How to Get Your
Maryland Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Maryland. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Maryland Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
16 years (Apprentice)
Experience Required
4 years as apprentice
Exam Fee
$65
Licensing Body
Maryland Board of Plumbing
Training Hours
7,500 hours (Journeyman)
Backflow Training
32 hours required
Are you the one who wants to grab more plumbing jobs? And, do not even wish to give up on plumbing clients just for the fact that you are unlicensed? Easy, we are here to sort out your issues.
As we all know, there is a strong demand for this skill set. The statistical data presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics says it all. The employment rate of plumbers is projected to grow by 5% between 2021-2031. Along with this, the bureau reports depict 469,900 plumbers nationwide, and Maryland has 9,520 among them.
As the government of Maryland is very much concerned about its citizens, it mandates having a plumbing license to ensure public safety. Hence, we will further walk you through the comprehensive guide on how to get a Maryland plumbing license and win more jobs.
Who Issues Maryland Plumbing Licenses?
The Maryland State Board of Plumbing is one among the 21 licensing boards. It falls under the Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Maryland Licensing Authority
Maryland Board of Plumbing
Maryland Board of PlumbingRegulates individuals providing plumbing and gas services throughout Maryland
Licensing Exceptions
Maryland State Plumbing Board mandates having licenses in the entire state except for:
- Baltimore County
- Areas served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
These two jurisdictions issue their own licenses and possess their own plumbing code.
The Maryland Board of Plumbing:
- Regulates individuals providing plumbing and gas services to have licenses
- Provides natural gas fitter licenses to qualified individuals who are non-plumbers for propane gas services
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Maryland
Majorly all the states, including Maryland, offer three levels of plumbing license: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Let's have a detailed look at them:
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level license for those learning the trade. Perform duties under supervision of licensed journeymen or master plumbers.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Work under licensed journeyman or master plumber supervision
Journeyman Plumber License
Entry-level independent license to perform plumbing duties under supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Hold apprentice license for 4 years
- Complete 7,500 hours of training
- 32 hours backflow prevention training
Master Plumber License
Superior licensing level allowing you to supervise apprentices and journeymen, pull permits, or run your own plumbing business.
Key Requirements
- Hold journeyman license for 2 years
- Complete 3,750 hours of approved training
- Pass comprehensive written examination
Requirements for Maryland Plumbing Licenses
State Requirements
Maryland Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Parental permission required if 16-17 years old for apprenticeship programs (18+ for most programs)
- High school diploma or equivalent degree (required for certain apprenticeships, not all)
- Work under supervision of licensed journeyman or master plumber
2Journeyman Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
Journeyman Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
- Possess an apprentice license for a period of at least four years
- Complete training for 7,500 hours under the direction of a licensed master plumber
- Complete 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing
- Pass a comprehensive written examination
3Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
- Hold a journeyman license for a period of at least two years
- Complete 3,750 hours of approved training under the direction and control of a licensed master plumber
- Pass a comprehensive written examination
Plumbing License Costs and Salary in Maryland
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the mean annual wage of plumbers in Maryland was $63,350 in May 2021. However, the same can vary depending on the knowledge and experience of the plumber.
Average Earnings by License Level
Maryland Plumber Salary Guide
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | — | Per Hour: $17.66 | Annual: $41,314 |
| Journeyman Plumber | — | Per Hour: $28.59 | Annual: $57,174 |
Source: Indeed.com (Updated January 02, 2023)
Examination Fee
The comprehensive written examination fee for both Journeyman and Master plumber licenses is $65.
Maryland Plumbing Exam Details
Here are the examination criteria for passing the comprehensive written examination to get the journeyman plumbing license and the master plumbing license.
Comprehensive Written Exam
Journeyman/Master Plumber Examination
100 multiple-choice questions covering plumbing systems, codes, and best practices
Journeyman/Master Natural Gas Fitter
Natural Gas Fitter Examination
40 multiple-choice questions covering gas fitting knowledge
Why Having a Maryland Plumbing License is Crucial?
