers a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license you can apply for after just two years of training. As you gain experience and take additional training courses and exams you can move through the different licenses to become a Responsible Master Plumber, which is similar to a plumbing contractor in other states.
The dedication and time commitment are worth the effort as plumbers are always in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 6% job growth over the next decade, which is much higher in Texas. The Texas Workforce Commission reports a 22.3% job growth for the 10-year period ending in 2028. Texas has the second highest employment for plumbers behind California, and the median salary for a journeyman plumber is $63,790.
Are you ready to start applying for your plumber's license? Reach out to schedule a 30-minute call with our licensing experts to ensure you understand and meet the necessary requirements and sort out your next steps in the process.
Plumbing License Types in Texas
Texas has four license types, one of which you can earn after just two years as an apprentice and while you’re still in high school. Licenses are issued through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Regardless of which license you ultimately end up obtaining, you’ll begin the journey as an apprentice, and as you gain experience and training, you can take the exams to move up.
Here’s a look at the four license types and a basic job description for each.
Tradesman Plumber Limited
Once you have 4,000 hours of experience (roughly two years) and have completed a 24-hour training course approved by the TBSPE you can apply to take the examination for the Tradesman Plumber-Limited license. You can also apply if you’re a current licensed journeyman or master plumber in another state.
Once you hold your Tradesman Plumber-Limited license you can construct, install, repair, service, or renovate plumbing systems for one and two-family homes (single family homes and duplexes) under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. You can also directly supervise a plumbing apprentice. Plumbers with this license are permitted to work on other structures but only under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber
Anyone currently registered as plumber’s apprentice, licensed as Tradesman Plumber-Limited, or licensed in another state can apply to take the journeyman plumber licensing exam after gaining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (about four years) and completing a 48-hour approved training course. Those licensed in another state are exempt from the training course.
As a licensed journeyman plumber, you have the same scope of practice as someone with a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license also under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Additionally, journeyman plumbers can supervise apprentices on any job site and a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on job sites other than single family homes and duplexes.
Master Plumber
To apply to take the exam to get your license as a master plumber you must meet one of the following:
- Be a licensed journeyman plumber in Texas or another state for at least four years.
- Have a license as a journeyman plumber in Texas or another state for at least one year and complete a training program approved by the United State Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
- Hold a master plumber’s license in another state after previously having a journeyman plumber’s license for a minimum of four years.
- Be a licensed master plumber for at least one year and successfully complete a training program approved by the United State Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
A licensed master plumber can install, repair, service, and maintain plumbing systems under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. A master plumber can also supervise apprentices on any job site and a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on job sites other than one- and two-family dwellings.
Once you have your license as a master plumber, you can earn the Responsible Master Plumber designation. This designation is similar to that of a licensed plumbing contractor in other states. A Responsible Master Plumber secures contracts for plumbing work and works either independently or hires employees or subcontractors to perform the work. As a Responsible Master Plumber, you must:
- Maintain at least $300,000 of general commercial liability insurance;
- Obtain all permits and request inspections required by applicable plumbing and building codes;
- Ensure employees and/or subcontractors working as plumbers hold a current license or registration;
- Provide direct supervision at all job sites where one or more registrants or licensees are engaged in plumbing; and
- Ensure that all service vehicles display the company name and Responsible Master Plumber’s license number.
As a Responsible Master Plumber, you can only work for one company at a time. If you hold a Plumbing Inspector license, you cannot receive your Responsible Master Plumber designation.
Plumbing Inspector
Those that wish to become plumbing inspectors are eligible after getting a high school diploma or GED and completing 500 hours of training and experience in the plumbing industry. Licensed journeyman and master plumbers, licensed professional engineers, and architects in Texas can also become plumbing inspectors. Plumbing inspectors in other states, provided the licensing requirements are substantially similar, are also eligible.
Plumbing inspectors inspect plumbing work in the jurisdiction where they are affiliated. An affiliation is established by employment or contract with a political subdivision to perform plumbing inspections. Proof of affiliation is required using the Plumbing Inspector Employer Certification Form or a letter signed by the authorizing representative of a political subdivision. The inspector cannot have a financial or advisory interest in any plumbing company.
Inspectors can also perform inspections for public drinking water systems.
The Steps to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
To become an unrestricted/limited licensed plumber in Texas takes a minimum of four years and includes meeting eligibility requirements, getting work experience, submitting an application, and passing an exam. Here’s a closer look at each step.
Register as an Apprentice
Registering as an apprentice is required before you can count experience toward the required hours you need to become licensed. You must meet these eligibility requirements and complete these steps to register as an apprentice:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an alien or non-U.S. citizen eligible for licensure by the State of Texas.
- Submit fingerprints to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This is a one-time requirement. You will not have to re-submit fingerprints for subsequent applications.
- If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you must also include a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
- Complete the Plumber’s Apprentice Registration Application and pay a fee (currently $15)
Gain Work Experience and Training
Apprenticeships can be as simple as working for a licensed plumber or joining an apprenticeship program through a non-union organization or union. Apprenticeship programs range from four to five years. If your apprenticeship is through a union, you will be required to join the union. Regardless, you will need to document your work experience using the Employer’s Certification Form.
During your apprenticeship, you will learn to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot plumbing systems. Additional training includes reading construction drawings, basic math, and understanding building and plumbing codes.
In addition to on-the-job experience, you’re required to complete either 24 or 48 hours of training for the tradesman and journeyman exams from an approved provider. Applicants for the tradesman license need:
- 6 hours of classroom hours in a professional continue education course;
- An Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-Hour Outreach Training course; and
- 8 hours of training on the International Residential Code and/or Uniform Plumbing Code.
