How to Get Your
Iowa Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Iowa. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Iowa Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years
Experience Required
4 years apprenticeship
License Fee
$50 - $240
Licensing Body
Iowa PMSB
Renewal Period
3 years (June 30)
Exam Passing Score
75%
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Iowa?
Iowa Licensing Authority
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
Iowa PMSBProvides plumbing licenses to applicants who meet the required criteria throughout Iowa
Contact the Board
For inquiries, submit your questions using the contact form on the Iowa PMSB website.
Iowa Plumbing License Reciprocity
South Dakota Reciprocity: Iowa has reciprocity with South Dakota for plumbing licensure.
- If you have a South Dakota plumbing license, you can get an equivalent plumbing license in Iowa without taking an exam.
- If you have an Iowa plumbing license, you can get licensed in South Dakota without taking an exam.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Iowa
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level license for those learning the trade under supervision of a journeyperson or master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Enrolled in registered apprenticeship program
Journeyperson Plumber License
Middle-stage license to work as an employee under the guidance of a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- 4 years apprentice experience
- Complete registered apprenticeship program
- Pass journeyperson exam (75% required)
Master Plumber License
Top-level license to plan, perform, and supervise plumbing services and conduct plumbing business.
Key Requirements
- Journeyperson license + 2 years experience
- Pass master exam (75% required)
- Pay $240 license fee
Plumbing Contractor License
Required for providing plumbing services on a contractual basis.
Key Requirements
- Registered with Iowa Division of Labor
- Valid unemployment insurance number
- Permanent place of business
Requirements for Iowa Plumbing Licenses
General Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet these general guidelines for licensure:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Completed high school education or GED equivalent
- Clear criminal record (applications with criminal records will be reviewed for eligibility)
Requirements by License Type
Iowa Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- File an application and pay the license fee of $50
- Enroll in a registered apprenticeship training program
- Work under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master plumber
- Meet general eligibility requirements (18 years, high school/GED, clear record)
2Journeyperson Plumber
For licensed apprentices
Journeyperson Plumber
For licensed apprentices
- File an application and pay the license fee of $180
- Pass the journeyperson license exam for plumbing (75% passing score)
- Provide evidence of completing 4 years of a registered apprenticeship training program
- Meet general eligibility requirements
3Master Plumber
For journeyperson plumbers
Master Plumber
For journeyperson plumbers
- File an application and pay the license fee of $240
- Pass the master license exam for plumbing (75% passing score)
- Provide evidence of holding a journeyperson plumber license
- Provide evidence of 2 years of plumbing experience as a journeyperson
- Meet general eligibility requirements
4Plumbing Contractor
For business owners
Plumbing Contractor
For business owners
- Register with the Iowa Division of Labor
- File an application and pay the license fee
- Provide the required bond and information
- Provide a valid unemployment insurance number (even if you have no employees)
- Provide evidence of having a permanent place of business
Plumbing License Costs in Iowa
3-Year License Fees
Iowa License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | — | $50 | $50 |
| Journeyperson Exam fee: $35 registration + $109 test | $144 | $180 | $180 |
| Master Exam fee: $35 registration + $109 test | $144 | $240 | $240 |
Source: Iowa PMSB Fee Schedule
License Fee Variations
These are the fees for a 3-year license that expires on June 30th of 2017, 2020, 2023, and so on. License fees vary depending upon when you apply for it. You don't need to pay the full fees if you apply in the middle of the cycle. View how license fees vary based on application timing.
Apprenticeship Training Costs
As an apprentice, you will need to be enrolled in an apprenticeship training program. Usually, it is funded by your employer or union, so you can complete your training program at little to no cost. You can start earning from the beginning of your apprenticeship training program.
Paper Application Fee
If you apply by paper application instead of online, you will have to pay an additional $25 fee on top of your license fee. Online application is preferred for faster processing.
Iowa Plumbing Exam Details
Iowa Journeyperson Examination
Journeyperson Plumbing Exam
100 questions covering plumbing systems, codes, and practices
Iowa Master Examination
Master Plumbing Exam
125 questions covering advanced plumbing systems, supervision, and business practices
Exam Score Expiration
Important: Your passing score will expire if you fail to apply for a license within 2 years of result notification. You will have to pass the exam again if your score expires.
Steps to Get Your Iowa Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 18 years of age and complete high school education or GED equivalent. Ensure you have a clear criminal record.
Enroll in Apprenticeship Program
Enroll in a registered plumbing apprentice program with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
Apply for Apprentice License
Submit your apprentice license application to Iowa PMSB along with required documents and $50 fee to become a licensed apprentice.
Register and Apply OnlineComplete 4-Year Apprenticeship
Complete the 4-year apprenticeship program while providing plumbing services under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master plumber.
Apply for and Pass Journeyperson Exam
Apply for the journeyperson exam, pay the exam fee ($144), and pass the 100-question, 3-hour open-book exam with 75% or higher.
Exam Application InstructionsObtain Journeyperson License
Apply for the journeyperson license with all prerequisites and pay the $180 license fee. Once approved, you will be a licensed journeyperson plumber.
Congratulations! You're a Journeyperson Plumber!
You are now a licensed journeyperson plumber in Iowa and can work under the guidance of a master plumber.
Gain Master-Level Experience
Get 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyperson under the guidance of a master plumber.
Apply for and Pass Master Exam
Apply for the master exam, pay the exam fee ($144), and pass the 125-question, 5-hour open-book exam with 75% or higher.
Obtain Master License
Apply for the master license with all prerequisites and pay the $240 license fee. Once approved, you will be a licensed master plumber.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You are now a licensed master plumber in Iowa and can plan, perform, supervise plumbing services, and conduct plumbing business.
Online vs. Paper Applications
Online method is preferred to apply for licensure and exam in Iowa. This ensures fast processing of your application. If you apply by paper, you'll need to pay an additional $25 fee.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
What plumbing services can I provide without a license in Iowa?
None. You need to get licensed as per the stated rules and regulations to provide any plumbing services in Iowa. Operating without a proper license is illegal and subject to penalties.
Which US states have reciprocity with the Iowa plumbing license?
Only South Dakota has reciprocity with Iowa for plumbing licensure. This means if you have a South Dakota plumbing license, you can get an equivalent plumbing license in Iowa without giving any exam, and vice versa.
How much can I earn as a plumber in Iowa?
A plumber in Iowa earns approximately $25 an hour on average, according to Indeed. Your earning potential increases significantly as you advance from apprentice to journeyperson to master plumber.
How long are Iowa plumbing licenses valid?
Iowa plumbing licenses are issued for 3-year periods and expire on June 30th of 2017, 2020, 2023, and so on. You must renew your license before expiration to continue working legally.
Can I apply for a license online?
Yes. Online application is the preferred method in Iowa and ensures fast processing. You can register and apply for a license online. Paper applications are accepted but require an additional $25 fee.
What happens if I don't apply for a license within 2 years of passing the exam?
Your passing score will expire if you fail to apply for a license within 2 years of result notification. You will have to take and pass the exam again.
Conclusion
Now, you are equipped with the required information to start your plumbing journey in Iowa. A plumber in Iowa earns $25 an hour on average, making it a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Career Advice
Follow the clear path from apprentice to journeyperson to master plumber. Each step builds your skills, experience, and earning potential. Consider becoming a master plumber to maximize your opportunities and potentially start your own plumbing business.
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