There are a few reasons which signify why having a Maryland plumbing license is advisable as well as mandatory for a plumber:
- It helps build up earning opportunities - Licensed plumbers earn significantly more than unlicensed workers
- The plumbing license which you have acquired speaks on your behalf - It is standardized proof of your experience and skill
- The most essential reason is the Maryland board itself mandates the plumbers to have a license - It is compulsory to have a license in order to offer, provide or attempt to provide plumbing services or any other gas fitting services
- Maryland state plumbing board considers it illegal if you perform any plumbing services in Maryland without a state-issued license
- Certification helps you have your own identity as a verified and licensed plumbing expert
- Having a license builds trust among the customers and helps you stay ahead of your competitors in the market
- There are certain services that you can perform only while holding the Maryland plumbing license, including:
- Commercial insurance
- Pull building permits
- Pass inspections
- Bid on public and government projects
Legal Requirements
It is illegal to perform any plumbing services in Maryland without a state-issued license. The board has the right to take legal action against unlicensed practitioners, including fines and penalties.
Steps to Get Your Maryland Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 16 years of age. A high school diploma or equivalent degree is required to qualify for certain apprenticeships, though not all.
Apply for Apprentice License
Find a licensed journeyman or master plumber willing to supervise your training and work. Apply for your apprentice license with the Maryland Board of Plumbing.
Complete Apprentice Training
Hold your apprentice license for a minimum period of four years while completing 7,500 hours of training under the control and guidance of a licensed master plumber.
Complete Backflow Prevention Training
Undergo 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing as required for journeyman licensure.
Pass Journeyman Examination
Pass the comprehensive written examination (75% passing score, 4 hours, 100 questions, $65 exam fee) to qualify for your journeyman license.
Congratulations! You're a Journeyman!
You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in Maryland and can work independently under the supervision of a master plumber.
Gain Master-Level Experience
Hold your journeyman license for at least two years while completing 3,750 hours of approved training under a licensed master plumber's supervision.
Pass Master Plumber Examination
Pass another comprehensive written examination (75% passing score, 4 hours, 100 questions, $65 exam fee) to qualify for the master plumbing license.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You are now a licensed master plumber in Maryland and can supervise apprentices and journeymen, pull permits for projects, and run your own plumbing business.
After knowing all the good points of having a plumbing license in Maryland, it's high time to show some enthusiasm and get your plumbing license ASAP to flourish your plumbing career.
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Start Your FREE TrialInsurance Requirements for Plumbers in Maryland
Required Insurance Coverage
A plumber in Maryland must have the following insurance coverages:
- $100,000 as Property Damage Insurance
- $300,000 as General Liability Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plumbing license?
A plumbing license is standard proof that the plumber has acquired all the required training and qualifications relating to plumbing and gas services. Now, he can legally carry out various plumbing services like repairing, installing and maintaining different plumbing systems.
Why is a plumbing license important?
Be it a clogged pipe or a major leak in the house, looking for a licensed plumber is a priority. Your family, friends, or the handyman without plumbing licenses, may help you out, but there are high chances of things getting ruined. A wrong move in an unprofessional way will cost you more money and lend you huge trouble.
How to get a plumbing license in Maryland?
To get a plumbing license, an individual needs to undergo:
- Four years of apprenticeship program under the licensed master plumber
- You will get your salary and need to successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training, and exams in the program
- The courses available in the training program are backflow training and plumbing codes
- After successfully availing of the apprentice license, you can apply for a journeyman license followed by a master plumbing license in fulfillment of the requirements mentioned above
What is the licensing procedure when an individual has a criminal background?
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues the plumbing license. An individual applying for the plumber gas fitter license while attending the Maryland PHCC Apprenticeship Program will get the license as and when he further proceeds. However, if you are a person with a criminal background, then the board considers the basic details as given:
- Type of crime you committed
- Your current standing in society
- How much time has passed since your conviction
What are the insurance requirements for a plumber in Maryland?
A plumber in Maryland must have the below-given insurance coverages:
- $100,000 as Property Damage Insurance
- $300,000 as General Liability Insurance
Is my Maryland plumbing license applicable in any other state?
No, a plumbing license availed in Maryland is applicable only within the state.
Who issues Maryland plumbing licenses?
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues every level of plumbing license. You can connect with the Maryland state board at:
Maryland Board of Plumbing
- Address: 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 121, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Phone: 410-230-6379 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-218-5925 (toll-free)
- Fax: 410-962-8483
- Email: DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.gov
- Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pl/
Conclusion
So, now after going through the whole blog, you are now good to go. Follow all the necessary licensing requirements and roll up your sleeves for a smooth licensing application.
Once you get certified, you can scale up your newly started plumbing business to incredible heights by bidding on plumbing jobs as much as you want based on your skills and expertise.
Career Advice
Start your journey to becoming a master plumber to maximize your earning potential and business opportunities. With the average plumber in Maryland earning $63,350/year, advancing to a master license can significantly increase your income and allow you to run your own plumbing business.
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