For the journeyman license, you need to complete the same courses as applicants for the tradesman license and an additional 6-hour professional continuing education course and 18 hours of training on commercial plumbing codes.
Apply for Licensure
For every license type, you must complete your application and pay the appropriate fee. If you already had your fingerprints taken, you will not need to submit those a second time. However, if you were convicted of a felony, you are required to complete Supplemental Criminal History Form.
Each license has its own fee. The tradesman license is $35, journeyman license is $40, and the master plumber license is $75. To get the Responsible Master Plumber’s designation, you will pay a $225 initial application fee and $300 for renewal. If you apply for your Responsible Master Plumber’s designation during the renewal period, the initial application fee is waived. The fee to become a plumbing inspector is $55.
All licenses are renewed annually.
Take the Plumbing License Exams
You will take your exam at a Pearson Vue testing center located throughout the state. The exam fee, number of questions, and time limit differs with each license type. All exams require 70% to pass.
Tradesman Plumber-Limited license:
The tradesman exam has 85 multiple-choice questions covering “hands-on” knowledge, such as measuring, cutting, assembly, and fitting of commonly used plumbing pipes and fittings, and installation of appliances, such as water heaters.
There are six practical questions showing your ability to design a two-story sanitary drainage and vent system using up to 10 common plumbing fixtures. The exam also covers the installation of the designed system into a scaled down model of a two story one-or-two family dwelling, using miniature pipe and fittings.
There is 120-minute time limit for the multiple-choice portion and a 250-minute timeline for the practical. The exam fee is $36.
Journeyman Plumber license:
The tradesman exam has 100 multiple-choice questions covering the same “hands-on” knowledge with six practical questions. These questions test your knowledge to design a two-story sanitary drainage and vent system using up to 10 common plumbing fixtures and the installation of the designed system into a scaled down model of a two-story building, using miniature pipe and fittings.
There is 120-minute time limit for the multiple-choice portion and a 250-minute timeline for the practical. The exam fee is $36.
Master Plumber license:
The master plumbing exam has 308 written questions, including 210 multiple-choice and 98 written answers. The fee is $128.50. There is a 360-minute time limit plus a 30-minute break. The master plumbing exam has 210 multiple choice questions:
- 60 questions based on Plumbing Codes
- 25 questions based on the Plumbing Codes, specific to water heater installation
- 25 questions on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Code Federal Regulations
- 25 questions on the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), as they apply to plumbing fixture installations
- 25 questions on Liquefied Petroleum Gas piping installation
- 25 questions on Plumbing Related Mathematics
- 25 questions on the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules
The remaining questions on this exam pertain to fuel gas pipe sizing, water pipe sizing, gas fueled appliance vent sizing, and drainage system pipe sizing charts. You will also be asked to design a three-story sanitary drainage and vent system using sixteen (16) plumbing fixtures.
The Texas plumbing exams are all closed book, so it’s imperative to study. The best way to prepare for the exam is to take an exam prep course. Prep courses will teach you practical times for taking the exam, cover pertinent topics covered on the exam, and include multiple practice exams to get you “test-ready” for exam day.
How to Renew Your Plumbing License
Your license is renewed annually. You must complete six hours of continuing education before your renewal date and pay the applicable renewal fee, which is the same fee you paid for your license.
Exploring Career Opportunities as a Registered Apprentice and Licensed Plumber
Texas offers numerous opportunities for those seeking a career as a professional plumber, both as apprentices and licensees.
Registrations for Apprentices and Tradesman Plumber-Limited Licensees
As an apprentice and tradesman plumber-limited, you’re eligible to obtain a Drain Cleaner-Restricted registration, a Drain Cleaner registration, or a Residential Utilities Installer registration. Each of these make you more employable and can increase your earning potential.
The Drain Cleaner-Restricted registration is for apprentices who have not yet completed 4,000 hours of work experience. Drain cleaners are permitted to clear obstructions in drains and sewers under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Once you obtain your unrestricted registration, you can install cleanouts and remove and reset p-traps to eliminate obstructions. Apprentices are required to work under direct supervision of a licensee and tradesman plumbers can work independently in one- and two-family dwellings. For any other building or structure, you’re required to work under the supervision of a licensee.
Apprentices can also get a Residential Utilities Installer registration that allows them to install yard water service piping (sprinklers) and building sewers for single-family and two-dwelling households under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. To qualify for this registration, you need a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience.
Each of these registrations require a passing score of at least 70% on the appropriate exam.
Endorsements for Licensees
Any licensed journeyman or master plumber or plumbing inspector can add an endorsement to their license. There are three endorsements in Texas:
- Medical Gas Piping Installation
- Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist
- Water Supply Protection Specialist.
You must meet the eligibility criteria and pass the appropriate exam. Endorsements are valid for three years. The initial endorsement is assigned to the same expiration date as your license. Licensed plumbers who have the Medical Gas Piping Installation endorsement are required to complete at least two hours of continuing professional education before renewing.
Conclusion
Texas is a growing state with a lot of opportunities for licensed plumbers. Even registered apprentices can apply for additional registrations to increase their marketability and income. It takes about four years to become a licensed journeyman plumber and includes an apprenticeship, training course, and passing an exam. Journeyman and master plumbers can obtain endorsements, and a master plumber can seek a Responsible Master Plumber designation to own and operate their own plumbing business.
To be sure, getting your Texas plumbers license won't be easy—it's one of the few states that does not offer an open-book exam. That said, you can increase the chances of getting licensed the first time around by being well prepared. Consult the experts at Contractor Training Center, and you'll have more comfort and confidence when applying.
We’re here to help you during any stage of the licensing process. Contact our team at the Contractor Training Center with any questions or for expert advice and guidance.