How to Get Your
Alabama Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Alabama. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Alabama Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years (Apprentice)
Experience Required
2 years (Journeyman), 3 years (Master)
License Fee
$35 - $175
Licensing Body
Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board
Renewal Period
Annual (Dec 31)
Exam Required
Journeyman & Master
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Alabama?
The process to get an Alabama plumbing license is easy and straightforward. The authority that encircles everything related to plumbing in this state is the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. This means that all your communication to get a plumbing license in Alabama will be with this authority.
Alabama Licensing Authority
Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
APGFEBIssues all plumbing licenses throughout Alabama for apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Alabama
The state of Alabama classifies plumbers into the following three stages with a license for each stage:
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
This is the start of your journey in the field of plumbing. As an apprentice plumber, you need to work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- No exam required
- Work under supervision of journeyman or master
Journeyman Plumber License
Journeyman defines the middle stage of plumbing in Alabama. As a journeyman plumber, you can engage in all plumbing activities directly, but you cannot take contracts or supervise projects.
Key Requirements
- 2 years apprentice experience
- OR board-approved apprentice training program
- Pass journeyman examination
Master Plumber License
After gaining experience of one year as a journeyman under a master, you can finally become a master plumber. Once a master plumber, you get the rights to provide all the plumbing services along with starting a plumbing business on your own.
Key Requirements
- 1 year experience as journeyman
- Work under a master plumber
- Pass master examination
Requirements for Alabama Plumbing Licenses
APGFEB Requirements
Alabama Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- No written exam is to be taken
- Minimum age of 18
- Completed apprentice registration form
- Completed and executed form of Declaration of Citizenship or Lawful Presence of a Non-citizen
- Required fees
2Journeyman Plumber
For licensed apprentice plumbers
Journeyman Plumber
For licensed apprentice plumbers
- Completed application for examination
- Verifiable proof of two years of current work experience as an apprentice plumber
- OR completion of a board-approved apprentice training program
- Completed and executed form of Declaration of Citizenship or Lawful Presence of a Non-citizen
- Required fees
- Passing score on the examination (70%)
3Master Plumber
For licensed journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber
For licensed journeyman plumbers
- Completed application for examination
- Verifiable proof of one year of experience as a journeyman plumber
- Completed and executed form of Declaration of Citizenship or Lawful Presence of a Non-citizen
- Required fees
- Passing score on the examination (70%)
Out-of-State License Holders
If you have a plumbing certificate in any other US state, you may get a plumbing license for Alabama. Requirements include:
- Proof of US citizenship or proof of the lawful presence of a non-citizen
- Verification of the other state's authority that the applicant is currently licensed at the corresponding stage of license requested in Alabama
- Verification of the other state's authority that the applicant is in good standing and has no pending disciplinary actions in said state
- Passing the plumbing examination for Alabama state
Plumbing License Costs in Alabama
These are the costs for getting a plumbing license as per the latest updates on the website of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board:
APGFEB Fees
Alabama License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice No exam required | — | $35 | $35 |
| Journeyman Non-refundable exam fee per attempt | $110 | $75 + $50 processing | $75 |
| Master Non-refundable exam fee per attempt | $160 | $175 + $50 processing | $175 |
Source: Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board Fee Schedule 2022
License Renewal Information
Important: Plumbing licenses in Alabama expire every December 31. Remember to renew your respective licenses before the end of each year. Late renewal fees are equal to the annual renewal fee.
- Apprentice late fee: $35
- Journeyman late fee: $75
- Master late fee: $175
90-Day License Window
Upon passing any of your plumbing exams, you have 90 days to obtain your license. If you fail to do so, you would have to give the exam again.
