How to Get Your
Louisiana Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Louisiana. Learn about the four license levels, apprenticeship requirements, exams, and costs to launch your plumbing career in Louisiana.
Louisiana Plumbing License Quick Facts
Licensing Levels
4 main license types
Apprentice Experience
4,000-8,000 hours
Exam Frequency
Quarterly schedule
Licensing Bodies
State Plumbing Board & LSLBC
Renewal Period
Annual (Dec 31)
Avg. Salary
$24.41/hour + $6,750 OT
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Louisiana?
To conduct the plumbing profession lawfully, plumbers in Louisiana are required to get a state-issued license. Additionally, if you are performing specialty services whose value exceeds $10,000 in material and labor, you need to be a licensed plumbing contractor.
Louisiana Licensing Authorities
State Plumbing Board of Louisiana
SPBLIssues all plumbing licenses for apprentices, tradesman, journeyman, and master plumbers
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
LSLBCIssues commercial contractor licenses for plumbing jobs exceeding $10,000 in materials and labor
Levels of Louisiana Plumbing Licenses
Four License Levels Available
Choose Your License Path
Registered Apprentice
Entry-level registration for those learning the trade under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber.
Key Requirements
- Enroll in approved apprenticeship program
- Work under licensed journeyman supervision
- Pay $20 registration fee
Tradesman Plumber
Licensed to work independently on residential plumbing systems of one-and-two-family homes under master plumber supervision.
Key Requirements
- 4,000 hours of manual plumbing work
- Pass written and practical examination
- Pay $135 exam fee + $40 license fee
Journeyman Plumber
Competent in installing, maintaining, and fixing both new and existing plumbing systems under master plumber supervision.
Key Requirements
- Complete apprenticeship or 8,000 hours experience
- Pass written and practical examination
- Pay $135 exam fee + $50 license fee
Master Plumber
Full authority to install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems. Can hire apprentices and journeyman plumbers.
Key Requirements
- Hold valid journeyman plumber license
- Pass 3-part written examination
- Pay $110 exam fee + $190 active license fee
Requirements for Louisiana Plumbing Licenses
State Plumbing Board Requirements
Louisiana Plumbing License Requirements
1Registered Apprentice
Entry-level registration
Registered Apprentice
Entry-level registration
- Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program regulated by the Louisiana Workforce Commission
- Submit a completed apprentice registration application to the State Plumbing Board
- Attach valid proof of enrollment status from the Louisiana Workforce Commission
- Application must be fully and legibly filled out, notarized, and include all required supporting documentation
- Pay the required registration fee of $20 ($10.00 Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge)
2Tradesman Plumber
Residential plumbing license
Tradesman Plumber
Residential plumbing license
- Be a current apprentice registered by the State Plumbing Board
- Complete 4,000 hours of manual plumbing work under direct, continuing, on-the-job guidance and supervision of a certified journeyman or master plumber
- Submit exam application at least 30 days before the examination date
- Application must be fully and legibly filled out, notarized, and include all required supporting documentation
- Pass written exam (80 questions, 3 hours) and practical exam (30 minutes)
3Journeyman Plumber
Full plumbing license
Journeyman Plumber
Full plumbing license
- Be a currently registered apprentice with the State Plumbing Board AND have finished the apprenticeship program or be in the final year of it
- OR have 5 years of W-2s OR 8,000 hours of official payroll paperwork from Louisiana's licensed plumbing company proving work under direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber
- Can use existing plumbing license from another state to be eligible for the exam (must provide copy of out-of-state license)
- Submit exam application at least 30 days before the examination date
- Pass written exam (80 questions, 3 hours) and practical exam (1 hour)
4Master Plumber
Highest level license
Master Plumber
Highest level license
- Hold a valid journeyman plumbing license
- OR hold a valid license from the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board certifying or registering you as a professional engineer (must present copy when applying)
- Submit exam application at least 30 days before the examination date
- Pass 3-part written examination covering codes, public health, and business management
Plumbing License Costs in Louisiana
State Plumbing Board Fees
Louisiana Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Registration $10 Fee + $10 Processing | — | $20 | |
| Tradesman Plumber $125 Exam + $10 Processing | $135 | $40 | Annual |
| Journeyman Plumber $125 Exam + $10 Processing | $135 | $50 | Annual |
| Master Plumber (Active) $100 Exam + $10 Processing | $110 | $190 | Annual |
| Master Plumber (Inactive) Inactive status option | $110 | $40 | Annual |
License Renewal Information
All Louisiana plumbing licenses expire on December 31st each year. Licensees must renew with the State Plumbing Board before this date to avoid late fees. Continuing education credits must be completed each year through an approved source.