Alabama Plumbing Exam Details
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Open-Book Exam
Journeyman Plumber Examination
Fixtures and trade terminology
Basic plumbing principles
Drainage accessories
DWV system standards
Water supply systems
Venting systems
Blueprint reading and system design
Journeyman Exam Details
- Number of questions: 70
- Passing percentage: 70%
- Time allowed: 3 hours
- Format: Open-book examination
- Fee: $110 per attempt (non-refundable)
Master Plumber Exam
Open-Book Exam with Laws & Rules
Master Plumber Examination
Fixtures and trade terminology
Basic plumbing principles
Drainage accessories
DWV system standards
Water supply systems
Venting systems
Blueprint reading and system design
Alabama plumbing codes and regulations
Master Exam Details
- Number of questions: 100
- Passing percentage: 70%
- Time allowed: 4 hours
- Format: Open-book examination
- Fee: $160 per attempt (non-refundable)
The syllabus for both the journeyman and master examinations are the same, except that the master plumber exam also includes laws and rules.
Steps to Get Your Alabama Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Wait till 18 years of age to be eligible for an apprentice plumber license.
Register as an Apprentice
Submit the required forms with complete details: Apprentice registration form and form of Declaration of Citizenship or Lawful Presence of a Non-citizen.
Download Apprentice FormsGain Apprentice Experience
Get two years of plumbing experience under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. You can even get training from a board-approved training program to be eligible to become a journeyman plumber.
Apply for Journeyman Exam
Apply for and pass the journeyman plumber exam. The examination fee is $110 for each attempt.
Journeyman Exam ApplicationObtain Journeyman License
Apply for a journeyman plumber license. The initial journeyman plumber certificate will cost you $75. On top of that, you will have to pay an initial application processing fee of $50 upon obtaining your license.
Congratulations! You're a Journeyman!
You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in Alabama and can work independently on plumbing projects.
Gain Journeyman Experience
Get at least one year of plumbing experience as a journeyman plumber under a master plumber.
Apply for Master Exam
Apply for and pass the master plumber exam. The examination fee is $160 for each attempt.
Master Exam ApplicationObtain Master License
Apply for a master plumber license. The initial master plumber certificate will cost you $175. Plus, you will have to pay an initial application processing fee of $50 upon obtaining your license.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You are now a licensed master plumber in Alabama and can start your own plumbing business and take contracts.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Which plumbing services can you legally provide without any license?
You cannot provide any plumbing service in Alabama without the required license. If found guilty, you will be penalized by the authority. All plumbing work must be performed by or under the supervision of a properly licensed plumber.
Is the plumbing license of any other US state applicable in Alabama?
No. Even if you have a plumbing license in any other US state, you have to apply for it to provide plumbing services in Alabama. However, out-of-state license holders may qualify for licensing by providing verification of their current license and passing the Alabama plumbing examination.
What are the license requirements for out-of-state applications?
If you have a plumbing certificate in any other US state, you may get a plumbing license for Alabama. These are the requirements for it:
- Proof of US citizenship or proof of the lawful presence of a non-citizen
- Verification of the other state's authority that the applicant is currently licensed at the corresponding stage of license requested in Alabama
- Verification of the other state's authority that the applicant is in good standing and has no pending disciplinary actions in said state
- Passing the plumbing examination for Alabama state
When do plumbing licenses expire in Alabama?
All plumbing licenses in Alabama expire on December 31 each year. You must renew your license before this date to avoid late fees. Late renewal fees are equal to the annual renewal fee ($35 for apprentice, $75 for journeyman, $175 for master).
What happens if I pass the exam but don't get my license within 90 days?
If you pass your plumbing exam but fail to obtain your license within 90 days, you will have to retake the exam. Make sure to complete the licensing process promptly after passing your examination.
Can I skip the apprentice stage and go directly to journeyman?
No, you cannot skip ahead directly to journeyman or master level. You must start as an apprentice plumber once you turn 18 and work your way through the licensing stages. After completing 2 years of apprentice experience or a board-approved training program, you can apply for the journeyman exam.
Conclusion
Here was all you need to know about Alabama's plumbing license. So, are you ready to start your journey as a plumber or upgrade yourself to a level higher? We wish you all the best for it. Once you become a professional plumber in the state of Alabama, all you need to ensure is that you deliver professional services with complete satisfaction to your customers.
Career Advice
Aim to become a master plumber and start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. The path from apprentice to master takes approximately 3 years, but the investment in time and training is well worth it for a rewarding career.
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