Important: Passing exam scores are only valid for 90 days. You must submit the required forms and documentation with the prescribed fee within 90 days, or you will lose your exam results and have to retake the entire exam.
Louisiana Plumbing Exam Details
Tradesman Plumber Exam
Residential Plumbing Exam
Tradesman Plumber Examination
80 questions covering IRC, Louisiana Title 17 & 46
Screw Pipe Project and Copper Project (30 min)
Written Exam Reference Materials:
- 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Louisiana Title 17, Construction (Last amended December 2019)
- Louisiana Title 46, Professional and Occupational Standards, Part LV. Plumbers (October 2018)
Exam Schedule: May and November each year
Exam Retakes
If you pass one portion but not the other, the passing score is valid for 1 year. You must retake the failed portion within that time frame to maintain your passing score.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Full Plumbing License Exam
Journeyman Plumber Examination
80 questions covering IPC, IRC, Louisiana Title 17
Floor Plan, Screw Pipe, and Copper Projects (1 hour)
Written Exam Reference Materials:
- 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Louisiana Title 17, Construction (Last amended December 2019)
Practical Exam Projects:
- Floor Plan Project
- Screw Pipe Project
- Copper Project
Exam Schedule: January, April, July, and October each year
Master Plumber Exam
3-Part Written Exam
Master Plumber Examination
80 questions - IPC, IRC, Louisiana Title 17 (3 hours)
25 questions - Title 51 Sanitary Code (2 hours)
40 questions - NASCLA Guide (2 hours)
Part I Reference Materials (3 hours, 80 questions):
- 2015 International Plumbing Code
- 2015 International Residential Code
- Louisiana Title 17: Construction (December 2019)
Part II Reference Materials (2 hours, 25 questions):
- Title 51 Public Health Sanitary Code (Part 13)
Part III Reference Materials (2 hours, 40 questions):
- NASCLA Louisiana Master Plumbers and Master Natural Gas Fitters Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management, 2nd Edition
Exam Schedule: February, May, August, and November each year
Steps to Get Your Louisiana Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Enroll in an Approved Apprenticeship Program
Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission to enroll in a regulated apprenticeship program.
Louisiana Workforce CommissionRegister as an Apprentice
Submit your completed apprentice registration application to the State Plumbing Board with proof of enrollment and $20 registration fee.
Download Apprentice ApplicationComplete Required Experience
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Gain 4,000 hours for Tradesman or 8,000 hours for Journeyman level.
Choose Your License Level
Decide whether to pursue Tradesman license (residential only) or Journeyman license (all plumbing systems). Consider your career goals.
Apply for License Examination
Submit your exam application at least 30 days before the examination date. Applications take up to 2 weeks to process.
View Exam ApplicationsPass the Licensing Examination
Take and pass both the written and practical portions of your chosen license exam. Study the required reference materials thoroughly.
Submit Initial License Form and Fee
Within 90 days of passing your exam, submit the initial license form with the required fee. Tradesman: $40, Journeyman: $50.
Congratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed plumber in Louisiana and can work according to your license level.
Advance to Journeyman (If Tradesman)
If you started as a Tradesman, gain additional experience and apply for the Journeyman exam to expand your scope of work.
Pursue Master Plumber License
After obtaining your Journeyman license, apply for the Master Plumber examination to gain full authority and ability to hire other plumbers.
Master Plumber ApplicationPass the 3-Part Master Exam
Successfully complete all three parts of the Master Plumber examination covering codes, public health, and business management.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You can now install, maintain, and repair all plumbing systems and hire apprentices and journeyman plumbers. You can also start your own plumbing business.
Apprentice Supervision Requirements
Registered apprentices are only permitted to practice plumbing when they are directly and continuously overseen by a certified and licensed journeyman plumber on the project. A certified journeyman plumber will only manage and guide one trainee on one task at a time while providing direct, continuous on-the-job supervision.
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Start Your FREE TrialLouisiana Plumbing Trade Schools
The following Louisiana trade schools offer plumbing programs:
Plumbing Trade Schools and Locations:
- Sowela Technical Community College - 3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Alexandria - 516 Murray Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
- River Parishes Community College - 925 West Edenborne Parkway, Gonzales, LA 70737
- Delgado Community College - 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
- South Louisiana Community College - 320 Devalcourt St, Lafayette, LA 70506
These schools offer approved apprenticeship programs that can help you fulfill the educational requirements for your Louisiana plumbing license.
What is the Average Salary of a Plumber in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, a plumber can expect to make an average hourly wage of $24.41 and annual overtime pay of $6,750 according to Indeed.
You must be a professional and give your plumbing job more attention if you want to make more money. Making prompt, precise estimates and bills is one method to demonstrate your expertise.
You can simplify your invoicing process with the aid of InvoiceOwl, a top estimating & invoicing software for plumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it acceptable to practice as a plumber without a license in Louisiana?
No, you cannot. Doing plumbing work without a valid plumbing license is prohibited in Louisiana. In order to lawfully practice plumbing in the state, a person must first receive a license from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana.
What kinds of licenses for plumbers are available in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers several types of plumbing licenses:
- Apprentice - Entry-level registration
- Tradesman Plumber - Residential plumbing only
- Journeyman Plumber - All plumbing systems
- Master Plumber - Full authority with hiring capability
- Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement
- Medical Gas
- Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter
- Master Natural Gas Fitter
Who issues licenses for plumbers in Louisiana?
All Louisiana plumbing apprentices must register with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana to receive their journeyman and master plumber licenses.
A commercial contractor's license in Louisiana is necessary for plumbing installation jobs valued at more than $10,000 in materials and labor. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) is the organization that issues them.
Do other states and Louisiana have reciprocal licensing agreements?
With regard to plumbing, Louisiana has no reciprocal agreements with other states. However, you may utilize a valid plumbing license from another state to be eligible to take the journeyman plumber examination if it is currently in force in that state.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Louisiana Plumber's License?
To be eligible to take the journeyman plumber licensure examination, you must have completed five years of verified experience or a four-to-five-year recognized apprenticeship.
To be eligible to take the master plumber licensing examination, there is no set waiting time or minimum amount of experience required. Simply having your journeyman license is necessary.
When does my Louisiana plumbing license need to be renewed?
Each year on December 31st, all licenses expire. You must renew your license with the State Plumbing Board before this date to avoid late fees and penalties.
How do you get a temporary work permit, and what does it entail?
A permit cannot be provided unless a candidate has been determined to be eligible for the examination and has been scheduled for an examination. The candidate will be able to work as a tradesman plumber or a journeyman plumber up until the exam date with the help of this permit.
Conclusion
If you want to establish your own plumbing contracting business, getting a plumbing license from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and submitting an application to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) can be a big step forward in your career.
Career Advice
After following these steps to get a plumbing license in Louisiana, it is essential that you organize your plumbing business and take it to new heights. Aim to become a master plumber and eventually start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential.
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